Jiuzhaigou is located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. The scenic area consists of four scenic routes: Shuzheng Gou, Zechawa Gou, Rize Gou, and Zaru Gou. It is named “Jiuzhaigou” because there are nine villages where Tibetans have lived for generations. Jiuzhaigou is a World Natural Heritage Site and a National Key Scenic Spot, known as the “Wonderland on Earth” and the “Fairytale World” due to its lush landscapes and magnificent scenery.
Autumn is when Jiuzhaigou is at its most gorgeous, and I came to visit with the mood to catch a glimpse of it. The first thing that caught my eye was the Sparkling Sea, an attraction in Shuzheng Gully.
The blue water surface is as flat as a mirror, and the lake is covered in various colours of emerald green, like a piece of crystal clear emerald. The breeze swept by, creating light ripples that make the surface of the water sparkle like stars.
The Wolong sea water surface is calm and blue, with a milky white calcified embankment under the lake surface – it looks like a giant dragon lying at the bottom of the lake, extremely lifelike. The lake is surrounded by red leaves and green trees, and autumn is in full bloom.
The Shuzheng group of sea forests, lakes, and small waterfalls are connected, with trees in the water and water flowing between them. People walk here and feel as though they are in a hundred miles of paintings.
The Shuzheng waterfalls are filled with numerous waterfalls, countless trees and shrubs. They proudly stand between the waterfalls, with the sound of water gurgling and the green trees and flow reflecting like a dream. Next, I came to Changhai, the attraction of Zechawa Gully.
This is the highest altitude and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. The snow-capped peaks are next to Changhai and the surrounding forest is green. The water is blue and far-reaching. Standing on the observation deck and looking at the peaks, the white clouds floating in the mountains, it’s as if I have come to heavenly fairyland.
The colourful pool is crystal clear, due to the colour difference of the sediment at the bottom of the pool and the different colours of the plants around the pool. The lake looks colourful.
The Jubao Lou Tibetan Inn embodies a strong traditional Tibetan architectural style – simple and rugged, with rich details. After a few moments of rest at the inn, take the car to the Rizegou attraction – the primitive forest.
Here, the cloudy, fresh air is a veritable “natural oxygen bar”. Forest trees cover the sky, vines across; the ground is covered with thick moss. The wind blowing through the leaves rustles, and squirrels are looking for tourists to ask for food. Full of the atmosphere of primitive life, it is refreshing and relaxing.
Along the Rize ditch stream downhill, the water flow is cheerful, and trees lie between the water, making people more cheerful too.
The Arrow Bamboo Sea is surrounded by arrow bamboo, cedar trees and blue water.
It is said that the pandas of Jiuzhaigou like to come here to roam, drink water and forage for food, hence the name Panda Sea.
Looking down from the lookout point, the Sea of Five Flowers looks like an open peacock, with a variety of colours, gorgeous colours and breathtaking beauty, making it the essence of Jiuzhaigou.
Nuorilang” means “male god” in Tibetan, and it also has the meaning of greatness and height. The torrential water flows down from the trees at the top of the waterfall, like countless white khaddas floating down, the sound of the water roaring magnificent.
The reflection of the Rhinoceros Sea is one of the best in Jiuzhaigou, and this photo taken at 6pm reflects the mysterious beauty of Jiuzhaigou.
Jiuzhaigou day trip is over, legs and feet sore, after dinner to watch the traditional Tibetan song and dance performance, to appreciate the local customs.