Early Autumn, a Romantic Date with Fairy Tale Jiuzhai (Detailed 4-Day, 3-Night Travel Guide)
In September, the city is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, the countryside is laden with fruits, and the azure sky is dotted with white clouds. On the lush, green, tree-lined paths, a touch of yellow leaf catches the eye. Unbeknownst, the autumn chill crept in on a misty dawn, quietly yellowing a few branches. The autumn wind is fierce, the autumn waters long, and the autumn mood thickens. Speaking of autumn viewing spots, the most beautiful are the valleys and ravines of the Western Sichuan Plateau, among which the most stunning autumn colors belong to the fairy tale Jiuzhai. Avoiding the golden autumn crowds, visiting this unparalleled secret realm in the beautiful early autumn, encountering an ancient fortress, dwelling in a mountain retreat, and enjoying a hearty journey.
Sichuan travel expert/food expert Weibo @流浪ed丁小猫
Day 1: Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel [D1 Timeline] 7:40 Depart from Chunxi Road, Chengdu, take the Jiuzhaigou bus, ticket price: 158 yuan (if you want to arrive earlier, you can buy a tourist bus ticket on travel websites). Normally takes about 9 hours. Due to traffic jams, it finally took about 10 hours to arrive at Jiuzhai Tianyuan Howard Johnson Resort Hotel, then transfer by taxi for about 10 minutes, arriving at Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel at 18:30, then check in. 18:50 Enjoy buffet dinner at the [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant.
Heaven on Earth, Jiuzhaigou
Tips: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Address: 301 Provincial Road, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Opening Hours: All year 08:00-17:00 (last entry 12:00). Tickets: Peak Season (April 1 - November 15) Adult ticket 169 yuan/person, sightseeing bus 90 yuan/person. Off-season (November 16 - March 31 of the following year) Adult ticket 80 yuan/person, sightseeing bus 80 yuan/person. National medical workers: From the date the scenic area resumes operation to December 31, 2020, national medical workers with valid certificates (original doctor's qualification certificate, nurse qualification certificate) and original ID card can enjoy one free admission policy. The free item refers to exempting the scenic area ticket. You can enter the park free of charge by handling the relevant procedures at the ticket office. Children: Children aged 6 (inclusive) and under or with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) and under are free for tickets and sightseeing buses. Discounted tickets for Elderly: 65 years old and above, free; 60-64 years old elderly (non-holiday) tickets, free; 60-64 years old elderly (holiday) tickets, half price. Students: Age: 6 years old (exclusive) ~ 18 years old (inclusive) Supplementary note: Minors, full-time undergraduate and below students, and inbound youth tourists from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan holding valid documents such as "Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents", "Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents" or student ID, discounted tickets. Military: Active duty military personnel, disabled military personnel, discounted tickets. Parking: [Jiuzhaigou Blue Sky Parking Lot] Reference price: 5 yuan/hour Transportation: 1. By plane: Jiuhuang Airport has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mianyang and other cities, as well as flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen via Chengdu (Chongqing) to Jiuzhai. After arriving at Jiuzhaigou Airport, you can take a bus to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Ticket price: one-way 45 yuan/person; round trip: 80 yuan/person, about 1.5 hours.
2. Self-drive: From Chengdu (West Route): Chengdu - Wenchuan - Maoxian - Songpan - Jiuzhaigou; total 440 km, takes 9-10 hours. From Mianyang (East Route): Mianyang - Jiangyou - Pingwu - Jiuzhaigou; total 377 km, takes 5-6 hours. From Gansu (North Route): Lanzhou - Linxia - Hezuo - Luqu - Ruoergai - Zhima Gu Tibetan Village - Jiuzhaigou; total 719 km, takes 10-12 hours. 2. By bus [Chengdu direction] Chadianzi Bus Station and Xinnanmen Bus Station both have buses to Jiuzhaigou. Xinnanmen Bus Station is located on Xinnan Road, Jinjiang District, departing at 7:00 am, direct to the entrance; Chadianzi Bus Station is located on Section 5, West Third Ring Road, Jinniu District, faster on the expressway, the bus stops at Zhangzha Town, direct to Jiuzhaigou County. Specific route: Chengdu (Chadianzi/Xinnanmen) - Wenchuan - Maoxian - Songpan - Jiuzhaigou [Mianyang direction] The direct bus from Mianyang to Jiuzhaigou is at Pingzheng Bus Station. There are three buses daily, only two reach Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, the other goes to Jiuzhaigou County. Be sure to ask the destination when buying tickets. The bus will stop for rest and meals, it's recommended to bring snacks. Specific route: Mianyang - Jiangyou - Pingwu - Jiuzhaigou [Gansu direction] Lanzhou, Gansu has daily buses to Jiuzhaigou: Lanzhou Central Bus Station at 7:30 am, East Bus Station at 8:00 am, South Bus Station at 8:45 am. There are not many daily shifts, please buy tickets one day in advance. Specific route: Lanzhou - Linxia - Hezuo - Luqu - Ruoergai - Chuanzhusi - Jiuzhaigou Precautions: 1. Jiuzhaigou belongs to a plateau climate, with large temperature differences between day and night. Always remember to bring warm clothes regardless of the time. The sun's UV rays are strong here, so pay attention to sun protection. 2. The scenic area is at a high altitude; some people may experience altitude sickness. You can take anti-altitude sickness medicine such as Rhodiola in advance according to your situation. There are multiple oxygen points in the scenic area. Generally, mild altitude sickness symptoms can be relieved after inhaling oxygen. Oxygen inhalation is free, but the equipment needs to be purchased.
