Jiuzhaigou, located in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a renowned tourist destination famous for its "six wonders": emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, Tibetan culture, and blue ice. Here are the main attractions in Jiuzhaigou:

Main History
Known as “Jade Seas” in ancient times, Jiuzhaigou became a nature reserve in 1978, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1992, and Jiuzhaigou County was officially established in 1998. Today it is hailed as a “fairy-tale world” and “fairyland on earth”.

Latitude & Longitude
County centre: 33°16′ N, 103°54′ E
Core scenic area: ~33°05′ N, 103°55′ E

Total Area
5,290 km² (of which Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve covers 643 km²).

Permanent Resident Population
≈ 67,000 (2023, county-wide).

Airport
1 civil airport: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH), 88 km from the valley entrance.

Railway Stations
None within the county.
Nearest station: Songpan Station (Chuan-Qing Railway, opened 2024), ~120 km away.

Metro Opening & Network
No metro. Inside the park only eco-friendly shuttle buses and board-walks are used.

Geographic Position in China
Northern Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, bordering Gansu, ~430 km from Chengdu.

Geographic Features
High-mountain, deeply incised valley terrain; elevation 1,999–4,764 m. 108 travertine lakes, 17 waterfalls and >60 % primary forest coverage.

Climate Characteristics
Plateau sub-frigid humid climate with marked vertical zones: four seasons, cool summers, large day–night temperature differences.

Months of the Four Seasons
Spring: April–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–October
Winter: November–March

Annual Average Temperature
≈ 8.2 °C.

Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 762 mm, concentrated May–October.

Best Times to Visit
Year-round highlights: spring flowers, summer coolness, autumn colours, winter icefalls. September–October offers the most vibrant foliage.

Peak Tourist Seasons
April–May (spring blossoms), July–August (summer escape), September–October (Golden Week + autumn colours).

Major Scenic Spots
Nuorilang Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, Long Lake, Panda Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, Virgin Forest Hiking Area.

Main Shopping Streets
Zhangzha Town Entrance Commercial Street (Pengfeng Village, Zhangzha Town, 1 km from park gate) and Jiuzhaigou County New District Pedestrian Street.

Signature Local Foods
Yak jerky, highland-barley wine, butter tea, Tibetan tsampa, pickled-cabbage noodle pieces, Jiuzhaigou cold-water fish.

Shuzheng Valley

• Shuzheng Lakes: Comprising over twenty lakes of varying sizes, these lakes are arranged in a terraced formation and are one of the most representative features of Jiuzhaigou. The crystal-clear waters display a spectrum of colors, and the surrounding trees and reeds sway gently in the breeze, creating a picturesque scene.

• Shuzheng Waterfall: Located upstream of the Shuzheng Lakes, this waterfall cascades down from a height, forming an impressive curtain of water.
• Nuorilang Waterfall: The widest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou, Nuorilang Waterfall is a spectacular sight as water plunges from a great height, resembling a river of stars.

Rize Valley

• Pearl Shoal: Known for its clear waters and the myriad of tiny water droplets that cover the riverbed, it sparkles like pearls under the sunlight.
• Pearl Shoal Waterfall: Water flows over the cliff at Pearl Shoal, creating a crescent-shaped waterfall that is incredibly enchanting.

• Five Flower Lake: Referred to as the "essence of Jiuzhaigou" and a "wonder of Jiuzhaigou," this lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant colors, making it one of the most iconic lakes in the area.

Zechawa Valley

• Changhai (Long Lake): The largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, Changhai features azure waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering a serene and majestic landscape.
• Five Color Pond: Although small in size, this pond is the most colorful, with clear waters revealing a dazzling array of colors from the rocks and plants at the bottom under the sunlight.

Other Attractions

• Rhino Lake: With its expansive lake surface and clear waters, it is surrounded by reeds and forests, creating a beautiful setting.
• Sparkling Lake: Named for the way sunlight reflects off the rippling waters, creating a sparkling effect like sparks.
• Sleeping Dragon Lake: The lake resembles a sapphire, with a yellowish calcareous ridge at the bottom that looks like a giant dragon lying in the water.

Jiuzhaigou's unique and enchanting natural landscapes vary with the seasons, making it a paradise for photographers and tourists alike. Whether strolling along the clear lakes or admiring the spectacular waterfalls, Jiuzhaigou leaves an unforgettable impression on visitors.

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