Updated (6/6): Planning a trip to Jiuzhaigou? Check out my Jiuzhaigou travel guide for more information.
The highlight of my trip to Sichuan last week was, hands down, Jiuzhaigou National Park. Rather than try to describe this beautiful place, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
Tips for making the most of your visit:
- Do the west fork first: The west fork (Primeval Forest, Mirror Lake, Panda Lake, etc.) has much more to see than the eastern fork (Long Lake). Take your time wandering down the west fork in the morning, when you have the most energy, and then use the afternoon to see Long Lake and the parks closer to the entrance.
- Ride the bus up, then walk down: The lakes and forest areas are very scattered, so no matter what, you will need to use the bus system. Rather than getting off at the first stop after you leave the ticket office, ride the bus all the way to the “Primeval Forest.” From there, you can either walk or take the bus down to the Jianzhu Lake. A walking path begins at Jianzhu Lake and continues all the way down the western fork. It is on the opposite side of the lakes from the road, so you can experience Jiuzhaigou free from exhaust fumes and tour groups (most of whom stick to the bus route).
- Don’t miss the early lakes: In the morning, you’ll zip by the lakes near the entrance as you head up into the mountains. But don’t overlook them — they are beautiful, too. Leave a few hours in the afternoon to meander along the valley floor as you make your way back to the entrance/exit.
- Pack snacks: There is only one restaurant in the park, so unless you want to carve time in your itinerary to go find it, you’ll be eating a picnic anyway. Bringing snacks with you is cheaper and gives you more flexibility to eat when and where you want. Pavilions scattered along the main walking path offer tables and shade.
- Stay another day: Getting to Jiuzhaigou is either arduous (by bus) or expensive (by plane). Extend your stay in northern Sichuan by visiting the nearby Huanglong National Park, Songpan or by doing a Tibetan homestay near Jiuzhaigou. About which, more on Wednesday!
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks lovely, tranquil, peaceful. Thanks for sharing!
Jiuzhaigou was definitely the best trip during 4 years in China. Just wish it didn’t include an 11-hour bus ride from Chengdu. Did you stay in the park?
Yeah, the bus ride was killer. We actually didn’t stay in the park, but the next day we did a homestay in another village nearby.
Hi Jess,
Your pics look amazing. We are definitely including Jiuzhiagou to in our trip? Can you stay in the park?
I just found out that you can, actually! A two-night ecotourism stay that takes you to places outside of the main sightseeing area costs ~760 RMB per person. For info, e-mail ecotourism@jiuzhai.com. I’ve also heard about some illegal homestays within the park, but I don’t know the details.
Thanks Jess
hi, Jess…
i wil go chengdu next month, i would like visit er mei shan also.. i read that u stay at Huayanding Temple,ist near the top of mountain? because i check that only have a jinding hotel there, but costly too high for us. where is the location for Huayanding Temple. how to stay it? ist need booking 1st?
we also will visit jiuzhaigou. did we need online purchase park ticket?
THe Huyanding Temple was about halfway (time-wise — the first half is much harder) between the Wannian Temple and the Leidongping Bus station. We did not book in advance — pretty much just showed up and were the only guests there. I don’t believe you need to purchase the Jiuzhaigou park tickets in advance.