Are you planning a trip to Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park? In this travel guide, we will provide detailed Jiozhaigou itinerary on how to spend one day in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, including what to do and see, how to get there, when to visit, and all the helpful details needed to plan your trip effectively.
Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟) was one of the highlights of our journey through Sichuan. We traveled from Chengdu and arrived in Jiuzhaigou Valley after visiting Huanglong. The scenery in this northern Sichuan area is incredibly stunning. Its breathtaking landscapes, which feature vibrant colored lakes, majestic waterfalls, and forest-covered mountains, attract countless travelers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Visiting Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is truly an unforgettable experience and exemplifies the awe-inspiring and diverse beauty of the Sichuan region. We loved our time in Jiuzhaigou Valley and believe you will too.
Here’s how we recommend spending one day in Jiuzhaigou National Park, based on our own experiences exploring the area. Our Jiuzhaigou itinerary included!
How To Get to Jiuzhaigou
Located in northern Sichuan in southwestern China, Jiuzhaigou Valley is approximately 440 km from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Most travelers begin their journey to Jiuzhaigou Valley from Chengdu after enjoying a visit with the adorable Giant Pandas.
There are several options for travelers to reach Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu:
1. By High-Speed Train (Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai Station + Bus):
- Step 1: Travel from Chengdu East Station to Huanglongjiuzhai Station. Departure times are: 06:45, 10:29, 11:46, 14:44, 15:45, and 18:36. The train journey takes about 2 hours and the ticket price ranges from CNY100-380.
- Step 2: From Huanglongjiuzhai Station, take a bus to the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Departure times are: 08:30, 12:20, 14:00, 16:55, 17:40, and 20:35. The journey takes approximately about 1.5 hours to reach Jiuzhaigou National Park from the station.
- This option takes about 4 hours of traveling time (not inlcuding the waiting time).
Opened in 2014, the bullet train to HuanglongJiuzhai Railway Station is the most economical and fastest way to reach the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Upon arrival by high-speed rail, you will find the bus station conveniently situated just outside the railway station. Be sure to check the train and bus schedules and make your bookings before your trip..
2. By Domestic Flight: You can also take a domestic flight from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Jiuhuang Airport, with a flight duration of approximately one hour.
3. By Long-Distance Bus: This was the most common way to reach Jiuzhaigou before the high-speed rail service was established. The journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Valley takes about 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the journey.
4. By Private Tour: For group travelers, a private charter tour can be arranged for a hassle-free visit to nearby attractions over a 3 to 4-day tour.
Jiuzhaigou Travel Tips: Trip.com offers various transport options and public transport tickets for travelers to choose from. It is reliable online travel agency and easy to fuse for international travelers. Check this out: Jiuzhaigou Transport Ticket (Train and Bus Option)
Jiuzhaigou Entrance Ticket
The Jiuzhaigou entrance ticket requires a reservation, and validation will be based on your name and ID. Non-Chinese citizens can purchase advance tickets through a travel agency, which may charge an additional service fee.
Please be aware that Jiuzhaigou National Park has a daily maximum entry limit. It’s possible for the number of visitors to reach this limit, especially on weekends or public holidays. Therefore, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Tickets become available for booking two weeks before your planned visit.
When visiting Jiuzhaigou, you will need to purchase the entrance ticket to enter the Jiuzhaigou National Park. You will need to purchase the combo ticket, which includes both the entrance ticket and the sightseeing bus ticket. The sightseeing bus is an option, but we highly recommended you included that as you won’t be able to hike through the entire park on foot.
Jiuzhaigou Ticket Prices:
- Peak Season (April 1st to November 15th): CNY190 per person + CNY90 for sightseeing bus.
- Off Season (November 16th to March 31st): CNY80 per person + CNY80 for sightseeing bus
Purchase the Jiuzhaigou Ticket and Sightseeing Bus Ticket
Teenagers aged 7 to 14 and seniors over 65 years old can enter for free but must purchase a sightseeing bus ticket. Children under 6 years old can enter for free.
Jiuzhaigiu Travel Tips: Please note that tickets will be validated based on ID when entering the park (Goverment ID for China citizen and passport for foreigner. Even if entrance is free for some groups, you still need to purchase the sightseeing bus ticket.
Jiuzhaigou Sightseeing Bus
The Jiuzhaigou sightseeing bus (electric shuttle bus) is the only vehicle operate in the Jiuzhaigou National Park. Travelers are giving an option to purchase the sightseeing bus bus. It is an unlimited bus pass that allows you to visit various attractions within the park. The sightseeing bus will stop at every halt to pick up and drop off the visitors.
In the past, visitors had the option to choose their routes within the park. For better logistical control, the bus will now travel directly to the central tourist center for about 40 minutes. From there, it will branch off to either the right or left side to help manage the crowd. If your bus is heading to the right side and you wish to visit the left side first, you will need to get off at the central tourist center and take another bus that goes to the left side.
How to Visit Jiuzhaigou
When planning your visit to Jiuzhaigou, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is how to navigate the park on that day.
