Jiuzhaigou: How to Visit, How to Get There, Best Times

Jiuzhaigou is famous for its sparkling lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and colorful leaves. It is inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Wondering which spots in Jiuzhaigou are worth your time and camera? Here's a quick guide to the must-visits, the photo-perfect, the best time to visit, and a few lookalikes you can safely skip.

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• What to See
• How to Visit
• How Many Days
• Best Times
• How to Get
• Where to Stay
• Altitude Sickness

The Highlights of Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is a Y-shaped valley with three main sections: the Zechawa (left line), Rize (right line), and Shuzheng (middle line) valleys.

You can just focus on Rize and Shuzheng valleys, where most of Jiuzhaigou's must-see spots are. Zechawa Valley only has two main attractions, so you can spend less time there if you're on a tight schedule.

1. Rize Valley: the Essence of Jiuzhaigou

Rize Valley is the most beautiful and diverse part of Jiuzhaigou's scenery. It would take about 3–4 hours to explore the essence of Rize Valley.

There are shuttle buses connecting all the spots in Rize Valley, making this line convenient for saving energy.

Five Flower Lake
It's considered the essence of Jiuzhaigou. No matter the season, this is the most photogenic spot in the valley, with 12 viewing platforms for you to admire and take photos.

Five Flowers Lake

Pearl Shoal Waterfall
It was popular, as it's a filming location for the classic Chinese TV series Journey to the West, and it's usually visited together with Pearl Shoal.

If you're passing by on a shuttle and see ripple-free water, just get off! If the water is already rippled, you can skip it, as you won't see the mirror effect.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall

Mirror Lake
The best place to catch mirror-like reflections. Recommend visiting in the morning when there's little wind for a perfect reflection.

Mirror Lake

• Similar Lakes You Can Skip to Save Time in Rize Valley

Other lakes, including Grass Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, and Panda Lake, are quite similar (about 80% similarity). While all are stunning, visiting too many may lead to visual fatigue.

If you're short on time or don't want to expend too much energy, you could skip them or just choose one to visit. For example, during the low season when Grass Lake is closed, Arrow Bamboo Lake makes a good alternative, as it's usually your first stop in Rize Valley.

Arrow Bamboo Lake in early spring

• Hiking Route in Rize Valley

If you enjoy hiking, there's a 3km (1.9-mile) hiking trail from the Primeval Forest to Swan Lake, passing Grass Lake along the way, and taking about 1 hour throughout the hiking.

Along the trail, you would encounter breathtaking views of the glacial lakes and wetlands. This route is most beautiful in summer, but closed during the low season (November to March).

2. Shuzheng Valley: Best for Seeing Colorful Forests

You would need about 2–3 hours to explore Shuzheng Valley's highlights.

Nuorilang Waterfall
It is the largest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou. There is a viewing platform to get a full panoramic view. It requires some climbing, but the stairs are steep. If you can't handle it, standing at the foot of the fall is also a good viewing spot.

Nuorilang Waterfall

Shuzheng Lakes
It's like a palette with 19 small lakes. For a full panoramic view, head to nearby Shuzheng Village and climb up to the viewing platform. A 10-minute walk rewards you with the best photo of Shuzheng Lakes.

It's also best for a Tibetan costume photoshoot. You'll see many photo studios in the village, as well as Tibetan elements like colorful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and white pagodas.

Shuzheng Lakes during the autumn leaves season

Reed Lake
It's a clear turquoise brook surrounded by large areas of reeds that enhance its beauty. In summer, you'll see the lush green reeds, while in other seasons they turn a golden yellow.

To reach Reed Lake, you would need to walk, as there's no shuttle bus stop there. You could take the shuttle bus to Penjing Shoal and then walk about 10 minutes (800 meters/0.5 mile) back to reach the lake. Alternatively, if you start from Shuanglong Lake, it's a longer walk of about 2.8 km.

Reed Lake in late March with some peach flowers

• Which Spots Can be Skipped in Shuzheng Valley?

Some scenic spots like Tiger Lake, Rhinoceros Lake, Shuanglong Lake, and Spark Lake are visually similar to other lakes in Jiuzhaigou.

If you're short on time, you can skip these stops after visiting the Shuzheng Lakes, and then take the shuttle directly to Penjing Shoal, and then walk to Reed Lake instead.

• Hiking Route in Shuzheng Valley

Shuzheng Valley also offers a beautiful and less crowded hiking route from Sparkling Lake to Penjing Shoal, passing by Shuanglong Lake and Reed Lake along the way. The trek is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and takes roughly 1-3 hours, depending on your physical energy.

Since Shuzheng Valley is usually the last part of the Jiuzhaigou visit, many travelers skip this hike due to fatigue. That means you can often enjoy the scenery in peace, away from the crowds.

