Jiuzhaigou, known to Americans as the “Fairytale World” of Sichuan, is globally renowned for its turquoise lakes, snow-capped waterfalls and colorful forests. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Jiuzhaigou will fulfill your imagination of the “Wonderland of the East”. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Jiuzhaigou for U.S. travelers to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
1,Hiking to explore the “filtered” natural wonders
- Walking around the lake: From Changhai to Wuhuahai, you can experience the magic of the lake’s changing water from a close distance along the wooden trestle. In winter, the Changhai Sea forms blue ice, which looks like a giant sapphire when reflected by the sunlight, while the Wuhuahai Sea has a dreamy effect of emerald, peacock blue and amber gold due to the calcified sediments.
- Waterfall Adventure: Nuorilang Waterfall is more than 300 meters wide, water pouring from a height of 20 meters, the water mist in the sunshine often appears rainbow. Pearl Beach Waterfall is more suitable for shooting the effect of slow-door water flow, remember to bring a tripod.
- Colorful Forest Crossing: If you visit in autumn (September-November), don’t miss the colorful forest landscape of “God overturned the palette”. Arrow Bamboo Sea to the primitive forest hiking route, is to capture the red leaves and snow mountain reflection of the excellent route.
Tips: The scenic area provides sightseeing bus transportation, but it is recommended to leave at least 6 hours of hiking time. The altitude of 2000-3000 meters need to pay attention to sun protection and high reflex, you can carry oxygen bottles.
2, put on Tibetan clothes, when a “plateau protagonist”!
Jiuzhaigou is not only a natural sanctuary, but also a living museum of Tibetan and Qiang culture:
- Travel photography experience: There are more than a dozen travel photography studios inside and outside the scenic area, providing traditional Tibetan robe rental (about $30/set). Taking a photo of the “lake reflecting the Chinese dress” in the Sea of Flowers has become a popular choice for foreign tourists.
- Non-Heritage Crafts: The Tibetan and Qiang Non-Heritage Museum, a 10-minute drive from the scenic spot, offers experiences such as thangka painting (from $15) and Tibetan incense making ($10). Bilingual docents will tell the mythological stories behind the totems.
- BONFIRE PARTY: Stay at a Tibetan lodging for the night, where you can participate in a potshang dance party, learn Tibetan dance steps, and enjoy ghee tea and yak meat hot pot.
Cultural Cold Knowledge: Local Tibetans believe that the color of the lake originates from the powder scattered by the goddess while she was dressing, a romantic legend that adds mystery to the beauty.
3, Jiuzhaigou under the lens: photographers’ private camera positions
Must-shoot scenes:
- **Sunrise mirror sea **: early morning mist, the lake like a mirror reflecting the snowy mountains, the best time to shoot for 6:30-7:30.
- Colorful Pool Macro: Eliminate water surface reflections with a polarizer to capture the abstract image of calcified texture intertwined with dead wood at the bottom of the pool.
- Shuzheng Qunhai under the stars: The scenic spot is closed at night, but nearby lodges can apply for a permit to photograph the stars. The Milky Way is clearly visible in winter, and it is even more stunning with Tibetan-style warp beams.
Equipment Suggestions: Wide angle lens (16-35mm) for panorama, telephoto lens (70-200mm) to catch details of the waterfall.After October, you need to bring a cold cover to protect your equipment.
4, Ecological exploration: looking for “snow mountain elves”.
Jiuzhaigou is the habitat of more than 150 species of birds, bring binoculars to start nature observation:
- Bird Tracking: Blue Horse Cockerel and Green-tailed Rainbow Pheasant are often found in the Arrow Bamboo Sea, and in winter, you may also stumble upon Sichuan Golden Monkeys coming down the mountain to drink.
- Plant Discovery: There are 17 species of endangered plants in the scenic area, including the one-leafed grass and the star-leafed grass. The signage can be scanned for Chinese and English science information.
- Environmental Protection Participation: Join the “Leave No Trace Jiuzhai” program and use biodegradable bags to collect garbage on the hike and exchange them for limited postcards.
5, Winter-only: A Symphony of Fire and Ice with Blue Ice and Hot Springs
Although most visited in summer, Jiuzhaigou in winter (December-February) has a special charm:
- Blue Ice Wonders: The Changhai and Panda Sea form a layer of translucent blue ice, and the ice bubble landscape looks like frozen champagne.
- Snow Hot Springs: Jiuzhaigou Paradise Hot Springs, 40 kilometers away from the scenic area, offers an open-air snowy soaking pool ($25/person), where you can enjoy the snow while drinking mulled wine.
- Off-season Benefits: Tickets are reduced to $28 (originally $40), and you can also experience the “Waiting List” system – if tickets are sold out on the same day, you can queue up within 40 kilometers to pick up the tickets through the small program.
Travel Tips: Make the Trip Silky Smooth
- Transportation: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou train has been opened (2 hours), it is recommended to choose “high-speed rail + shuttle bus” combined ticket.
- Payment: Credit cards, Alipay and cash are supported at the scenic spots, but it is recommended to have small amounts of RMB at the food stalls.
- Accommodation: Choose the Holiday Inn Jiuzhaigou (10 minutes walk to the scenic area) for convenience, or stay in a Tibetan-style lodging ($50-$80/night) for a cultural experience.
- Best Time: Enter the park before 7:00 to avoid the crowds, and in the afternoon, after the tourists leave the park, it is more suitable for creation.
The beauty of Jiuzhaigou lies in the fact that every season brings new surprises and every time you turn around you meet stories. Take this guide and start your “Oriental Fairytale” adventure! For more details, check out the official website of Sichuan Culture & Tourism (https://www.sccti.cn) or contact the local bilingual guide service.