The land of Western Sichuan is a treasure trove for Chinese people. Here lies the last pure land on the blue planet, Daocheng Yading, the world's lowest altitude glacier beauty spot, Hailuogou, and the world-renowned fairyland Jiuzhaigou. It is often said, "After visiting Mount Huang, no other mountain is worth seeing; after visiting Jiuzhai, no other water is worth viewing." After one visit, this saying proves true.
Departing from Rongcheng (Chengdu) in the morning glow, experiencing the morning rush hour of the city, passing through the renewed Wenchuan, following the source of the Min River, gradually deep into the hinterland of Western Sichuan Songpan, encountering the beautiful Diexi Haizi (Alpine Lake) with its secluded mountains and waters, the lofty Songpan Ancient City, after a 9-hour drive, finally arriving at the mouth of Jiuzhaigou. To enjoy the beauty of Jiuzhaigou more comfortably, I chose to stay at the Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel in Zhangzha Town to rest and recover before entering the valley the next day.
On a drizzly morning, the green mountains shrouded in thin mist, the stream beside the asphalt road gurgling, after a 15-minute drive, we arrived at the Jiuzhaigou entrance. After transferring to the scenic area bus, the Jiuzhaigou tour officially began. The fresh air penetrated the window,钻进车厢, mixed with the fragrance of wildflowers, instantly filling the compartment with aroma.
Along the winding mountain road, turning around mountains and rivers, beautiful scenery continuously appeared. Through the rustling shade of trees, a turquoise lake sparkled like a gem. The reeds swaying around the lake were like dancers, gracefully演绎着 youth on this blue crystal dance floor. This is the tender Reed Lake.
As the bus moved, we passed the simple and quiet Shuzheng Village, the deep and serene Tiger Lake, and then stopped at Nuorilang Service Area. Here the tour route split into two, forming a "Y" shape.
One route goes through Rhinoceros Lake, Zechawa Gully, Five-Color Pond, to Long Lake. The other route goes through Nuorilang Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, to Five-Flower Lake. In the high-altitude environment, to comfortably enjoy the beauty of Jiuzhaigou, you must first take the sightseeing bus to Long Lake and tour from top to bottom. Then at Nuorilang Transfer Station, take another sightseeing bus to tour Five-Flower Lake from bottom to top. (Note: After 15:00 there are no sightseeing buses to Five-Flower Lake. Adjust the tour order according to the actual situation.)
The fairy tale Jiuzhai in early autumn is dynamic and beautiful due to its colorful waters. Those large and small alpine lakes form a paradise-like Jiuzhaigou. The clear blue, the water blue, the peacock green... Like pieces of colorful gems and crystals. Amid green mountains and clear waters, colorful forests accompany, strange lakes are scattered, and the scenery along the way is picturesque, mysterious, and deep, captivating.
In the land of Tibetan and Qiang, every high mountain, every valley ravine, and every lake has been endowed with beautiful mythological stories, either moving or sad, filled with the fearless faith and worship of the Tibetan and Qiang people towards nature. Roaming the mythical Jiuzhai, listening to the legendary stories of Rhinoceros Lake, Long Lake, Five-Flower Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall is full of interest.
