That day in Jiuzhaigou, I met an old man from California.
His name was Mike, in his sixties, carrying a camera alone. We sat on the boardwalk of Five-Flower Lake and chatted for an hour.
He said it took him two years to plan this trip. Saving money, researching, getting a visa, learning to use chopsticks. He originally planned to go to Zhangjiajie—because of Avatar, he knew about that place. But in the end, he chose Jiuzhaigou.
I asked him why.
He said: “You can find mountains anywhere. But this kind of water… I won’t find it anywhere else.”
Three months later, I went to Zhangjiajie. Standing on the viewing platform of Yuanjiajie, I suddenly remembered Mike’s words.
And then I understood.
The Conclusion First
Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie are both world-class natural landscapes, but they are not even in the same race.
Jiuzhaigou sells “rarity”—that kind of water exists only here in the whole world.
Zhangjiajie sells “awe”—that kind of mountain is also unseen anywhere else on Earth.
But if you can only choose one, I choose Jiuzhaigou.
Not because Zhangjiajie isn’t good, but because with some things, if you miss them, they’re really gone.
Jiuzhaigou experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2017. Many scenic spots were closed for two years. Although they are reopened now, with a place like this, who knows what will happen tomorrow?
Mike was right. Mountains can wait, but not the water.
Jiuzhaigou: A Fairy Tale of Water
Jiuzhaigou is in northern Sichuan, at an altitude of 2000-3100 meters. The whole scenic area is shaped like a “Y”, with three valleys totaling over fifty kilometers.
The most amazing thing is the water.
Over a hundred alpine lakes, called “Haizi” by the local Tibetans. Each lake is a different color—Five-Flower Lake is multicolored, Five-Color Pond is bluish-green, and Long Lake is a deep ink-blue.
Why so colorful?
The water contains high levels of minerals like calcium carbonate and copper sulfate. Combined with algae deposits on the lakebed and reflections from the surrounding forests, when sunlight hits, it creates the colors you see.
I went in September, right in autumn. The trees on the shore began to turn yellow and red, reflecting in the lakes. The whole scene looked color-graded.
How long did I stay there?
A full 8 hours. From the 7 a.m. opening until 3 p.m. My travel companions thought I was crazy, saying “it’s just looking at water.”
But they didn’t get it.
With that kind of water, one glance tells you, you might never see anything like it again in your lifetime.
Who is it for?
- Those who love photography—every spot is a great shot.
- Those with elderly or children—the area has sightseeing buses and flat boardwalks, minimal walking required.
- Those who want to see “the cleanest water on Earth.”
Best Time: Mid-September to late October for the peak autumn scenery. June-August is also good for escaping heat, but it’s the most crowded.
How to visit: Enter the valley, take the sightseeing bus, get off at each spot, explore, then get back on the bus to the next. One day is enough for the core spots.
Instagram Spots:
- Five-Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai)—Best light from 9-10 a.m.
- Nuorilang Waterfall (Nuorilang Pubu)—Afternoon side-lighting, rainbows often appear.
- Long Lake (Chang Hai)—Fewer people at dusk, good for reflection shots.
Zhangjiajie: A Kingdom of Mountains
Zhangjiajie is in northwestern Hunan, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It doesn’t have Jiuzhaigou’s colorful water, but it has the world’s unique quartz sandstone peak forest.
Over three thousand stone pillars, some as high as four hundred meters, standing straight up.
I stood on the “First Bridge Under Heaven” at Yuanjiajie. Below was a bottomless canyon, with another peak opposite, connected only by a natural stone bridge. Honestly, my legs were a bit weak.
The essence of Zhangjiajie is on the mountains. You take cable cars up to Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and then walk the cliffside boardwalks. Walking down to Golden Whip Stream is another world—canyons, streams, monkeys.
How long did I stay there?
Two days. Day 1: Yuanjiajie + Tianzi Mountain. Day 2: Golden Whip Stream + Glass Bridge. About 10,000 steps each day.
Tiring? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Who is it for?
- Outdoor enthusiasts—more hiking required than Jiuzhaigou.
- Avatar fans—the prototype of the Hallelujah Mountains is here.
- Those who appreciate a “majestic, perilous, and steep” aesthetic.
Best Time: April-May for spring flowers, September-October for clear autumn skies. Avoid the intense summer heat and rainy season in July-August.
Instagram Spots:
- Yuanjiajie “Hallelujah Mountain” Viewing Platform—Least crowded from 7-8 a.m.
- He Long Park at Tianzi Mountain—Highest probability of sea of clouds.
- Grand Canyon Glass Bridge—Best light penetration in the afternoon.
