PROFILE
Name: Jiuzhaigou National Park (literally, “Valley of Nine Villages”)
Location: Jiuzhaigou county in northern Sichuan, China
Area: 720km²
Altitude: range from 1,998 to 4,764 m
Entrance Fee: Y220 / adult; Y170 / student
Open Time: 6am – 7pm
< “Pearl Shoal”
According to legend, Jiuzhaigou was created when a jealous devil caused the goddess Semo to drop her magic mirror, a gift from her lover – the warlord god Dage. The mirror fell on to the ground and shattered into 118 glittering turquoise lakes.
^ “yaks dressed up to be photoed”
Sure, many may complain about the hassle travelling here, comparatively high cost and ‘too many tourists’ syndrome. All true enough, but just once – you will never forget this piece of memory.
< “Grass Lake”
Start with the greener-than-green lakes and rushing waterfalls, add in deep green trees backed by snowy moutains, then lace with a long well-maintained walking trails, and you’ll just begin to get the charm of it.
Those pools of eye candy are what may only be seen in your dreams, along with snow-coated mountain peaks, and forests and meadows, home to protected takins, golden monekeys and pandas.
< Goddess Semo
Since opening, tourist activity has increased every year. As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits / day, with a quota of 12,000 being enforced during high season.
Despite those drawbacks, Jiuzhaigou is still a remarkable gem, and worth a splurge of RMB and time.
Learn more about Jiuzhaigou National Park @ Luxury Travel Guides.