Jiuzhaigou 九寨沟 (Jiǔzhàigōu)

Jiuzhaigou is a high-altitude valley system in northern Sichuan, famous for intensely coloured lakes, broad waterfalls, forested slopes and Tibetan villages. The landscape is formed by a chain of travertine barriers that create stepped lakes and cascades.

What to expect

The scenic area is large and is normally explored using a combination of park shuttle buses and walking. Most visitors concentrate on the main Y-shaped valley system, choosing selected sections to walk rather than attempting every trail.

Altitude varies considerably, and even visitors who are comfortable walkers may notice the thinner air. Weather also changes quickly in the mountains, so layering is useful.

Nearby

Huanglong 黄龙 (Huánglóng) is known for colourful travertine pools and can be combined with the Jiuzhaigou region on a multi-day itinerary. Songpan 松潘 (Sōngpān) is a historic walled town and a useful stop between the highland attractions and Chengdu.