How to spend 3 days in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in Sichuan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural beauty, including colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Spending three days in Jiuzhaigou allows you to explore its main attractions at a relaxed pace. Here's a suggested itinerary: --- ### **Day 1: Explore the Rize Valley (日则沟)** The Rize Valley is the most scenic part of Jiuzhaigou, featuring some of the park's most famous lakes and waterfalls. 1. **Start early**: Arrive at the park entrance and take the eco-friendly shuttle bus to the top of Rize Valley. 2. **Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海)**: Begin your hike here, enjoying the serene lake surrounded by bamboo forests. 3. **Panda Lake (熊猫海)**: Known for its clear blue waters and occasional sightings of giant pandas. 4. **Five Flower Lake (五花海)**: A must-see lake with vibrant, multi-colored waters. 5. **Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布)**: Walk along the wooden plankways to admire this wide, cascading waterfall. 6. **Mirror Lake (镜海)**: Visit in the morning for the best reflections of the surrounding mountains. 7. **Return to your accommodation**: Stay in Jiuzhaigou Town or a nearby hotel. --- ### **Day 2: Discover the Zechawa Valley (则查洼沟)** The Zechawa Valley is home to Jiuzhaigou's highest and largest lakes. 1. **Long Lake (长海)**: The highest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. 2. **Five-Color Pond (五彩池)**: A smaller but incredibly colorful lake, especially vibrant in autumn. 3. **Shuzheng Valley (树正沟)**: On your way back, stop at Shuzheng Valley to see: - **Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布)**: One of the widest waterfalls in China. - **Shuzheng Lakes (树正群海)**: A series of interconnected lakes and waterfalls. 4. **Relax in the evening**: Enjoy local Tibetan and Qiang cuisine in Jiuzhaigou Town. --- ### **Day 3: Shuzheng Valley (树正沟) and Cultural Exploration** On your final day, explore the lower part of the valley and immerse yourself in local culture. 1. **Tiger Lake (老虎海)**: A tranquil lake with crystal-clear waters. 2. **Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海)**: Another beautiful lake with stunning reflections. 3. **Bonsai Beach (盆景滩)**: A unique area with mineral deposits forming natural "bonsai" shapes. 4. **Visit a Tibetan Village**: Stop by a local Tibetan village, such as Heye or Shuzheng, to learn about their culture and traditions. 5. **Optional: Huanglong National Park**: If time permits, consider a day trip to Huanglong, known for its terraced pools and limestone formations (requires an extra day). --- ### **Tips for Visiting Jiuzhaigou:** - **Best time to visit**: September to October for autumn foliage, or April to June for spring blooms. - **Altitude**: Jiuzhaigou is at a high altitude (2,000-4,500 meters), so take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. - **Tickets**: Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. - **Transportation**: Use the park's shuttle buses to save time and energy. #jiuzhaigou #nature