Jiuzhaigou Trip Review: The Honest Truth

Hey everyone 👋, I'm your travel enthusiast, obsessed with stunning natural landscapes 😎. I recently visited Jiuzhaigou, taking advantage of the beautiful April spring weather, and it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Here's my super detailed guide for you. 📍Jiuzhaigou, located in Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, is a true natural wonder 👏! Nestled deep within high mountains and valleys, it boasts snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and the ever-changing, vibrant lakes, scattered like sparkling gems across the landscape. The unique Tibetan and Qiang cultures add a touch of mystique to this land. Jiuzhaigou is like a breathtaking painting unfolding before your eyes, each frame more captivating than the last. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️By air, you can fly into Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport. However, the airport is at a high altitude, so avoid strenuous activity after landing to prevent altitude sickness. There are airport buses directly to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, and taxis are also available. If you're departing from Chengdu, you can also take a long-distance bus. The scenery along the way is magnificent, showcasing the unique landscapes of western Sichuan. Be prepared for a long journey, though. 🚌Transportation within the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is very convenient, with sightseeing buses connecting all the attractions. One ticket covers all rides, hop on and off as you please, making it easy to explore. During peak season, there may be long queues for the buses, so patience is key. 🗺【Recommended Itinerary】 Day 1: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Shuzheng Valley - Zechawa Valley) Enter the park early in the morning and take the sightseeing bus directly to Shuzheng Valley. Start your visual feast at Penjingtan, where the trees in the shoal resemble natural bonsai. Walk along the boardwalk to Sparkling Lake, where the azure water shimmers like sparks under the sunlight 😃. Have lunch at the Nuorilang Service Center. Although it's scenic area food, the local yak beef hot pot is a must-try. The beef is tender, the soup is delicious, and it's a great way to replenish your energy 😋. In the afternoon, head to Zechawa Valley and go straight to Long Lake, the highest and widest lake in Jiuzhaigou. The lake is deep and serene, surrounded by mountains, offering a sense of tranquility and grandeur. Then, visit Five Flower Lake, small but incredibly colorful, like a painter's palette overturned by God. Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Rize Valley) - Jiuzhaigou Romance Show In the morning, head to Rize Valley and visit Mirror Lake. At this time, the lake's surface is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees, creating an unbelievably beautiful scene. Then, visit Pearl Shoal Waterfall, one of the filming locations for *Journey to the West*. The waterfall cascades down like a beaded curtain, a truly magnificent sight. Enjoy a Tibetan hot pot for lunch near the scenic area. A variety of mushrooms, vegetables, and meats are combined in one pot, served with unique dipping sauces, offering a distinct flavor. Take a break in the afternoon and watch the Jiuzhaigou Romance Show in the evening. Through spectacular performances, you'll delve into the history and culture of Jiuzhaigou. It's a captivating and impressive show, perfect for photo ops 📷. Day 3: Zhongcha Valley - Return Trip Visit Zhongcha Valley during the day. This relatively less-crowded area features tranquil Tibetan villages and vast grasslands. You can experience horseback riding, archery, and other activities, immersing yourself in authentic Tibetan life. Pack your bags in the afternoon and head back home with wonderful memories. 🌟【5 Must-See Attractions】 📍Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: A World Natural Heritage site, water is its soul. The numerous lakes boast magical colors, the waterfalls are magnificent, and the scenery is picturesque year-round. 📍Long Lake: The largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, deep and tranquil. In winter, the frozen lake surface offers a different kind of beauty. 📍Five Flower Lake: Though small, it's the most colorful lake, appearing dreamlike under the sunlight. 📍Pearl Shoal Waterfall: A filming location for *Journey to the West*, the waterfall resembles splashing pearls, its powerful roar echoing through the valley. 📍Mirror Lake: In the early morning, the lake's surface is like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding scenery, creating a fairyland-like view. 📌【Practical Tips】 🎫Book Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area tickets and sightseeing bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season when tickets are in high demand. 👗The temperature in Jiuzhaigou in April is relatively low, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack warm clothes, including a thick jacket or down coat. Wear comfortable athletic shoes and don't forget sunscreen. 📸The lighting at Mirror Lake in the morning and Pearl Shoal Waterfall in the evening is soft and beautiful, creating a great atmosphere for photos. Remember to bring a portable charger. 🍜【Local Food Recommendations】 🥘Yak Beef Hot Pot: Made with yak beef, the meat is tender and the soup is delicious, perfect for warming up and nourishing the body. 🍜Tibetan Hot Pot: A variety of ingredients are combined with special Tibetan spices, creating a unique flavor. Ideal for sharing with a group. 🥣Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink, salty, fragrant, and rich. It provides warmth and helps alleviate altitude sickness. 🐟Roasted Whole Lamb: Made with local mountain lamb, it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an enticing aroma. A ceremonial dish perfect for sharing. 🥔Qingke Cake: Made from roasted barley flour, it has a firm texture and a grainy aroma, a great option for satisfying hunger. 🏨【Hotel Accommodation】 📍Inside Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: InterContinental Jiuzhai Paradise, featuring Tibetan and Qiang style architecture, beautiful surroundings, convenient transportation, and high-end facilities. 📍Jiuzhaigou County: Jiuzhaigou Xingyu International Hotel, conveniently located with comprehensive amenities and great value. 📍Zhongcha Valley: Zhongcha Valley Jiuzhai Linka Resort Hotel, close to the grasslands and Tibetan villages, offering an immersive experience and a peaceful getaway. 💖【Travel Experience】 During these three days in Jiuzhaigou, I felt like I had fallen into a dream world. The stunning waterscapes of Jiuzhaigou, the pristine nature of Zhongcha Valley, and the delicious food all captivated me. Jiuzhaigou is like a serene poem of mountains and waters, each line filled with beauty. Don't miss this hidden gem, come and start your Jiuzhaigou journey 💕.