Weather: The temperature increases greatly in May. Average daily low and high temperatures are 9 °C (48 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F) in May. There is about 76 mm of total rainfall each May, and precipitation falls on about 18 days of the month.
Despite the temperature increase, great temperature differences remain between day and night, valley and mountainside. The UV Index is extreme.
Clothing: It is a good idea to wear a long sleeve shirt to protect against sunburn, but it will probably be warm enough for a T-shirt during the daytime. Check the weather report, and bring rain gear if it looks like it might rain. Wear a jacket or a coat to stay warm at night and in the early morning. Since the paths might be slick, it is important to wear good non-skid shoes.
Altitude Sickness: The airport is at 3,500 meters, and the most visited area of the park lies between 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) and 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Most people will get altitude sickness in the first day or two. Since walking uphill is difficult at this altitude, you can ride to the points you want to see and then walk downhill. Take precautions if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
Things to Do
Five-Colored Lake in Zechawa ValleyVisit Zechawa Valley: Zechawa Valley is the upper left fork of the Y-shaped Jiuzhai Valley National Park. If you have time after hiking down Rize Valley, you might enjoy seeing some of the attractions in Zechawa Valley. Starting from beautiful Long Lake, you can see Five-Colored Lake and continue hiking downwards. You can catch a park bus any time if you get tired.
Hike in Huanglong Scenic Area: Huanglong is another national park that is a UNESCO Heritage site and nature preserve. It is only 50 km south geographicallly, but over 100 km away by circuitous mountain roads. It is a kilometer higher than Jiuzhai Valley, and temperatures dip below freezing during the night. But during the day, the weather is comfortable for hiking.
Shoulder Season
Colorful lakes in Huanglong Scenic AreaMay is a moderately high tourist month, so hotel room rates are higher. The prices for flights and train tickets are higher. However, the busy tourist season starts in the fall, so you can enjoy the area while there are less crowds. Many hotel rooms in the area don't get hot water, so check that beforehand, or let us book accommodations for you.
However, expect bigger crowds during the week around the May 1 holidays. It is one of China's main vacation periods. It might be better to avoid the park till later in May.
Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours
If you're interested in visiting the fairyland in person, why not browse our popular tours below for inspiration?
Jiuzhai Valley's scenery- 2-Day Peak Season Deal for Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong
- 5-Day Fairyland Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
- 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