【World Heritage】What is Jiuzhaigou?｜Introducing a mysterious world woven by forests and lakes!

Jiuzhaigou is a beautiful valley with crystal-clear water, located deep in the border region between the northern part of Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. The Min Mountains, which gave birth to the World Heritage Site of Jiuzhaigou, stretch across a karst plateau that rose from the seabed 250 million years ago, forming a series of mountains around 4,500 meters high. The grand spectacle of water flowing from within the forest is a breathtaking sight unique to Jiuzhaigou.

This area, once rarely visited even by locals, began to be gradually explored around 1960. In 1975, experts introduced to the world the stunning views that had been previously unknown. The groundwater contains a large amount of lime, which turns into travertine and causes rocks and soil to accumulate—this process created the terraced, breathtaking landscape of Jiuzhaigou, now a World Heritage Site.

What is Jiuzhaigou?

Famed as one of China's premier scenic spots, the World Heritage Site Jiuzhaigou was formerly called “Cuihai” (emerald sea), but the name “Jiuzhaigou” comes from the nine (九) Tibetan villages (寨) scattered throughout the valley (溝). The entire length of Jiuzhaigou spans about 50 kilometers and covers an area of 720 square kilometers. Within the primeval forest are over 100 lakes and waterfalls, known as "haizi," and the site is divided into five main areas centered around three valleys.

The water flowing through this World Heritage canyon ultimately reaches Jiuzhaigou’s largest waterfall, the Nuorilang Waterfall, which is 320 meters wide and 25 meters high. The crystal-clear waters cascading down with a thunderous roar are simply overwhelming! Many myths and legends have been inspired by these stunning landscapes. The limestone-stained white riverbed gives the water a clear blue hue, allowing you to clearly see sunken trees lying at the bottom.

Jiuzhaigou is also home to rare wildlife such as the giant panda and the golden snub-nosed monkey with golden fur. With its dreamlike scenery, Jiuzhaigou was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 as the "Scenic and Historic Interest Area of the Valley of Jiuzhaigou."

Access

Sichuan Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which opened in 2003, serves as the gateway for visiting Jiuzhaigou. However, because the airport sits in the mountains at an altitude over 3,400 meters, it is known to have the highest rate of delays and cancellations in China due to weather conditions. It’s said that arriving on time is a stroke of luck, so be sure to leave ample buffer time when planning to fly to Jiuzhaigou.

By land, travel from Chengdu is possible via bus, but while flying takes just under an hour, a bus ride can take close to 10 hours. A railway line is currently under construction, and once completed, it will allow travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou in just two hours.

From the airport to the entrance of the World Heritage Jiuzhaigou, an airport shuttle bus is available. Despite being called a bus, it is essentially a minivan that departs once 4 to 5 passengers have gathered. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis have fixed rates to Jiuzhaigou, so be sure to confirm the fare before boarding.

Jiuzhaigou suffered significant damage during the earthquake of August 2017 and was closed afterward. Partial access for tourism resumed in March 2018, but for the time being, only group tours are allowed.

Jiuzhaigou Highlight ①: Long Lake

Long Lake is located at the deepest end of Jiuzhaigou and is over 30 kilometers from the main entrance gate. It covers an area of 300,000 square meters, stretches 7.5 kilometers long, and is 600 meters wide. This largest lake in Jiuzhaigou was formed by glacial moraines and has an S-shaped curve typical of glacial terrain.

It is fed by snowmelt and spring water, maintaining a constant water level throughout the year. Locals of Tibetan descent call it the “Treasure Gourd.” Because its water source differs from the other lakes, it is also known as the “Mother of Jiuzhaigou Lakes.”

There is an observation deck at a slightly higher elevation, offering a superb view of Long Lake surrounded by 4,000-meter-class peaks. About 200 wooden steps lead down to the lakeshore, where you can take a pleasant walk. Nearby is the colorful Five-Colored Pool, said to be the most vivid in Jiuzhaigou—be sure to visit both. However, since Long Lake is over 3,000 meters above sea level, be cautious of altitude sickness when exploring the area on foot.

Jiuzhaigou Highlight ②: Five Flower Lake

Known for being the clearest lake in Jiuzhaigou, Five Flower Lake sits at the uppermost stream of the Peacock River and is one of the central tourist attractions of the area. Its crystal-blue lakebed clearly reveals travertine deposits, moss, aquatic plants, and sunken trees.

Reflections of sunlight create a fantastical spectacle of mixed hues—red, orange, yellow, and green. This richly varied scenery is unmatched among Jiuzhaigou’s 100+ lakes and is known as the “Essence of Jiuzhaigou.”

The white travertine-covered bottom and blue water evoke a feeling of being gifted the serenity of silence. The lake is home to "alpine cold-water fish." If you look closely, you might spot them! Officially called "Jialing Naked Carp," also known as "Alpine Naked Carp," it is the only fish species living in Jiuzhaigou’s World Heritage waters.

Jiuzhaigou Highlight ③: Shuanglonghai Waterfall

Among the many waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou’s valleys, one of the most popular is the Shuanglonghai Waterfall. The waterfall flowing into the beautiful turquoise Shuanglonghai seems like a place where not a sage but a goddess or fairy might bathe.

While wide, the waterfall is not particularly tall, which is characteristic of Shuanglonghai Waterfall. The water gently seeps through the trees and trickles down rather than crashing down in torrents. While powerful waterfalls rich in negative ions are generally favored, Jiuzhaigou’s Shuanglonghai Waterfall charms visitors with its soft streams and azure basin.

◎ Summary

We have introduced Jiuzhaigou, one of China's proud World Natural Heritage Sites. A beautiful legend says that a mountain goddess living here dropped a mirror from the heavens, and the shattered fragments became the stunning lakes.

Though access remains partially restricted following the 2017 earthquake, Jiuzhaigou is on its way to becoming a more easily accessible World Heritage destination in the near future.

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【World Heritage】What is Jiuzhaigou?｜Introducing a mysterious world woven by forests and lakes!