Jiuzhaigou Attractions - Things to Do

The first on the must-go attractions list of Jiuzhaigou is the Jiuzhaigou National Park (Jiuzhaigou Valley). Located about 460 kilometers (286 miles) away from Chengdu, it has an unusual ecosystem with dozens of pristine lakes, waterfalls, forests and rare animals. There goes a saying: no mountain is worth seeing after the Yellow Mountain and no other water will be of interest after the Jiuzhaigou Valley. If there are 'fairylands' in the world, Jiuzhaigou is certainly one of them. This site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jiuzhai Valley

Multi-color pond in Huanglong

Going west along Jiuhuang Ring Way towards Chengdu, visitors can stop and explore many spectacular scenic wonders. The Huanglong National Scenic Reserve, located in Songpan County, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is noted for its colorful waters, lakes, hot springs, snow-capped mountains, valleys, and forests. It is another must see for visitors coming to Jiuzhaigou. The majestic snow-capped Xuebaoding Mountain, soaring 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level, stands on the way to Huanglong Reserve. It is a favorite among mountain climbers and hikers.

To get to Huanglong, visitors have to transfer to a bus at Chuanzhusi Town, about 90 kilometers away from Jiuzhaigou, or at Songpan County, about 20 kilometers away from Chuanzhusi. Each of these places has its unique history and charm.
 

 Fairy Pool Scenic Area
 Four Maiden's Mountain (Mt. Siguniangshan)
 Mounigou Valley
 Songpan Ancient Town

There are two minor attractions along the way to Chuanzhusi - Ganhaizi Lake and Fairy Pool. Ganhaizi Lake is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) away from Jiuzhaigou Valley and Fairy Pool Scenic Area is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from Ganhaizi Lake. These two attractions feature pure, tranquil waters, lush forests, and lofty mountains. Rare animals often appear in the Fairy Pool Scenic Area. The virgin forest there is an ideal living environment for giant pandas, golden monkeys, and Tibetan antelopes.
 

Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan County is an ancient Tibetan town favored by some foreign visitors because they can explore this wonderful area on horseback. It is easy to find a caravan in this small county. Shunjiang Horse Trek Company, located near the city gate of Songpan Ancient Town, is a good choice, offering each tourist a horse and a guide. Most horse companys' guides can speak some English. Several tour lines depart from there to places like Huanglong, Xuebaoding Mountain and Mounigou Valley.

Mounigou Valley is the southwest of Songpan County, with an elevation between 2,880 meters (9,450 feet) and 4,070 meters (13,350 feet). It has two scenic spots - Zhaga Waterfalls and Erdaohai Lake. The latter can only be reached on horseback.

The lofty Four Maiden's Mountain, Bipeng Valley, and Miyaluo Scenic Area are located on the way from Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu.

In summary, the trip to Jiuzhaigou will be a feast for the senses, and a memory to be treasured.

 Recommended Guided Tours:
7-Day Sichuan Tour of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou from $1889