Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Jiuzhaigou is one of the most unique and beautiful nature reserves in China. It contains many snow-capped mountains, oxygen saturated forests, massive waterfalls, Tibetan style villages, and dozens of lakes that are different shades of blue and green (caused by calcium carbonate).
Type:  wild animal, Nature Reserve
Chinese Name: 九寨沟国家级自然保护区
Best Time to Visit: March-May,  September-November
Recommended Visiting Time: two days
Open Hours:Peak Season: Apr.1 to Nov.15 7:30 - 19:00; ticket sale stops at 14:00.
Low Season: Nov.16 to Mar.31 08:30- 18:00; ticket sale stops at 14:00.
Fee:Peak Season: entrance ticket CNY 220
Low Season: entrance ticket CNY80
Address in English: Jiuzhai Valley National Park is located in Jiuzhaigou County， Sichuan.
Address in Chinese:九寨沟国家级自然保护区位于四川省九寨沟县

More Picture

Jiuzhaigou National Park is located in Zhangzha Town (漳扎镇), Jiuzhaigou County (九寨沟县), Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (阿坝藏族羌族自治州), in the northwestern part of Sichuan Province (四川省). It lies on the northeastern side of Gonggang Ridge (弓杠岭) in the southern section of the Min Mountains (岷山), covering an area of 620 square kilometers. The park is situated over 400 kilometers from Chengdu City (成都市) and is a major tributary at the headwaters of the Baishui River (白水江), part of the upper Jialing River (嘉陵江) system.

Geographical Features

The terrain of Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve slopes from south to north, with deep valleys and dramatic elevation differences. The northern entrance is only about 2,000 meters above sea level, while the central peaks rise above 4,000 meters, and the southern ridges reach over 4,500 meters. The main valley extends for more than 30 kilometers.

Natural Wonders

Jiuzhaigou is world-renowned for its “Six Marvels”: alpine lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture. It is often praised as a “Fairyland on Earth” and acclaimed as the “King of Water Scenery.”

As a national geological park, Jiuzhaigou protects important geological relics, including calcified lakes, travertine formations, waterfalls, karst water systems, and diverse forest ecosystems, making it of great scientific research value.

Honors and Status

Jiuzhaigou National Park holds multiple titles and designations:

• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site
• National Key Scenic Spot
• National 5A Tourist Attraction (AAAAA)
• National Nature Reserve
• National Geopark
• UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network
  It is also China’s first nature reserve established with the primary goal of protecting natural scenery.

Basic Information

• Chinese Name: 九寨沟国家公园
• English Name: Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
• Location: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
• Climate: Pleasant climate, warm temperate zone of the western Sichuan Plateau
• Opening Hours: 8:00
• Tourist Rating: AAAAA (5A)
• Ticket Price: 190 RMB
• Area: 620 km²
• Famous Attractions: Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海), Reed Lake (芦苇海), Five Flower Lake (五花海), Tiger Lake (老虎海)

Geographical Environment

Location

Jiuzhaigou National Geopark is located in Zhangzha Town (漳扎镇), Jiuzhaigou County (九寨沟县), Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (阿坝藏族羌族自治州), in the northwestern part of Sichuan Province (四川省). It lies on the northeastern side of Gonggang Ridge (弓杠岭) in the southern section of the Min Mountains (岷山), more than 400 kilometers from Chengdu City (成都市). The park covers an area of 620 square kilometers.

Hydrology

The groundwater of Jiuzhaigou National Park is rich in calcium carbonate. White calcite crystals can be seen on the lake beds, dikes, and shores. Fed by snowmelt and forest springs, the water is extremely pure. With its natural terraced lakes acting as filters, the water is extraordinarily transparent, with visibility reaching up to 20 meters.

Climate

Jiuzhaigou belongs to the warm temperate, humid climate zone of the western Sichuan Plateau. Seasons are defined by temperature: winter averages below 10 °C, summer above 22 °C, while spring and autumn fall between 10–22 °C. The park is characterized by long winters, no true summers, and extended springs and autumns.