3. Zechawa Valley: Highest Point

Zechawa Valley boasts two must-visit attractions: Long Lake and Five-Color Lake. It would take about 1 to 2 hours to explore the essence of Zechawa Valley.

There aren't many sights in this valley. Besides Long Lake and Five-Color Lake, just two Seasonal Lakes that only fill up in autumn. The rest of the year, they're mostly dry or nearly empty.

Long Lake
Long Lake is the largest lake in the region, where you could enjoy splendid views of a crystal-clear lake stretching toward the distant snowy mountains.

It sits at 3,101 m (10,174 ft), the highest point in Jiuzhaigou. Take it slow here, as you might experience mild altitude sickness.

Long Lake in summer, with abundant water

Five-Color Lake
Five-Color Lake is the smallest of the lakes, but one of the most colorful and beautiful lakes in Jiuzhaigou Valley.

You need to walk from Long Lake to Five-Color Lake, as there is no shuttle bus connecting these two spots.

Expect a 1 km walk with stairs (20–30 min). If you prefer less walking, skip the whole Zechawa Valley and just explore the other two.

Five-Color Lake in the snow during winter

How to Visit Jiuzhaigou

1. How Do the Shuttle Buses Work?

The visiting of Jiuzhaigou is mainly by taking shuttle buses and doing short walks between scenic spots.

When you arrive at the entrance, the shuttle bus will take you to one of the routes based on crowd flow. You can't choose which one first, but don't worry, the order doesn't affect the experience.

All three valleys are connected at Nuorilang Center Station, where you can switch buses to explore the next valley.

One thing to note: not every stop lets you get on or off. And even with a map, it can get confusing. That's why having a guide really helps. They'll know the best places to get off, what's worth exploring on foot, and make sure you don't miss any highlights.

2. Where Can I Go for Lunch?

Nuorilang Restaurant in Nuorilang Center Station is the only restaurant inside the park. It looks like a food court, with various options for meals, snacks, and drinks.

If you're looking for something quick and filling, we recommend the buffet on the second floor. It has more variety, and you don't have to wait around for your food.

It could be quite crowded at lunchtime (10:30 am to 2 pm) in the peak season. Moreover, the food is overpriced but quite simple.

Therefore, a picnic lunch is helpful to avoid the long queues during peak season and guarantee a better food experience.

3. What Else Attractions or Activities to Combine with My Jiuzhaigou Tour?

For attractions, Huanglong is usually the top choice. Its terraced, colourful pools and golden waterfalls are unique and very different from Jiuzhaigou—equally stunning in their own way.

Huanglong

Alternatively, Songpan Ancient Town offers a great taste of local life. This multi-ethnic old town is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and trying regional dishes like yak barbecue and mushroom hotpot.

For activities, Jiuzhaigou sits in a Tibetan area, so you can add cultural experiences such as Tibetan home visits, horseback riding, incense making, or thangka painting to your trip.

How Many Days Are Needed?

For a time-smart itinerary, it would take one day to tour Jiuzhaigou.

Time is tight if you want to fully explore the park in a day. Therefore, you need to focus on the key highlights, take advantage of shuttle buses, and control your schedule well.

If you prefer a more relaxed and soothing pace or have a photography tour, 2 days are better. You could visit more spots, or you could do some hiking activities.

Here is a suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Jiuzhaigou arrival
• Day 2: Jiuzhaigou day tour with the three main valleys
• Day 3: A trip to Huanglong and departure

If you don't want to go to Huanglong, you could choose 2 days at a slower pace in Jiuzhaigou or head straight to the airport.

Our tours are customized. We would adjust or create an itinerary based on your requirements. Just contact us.

Best Times to Visit Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is beautiful in all four seasons. No matter which month you visit, you will be able to see stunning scenery. However, if you want to experience seasonal views, you could refer to our recommendations below.

• Peak Season (Apr 1 – Nov 15): For the best weather and scenery, aim for September to early November.
• Low Season (Nov 16 – Mar 31): Tickets are over 50% cheaper, and prices for transport, hotels, and tours are lower too.

Autumn (September to Early November): Top Recommendation

Temperature: Averaging 18°C (64°F) at its warmest, it falls to below 8°C (46°F) at night.

Autumn is the best time to see the colorful forest. You would see the whole valley turn into a sea of colors with the orange sumac, golden birch leaves, red maple trees, and dark red wild fruit.

The color changes of the autumn foliage are as follows: the deepest hues occur from late October to early November, with lighter hues showing from mid to late October, while the foliage begins to show its colors from late September to early October.

As autumn is the most beautiful time in Jiuzhaigou, it is the peak season. Hotels, flights, and English-speaking guides are in high demand. If you are going to visit Jiuzhaigou in fall, we recommend booking at least 2 months in advance. Taking some photos while visiting is a good option.