Deep into the layered valleys, a narrow lake is buried among several mountain ranges, its ink-blue water dyeing the mountains. This is the mysterious Long Lake. At the end of Long Lake, which stretches over 4 kilometers, lies the snow-capped mountain that never melts. Influenced by the mountain terrain, it created a wonder of "S"-shaped basin, forming a gourd-like shape with the connected peaks. Due to the replenishment of meltwater from surrounding high mountains, although there is no surface water infiltration around Long Lake, the water area remains vast all year round, incredibly miraculous. Thus, the Tibetans call it the "gourd that can't be filled or drained." Not only that, the "One-arm Old Cypress" at Long Lake is also a pure natural wonder, breathtaking, similar to the "Welcome Pine" at Mount Huang.
Going down the mountain trail about 1 kilometer, you reach the smallest and most beautiful Five-Color Pond in Jiuzhaigou. Five-Color Pond is famous for its purity, clarity, beauty, and colorfulness. No matter the season or weather, the water of Five-Color Pond remains clear and rippling all year round, as clean as new. Coinciding with the August rainy season, the lake trail overflowed with turquoise water. The yellowing trees on both banks drooped low, like harps standing between the mountains, waiting for a grand performance. Fallen leaves scattered on the slightly rippling trail, like harp notes scattered in the pond. Mountain wind blowing, brown stones striking stones, splashing circles of distinct golden ripples, extraordinarily beautiful. The small and exquisite Five-Color Pond, due to the overgrowth of aquatic plants and ferns at the bottom, transformed from its original blue surface into a colorful palette, almost comparable to Five-Flower Lake, exceptionally charming.
From Five-Flower Lake straight down, take the sightseeing bus along the mountain road. After passing a lake with intoxicating blue water, you reach Rhinoceros Lake. Rhinoceros Lake is surrounded by green mountains on three sides and connects to Shuzheng Waterfall on one side. It has the most beautiful reflection of all the lakes and is an excellent spot for autumn viewing. Beside Rhinoceros Lake is the stream forest area stretching for miles. Trees stand in strange shapes, some washed by turquoise water. In golden October, here are dark green, purple, green-yellow, crimson... Distinct colors, like a colorful ribbon fallen from the world, surpassing all beauties. The misty Rhinoceros Lake is both real and illusory, alternating between reality and fantasy, extremely beautiful.
The mythical Jiuzhai is famous for its quiet, dynamic, and divine waters. Here is the widest waterfall in China, Nuorilang Waterfall. The waterfall is 270 meters wide and 24.5 meters high, one of the largest calcified waterfalls in China. Standing on the viewing platform, looking down at Nuorilang Waterfall, the water cascades down with overwhelming momentum, thundering and deafening. The waterfall water sometimes cascades like a silver river, magnificent; sometimes like countless silver pearls, crystal clear. The myriad of scenes is intoxicating. Like its name "Nuorilang," which in Tibetan means a strong male god, showing his "fitness" in this quiet mountain, sometimes heroic, sometimes tender, just to win a smile from the fairy in heaven.
Everyone praises: The most essential part of Jiuzhaigou is Five-Flower Lake, known as "the unique beauty of Jiuzhaigou." Passing through the secluded forest trail, all downhill, you soon reach Five-Flower Lake. Overlooking Five-Flower Lake, it is like a treasure inlaid with colorful gem fragments, dazzling. Looking closely at Five-Flower Lake, underwater coral-like fern algae grow wildly, with withered trees stranded, fish leaping among them. Decay and vitality coexist, forming a unique and colorful landscape painting. The crystal clear water reflects the ink-wash painting-like peaks. The dense forests on both sides of the trail are quietly tinged with the colors of golden autumn over time. There is both the gorgeous underwater world and the colorful above-water world. The romantic Five-Flower Lake is the absolute beauty in the fairy tale Jiuzhai.
"The Jade Pool was originally on earth, how laughable that mortals try to become immortals." Magical Jiuzhai, paradise on earth, a must-visit in a lifetime.
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel - Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area [D2 Timeline] 8:00 Breakfast at [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant. 8:30 Depart from the hotel, after a 15-minute drive, arrive at Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. 8:45 Start sightseeing by scenic area bus, tour in the following order: Jiuzhaigou entrance - Nuorilang Transfer Station - Long Lake - Five-Color Pond - Nuorilang Waterfall - Rhinoceros Lake - Five-Flower Lake - Pearl Shoal - Mirror Lake - Jiuzhaigou entrance. End at 17:30, then take the hotel shuttle back to the hotel. 18:30 [Mai] Chinese Restaurant, enjoy boiling Yuanyang (dual-flavor) hot pot.
