Jiuzhaigou in detail: How to plan your trip to China's turquoise paradise

Jiuzhaigou is located in the remote northern region of Sichuan province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its surreal turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls, and pristine forests. Planning a trip here requires some advance notice, as its beauty is matched only by its somewhat isolated location. This guide will help you navigate the options to make your visit to this fairytale corner of the world as smooth and memorable as possible.

How to get to Jiuzhaigou?

The starting point for the vast majority of travelers is Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. From there, you have two main options, each with its own advantages.

The quickest and most convenient way to get there is by plane. Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) is the closest, with direct flights not only from Chengdu, but also from cities like Chongqing, Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, and Mianyang. The flight from Chengdu is short, taking just an hour. However, keep in mind that the airport is still about a two-hour drive from Jiuzhaigou Valley itself.

The most popular and modern land-based option is the high-speed train. The most convenient station is Huanglong-Jiuzhai, which is about a two-hour drive from Chengdu. From this station, the drive to the park entrance takes about an hour and a half. During peak season, tickets for this station can sell out quickly. In that case, you can choose to get off at nearby stations such as Songpan or Huangshengguan, from where the drive to the park will take between two and two and a half hours. It's important to know that the mountain roads are winding; if you are prone to motion sickness, it's a good idea to bring motion sickness medication.

Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus from Chengdu. It's a long journey, between 8 and 10 hours, but it allows you to see the ever-changing landscape of Sichuan from the window, passing through villages and mountains. It's the cheapest option, but also the most physically demanding.

What is the best time to visit?

Jiuzhaigou has a distinct beauty in every season, so there's really no bad time to visit. That said, the general consensus points to autumn (September to November) as the most spectacular time. During these weeks, the dense forests surrounding the lakes explode in an incredible palette of colors: rich golds, vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. This contrast with the deep blue and turquoise of the lakes creates an extraordinary landscape.

Summer (June-August) is another fantastic time to visit. It's the rainy season, meaning the rivers, waterfalls, and lakes are at their fullest and most powerful. The landscape is lush and green. On the other hand, winter transforms the valley into a silent, snowy world. Seeing the partially frozen waterfalls and the white-covered forests offers a completely different and magical perspective of the park. Just keep in mind that some facilities, such as the cable car in nearby Huanglong National Park, close during the colder months due to heavy snowfall.

What to do and see?

1. Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
This is the highlight of your trip. The valley is Y-shaped and comprises three main valleys: Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa. You'll need a full day to explore it properly. Within the park, a bus system helps you travel between the different areas.

The Shuzheng Valley is the first section and is home to more than 40 lakes. Here you'll find iconic sites like Spark Lake, Tiger Lake, and the majestic Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the park's signature features. You'll also pass through Tibetan villages that add a cultural touch to the landscape.

The Zechawa Valley is the highest and longest. It is here that you'll find Long Lake and, especially, the Five-Colored Pond (Wucaichi). This pond is famous for its exceptionally clear waters and colors that seem to magically change with the light.

Finally, the Rize Valley is where you'll see some of the most fascinating formations. Here, colorful lakes follow one another, connected by small waterfalls and streams, surrounded by some of the park's most impressive forests.

2. Huanglong National Park

Visiting Jiuzhaigou and skipping Huanglong would be a mistake. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 40 km from the airport (about a two-hour drive from Jiuzhaigou) and is famous for its incredible calcite formations. Stretching for 7 km along a valley, you'll see an endless series of colorful limestone ponds, terraces, caves, and waterfalls, earning it the nickname "Museum of Calcification."

The smartest way to explore Huanglong is to take the cable car up and then hike down. This saves you a very steep climb to a high altitude (the highest point is 3,990 meters) and allows you to enjoy the scenery without getting exhausted. The crown jewel is the Five Color Ponds at the summit, a collection of 693 ponds of varying sizes and hues that resemble an emerald necklace strung across the mountain. A practical tip: If you arrive by plane in the morning, consider visiting Huanglong that same afternoon before heading to Jiuzhaigou the following day.

3. Munigou Valley

For those with more time or seeking a slightly less crowded experience, Munigou is an excellent addition. This valley, rising to 4,070 meters, combines a pristine landscape of mountains and water with a rich ethnic and religious culture. It is divided into two main areas: Zhaga Waterfall and Erdao Lakes. Here you will find hot springs, forests, alpine lakes, and one of China's largest limestone waterfalls. It's a place to lose yourself in a picturesque setting where all the elements of nature seem to be in perfect harmony.

Extra tips for your trip:

Jiuzhaigou is one of those places that deserves every second of planning and every step of the way. So before you embark on your trip, keep in mind that:

1. Planning ahead is extremely important, especially for transportation and accommodation. Book your train or flight tickets weeks in advance, particularly if you're traveling during peak season (autumn and Chinese national holidays).

2. Choose your accommodation near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou Park to make the most of your time inside the valley.

3. Be prepared to walk a lot; depending on the season, you may want to bring extra layers of clothing to better adjust to the changing mountain weather.

4. Always have your camera ready!