Jiuzhaigou National Park features a Y-shaped valley divided into three main sections: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Shuzheng Valley acts as the primary entrance to the scenic area, while Zechawa Valley is located on the right side and Rize Valley is on the left. The central mid-point area serves as a hub for transit and dining options.
It is recommended to take the electric shuttle bus to the highest stop, choosing either the Rize Valley route on the left or the Zechawa Valley route on the right. From there, gradually make your way down to the lower areas. Take a good rest at the Nourilang Tourist Center, then explore the other side. Lastly, spend your remaining time in the Shezheng Valley.
The main attractions and best highlights at the three main Jiuzhaigou’s valley:
- Rize Valley (日则沟): Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海), Panda Lake (熊猫海), Five-Flowers Lake (五花海), Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布), Mirror Lake (镜海).
- Zechawa Valley (则查瓦沟): Long Lake (长海), Five-Colored Lake (五彩池).
- Shuzheng Valley (树正沟): Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布), Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海), Sparking Lake (火花海).
Jiuzhaigou Travel Tips: Since Jiuzhaigou is extensive, be sure to start early and arrive at the central area before noon to allow enough time to explore the attractions.
Day Trip to Jiuzhaigou Itinerary
Start your Jiuzhaigou itinerary early in the morning.
We arrived at Jiuzhaigou National Park at 8:30 AM, right when it opened. Be aware that the opening times may vary depending on the season. There were many people waiting in line. We followed the queue to scan our entrance tickets and entered Jiuzhaigou National Park smoothly. After that, we made our way to the sightseeing bus boarding area, where we were directed to a different line to board the electric shuttle bus.
Purchase the Jiuzhaigou Ticket and Sightseeing Bus Ticket
The bus route we took led us to the Rize Valley (Y – Left Route). Travelers can also choose to get off at the Nourilang Tourist Center to switch to another bus route. We made our way to the highest point in the Rize Valley – Arrow Bamboo Lake. From there, we gradually visited the remaining attractions, and lastly ended at Mirror Lake.
Rize Valley (Y – Left Route)
Rize Valley (日则沟) stretches approximately 18 kilometers, making it the most beautiful of the three valleys in Jiuzhaigou. Beginning at Nuorilang Waterfall and extending to the left, Rize Valley is a treasure trove of natural wonders.
The highlight of the Rize Valley including Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海), Panda Lake (熊猫海), Five-Flowers Lake (五花海), Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布), and lastly Mirror Lake (镜海).
At the Rize valley, we are greeted with a variety of captivating sights, including colorful lakes, shoals, and waterfalls. These vibrant and picturesque features enhance the appeal of Rize Valley, establishing it as one of the highlights of the breathtaking scenery in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Primeval Forest station is closed during off season.
We recommended spend more time at Five Flowers Lake at Rize Valley here.
Arrow Bamboo Lake
Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海) gets its name from the numerous arrow bamboos that grow along its shores. These bamboos are a favorite food source for pandas. Although we didn’t see any pandas or many bamboo during our visit, the scenery was serene and beautiful.
Since Arrow Bamboo Lake is the first stop when entering Jiuzhaigou, we took some time to snap numerous photos.
Panda Lake
Panda Lake (熊猫海) is situated next to Arrow Bamboo Lake. You can choose to walk down the wooden trail or take the bus. Panda Lake gets its name because pandas once inhabited this beautiful area.
Five-Flowers Lake
Five-Flowers Lake (五花海) is the most famous and beautiful lake among the many in Jiuzhaigou. Its stunning appearance is due to the travertine deposits and a variety of brightly colored algae at the lake’s bottom. Moreover, the different types of submerged plants have created vibrant patches of sapphire blue, emerald green, orange, and light red throughout the lake. Truly breathtaking!
The Five-Flower Lake is a large area for travelers to explore. This station also has more stalls where travelers can rest and enjoy snacks. Remember to reserve more time here.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall
After visiting Five Flower Lake, we headed to Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布). An easy walk along wooden paths and stairs took us down to the falls. We had to be cautious, as many tourists often posed for photos right on the walkway, blocking those trying to pass through.
The Pearl Shoals waterfalls have a drop height of 21 meters and span 162 meters wide. This waterfall is beautiful because it features several small streams and has a pleasant rock surface. The scenery was stunning, and every angle offered a great photo opportunity.
Mirror Lake (镜海) is the third largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. Its name comes from the incredibly calm and tranquil surface of the water, which resembles a perfectly still mirror. The reflections on the lake’s surface are truly remarkable and often more beautiful than the actual surroundings.
Nourilang Tourist Center
After visiting Rize Valley, we took the electric bus to the Nuorilang Visitor Center. This center serves as a transit point between the Primeval Forest (toward Rize Valley), Long Lake (toward Zechawa Valley), and the exit of Jiuzhaigou Park.
The Nuorilang Tourist Center also features shopping areas and restaurants, making it a convenient place to have lunch or a snack before heading to the next attractions.
Nuorilang Waterfall
Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布) is considered the most spectacular and beautiful waterfall in Jiuzhaigou. It is also the largest waterfall in the area and is one of Jiuzhaigou’s iconic symbols. The famous Chinese folk tale “Journey to the West” was featured scene here.
