Located in the north of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou County (previously known as Nanping County until being renamed in 1998) is part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Since the opening of the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area in 1984, visitors have flocked to the region year by year, and the prosperous tourist industry now accounts for a large proportion of local revenue.
Lying on the highest tableland in the world between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Jiuzhaigou Valley covers altitudes ranging from 2,000 meters (656,168 feet) to about 4,300 meters (14,107,612 feet). With its large number of lake groups, waterfalls and rich variety of endangered plants and fauna, Jiuzhaigou was awarded the status of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and was also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The reserve has received a string of other titles including that of a National Geological Park, a AAAA Class Scenic Spot in China and a Green Globe 21.
With some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery on earth and some of the reserves scenic spots considered holy by the local Tibetan and Qiang people, it is no wonder a number of mysterious legends surround the wonderful landscape of Jiuzhaigou. Many people are drawn to the area for these reasons, and with the park open all year round the authorities have ensured that the fragile environment is sufficiently protected with a range of comprehensive tourist facilities.
In previous years it had been difficult for visitors to get to Jiuzhaigou due to its isolated location, however this is no longer a concern due to the construction of the Jiuzhaigou Ring Way which links the reserve with Chengdu and the Jiuhuang Airport, and has made gaining access to the park a great deal easier. Today most visitors transfer at Chengdu onto long-distance buses or flights going to Jiuzhaigou. The route on the ring way passes through a number of attractions and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, providing many a distraction for anyone making the journey. The route offers opportunities to enjoy the great Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, the beautiful Mt.Siguniangshan (Four Maiden's Mountain) Scenic Area and another of the world's most naturally stunning locations - the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area.
Historically, Jiuzhaigou has been home to small population of Tibetan and Qing people, and provides a good opportunity to get to know more about the locals' unique life and culture. The highlight of any trip to these areas are special performances laid on by the Tibetan and Qiang people which are also a popular form of nightlife in Jiuzhaigou. Moreover, trying some of the typical local foods and picking up a number of the reasonably-priced, locally-produced goods of the Tibetan and Qiang groups are something of a must on your trip.
Jiuzhaigou has been blessed with some of the most captivating landscapes on earth and words simply do not do it justice, and so you are encouraged to visit at the earliest opportunity.
Recommended Tour including the visit to Jiuzhaigou:
Fairyland Jiuzhaigou: 14 days tour of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Mt. Emei, Lijiang, Dali
Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou Tour: 6 days itinerary of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Dujiangyan More Jiuzhaigou Tour Information:
Hiking Tours: Information about hiking in Jiuzhaigou for your reference
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Travelers' Voices on Jiuzhaigou
1.
Nov. 15,2009 07:55 Reply
Ms.lyn(singapore) said:
Hi,
would be in Chendu/JZG from 23Dec to 30Dec for a X'mas holiday.
We are travelling with 2 kids between 4 and 6 years old.Will the
high altitude affect them? Do they have to take tablets for high
altitude and are the tablets suitable for them?
2.
Nov. 11,2009 13:35 Reply
Mr.Feng(USA ) said:
Greetings. A long distance journey to see the beauty at the Huang Long/Jiuzhaigou, how many nights to stay would be an important issue. In the Spring of 2010, we schedule to arrive HuangLong Airport around 11:00 am on Day-1, visit HuangLong right away and then to JZG hotel on same day. How many hours would be proper for us to stay in HuangLong, 4 hours? What time of the day will be getting dark? Does late evening drive to JZG would be problem due to mountain road? Stay in JZG hotel for total of 2 nights adequate? We plan to leave for Cheng Du on Day-3 afternoon. Thanks.
Nov. 15,2009 01:32
Mr.Sandy replied:
3 or 4 hours are enough to stay in Huanglong and it is about three hour from Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou by bus. It is getting dark at about 6pm. It is okay to drive at evening, better to leave earlier. For the journey is not short and a bit slower for driving at night. You can finishing seeing Huanglong at 4pm and then just take the car to Jiuzhaigou directly. Two nights in Jiuzhaigou are enough.
3.
Nov. 9,2009 02:50 Reply
Ms.Limfc(Malaysia) said:
Hi, I planning to travel to JuiZhaiGou in 13 March 2010, is the weather still cooling or starting to go into summer? How far from JuiZhaiGou to Hualong by cab? What is the interesting place to see in Hualong? Spending 2 nights in JuiZhaiGou is it enough to visit all the scenery place or should stay for 3 nights.
