Jiuzhaigou National Park & Its Three Scenic Valleys

Discover Jiuzhaigou: A Natural Wonderland

Located about 350 km (217 mi) north of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most enchanting natural wonders. Covering 720 square kilometers (278 sq mi), this pristine alpine park is famed for its emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, multicolored forests, and dramatic snow-capped peaks. It’s also home to endangered species like the giant panda and golden snub-nosed monkey, making it a haven for both nature lovers and photographers.

Explore the Three Scenic Valleys of Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Valley is shaped like a “Y,” with three main branches—Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa—each offering a distinct visual journey. These valleys form the core of your visit and are explored by eco-friendly buses and scenic boardwalks.

Shuzheng Valley

As the gateway to Jiuzhaigou, Shuzheng Valley is the first and most accessible route into the park. It features over 40 pristine lakes, terraced waterfalls, and dense forests, offering a stunning introduction to Jiuzhaigou’s natural splendor.
Shuzheng Lakes – A chain of turquoise pools cascading down the valley, each with its own unique charm.
Nuorilang Waterfall – One of China’s widest highland waterfalls, particularly dramatic during the spring thaw or winter freeze.
Rhinoceros Lake – The largest in the valley, reflecting colorful foliage and snow-capped peaks.

See more about Shuzheng Valley.

Rize Valley

Rize Valley boasts the most concentrated and iconic scenery in the park. With vibrant lakes, ancient forests, and cascading falls, it’s the visual highlight for many visitors.
Five Flower Lake – A dazzling blend of colors over submerged tree trunks, one of Jiuzhaigou’s most photographed spots.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall – A wide, thundering cascade over travertine steps that leads into Mirror Lake.
Mirror Lake – A placid lake that reflects surrounding mountains and forests like a mirror.
Arrow Bamboo Lake – Encircled by arrow bamboo groves and serene views, this lake appeared in the film Hero.
Discover Rize Valley.

Zechawa Valley

The highest and longest of Jiuzhaigou’s three arms, Zechawa Valley offers glacial landscapes, high-altitude serenity, and a seasonal kaleidoscope of change.
Long Lake (Changhai Lake) – The largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, framed by snow-covered mountains.
Five Colored Pool – Compact but intensely vivid, with stunning hues even brighter than Five Flower Lake.
Swan Lake & Grass Lake – Known for their seasonal shifts. In summer they’re full of water; in spring and autumn they shrink, revealing grassy meadows and wildflowers.
Explore Zechawa Valley.

Highlights of Jiuzhaigou

Among the highlights is Nuorilang Waterfall, the widest highland waterfall in China, offering sweeping views that sparkle under sunlight or freeze into icy curtains in winter. Other must-see attractions include:

• Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai)– A vibrant, multicolored lake with submerged tree trunks clearly visible through its crystal-clear waters. It’s the most photographed and iconic site in Jiuzhaigou.
• Nuorilang Waterfall – The widest highland waterfall in China, located at the junction of the three valleys. Spectacular in both summer (lush flow) and winter (frozen curtains).
• Long Lake (Changhai Lake) – The highest, largest, and deepest lake in the park, with glacier-fed turquoise water.
• Five Colored Pool (Wucai Chi) – A jewel-toned pool near Long Lake, intensely vibrant even in winter.
• Pearl Shoal Waterfall (Zhenzhutan Pubu) – A broad cascade flowing over calcium-carbonate deposits, forming travertine steps. It’s the widest waterfall along the walking trail.
• Shuzheng Lakes – A terraced string of turquoise lakes near the entrance, perfect for a scenic stroll.
• Mirror Lake (Jinghai) – Still waters that reflect the surrounding forest and sky. Best viewed in early morning when winds are calm.
• Panda Lake (Xiongmao Hai) – Surrounded by bamboo and once frequented by wild pandas, this peaceful lake is also notable for its split color effect during seasonal changes.
• Arrow Bamboo Lake (Jianzhuhai) – Fringed by thick arrow bamboo groves and the backdrop of layered peaks. This area inspired scenes in the film Hero.

Seasonal Charm of Jiuzhaigou National Park

Spring: Melting snow feeds waterfalls and revives seasonal lakes. Cherry blossoms and new greenery blanket the valleys.
Summer: Lush forests reflect beautifully in full lakes under bright skies.
Autumn: Brilliant foliage in red, gold, and orange surrounds clear turquoise waters—arguably the park’s most photogenic time.
Winter: A fairytale of snow and ice. Waterfalls freeze into crystal curtains and the quiet landscape offers serene beauty.

How to Visit Jiuzhaigou

You can explore Jiuzhaigou National Park by taking eco-shuttle buses and walking along scenic trails.
As mentioned above, the park is shaped like a “Y,” with three main valleys connected at Nuorilang Center Station. Shuttle buses run throughout the park, and visitors are free to hop on and off at major scenic spots to explore at their own pace. During peak season, your initial direction may be guided by crowd control, but this doesn’t limit your flexibility once inside.

There is one main restaurant at the central hub Nuorilang and several small food stands at popular viewpoints offering snacks like roasted sausages, boiled corn, and instant noodles. It’s recommended to bring some light snacks such as energy bars or chocolate, plus water, to keep energized during your trails.

Jiuzhaigou National Park Visitor Essentials

• Entrance Ticket: ¥190 (peak season Apr 1 – Nov 15); ¥80 (off season Nov 16 – Mar 31)
• Eco-Bus Ticket: Required for all visitors (¥90 peak season; ¥80 off-season)
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (No enter after 2PM)

For detailed planning info, see our Ultimate Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide.

FAQs About Visiting Jiuzhaigou

Plan Your Jiuzhaigou Travel

Thinking about visiting Jiuzhaigou? Whether you’re planning a dedicated Jiuzhaigou tour with Huanglong, combining it with a Sichuan World Heritage Discovery, or adding it to a longer China photography tour, this stunning national park is a must-see. With its three scenic valleys—Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa, Jiuzhaigou offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in China, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and families alike!