• In the valley entrance near Zharu Monastery (扎入寺), spring can last for up to 180 days, while higher altitudes shorten the season.
• Average temperature in July: 16.8 °C
• Recorded extreme high temperature: 32.6 °C
• Annual precipitation: nearly 700 mm, concentrated between May and September
• Due to plateau dynamics and thermal conditions, rain is frequent, especially showers and night rain (accounting for 61.8%–65.4%).

Landforms

Situated in the transitional zone between the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (青藏高原) and the Sichuan Basin (四川盆地), Jiuzhaigou’s geological background is complex. With widespread carbonates, active tectonic faults, and intense neotectonic movements, the terrain exhibits dramatic uplift and diverse geomorphic processes.

The area is rich in karst features, especially large-scale travertine terraces and dams formed mainly through plant-induced calcium carbonate deposition. The land slopes from south to north with deep valleys and sharp elevation differences.

Natural Resources

Flora

Jiuzhaigou is a convergence zone of multiple natural elements, with striking vertical vegetation zonation.

• Vascular plants: 2,576 species, including 24 nationally protected species
• Lower plants: 400+ species, with algae being the most diverse (212 species, 40+ first recorded in Jiuzhaigou)
• Vegetation types span several climatic zones and global floristic regions, with many ancient and relict species well preserved.
• Rare and primitive plants include Helwingia japonica (领春木), Cercidiphyllum japonicum (连香树), Trollius chinensis (金莲花), and Monotropastrum humile (独叶草), all of which are valuable for the study of plant evolution and phytogeography.

Fauna

Jiuzhaigou National Park is also rich in rare wildlife resources, with 17 species of nationally protected animals:

• Class I protected species: Giant Panda (大熊猫), Takin (牛羚), Golden Snub-nosed Monkey (金丝猴)
• Class II protected species: Tufted Deer (毛冠鹿), White-lipped Deer (白唇鹿), Red Panda (小熊猫), Macaque (猕猴), Koklass Pheasant (林爵), Blood Pheasant (红腹角雉), Green-tailed Redstart (绿尾红雉), Whooper Swan (大天鹅)
• Class III protected species: Serow (鬃羚), Goral (斑羚), Bharal (碉羊), Blue Eared Pheasant (蓝马鸡), Blood Pheasant (血雉)

Main Scenic Areas

Shuzheng Valley (树正沟)

Shuzheng Waterfall (树正瀑布): At an elevation of 2,295 m, 11 m high and 62 m wide, this arched cascade is formed by multiple smaller waterfalls. Shrubs rooted in the travertine dikes withstand the rushing waters year-round, creating a rare ecological spectacle.

Shuzheng Village (树正寨): A Tibetan-Qiang settlement facing Shuzheng Lakes, backed by Dagou Sacred Mountain (达戈男神山, 4,200 m). Features the Nine-Treasure Lotus Stupa symbolizing unity and harmony of the nine Tibetan villages. Visitors can explore Tibetan-style architecture, murals, costumes, and daily life.

Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海): At 2,301 m, 2 km long and 225 m wide, the second largest lake of Jiuzhaigou. Legend says a sick lama was healed after drinking here and left his beloved rhinoceros, hence the name.

Double Dragon Lake (双龙海): At 2,200 m, famous for two submerged calcite dikes resembling dragons under the clear waters.

Tiger Lake (老虎海): 310 m long and 25 m deep, known for autumn reflections resembling tiger stripes.

Wolong Lake (卧龙海): 253 m long, with a yellow calcite dike resembling a dragon; lake surface shines like a sapphire.

Spark Lake (火花海): At 2,211 m, sparkles under sunlight, resembling twinkling flames.

Bonsai Shoal (盆景滩): Also called Bonsai Lake, known as “Jiazhu Cuo” in Tibetan, it is the first travertine shoal visitors encounter.

Zechawa Valley (则查洼沟)

Seasonal Lakes (季节海): Unique lakes that change dramatically with the seasons—expanding in autumn and shrinking or disappearing at other times.

Five-Colored Pond (五彩池): At 3,010 m, only 100 m long but dazzlingly colorful. Known as the “Eye of Jiuzhai,” its crystal-clear waters reveal vivid hues caused by mineral deposits and aquatic plants.

Long Lake (长海): At 3,101 m, the highest, deepest, and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, 4.35 km long and 90 m deep, formed by glacial damming.

