Jiuzhaigou is in northern Sichuan, named after nine Tibetan villages in the valley. It has China's most beautiful water scenery, called "fairyland on earth." Jiuzhaigou has over 100 "haizi" (alpine lakes), each a different color—blue, green, cyan, crystal clear, you can see dead trees several meters below.
The best season for Jiuzhaigou is autumn (mid-October to early November). Mountain leaves turn yellow, red, orange, reflected in the sapphire lakes, like an oil painting. This season is also the most crowded—book hotels and tickets in advance. If you want it quieter, spring or summer are also great—fewer people, water is still blue.
Jiuzhaigou has three main valleys: Shuzheng, Rize, and Zezhawa. We recommend taking the sightseeing bus from the innermost point outward, so you don't backtrack. Rize Valley is the essence—Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, all Jiuzhaigou's signature sights. Shuzheng Valley has Shuzheng Lakes and Nuorilang Waterfall. Zezhawa Valley has Long Lake and Five Color Pond.
After Jiuzhaigou, you can also visit nearby Huanglong. Huanglong's travertine pools are different from Jiuzhaigou's water—layered like terraces, like a heavenly pool on earth. Huanglong is higher altitude, walk slowly, don't run.
Jiuzhaigou is 2,000-3,000m altitude. On your first day, don't exercise strenuously, drink lots of water. Big temperature difference between morning and evening—bring a thick jacket. Food in the park is expensive—bring some snacks. Budget: about 2,000-2,500 RMB per person (tickets + accommodation + food + transport).
