Weather: January is quite cold. Average daily low and high temperatures are a chilly -6 °C (21 °F) and 7 °C (45 °F). There is about 8 mm of total snow each January, and it snows on about 5 days of the month. You'll be more comfortable on sunny days when the temperature increases to 7 °C or 8 °C (47 °F). The freezing weather closes several mountain passes.
Clothing: Pay special attention to protecting yourself against the cold. Wear sweaters and trousers with a thick overcoat or down clothing when going outside. The scenery is usually snowy, so remember to bring a pair of snow glasses to protect your eyes and shoes with good traction.
Altitude Sickness: Most visitors suffer from it. Jiuzhaigou Airport is at 3,500 meters altitude. The area of the park that most tourists visit lies between 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) at the entrance to about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). This is quite high. Most people will get altitude sickness the first day or two. Most people find that the low temperatures and high altitudes make a long walk difficult. The altitude sickness varies from person to person, so it is suggested that you consult your doctor. Visitors with heart disease and high blood pressure should take precautions when traveling there.
Things to Do
Nuorilang Waterfall: The waterfall is in Shuzheng Valley. It is considered the most beautiful waterfall in Jiuzhai Valley National Park, and it is the widest waterfall (300 meters wide). In winter it is a spectacular frozen waterfall that hangs on the rocks. You can also see the frozen ponds. But be careful lest you slip!
Jiuzhai Valley's scenery in winterLow Season
January is in the middle of low season for visitors. The snow is quite charming this month, but the leaves are off most of the trees except the evergreens.
Due to the cold weather, tickets to scenic spots are cheaper. Many areas like Huanglong and other valleys are considered too cold for visitors and access may be difficult. Check hotel rooms carefully since hot water supply is limited, or let us arrange accommodation for you.
Chinese New Year - Crowded
Chinese New Year Chinese New Year usually falls in February, though in a third of the years, it falls in January. It is the biggest Chinese holiday season and most people get about a week off.
You might want to avoid the crowds at Jiuzhai Valley National Park during the Spring Festival holidays and see the winter scenery on other days. But if you go to the region during the holidays, you might have fun with fireworks, enjoy the holiday food, buy souvenirs, and experience the customs.
Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours
If you're interested in visiting the fairyland in person, why not browse our popular tours below for inspiration?
- 5-Day Fairyland Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
- 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhai Valley Fairyland Tour
- More Jiuzhai Valley tours
Jiuzhaigou Climate Information 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