If there is one place on Earth that lives up to a fairy tale, it is Jiuzhaigou. Its lakes are flowing gemstones: the multi-hued waters of Five Flower Lake, the flawless reflections of Mirror Lake, and the serene stillness of Long Lake are pure masterpieces crafted by nature.
This itinerary covers core scenic spots plus off-the-beaten-path destinations around Jiuzhaigou, so you can explore this alpine wonderland at your own pace and soak up crystal-clear lake views.
Part 1: Chengdu City (Starting Point of Your Trip)
Location: Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province Transport: Fly into Chengdu Tianfu or Shuangliu Airport → take the metro or taxi downtown (within 1 hour).
Top Highlights
- Wuhou Shrine: Immerse yourself in Three Kingdoms history.
- Jinli Ancient Street: Right next to Wuhou Shrine; great for night markets and local street food.
- Kuanzhai Alleys: Restored Qing Dynasty streets; sip tea and watch Sichuan face-changing shows.
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Arrive before 9 a.m. to see active pandas 🐼.
- Chunxi Road & Taikoo Li: Modern shopping districts, ideal for trying authentic Sichuan hot pot 🍲.
Travel Tips
- Stay along metro lines (Chunxi Road or Luomashi are highly convenient).
- Eat hot pot at local neighbourhood restaurants, such as Shuxiangyuan and Xiaolongkan.
Part 2: Jiuzhai Valley National Park (5A UNESCO Site)
Location: Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture; 400 km from Chengdu.
Transport Options
- Flight: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport → Jiuhuang Airport (1 hour). Note: Flights are frequently cancelled due to mountain weather.
- Long-distance Bus: From Chadianzi or Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Entrance (8–10 hours; ticket ~150 RMB).
- Self-driving: Take G213 / G544 highway (8–10 hours). Drive cautiously in rainy seasons.
Core Sights (3 Valleys forming a Y-shape)
- Shuzheng Valley: Bonsai Beach, Sparkling Lake.
- Rize Valley: Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake, Pearl Shoal (the most photogenic section).
- Zechawa Valley: Long Lake (the highest lake in the park), Colourful Pond.
Don’t miss these iconic lakes: vivid blue-and-green layered Five Flower Lake, perfectly still Mirror Lake with mirror-like reflections, and remote high-altitude Long Lake 🌊.
Part 3: Huanglong Scenic Area (5A World Heritage Site)
Location: Songpan County; 110 km from Jiuzhaigou (2.5 hours by car). Transport: Charter a private car or take the scenic shuttle bus (around 60 RMB per person).
Top Highlight
Stunning travertine pools against snow-capped mountains 🏔️. Key spots: Golden Sand Pavement and Huanglong Colourful Pond.
Part 4: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions Around Jiuzhaigou
1. Qizang Valley 🌲
Location: North of Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County, between Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. Transport: Rent a car from Jiuzhaigou or Chuanzhusi to the Kaka Valley entrance (1.5 hours). Access only on foot or horseback 🐎. What to see: Untamed primeval forests, alpine lakes (Yu Lake, Grass Lake), completely undeveloped wilderness.
2. Fairy Pool (Nen’ensangcuo)
Location: Dalu Township, Jiuzhaigou County; 60 km from Jiuzhaigou entrance. Transport: Round-trip private car rental (~400 RMB per vehicle; 2 hours along winding mountain roads). What to see: A mix of travertine pools and dense forests — often called “mini Jiuzhaigou + mini Huanglong”. Visitor numbers are 90% lower than the main scenic area.
3. Zhongcha Valley
Location: Right next to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, just 5 km away. Transport: 20-minute taxi ride from Jiuzhaigou Entrance, or rent an electric scooter 🛵. What to see: Traditional Tibetan villages, alpine pastures and mountain streams. It was a filming location for Romance of Jiuzhaigou. You can ride horses around the valley.
4. Zharu Valley (Fourth Valley inside Jiuzhaigou Park) 🌿
Location: A lesser-known branch valley within Jiuzhai Valley National Park. Transport: Get off the sightseeing bus at Zharu Temple stop and start hiking. What to see: The Tibetan Buddhist Zharu Temple, wild canyons and hidden waterfalls 🌊. A quiet hiking route with almost no crowds.
5. Baima Wanglang Nature Reserve 🐒
Location: Pingwu County; 150 km from Jiuzhaigou Entrance (3 hours’ drive). Transport: Take the Jiuzhaigou–Pingwu bus, passing Baima Tibetan villages. What to see: Authentic Baima Tibetan villages, old-growth forest and golden monkey nature reserve.
Important Travel Tips for Remote Spots
- Mobile signal: There is almost no cell service in Qizang Valley and Baima Wanglang. Download offline maps, travel in groups and bring walkie-talkies 📻.
- Tibetan local customs: Do not take photos inside temples; avoid patting children’s heads; never climb or damage mani stone piles.