Mountain Retreat, Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel
Tips: Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel Address: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture. Transportation: 1. By plane: You can fly to Jiuzhaigou and pre-book hotel vehicle pick-up. (About 90 minutes drive from Jiuzhaigou Airport to the hotel); 2. By bus: Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou (you can negotiate with the driver in advance to get off at the hotel door); 3. Self-drive: Chengdu - Jinfeng Elevated Road - Chengwan Expressway - Chengdu Second Ring Expressway - Rongchang Expressway - National Highway 213 - Chuanwen Highway - Provincial Highway 544 - Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Hotel. [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant Business Hours: 6:30 - 22:00. [Mai] Chinese Restaurant Business Hours: 11:30 - 14:00; 17:30 - 21:30.
For contemporary young people, travel is not limited to visiting landscapes and exploring cultural heritage; it should also include comfortable, stylish, and pleasant accommodation. In magical Jiuzhaigou, there lies a hidden mountain retreat like a paradise. Love at first sight, unforgettable at second glance.
Some say: If there are two Peach Blossom Springs in the world, one is in Tao Yuanming's poetry, and the other is at Jiuzhai. Luneng Resort. Among the dazzling array of hotels and inns inside and outside Jiuzhaigou, the most appealing one that makes you want to stay immediately is the Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel. Built against the mountain, nestled beside a village, separated by water, exotic, fascinating. The high-end and grand appearance, warm and comfortable rooms, mature entertainment and commercial facilities are the "icing on the cake."
It is not so much a hotel as an "ideal country" deep in the mountains. Incorporating the aesthetics of modern urban architecture, it integrates the unique Tibetan-Qiang blockhouses, castles, prayer flags, carpets, and other decorations, creating a high-end mountain resort hotel rich in Tibetan-Qiang folk customs.
Green mountains serene, clear waters gurgling. Stay in a mountain retreat. Opening the window reveals a landscape painting of sunshine and mountains. Comfortable hotel services make the trip more enjoyable. Life should be enjoyed; time should be wasted.
As night fell, checking into the hotel's Hilton King Room, the day's fatigue quietly dissipated after opening the door, all thanks to the heartwarming room service, which was deeply gratifying. Entering the room, warm lights illuminated the entire room. On the coffee table was a large plate of fresh fruit and a plate of delicious pastries. The stylish and elegant room interior, spacious layout, demonstrated the quality of a high-end star hotel.
Entering the wet-dry separated bathroom, a small drawer was prepared with free disposable toiletries, and also thoughtfully provided a sewing kit, razor, and makeup remover tools. The most surprising thing was a switch for playing music on the upper right corner of the vanity. If tired from sightseeing, you could lie in the bathtub, take a bath, listen to music, read a book, feel completely relaxed, as comfortable as at home.
Diving into the soft large bed, sleepiness immediately hit. If worried about not waking up early, the small Bluetooth speaker by the bedside table must be used. You can enjoy a self-service wake-up call and also listen to beautiful music before falling asleep. The modern AI "room butler" gives us more ease, convenience, and comfort.
Accompanied by the chirping of baby eagles, slowly pulling back the curtains, a ray of morning light sneaked into the room, instantly filling it with warmth. Outside the window, blue sky and white clouds, distant mountains exceptionally green, nearby lake vast and blue, breathtaking. Even without going out, staying in the room, you can lazily recline on the sofa, eat fruit, use the hotel's smooth wireless internet to catch up on dramas, and occasionally glance at the window to enjoy the rolling clouds and mountain views, a unique pleasure. All these little joys were thanks to staying in this "180-degree mountain view" luxury king room.
Crossing the winding corridors, take the elevator to the first floor Qiongniao Lobby Lounge. The simple and elegant Tibetan-Qiang decorations embellished the spacious hall, extremely refined. In the rest area, bask in the sun, read a book, sip tea, let time pass, and slowly enjoy a carefree life.
Behind the Qiongniao Lobby Lounge is a commercial street in a sunroom. The entrance to the commercial street is adjacent to [Mai] Chinese Restaurant and [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant, and the exit is close to the hotel garden lake. This commercial street is almost empty during the day, most lively at night when every shop opens. Here you can buy some Jiuzhai specialties, handicrafts, cultural and creative products, etc. In fact, the commercial street is not only for shopping but also for photos. Because this commercial street in the sunroom not only brings shops into the hotel but also integrates the mall's unique decoration style on the street. There are ice cream carts, mailboxes, wrought iron benches, Tibetan tents, internet-famous bird nests, and other photo spots, where you can take beautiful pictures.
