Shuzheng

1.Introduction: The Pearl Necklace of Jiuzhaigou

2.Shuzheng Lakes: Group (Shuzheng Qunhai), located in the lower section of the Shuzheng Valley, is widely celebrated as the "Pearl Necklace of Jiuzhaigou". As the main entrance landscape to the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, it offers the most extensive and representative view of the park's famous stepped lakes. Spanning a total length of approximately 6 kilometers at an altitude between 2,200 and 2,400 meters, this area is composed of 19 individual alpine lakes (Haizi) of varying sizes, ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of square meters.

These lakes are formed by unique calcified dikes that act as natural dams. The water spills over these natural barriers, flowing from one lake to the next in a gentle, rhythmic cascade, creating a landscape that is both dynamic and serene. As part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Shuzheng Lakes Group is considered the "water scenery masterpiece" of the region, sharing the global fame of Jiuzhaigou.

3.The Landscape: A World of Stepped Lakes

4.What makes Shuzheng Lakes: Group unique is its terraced formation. It is the largest and most typical cluster of calcified lakes in the park. The 19 lakes are arranged like a staircase; the crystal-clear water filters through the trees and bushes growing directly on the calcified dikes, creating a harmonious blend of water and vegetation.

The colors of the water shift mesmerizingly from shallow emerald greens to deep sapphire blues, depending on the depth and the sunlight. Visitors have two primary ways to appreciate this wonder:

• 5.From Above: Riding the park's sightseeing bus offers a panoramic aerial view, where the lakes look like a string of sparkling emeralds dropped into the valley.
• 6.Close Up: Walking along the wooden boardwalks allows travelers to see the details of the water rushing over the dikes and hear the soothing sound of the streams. This area is known for being the most "gentle" and layered water scenery in the park, distinct from the dramatic waterfalls found elsewhere.

Cultural Significance: The Eyes of the Gods

7.The Shuzheng: Lakes are not just a geological wonder; they are deeply tied to the spiritual life of the local Tibetan population. In the Tibetan language, "Shuzheng" implies "lakes strung together by gods". Legend has it that when Da Yu (a mythical Chinese ruler) was taming the floods, divine spirits turned into these 19 lakes to channel the waters, creating the calcified dikes that have stood for millennia to protect the villages below.

Locally, the lakes are revered as the "Eyes of the Gods," capable of reflecting the purity of the human heart. The nearby Shuzheng Village, one of the original nine stockaded villages of the valley, maintains strong cultural traditions. During Tibetan festivals, villagers perform Guozhuang dances and offer Hada (ceremonial scarves) by the lakes to pray for good weather and harvest. Visitors can often see prayer wheels and Mani stones near the water, adding a profound layer of cultural history to the natural beauty.

Seasonal Beauty and Restoration

8.Shuzheng Lakes: Group offers distinct beauty across the seasons:

• 9.Autumn (September to November): This is the most spectacular time to visit. The surrounding forests turn into a riot of gold, orange, and red, reflecting perfectly onto the mirror-like surface of the lakes, creating an oil-painting effect.
• 10.Winter: The waterfalls and lake edges freeze into crystalline ice sculptures, and the "ice waterfalls" hanging from the dikes refract sunlight in dazzling colors, transforming the valley into a winter fairyland.
• 11.Spring and Summer: The water levels are high, and the lush greenery surrounding the lakes provides a cool, refreshing retreat.

It is also worth noting the resilience of this landscape. Following the 2017 earthquake, the lakes suffered from siltation. However, through ecological restoration and natural recovery, the calcification process has reactivated, and the waters have returned to their legendary clarity, showcasing the incredible self-healing power of nature.