Nov. 10,2009 14:50
Mr.DOMINICKAM(Singapore) replied:
It's high up in the mountain, it will still be cold in the summer. But Jiuzhaigou is beauty in different seasons, if you want to experience the full beauty. you may need to visit the place in 4 different season.
It is extremely far from Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou, 4 hours of ride. The cab will be too happy to take you, pls don't take a cab, arrange a package will be better and cost saving.
There are 2 5-star hotels there, Inter-Con and Sheraton. Sheraton is walking distance from the entrance to Jiuzhaigou, but there are plenty 3 and 4 stars hotel there. just to remind that the star is one less down compare to city hotels.
2 full days are just fine at Jiuzhaigou, first day travel by bus from spot to spot and take some pictures. 2nd day if you're not tired go for a walk, you will lose plenty of weight.
at Huanglong, due to the high region. you may suffer some high altitude sickness, e.g: lack of breathe, ggiddiness. Just take plenty of rest there
4.
Nov. 7,2009 02:29 Reply
Mr.Dominic(Singapore) said:
Of the many places i have travelled, this is one places you could not use words or pictures posted to describe it's beauty.
Pictures could only give you one dimension of it's image, being there nothing could descibe the experience of being surrounded by amazing sceneries.
Don't attempt to travel by pay per travel, it's not worthwhile. I recommend packages that includes: return air tickets bus pickup & transport accomodation (with breakfast) tickets, it's cheaper that way! and please don't expect great food there.
1 Full day on Huanglong, and 2 full days at JiuZhaiGou.
5.
Oct. 31,2009 00:59 Reply
Mr.Michael(Australia) said:
We need to get from Xi'an to Jiuzhaigou in early november. Is it possible to get a train from Xi'an to Guangyuan and then a bus to Jiuzhaigou? Is that a good way?
Nov. 5,2009 22:39
Mr.Leo replied:
Yes, there are train from Xi'an to Guangyuan. But, there is only one or a few buses to Jiuzhaigou from Guangyuan, so it is suggested that you transfer at Chengdu. And, the road situation from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou is much better.
6.
Nov. 5,2009 18:38 Reply
Mr.Peter(Singapore) said:
Is there a bus transport from Juzhaigou to Huanglong and back in December week of 22-25?
Nov. 5,2009 20:07
Ms.Lake replied:
Yes, there is a caoch departing to Huanglong from Jiuzhaigou and then return in the afternoon. Usually, these hotels in Jiuzhaihou could help their guests to book the tickets. However, it is suggested that you rent a cab (by yourself or shar with others) driving to Huanglong for one-day's trip. This method is more popular in travelers.
7.
Nov. 4,2009 06:48 Reply
Mr.Li(Hong Kong) said:
Photos taken from Oct 23 to 25, 2009:
http://meocre.smugmug.com/China/Jiu-Zhai-Guo-at-Fall/10203111_NS797#703021906_CQUGv
Jiuzhaigou at its best.
8.
Oct. 30,2009 21:33 Reply
Mrs.Alice(USA) said:
My husband is there now (October 26-Oct 31st, 2009) and he said it is perfect timing. Because the season is unusually late this year (usually best colors at the beginning of October) and that may be the reason for virtually no visitors. From all of his readings, there usually is a huge crowd to visit this area this time of year but this year, there is almost no one.
The colors in the pictures he sent me are unbelievable.
9.
Oct. 27,2009 20:37 Reply
Ms.Katherine(Australia ) said:
What is the best way to get from Xi'an to Jiuzhaigou in November? Will the roads be closed because of snow?
Oct. 27,2009 21:11
Mr.Leo replied:
In Nov, there will be no direct transport between Xi'an and Jiuzhaigou. So, you have to take a train or a flight to arrive in Chengdu firstly. Afterwards, you could use a bus or a flight from Chengdu to get to Jiuzhaigou. Since the road from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou has been damaged partially, you'd better take a flight for the journey. BTW, you don't have to worry about the snow, too.
Oct. 27,2009 22:27
Ms.Katherine(Australia) replied:
Thank you Mr Leo. What about getting a train from Xi'an to Guangyuan and then a bus to Jiuzhaigou? Is that a good way?
10.
Oct. 24,2009 00:27 Reply
Mr.serlina(singapore) said:
In December, what can we see in jiuzhaiguo? is it advisable to go?
Oct. 26,2009 02:18
Mr.Jamie replied:
You can see Jiuzhaigou covered with snow. Personally, I do not recommend to go in Dec.