Nuorilang Waterfall is located at the junction of two roads within the scenic area, making it easily accessible. Its picturesque and breathtaking beauty attracts many visitors.
After that, we took the bus toward Long Lake (the last stop of Zechawa Valley) to continue our Jiuzhaigou itinerary.
Zechawa Valley (Y – Right Route)
Zechawa Valley (则查瓦沟) is a stunning natural area that stretches for 17 kilometers and features several notable attractions, including Seasonal Lake, Five-Colored Lake (五彩池), and Long Lake (长海).
Seasonal Lake is best and can only viewed from the window of the shuttle bus, while Five-Colored Lake (五彩池) and Long Lake (长海) are the main highlights of the Zechawa valley, drawing in visitors for their breathtaking beauty.
Long Lake
The Long Lake and Five-Colored Lake were the highlights of our trip to Jiuzhaigou National Park. We thoroughly enjoyed this hike, which offers breathtaking scenery.
Long Lake (长海) holds the title of the highest altitude lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park. It is also the deepest and covers the largest area among all the lakes in the valley. From the viewing platform, we walked down the woonden stairs into the viewing platform to capture some stunning pictures.
Afterward, we continued our Jiuzhaigou itinerary and walked to Five-Colored Lake. Travelers can choose to walk the 1 km forest path with a wooden trail connecting Long Lake to Five-Colored Lake. Alternatively, you can skip the walk and take the electric shuttle bus to the starting point. Note that if you choose to disembark at Five-Colored Lake, you will need to complete the trail to the next boarding point.
Five-Colored Lake
The Five-Colored Lake (五彩池), although the smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou, is famous for its stunning beauty and vibrant colors. Its waters are exceptionally clear, allowing visitors to see the intricate patterns of the rocks at the bottom of the lake.
After exploring the area, we continue our itinerary in Jiuzhaigou by heading to Shezheng Valley.
Note that the Five-Colored Lake station was located some distance from the lake, requiring a trek to get there. Although it was tiring, the breathtaking views along the journey made it worthwhile.
Finally, we took an electric shuttle bus from the Five-Colored Lake station to reach the Rhinoceros Lake station.
Shuzheng Valley
Shuzheng Valley (树正沟) is the first valley that visitors encounter upon entering Jiuzhaigou National Park. It stretches approximately 14 kilometers and is home to more than 40 different lakes, which make up about 40% of all the lakes in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area.
The lakes in Shuzheng Valley showcase a remarkable variety of colors, ranging from vibrant blues and greens to crystal-clear reflective surfaces. The combination of surrounding mountains, forests, and water creates a picturesque and serene environment in Jiuzhaigou.
Rhinoceros Lake and Tiger Lake
Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海) is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. The lake is beautiful and serene, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can walk from Rhinoceros Lake to the adjacent Tiger Lake (老虎海). The shaded trail makes for an enjoyable walk alongside the turquoise blue waters of the lake.
Finally, we took the bus from the station to the exit. We didn’t visit the other attractions in Shuzheng Valley because we were too tired. If you have more time, consider exploring the remaining attractions, such as Sparkling Lake. We spent about 10 hours in Jiuzhaigou National Park. It was tiring, but the visit was worth it
More Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide Tips
If you’re planning to visit Jiuzhaigou National Park, here are some essential tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Dress Appropriately: The temperature in Jiuzhaigou can vary significantly between morning and evening. It’s best to wear lightweight layers that you can easily adjust as the weather changes. If you’re visiting during winter, make sure to dress warmly. Additionally, bring sunblock and sunglasses, as well as rain gear in case of inclement weather.
Book Tickets in Advance: Securing your tickets ahead of time can help avoid wasting time in long lines on the day of your visit. The park has a maximum daily capacity, so tickets may sell out.
Purchase the Jiuzhaigou Ticket and Sightseeing Bus Ticket
Avoid Public Holidays: It’s advisable to refrain from visiting Jiuzhaigou during the China School holiday, Public holiday, especially National Day holiday (October 1st to 7th) It is super peak season and the area tends to be very crowded during this time.
Consider Your Fitness Level: While the trails in Jiuzhaigou are well-maintained and relatively easy to navigate, you will need to walk quite a bit to take in the stunning sights. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to make your experience more enjoyable.
Plan Your Route: The attractions in the scenic area are arranged in a “Y” shape. When you reach the junction, consider choosing a different route to avoid the crowds.
Stick to Wooden Paths: For your safety and to help preserve the environment, use the wooden paths rather than walking along the roads.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your visit to Jiuzhaigou National Park!
Overall: Visit to Jiuzhaigou
All in all, we hope you found this Jiuzhaigou travel guide blog helpful and that it assists you in planning your Jiuzhaigou itinerary. In my opinion, Jiuzhaigou is a must-see destination that should be included in any Sichuan itinerary.
The area is absolutely breathtaking and certainly worth a visit. You can easily spend 1 day, 2 days or even 3 days admiring the stunning scenery and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Make your trip to Jiuzhaigou a memorable part of your journey in Sichuan!
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