Today, Jiuzhai Has Awaited Me, and It Will Await Your Arrival as Well

Preface: Where there is a longing, there will be an echo. I had longed for Jiuzhaigou many times, but unfortunately, I was never able to make the trip. A few years ago, the news of its earthquake pained me deeply, and I feared its beauty would be lost forever. Fortunately, this worry was unnecessary. However, for a period after the earthquake, only group tours were allowed, so my desire to witness Jiuzhai's beauty remained unfulfilled until today.

Visiting Jiuzhaigou: The moment to witness and feel the charm of Jiuzhai's waters had arrived. At eight in the morning, the hotel car took us to the entrance. Riding in the smooth Prado, I frowned – this overcast sky might diminish Jiuzhai's allure by a third. Everyone knows how clear and sparkling the lake is under sunlight. Weather is heaven's will. On this plateau, I am a devout believer. Let everything be as fate dictates. I changed my mind – this was fine. It was still much better than rain.

At Long Lake, I hadn't really entered the state of mind for touring Jiuzhai. I've seen too many high-altitude lakes like this. Only the scene shrouded in clouds and mist comforted me. Aba Prefecture, this realm of clouds and fog, is truly delightful. Walking down the boardwalk, the Five-Color Pond immediately struck me like a thunderbolt! This emerald – no, diamond – that doesn't seem right either. I don't know how to describe it, because it is what it is. Even on a cloudy day, it was exceptionally clear; the sharp edges of the gravel at the bottom and the textures of the rock surface were all distinctly visible. Such exquisiteness earned it the name 'Eye of Jiuzhai.'

Another colorful lake is the Five-Flower Lake. Both names have the word 'five,' yet five cannot sum up their colors. In this lake, some areas are azure, some inlets are pale green, some waters are dark yellow, and some streams are pinkish blue... endlessly varied, absolutely stunning!

This is the static charm of Jiuzhai's waters, while the dynamic is best represented by the magnificent Ruorilang Waterfall. Interestingly, 'Ruorilang' in Tibetan means 'majestic' and 'male deity.' The static water is gentle and enchanting; the dynamic is towering and grand, enough to shake every heart that comes here.

The water of Jiuzhai that plunges down the cliffs gathers again, joyfully rushing along the valley, and colors surge back into its body. Only in Jiuzhai can you find such a variety of water colors; even tropical islands cannot match this vibrancy. Summer leaves, and autumn arrives. The romantic autumn wind is sure to bring a brilliant Jiuzhai, one with even more brilliant hues. Today, Jiuzhai has awaited me, and it will await your arrival as well. If I could choose a place for an encounter, I hope it would be here.

Zhongcha Valley: Zhongcha Valley is actually separated from Jiuzhaigou by only one mountain. When Jiuzhaigou had become world-famous and crowded with tourists, this place remained somewhat desolate.

The hotel provided a shuttle service to Zhongcha Valley. The hotel car stopped at the foot of the slope, and I walked up. Along the way, I saw small flowers here and there, clumps of sea buckthorn, and trees laden with wild fruit. The air was occasionally tinged with the smell of cow dung. I stopped at a flat spot on the slope to take in the valley. There were several Tibetan villages in this valley; from the slope, they appeared nestled in the dense forest, embraced by the lofty mountains. The altitude here is not high enough for permanent snow on the peaks, so there is a comfortable summer. The people here live a wise semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral life, using wooden fences to enclose green fields, cleverly separating the livestock from the crops.

I have to say this is a beautiful valley, and the scenery I look forward to will likely appear in the golden October. That will be the magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains guarding this land – definitely breathtaking.

Gan Haizi: If you drive to Jiuzhaigou, before entering the Nine Bends, you will see this scenic spot by the roadside. Surrounded by high mountains that yield a large flat area, different from the grasslands on the plateau, this is a rare plateau wetland – that is Gan Haizi.

Some things are truly fated. Last year, while driving for a creative photography trip, I passed by Jiuzhaigou. At that time, the scenic area was not open, so there was no need to stay. Coincidentally, due to road construction in Jiuzhaigou, I waited here for four hours – the best part of the afternoon was arranged by fate at this spot. This time, I visited again in the sunny afternoon. The difference is that last year, there was no scenic area here, nor many man-made landscapes. It was natural and untouched. Although you can enjoy Gan Haizi from the roadside without entering, there are now plenty of new props for photo ops. If your journey includes a lovely companion, then consider it as a separate matter.

Staying at Jiuzhai Luneng Hilton Resort: People traveling to Tibetan areas often worry about accommodation – either the quality of lodging or unfamiliar food. But in Jiuzhaigou, there is no such concern. Hotels of all grades are available, even high-end resorts. This time I booked the Hilton Resort. Good food, good drinks, and great comfort – with driver and butler service everywhere. A night costs less than 1,000 yuan. Isn't that a great deal?

Jiuzhai Luneng Hilton Resort is 12 kilometers from the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, about a 15-minute drive. Backed by Zhongcha Valley and under the guardianship of snow-capped mountains, it appears tranquil and remote, detached from the world. From the room, you can easily enjoy breathtaking forest and mountain views. Tibetan cultural elements are integrated throughout the architecture, making me feel as if I have entered a dreamlike ideal land.

Choosing Hilton this time felt different from before. Upon entering the hotel, there were noticeably more hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes in public areas, along with signs reminding guests to maintain safe social distance. Additionally, there was a seal on the room door, and also on the TV remote and electrical switches. This was part of a series of new hygiene procedures implemented by Hilton to provide a cleaner and safer stay for guests worldwide, called 'CleanStay.'

Cuisine: 'KAI' All Day Dining: This is a bright and airy restaurant with a simple design, offering a rich variety of food including breakfast and buffet.

Mai Chinese Restaurant: Here you can experience the most authentic Sichuan cuisine – dishes that tantalize the taste buds and steaming hot pot are all available. The design separates the main hall and private rooms into different zones, with exuberance and tranquility only a wall apart. Time endows food with the richest flavor, best exemplified in a hot pot meal.

Villa Afternoon Tea: After finishing your visit to Jiuzhaigou with friends and recovering your energy at the hotel, a customized cold buffet afternoon tea is served in the Hilton villas. Against the refreshing mountain breeze, we clink glasses and enjoy the feast for both eyes and palate – absolutely a luxurious ultimate experience.

Important Notes: The current maximum daily capacity for Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is 17,000 visitors. Once the maximum is reached, no more visitors will be admitted that day.

Ticket prices:

Peak season: ¥169/person (April 1 – November 15), sightseeing bus ¥90/person.

Off-peak season: ¥80/person (November 16 – March 31 of next year), sightseeing bus ¥80/person.

Zhongcha Valley is free of charge.

Gan Haizi's current fee is unknown.