The beautiful Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel not only has cost-effective executive rooms but also luxurious detached villas with a resort vibe. The hotel's detached villas, leaning against the majestic green mountains, offer a panoramic view of the mountain and lake scenery. The oversized outdoor terrace allows for sweet time for two. If traveling with a large family, be sure to book the hotel's European-style afternoon tea and family dinner.
In the villa area with beautiful mountains and fruit-filled gardens, facing the blue sky and white clouds, overlooking the green mountains and ravines, having afternoon tea with family, chatting, playing, dining together, enjoying the romantic present, cherishing daily life. If life has a switch, family reunion is one key to happiness. Accompanied by beautiful mountain views, small warm gatherings bring lots of joy. This is the sweet family time.
Besides hiking and photographing water, staying in beautiful accommodation, tasting local sumptuous food is also an important part of the journey. Unwilling to run around, I chose to have meals at the hotel's restaurants these days, but was unexpectedly amazed.
Located on the first floor of the hotel, the [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant has a transparent and bright space, with unbeatable water views. The fully open kitchen provides more safety. In the morning, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious Chinese, Western, and Tibetan buffet breakfast.
At regular meal times, this place transforms into a buffet dinner area. The buffet integrates several cuisines: Sichuan, Cantonese, Western, seafood sashimi, Tibetan cuisine, etc. There are spicy and fragrant malatang, tender and delicious foie gras, steak, plump crab, shrimp, and other seafood, and sweet, soft desserts.
When we entered [Mai] Chinese Restaurant, a fashionable and elegant Chinese style greeted us. In this restaurant, you can enjoy the quiet of private rooms or dine in the main hall to experience the lively atmosphere of worldly life. The restaurant's cuisine mainly features special hot pot, stone pot Tibetan fragrant chicken, and Sichuan dishes, but you can also taste delicious Cantonese cuisine.
[Spicy Boiling Hot Pot] Fresh ingredients and spicy hot pot elevate the taste buds. Using a light oil red pot paired with a clear, sweet mushroom broth dual-flavor pot suits the high-altitude area, avoiding excessive spiciness, satisfying the palate while ensuring physical comfort and health.
[Stone Pot Tibetan Fragrant Chicken] Using a Moog stone pot as a container, with local Tibetan fragrant chicken, paired with delicious matsutake and mushrooms, slow-cooked, resulting in this pot of soup with tender meat, suitable for all ages, nourishing and stomach-warming.
If a couple or girlfriends travel, you can choose the spicy hot pot or the tender stone pot Tibetan fragrant chicken. If traveling with family, consider having a hearty Chinese meal. It is said that the hotel's head chef is proficient in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. The self-developed Highland Barley Pan-fried Yak Steak has a light fragrance, soft and chewy meat, excellent taste. This dish also won the honor of one of the top ten dishes at the "Panda Jiuzhai" Food Festival.
[Highland Barley Pan-fried Yak Steak] Using selected yak steak and highland barley, cooked and prepared, the taste is soft and smooth, fragrant, and appetizing.
Indulging in mountain and water scenery, enjoying delicious food. Choosing [Mai] Chinese Restaurant, besides tasting the award-winning Highland Barley Pan-fried Yak Steak, there are also Tibetan-Qiang style roast lamb leg, air-dried hand-torn yak meat, hibiscus handmade peony shrimp, leek-flavored whole shell live abalone, matsutake bamboo fungus Tibetan chicken soup, green matsutake Tibetan fragrant pork, panda egg yolk buns, Full River Red quality silver cod, special stir-fried morel mushrooms, superior broth loofah tips, gold wrapped silver with handmade buckwheat cakes, Tibetan fritillary fungus stewed snow pear... all worth a try.
[Leek-flavored Whole Shell Live Abalone] It is rare on the plateau to eat such fresh and tender live abalone. With the aroma of sauce and leeks, this dish is mouthwatering, with a great taste.
[Special Stir-fried Morel Mushrooms] Fresh morels paired with smooth shrimp, quickly stir-fried over high heat, the taste is refreshing and fragrant, and the color is appealing.
