The pearl waterfall jiuzhaigou valley china introduction
Pearl waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou, located in the middle of Rize ditch, 2433 meters above sea level, 270 meters wide and 21 meters high.
The water cascades down from the calcified rock layer, hitting the rocks and splashing countless water droplets, like ten thousand pearls shining in the sunlight, hence the name.
It was once the setting for the end credits of the 1986 version of Journey to the West, where the classic scene of the Tang Monk and his disciples wading through the water with their horses was filmed.
Must see highlights:
- Fierce water: the largest and loudest water flow of all the waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou.
- High Negative Oxygen Ion: The freshness of the air is hundreds of times higher than that of the plains, and it is known as the “Natural Oxygen Bar”.
- Best Shooting Point: The left side of the trestle allows you to view the panoramic view of the waterfalls from a close distance, and you can also shoot rainbows. The best place to take pictures of the waterfalls.
Causes for the formation of Pearl Waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou
The formation of Pearl Falls is closely related to geological activities, and the main causes are glaciation and calcification:
- Glacial Remnants:: 3 million years ago, the glaciers melted leaving behind a large amount of calcified sediments, forming a solid beach surface that provided the base terrain for the waterfall.
- Calcification: calcium carbonate in the water is deposited on the surface of the rock, forming a solid layer of calcification, making the waterfall steeper.
- Water Scouring: Melting snow water from the high platform running down, long-term scouring of the rock to form a crescent-shaped waterfall and pearl-like water droplets.
- Continuous growth: Calcium carbonate in the water is continuously deposited, and the beach surface “grows” by about 1 millimeter per year, making the structure of the waterfall more stable.
Common version of the explanation: like the minerals in the water slowly “glue” like sticking to the stone, after millions of years of accumulation to form the steps, the water rushing down the impact of broken into pearl-like droplets.
Photo of Pearl Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou
Panorama: The wide waterfall hangs like white satin over the mountains, with emerald green forests in the background.
Close-up: water droplets are crystal clear in the sunlight, and people on the trestle are wearing raincoats to take pictures.
Winter Icefall: the water freezes into blue icicles, just like a sci-fi movie scene.
It is recommended to stand on the left side of the trestle before 10:00 a.m. to get a panoramic view of the waterfall + rainbow water mist, which is very beautiful!
Jiuzhaigou Visitor’s Real Evaluations
- Scenery Shock:
“The water droplets are really like pearls! Standing on the trestle, the water mist hits your face and even your breath becomes refreshing.” –Shanxi tourist @qmxc. - Cultural Relevance:
“I didn’t realize that the scenes of Journey to the West were right in front of me! It’s especially meaningful to bring your kids.” –Ctrip user review. - Notes:
“The trestle by the waterfall is slippery, make sure to wear non-slip shoes! It is recommended to arrive before 9 am, less people are good for taking pictures.” –Poor Traveler.
“100 times more shocking than photos!” : 90% of visitors thought the live water roar and rainbow were more spectacular than what they saw online
Hotels near Pearl Falls in Jiuzhaigou
Recommended Hotel: the ritz carlton jiuzhaigou china chn
- Location: 15 minutes drive from Pearl Falls, close to Zhongchagou.
- Features: Tibetan style design, rooms with oxygen machines, Tibetan medicine hot spring (from ¥1200/night).
- Alternative Options:
- Holiday Inn Express: walking distance to scenic spots, good value for money (¥500/night).
- Intercontinental Jiuzhai Paradise: glass dome stargazing bar for romantic travel (¥1500/night).
Other places to see near Jiuzhaigou
① The Colorful Waters Of The Jiuzhaigou River
- The Sea of Five Flowers: The water of the lake shows five colors such as blue, green and yellow due to the minerals, like an overturned palette.
- Mirror Sea: as calm as a mirror, the perfect reflection of snow-capped mountains and forests can be captured in the early morning.
②Tibetan Cultural Experience
- Shuzheng Zhai: stay in a Tibetan-style lodging, participate in a bonfire party, and learn to dance the potshuang dance (free of charge).
- Songpan Ancient City: a major town on the ancient tea-horse road in the Tang Dynasty, ride around the city wall on horseback ¥50/hour.
RELATED INTRODUCTION: The Nine Gems Of Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou takes its name from the nine Tibetan villages that resemble nine jewels scattered across the valley:
- Shuzheng Zhai: the largest village with a 200 year old stupa.
- Ho Ye Zhai: Houses are made of stone slabs and resemble giant mushrooms.
- Zechawa Zhai: the highest village in Jiuzhaigou (about 3,000 meters), and the way to the colorful pools.
- Zaru Monastery: the only Tibetan Buddhist temple that organizes an annual mountain-turning party in the fourth month of the lunar calendar.
According to records, Jiuzhaigou also has Panya Zhai, Heijiao Zhai, Panshin Zhai, Guwa Zhai, Pengbu Zhai, etc. However, due to earthquake protection and tourism development, some of these villages are no longer open to the public or are only used as aboriginal settlements.
The Climate And Weather In Jiuzhaigou
Click here to see the average climate and weather in Jiuzhaigou from January to December