Spring (March to May): Budget-Friendly Time

Temperature: 9°C (48°F) to 18°C (64°F) in the day, dropping to 6°C (43°F) on average at night

Spring is the dry season (especially May and June), so some lakes may have lower water levels. However, most still hold a good amount of water and pleasant scenery. It's also less crowded, and hotel prices are lower, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.

In addition to enjoying the lake scenery, if you visit Jiuzhaigou from late March to late April, you could see the blooming peach blossoms.

Summer (June to August): Green Forest Summer Retreat

Temperature: 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) in the day, but about 10°C (50°F) at night

Jiuzhaigou in summer is greener, and the lakes are a deep, dark blue. In addition, it is also a summer resort to escape the summer heat.

Summer is the rainy season. You may have a higher chance of encountering rainy days. Although the scenery in Jiuzhaigou on rainy days is also quite beautiful, it still doesn't compare to the views on sunny days.

If you plan to visit Jiuzhaigou in the summer, you may need to pay more attention to the weather forecast and try to choose a sunny day for your trip.

Winter (November to February): A Snow-Covered World

Temperature: 0°C (32°F) or below

Jiuzhaigou may see its first snow in mid-to-late November, and occasional snow throughout the winter. It is the best time to see frozen waterfalls, especially the Pearl Shoal and Nuorilang waterfalls. The lakes on a clear day are even bluer against the surrounding snow.

Winter is the offseason, which means there would be fewer travelers, and you could enjoy favorable prices.

How to Get to Jiuzhaigou

Chengdu is the best gateway to Jiuzhaigou.

After arriving in Chengdu, you could take a flight or high-speed train journey to Jiuzhaigou.

How to Get to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu

You can get to Jiuzhaigou by bullet train or flight.

Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou

Bullet Train is the most popular way, with an easy check-in process.

The most recommended station is Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station. But during peak seasons, tickets may sell out quickly. In that case, you can consider arriving at nearby Songpan Station or Huangshengguan Station.

Friendly reminder, the roads to Jiuzhaigou are winding and mountainous. If you tend to get carsick, it's better to prepare some anti-motion-sickness pills or patches.

Flying is fast, but less recommended.

Once you factor in check-in, security, and waiting time, it takes about as long as the high-speed train. Moreover, off-season flights are also not daily.

Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou

Staying inside the park is not allowed. Therefore, we recommend staying near Jiuzhaigou. A 5-star hotel is better, as 3-star hotels or budget hostels offer low-quality service and lack air-conditioning.

Goukou Area (Pengfeng Village): Most Convenient

It's located near the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, about 10 minutes' drive.

You can find many hotels ranging from high-end to budget-friendly, such as Licheng Huating and Ji Hotel All Seasons. Some hotels are so close to Jiuzhaigou's entrance that you can even walk there.

Besides, this is the most convenient area for dining near Jiuzhaigou, with plenty of restaurants and craft shops open late into the night.

Jiuzhai Beautiful China Resort: Luxury Hotels

If you prefer international luxury, this resort area hosts many top-tier five-star hotels like Hilton, Conrad, and Indigo. There's a shuttle service directly to Jiuzhaigou's entrance, about 25 minutes.

Beyond comfortable stays, you'll find rich local experiences here, including heritage cultures, horseback riding, hiking, museums, and more. For families with kids or student groups, it's also a great choice for some fun and educational activities.

Will I Get Altitude Sickness in Jiuzhaigou?

For most travelers, altitude sickness is not a problem inside the valley. Most scenic spots in Jiuzhaigou are under 3,000 m (9,843 ft), with only Long Lake being situated at 3,101 m (10,174 ft).

However, in higher places like Long Lake within Jiuzhaigou (3,101 m /10,174 ft), Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (3,500 m /11,483 ft), and the nearby Huanglong Scenic Area (3,600 m/11,811 ft), you'd better prepare for possible altitude sickness before arriving.

While there, it's advisable not to do any really strenuous exercise or to drink wine. Keep warm and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Avoid taking a shower on your first night in Jiuzhaigou.

Vulnerability to altitude sickness varies from person to person, so it's advisable to consult your doctor prior to your trip.

Anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure should be particularly careful and take precautions when traveling to Jiuzhaigou. Also, a breathing condition, such as asthma or a cold, could make mild altitude sickness feel far worse.

Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours

Ready to explore Jiuzhaigou and beyond? Here are some of our most popular Jiuzhaigou tours. Or tell us your interests, and our travel adviser will create a tailor-made itinerary just for you.

• 8-Day Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou and Chongqing Tour
• 8-Day Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu, and Xi'an Tour
• 9-Day Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie Nature Tour