Jiuzhaigou Weather in December: Best for Icy Waterfall and Snow Views

Weather: December is one of the coldest months in Jiuzhaigou, with average temperatures between -3°C (27°F) and 9°C (48°F). Occasionally, it can drop to as low as -15°C (5°F). Most days are sunny, and there are about 4–5 days of snowfall during the month.

When the sun is out, it feels milder. For example, even at -6°C (21°F), you can feel like 5–6°C (41-43°F) under the sun. But mornings and evenings are still very cold, so remember to keep warm.

Clothing Tips: Dress very warmly. Wear a thick down jacket with thermal layers like a cashmere sweater and pants. Don't forget slip-resistant boots, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

Is It Advisable to Visit Jiuzhaigou in December?

If you enjoy snowy landscapes, don't mind the winter chill, and prefer fewer crowds with better value, December is a great time to visit Jiuzhaigou. Tickets, hotels, and flights are about half price, and with some luck, you'll catch icy and snowy scenery that you won't see in other seasons.

December might not be for everyone, such as if you don't like cold weather and withered forests. When there's no snow, the landscape can look rather bare.

Especially if you're traveling with seniors, some boardwalks can get icy and slippery, so extra care is needed for those with limited mobility.

December Visiting Tips:

Enter the park after 8:30 am when the sun is out. The lakes will also look prettier, and it won't feel as cold.

Choose a 4- or 5-star hotel with floor heating for a more comfortable stay. If you're not familiar with Jiuzhaigou's hotels, feel free to reach out to us for recommendations.

What's the Scenery Like in Jiuzhaigou in December?

In December, Jiuzhaigou has two distinct looks—one when it's snowy and one when it's not.

When it snows, the scenery is stunning. The landscape is covered in white, with turquoise lakes scattered throughout. It's a rare winter wonderland, but snow in December only happens about five days, so seeing it depends on luck.

Five Flower Lake in the snow

When there's no snow, the forest looks rather ordinary (mostly bare trees). You will still spot some lakes with patches of snow or thin ice, and waterfalls partially frozen. Most of the time in December, this is the kind of scenery you'll see in Jiuzhaigou.

Five Flower Lake without the snow

Where to See Jiuzhaigou's Snow Views in December?

Jiuzhaigou's trails form a Y-shape with three main routes. In winter, the most stunning snow views are found on the two upper branches, Zechawa Valley and Rize Valley. The higher altitude keeps temperatures lower, so snow lasts longer and you're more likely to see it there.

Zechawa Valley (Left Line)

Snow view route: Long Lake→Five-Colored Pool

Long Lake doesn't freeze in December. It usually starts icing over in January. But when it snows, the lake and surrounding forest give a magical, icy canyon feel.

Long Lake

Five-Color Pool still has plenty of water in December, and its colors remain vibrant regardless of sunlight. You'll see the colors stand out even more against a snowy backdrop.

Five-Color Pool

Things you need to know:

With Long Lake at a higher altitude (3,060m), you may feel your heart rate increase or your face flush. So after getting off the sightseeing bus, walk slowly and don't rush.

The 1,050m walk from Long Lake to Five-Color Pond takes about 20–30 minutes. The path is covered with anti-slip mats in winter, so it's safe for you to walk.

Rize Valley (Right Line)

Snow view route: Arrow Bamboo Lake→Panda Lake→Five Flower Lake→Pearl Shoal Waterfall→Mirror Lake

The upper part of Arrow Bamboo Lake has some frozen mudflats, while the lower part remains flowing water. Walking down the boardwalk to Arrow Bamboo Lake Waterfall, you'll see a charming mix of flowing water and ice at the small waterfall.

Arrow Bamboo Lake Ice waterfall

Panda Lake is the only lake in Jiuzhaigou that freezes in December. You'll see most of its surface is covered with a thin layer of ice, while small sections remain unfrozen with green water.

Jiuzhaigou Panda Lake

As you climb the steps toward Panda Lake, the ice waterfall is just on your right in the distance. It's the bluest of all the frozen waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou.

Five Flower Lake is a must-visit in Jiuzhaigou. Although in December the forests are withered, it doesn't affect the beauty of the lake. From different angles, you'll see blue and green colors existing together in this lake.

If you visit around 9–10 a.m., you'll catch the winter morning mist hovering over the lake. By noon, when the sun is out, Five-Color Lake sparkles with a shimmer like peacock feathers.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall is one of Jiuzhaigou's large waterfalls that tends to freeze quite a bit in December. You can get up close to admire and photograph it. In this month, it's usually half frozen, half flowing.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall

Mirror Lake is the best spot for photographing snow-covered reflections. Compared to snowy days, it's ideal to visit after a snowfall on a clear day. With no wind, you can enjoy and capture the calmest lake surface reflecting the icy forests.

Mirror Lake

Jiuzhaigou December Visiting FAQs

1. Are there still frequent bullet trains from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou in December?

Even in the low season, there are still more than 10 daily high-speed trains from Chengdu to Huanglong–Jiuzhai Station, so you don't need to worry. Plus, with fewer tourists around, it's easier to get tickets.

2. Is Huanglong worth visiting in December?

Huanglong in winter

If you plan to spend 2–3 days in Jiuzhaigou and want to see the partially frozen terraced pond, you can include a visit to Huanglong. But there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting in December:

• It's colder, with daytime temperatures often around 0°C or below.
• Higher altitude (3,576m) than Jiuzhaigou, so altitude effects are more likely
• The cable car undergoes maintenance for about 25 days, so you'll need to hike up and down (around 7 hours round trip) during this period.
• Limited scenery. Aside from the Five-Color Pond at the top, other views are not very impressive.

So if you decide to visit Huanglong in December, it's best to avoid the cable car maintenance period (usually back in service by the end of the month). Otherwise, the hike can be tiring, and there's less to see along the way.

3. Is altitude sickness more common in winter?

Winter is cold and the sparse vegetation means oxygen levels are slightly lower, which can make altitude sickness more likely, especially at places like Long Lake (3,060m) or on certain sections of the road entering the park (up to 3,500m).

Overall, however, it's still uncommon since most of Jiuzhaigou sits between 2,000–3,000 meters. If you feel strong effects on the way to Jiuzhaigou, you can skip visiting Long Lake later.

Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours

If you're interested in visiting the fairyland in person, why not browse our popular tours below for inspiration?

• 4-Day Fairyland Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
• 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhai Valley Fairyland Tour
• More Jiuzhai Valley tours

Jiuzhaigou Weather by Month

• Jiuzhaigou Weather in January
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in February
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in March
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in April
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in May
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in June
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in July
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in August
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in September
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in October
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in November
• Jiuzhaigou Weather in December