Rize Valley (日则沟)

Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布): At 2,433 m, 21 m high and 270 m wide, cascades over a crescent-shaped cliff, glittering like pearls.

Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布): At 2,343 m, 24.5 m high and 320 m wide, China’s widest highland travertine waterfall. Flowing like white Tibetan khatas, it is a symbol of Jiuzhaigou.

Nuorilang Lakes (诺日朗群海): About 20 connected travertine lakes forming an intricate water system. Depths vary from 7–23 m.

Panda Lake Waterfall (熊猫海瀑布): At 2,574 m, 65 m high and 75 m wide, a dramatic, multi-tiered cascade below Panda Lake.

Peacock Riverway (孔雀河道): A scenic stream flowing from Five Flower Lake.

Five Flower Lake (五花海): At 2,462 m, 450 m long and 9 m deep, a landslide-dammed lake famed for its brilliant colors. Known as the “Essence of Jiuzhaigou.”

Zharu Valley (扎如沟)

Zhayizhaga Sacred Mountain (扎依扎嘎神山): At 4,400–4,528 m, regarded as the lord of all mountains and a sacred site for locals.

Black Lake (黑海): Also called Tso La in Tibetan, a small cirque lake (5 mu in area, 8 m deep). Known as the “Rain-Prayer Lake,” its colors shift with time and perspective.

Zharu Monastery (扎如寺): At 2,026 m, founded in the late Ming Dynasty, it is the only temple within Jiuzhaigou and a sacred site for Bon religion. Hosts four annual festivals, with the “Mazi Festival” on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month being the grandest.

Baojing Cliff (宝镜崖): A massive fault-scarp cliff with up to 500 m relief, resembling a giant mirror. Legend says it was placed by the mountain deity to suppress an evil spirit, hence also called “Devil’s Cliff.”

Development and Conservation

• 1970s: Jiuzhaigou discovered by survey teams.
• 1978: Declared a nature reserve, with over 20,000 forestry workers relocated and reforestation policies implemented.
• 1982: Recognized as a National Key Scenic Spot by the State Council.
• 1992–1993: Listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
• 1997: Joined UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Network—the only site in the world with both honors at the time.
• 2001: Enforced policy of “Tour inside, Stay outside”—all hotels and external vehicles removed from the valleys.
• 2010: Became China’s first “Smart Scenic Area,” applying RFID management and hosting Smart Tourism forums.
• 2012–2016: Established international research bases and ecological demonstration zones.

History and Culture

Origin of the Name

The name “Jiuzhaigou” comes from the nine Tibetan villages within the scenic area: Shuzheng Village (树正寨), Zechawa Village (则查洼寨), Heijiao Village (黑角寨), Heye Village (荷叶寨), Panya Village (盘亚寨), Yala Village (亚拉寨), Jianpan Village (尖盘寨), Rexi Village (热西寨), and Guodu Village (郭都寨). Collectively known as “He Yao Jiuzhai (和药九寨),” these villages have been home to Tibetan residents for generations, making the area an important bearer of Tibetan culture.

Traditional Cultural Activities

Mazhi Festival (嘛智文化节)

An important Bon (苯教) religious festival that features the chanting of the “Eight-Syllable Mantra” to dispel disasters and pray for blessings and happiness.

Risang Festival (日桑文化节)

Meaning “Sacred Mountain and Sacred Water,” it is held in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar (June in the Gregorian calendar), mainly at Zharu Monastery (扎如寺), where mountain and water deities are worshiped, reflecting the essence of Bon culture.

Tibetan New Year (藏历新年)

The most grand festival of the Tibetan people, combining both religious and auspicious significance.

Folk Customs Month (民俗风情月)

Held every March and April, allowing visitors to experience Tibetan village architecture, traditional food, Amdo culture, weaving skills, and more.

Mountain God Worship (请山神活动)

Held on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, when a “Goddess Inviter” is selected based on astronomical calculations to pray for a prosperous new year.

Guozhuang Dance (锅庄舞/果卓)

A circle dance performed around a bonfire, one of the three major Tibetan folk dances, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

Religious Culture

Bon Religion (苯教)

The primitive religion of the Tibetan region, based on animism, which still maintains strong influence in Jiuzhaigou.

