Jiuzhaigou in Aba, Sichuan, is famous for its "five wonders" - turquoise lakes, waterfalls, autumn forest, snowy peaks and Tibetan culture - and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights: Five Flower Lake (richest colours), Long Lake (largest), Five Colour Pond (smallest but loveliest), Nuorilang Falls (widest), Shuzheng lakes.
Getting around: sightseeing buses are mandatory, covering the Rize, Zechawa and Shuzheng valleys; one day covers the main sights - enter at 8am.
Best time: mid-to-late October for autumn colours; April-June for full water; winter is snowy and serene.
Practical: ticket + bus about RMB 280; altitude 2,000-3,100m - watch for altitude sickness; stay at the valley entrance.
Note: drones are banned and stay on the boardwalks; book tickets online and expect queues in peak season.
