Jiuzhaigou

Introduction: A Fairyland on Earth

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, commonly known as Jiuzhaigou National Park, is a masterpiece of nature located in Jiuzhaigou County, within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. Situated approximately 400 kilometers from Chengdu, this vast reserve covers a total area of about 720 square kilometers. It is widely celebrated as a "Fairyland on Earth" and a "World of Fairy Tales" due to its dreamlike landscape of crystal-clear waters, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests.

Recognized for its outstanding universal value, Jiuzhaigou was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1992 and designated as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction in 2007. The park’s layout forms a "Y" shape consisting of three main valleys, where altitude ranges from 2,000 meters at the entrance to over 4,500 meters at the summits. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a family traveler, or a nature lover, Jiuzhaigou offers a healing journey that washes away the dust of the mortal world.

The King of Water Scenery

1.The essence of: Jiuzhaigou lies in its water. Known as the "King of Water Scenery," the park is famous for the saying, "No need to see other water after returning from Jiuzhaigou". The valley is home to 108 high-altitude lakes, locally called "Haizi" (Sons of the Sea), which are renowned for their vibrant colors. These calcified lakes act as natural mirrors, reflecting the surrounding snow peaks and colorful forests to create a surreal visual experience.

• 2.Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai): Located in the Rize Valley, this lake is considered the pride of Jiuzhaigou. Often described as a natural palette, its waters display a breathtaking spectrum of blue, green, orange, and red due to the mineral-rich calcium carbonate deposits on the lakebed,.
• 3.Nuorilang Waterfall: As one of the widest calcified waterfalls in China, Nuorilang spans 270 meters and stands over 20 meters high. In autumn, the water volume is abundant, resembling a silver galaxy pouring down with a thunderous roar that can be heard from afar,.
• 4.The Five Color Pond: Located at the end of the Zechawa Valley, this is the smallest but most colorful lake in the park. Its waters shimmer with mysterious blues and greens, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape.
• 5.Pearl Shoal & Mirror Lake: Pearl Shoal is famous for its rushing water that strikes the rocks like splashing pearls—a scene immortalized in the TV series Journey to the West. Meanwhile, Mirror Lake is known for its flawless reflections of the sky and forest when the water is calm in the early morning.

History and Cultural Heritage

The name "Jiuzhaigou" translates to "Nine Village Valley," derived from the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the scenic area. For centuries, the local Tibetan and Qiang people lived a secluded life of farming and herding here, protecting the land they considered sacred. Legends say that the Great Yu (Dayu) once passed through here while taming the floods, and the lakes are often viewed as divine mirrors or gifts from the gods.

Historically, the valley remained a hidden secret until it was discovered by a Chinese Academy of Sciences expedition in the 1970s. It officially opened to tourism in 1984. In 2017, a major earthquake struck the region, causing significant damage to the landscape. However, after two years of restoration, the park partially reopened in 2019 and fully recovered by 2021, showcasing nature's resilience and the wisdom of ecological conservation. Today, visitors can still experience authentic local culture, from the colorful prayer flags and Mani stones to the vibrant Guozhuang dances and festivals held by the villagers.