Lungta (风马旗)

Colored papers or cloth flags printed with mantras and patterns, fluttering in the wind as symbols of blessings and well-being.

Mani Piles (玛尼堆)

Stone piles engraved with Buddha images and mantras, set up at village entrances, lake shores, or crossroads to pray for blessings and ward off evil.

Stupas (佛塔)

Most stupas in Jiuzhaigou are white, with the most representative being the Nine-Treasure Lotus Bodhi Stupa (九宝莲花菩提塔) in Shuzheng Village (树正寨), symbolizing unity and happiness.

Prayer Wheels (转经)

Includes handheld wheels, monastery wheels, and water-powered wheels. Believers consider spinning the wheel equivalent to reciting scriptures hundreds of times, accumulating immeasurable merit.

Sang Offering (桑烟/煨桑)

Burning cypress branches and medicinal herbs as incense to pray to deities and purify the soul, a Tibetan religious custom with a history of more than three thousand years.

Transportation

Airplane

Jiuhuang Airport (九黄机场) is located in Chuanzhusi Town (川主寺镇), Songpan County (松潘县), Aba Prefecture (阿坝州), Sichuan Province. It serves as the air transport hub for the World Natural Heritage sites Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟) and Huanglong (黄龙). The airport is 88 km from the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, about a 1.5-hour drive. As one of China’s three major plateau airports, Jiuhuang Airport provides shuttle buses directly to main scenic areas.

Highway

Currently, travelers can take long-distance buses from Chengdu (成都), Gansu (甘肃), and Mianyang (绵阳) directly to Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟).

From Chengdu (成都):
Buses depart from Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站) and Xinnanmen Bus Station (新南门客运站).

• Xinnanmen Bus Station (锦江区新南路) has departures at 7:00 AM, directly reaching the scenic entrance.
• Chadianzi Bus Station (金牛区西三环路五段) departs via expressway, stopping at Zhangzha Town (漳扎镇) and arriving at Jiuzhaigou County.
  Route: Chengdu (成都, Chadianzi/Xinnanmen) – Wenchuan (汶川) – Mao County (茂县) – Songpan (松潘) – Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟).
  Distance: 440 km, Duration: 9–10 hours.

From Gansu (甘肃):
Buses depart daily from Lanzhou (兰州):

• Lanzhou Central Bus Station at 7:30 AM
• East Bus Station at 8:00 AM
• South Bus Station at 8:45 AM
  Route: Lanzhou (兰州) – Linxia (临夏) – Hezuo (合作) – Luqu (碌曲) – Ruoergai (若尔盖) – Chuanzhusi (川主寺) – Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟).
  Distance: 719 km, Duration: 10–12 hours.

From Mianyang (绵阳):
Direct buses depart from Pingzheng Bus Station (平政汽车站). There are three buses daily, with two reaching the scenic area and one stopping at Jiuzhaigou County.
Route: Mianyang (绵阳) – Jiangyou (江油) – Pingwu (平武) – Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟).
Distance: 377 km, Duration: 5–6 hours.

Self-Driving

Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟) can be reached by two main loop routes:

• Western Loop: Chengdu (成都) – Dujiangyan (都江堰) – Wenchuan (汶川) – Mao County (茂县) – Songpan (松潘) – Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟). Total: 440 km.
• Eastern Loop: Chengdu (成都) – Mianyang (绵阳) – Jiangyou (江油) – Pingwu (平武) – Jiuzhaigou County (九寨沟县城) – Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟). Total: 480 km.
• From Gansu (甘肃): Lanzhou (兰州) – Linxia (临夏) – Hezuo (合作) – Luqu (碌曲) – Ruoergai (若尔盖) – Chuanzhusi (川主寺) – Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟). Total: 711 km.

Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟) is accessible by multiple modes of transportation, with Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (九黄机场) serving as the primary air hub and a network of long-distance buses and self-drive routes linking it to major cities such as Chengdu (成都), Lanzhou (兰州), and Mianyang (绵阳). Air travel offers the fastest access, while bus and self-driving routes provide flexible alternatives with scenic journeys through Sichuan and Gansu. Travelers can choose transportation based on time, convenience, and personal preference, ensuring that Jiuzhaigou remains a well-connected and popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.