Direct Comparison: A Clear Table
| Dimension | Jiuzhaigou | Zhangjiajie |
|---|---|---|
| Core Landscape | Lakes, Waterfalls, Colorful Forests | Quartz Sandstone Peak Forest, Canyons |
| Visual Style | Colorful, Gentle | Majestic & Awe-inspiring |
| Physical Demand | Easy (Bus + Boardwalk) | Moderate (Cable Car + Hiking) |
| Best Season | Sep-Oct | Apr-May, Sep-Oct |
| Ideal For | Families, Photography Lovers | Outdoor Enthusiasts, Movie Fans |
| Int’l Fame | High (UNESCO World Heritage) | Higher (Boosted by Avatar) |
| Cultural Experience | Tibetan Culture | Tujia Ethnic Culture |
| Suggested Days | 1-2 Days | 2-3 Days |
Practical Info for American Travelers
I know what you’re thinking.
“Both sound amazing, but how long is the trip from the US? How much does it cost? Is it safe?”
I’ve done the math for you.
Flight Time
- LA/SF to Chengdu (for Jiuzhaigou): Direct 12-13 hrs, or connecting 15-18 hrs.
- LA/SF to Zhangjiajie: No direct flights. Usually connect in Shanghai/Beijing, total 16-20 hrs.
- Advice: Plan at least a 10-day trip, otherwise it’s too rushed.
Budget (Per Person, USD)
| Item | Jiuzhaigou | Zhangjiajie |
|---|---|---|
| International Flight | $800-1500 | $800-1500 |
| Domestic Transport | $200 (Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou flight) | $100 (High-speed rail/flight) |
| Entrance Ticket | $40 (Peak season) | $32 (Valid for 4 days) |
| Hotel (3 nights) | $150-600 | $150-600 |
| Food & Drinks | $100 | $100 |
| Total Estimate | $1290-2440 | $1182-2332 |
Visa
- China offers 10-year tourist visas (Category B) for Americans.
- Application fee: $140.
- Processing: 4-5 business days (2-3 days expedited).
- Required: Passport, application form, photo, itinerary.
Safety
- Both places are very safe with extremely low crime rates.
- Jiuzhaigou is at high altitude, be aware of potential altitude sickness.
- Zhangjiajie has many mountain paths, watch your step.
Language
- Scenic areas have English signs.
- Most hotels and restaurants can manage basic English.
- Download Google Translate or Pleco (works offline).
Internet
- Google, Facebook, WhatsApp are blocked in China.
- Get a SIM card with international roaming, or use a VPN (set it up BEFORE you go).
Post-Earthquake Status (Jiuzhaigou)
- After the 2017 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the area was closed for two years.
- Core spots (Five-Flower Lake, Five-Color Pond, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake) are now fully open.
- Some boardwalks and facilities have been rebuilt, safer now.
- Check the official website for the latest updates before your trip.
Holiday Advice
- If you only have Thanksgiving week (7 days): Choose Jiuzhaigou, enough time.
- If you have Christmas/New Year break (10-14 days): You can do both, or choose Zhangjiajie (requires more time).
- Summer break (Jun-Aug): Both are crowded, Jiuzhaigou is cooler.
So, Which One to Choose?
Here’s my direct conclusion.
Choose Jiuzhaigou if you:
- Have only about 10 days and want a more relaxed trip.
- Are fascinated by unique water landscapes.
- Are traveling with elderly or young children.
- Are traveling in autumn (Sep-Oct Jiuzhaigou is truly the best).
- Want to see scenery you “might never see again in your lifetime.”
Choose Zhangjiajie if you:
- Have 12+ days.
- Enjoy hiking and adventure.
- Are an Avatar fan.
- Want to see landforms “unseen anywhere else on Earth.”
Back to Mike’s story.
When he left Jiuzhaigou, he told me: “I might come back one more time. While I can still walk.”
I didn’t understand then. I do now.
Some scenery isn’t “good to visit anytime.” Some scenery is “if you don’t go now, you might never get the chance.”
Which is better, Jiuzhaigou or Zhangjiajie?
My answer is still Jiuzhaigou.
Not because Zhangjiajie isn’t good, but because the beauty of Jiuzhaigou is truly more “rare.” You can find mountains anywhere, but this kind of water in Jiuzhaigou, you won’t find a second place in the world.
But honestly, if you have enough time and budget, I suggest you visit both.
Because they are not competitors. One is the pinnacle of water, the other the pinnacle of mountains. It’s like asking “is coffee or tea better to drink?”—
Why can’t adults have both?
One Last Thing
With scenery like this, photos can only give you one-tenth of the feeling.
My answer isn’t important. Mike’s answer isn’t important either.
What’s important is that you have to go see it for yourself.
While you still can.