[Panda Egg Yolk Buns] In the mythical Jiuzhai where giant pandas live, naturally, there should be a dessert as cute as panda, looks cute, tastes fragrant.
[Tibetan-Qiang Style Roast Lamb Leg] Want to eat roast whole lamb? Too much, so try a plate of roasted lamb leg. Unique Tibetan-Qiang flavor, numb and spicy, endless aftertaste.
[Ancient Village Aged Bacon] Local Tibetan fragrant bacon, after simple steaming, using the chef's superb knife skills, pieces of crystal clear aged bacon look delicious and fragrant.
Behind each delicious dish is the chef's craftsmanship, combining local customs and folk culture, preparing this feast. When coming to Jiuzhaigou, you must try it; the aftertaste is unforgettable.
After enjoying the delicious special meal, if you don't want to visit surrounding scenic spots, don't worry about boredom. The hotel has a chess and card room to pass leisure time. There is also a fun children's playground where you can enjoy wonderful parent-child time.
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel - Zhongcha Gully - Jiuzhai Ganhaizi (Love Sea) [D3 Timeline] 9:00 Breakfast at [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant. 9:30 - 11:00 Visit the hotel, stroll around the garden lake and commercial street, take photos. 12:00 [Mai] Chinese Restaurant, enjoy a unique Chinese feast. 14:00 - 15:00 Visit Zhongcha Gully; 15:30 - 16:30 Visit Ganhaizi Scenic Area; 17:00 Enjoy afternoon tea in the villa area; 18:00 Enjoy European family dinner in the villa area.
Secluded Secret Realm, Zhongcha Gully
Tips: Zhongcha Gully Address: Zhongcha Gully, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Ticket: None (horse riding experience: 100 yuan/hour) Opening Hours: Open all day. Transportation: Currently no public bus passes through; you can book hotel vehicle or self-drive, or take a taxi. If starting from Jiuzhaigou entrance to Zhongcha Gully, about 15 km, takes 20 minutes, about 37 yuan.
Everyone knows the heavenly Jiuzhaigou, but few know that across a mountain, 15 km from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, there is a secluded secret realm rarely visited. There are white snow-capped mountains, green grassy meadows, simple and honest Tibetan villagers, ancient and quiet, undisturbed.
This is the tranquil and beautiful Zhongcha Gully, adjacent to Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel. Zhongcha Gully maintains the most primitive Tibetan village style, with wooden houses one after another, surrounded by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, incredibly beautiful. This contrasts sharply with the brightly lit Jiuzhai. Luneng.
If Jiuzhai. Luneng is a dream-making ideal country, then Zhongcha Gully is a secluded paradise. One fashionable, one ancient, each on a side of the valley, like two parallel worlds where old and new coexist.
Stepping into the peaceful Zhongcha Gully, wild flowers bloom with subtle fragrance, green grass like a carpet, cattle and sheep scattered sporadically on the alpine grasslands. The staggered wooden fences, the isolated and tall trees standing in the mountains, the scenery is picturesque. From deep in the village comes a clear sound of reading, echoing in the empty mountain, like a magnificent movement played in the valley.
Ancient and quiet Zhongcha Gully, the villagers have lived here for generations, accompanied by forests and snow-capped mountains, leading a pastoral life of herding, like a secluded paradise. This idyllic Zhongcha Gully is captivating. People call it: Jiuzhai's Back Garden.
Love Holy Land, Fangcao Sea (Grass Lake)
Tips: Love Sea Scenic Area (Jiuzhai. Ganhaizi) Address: Ganhaizi Scenic Area, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Opening Hours: 7:30 - 18:30; last entry 18:00. Ticket: Adult ticket 63 yuan/person. Transportation: No public bus; you can self-drive or take a taxi. From Jiuzhaigou entrance to Ganhaizi Scenic Area about 23 km, takes 34 minutes, about 61 yuan.
On the way from Jiuzhai back to Chengdu, it passes a highland wetland. Here the stream meanders, grass is lush, cattle and sheep graze, quiet and beautiful, making you want to stop, look, and take a walk. This is the romantic love holy land "Ganhaizi", also known as "Fangcao Sea".
It is said by locals that many years ago, Ganhaizi was a beautiful highland lake. Due to geological changes, it dried up into a "dry lake" (Ganhaizi in Chinese). Now it is very moist, surrounded by lush grass and blooming wildflowers, forming a beautiful landscape painting with layered valleys.
Entering Ganhaizi, you are immediately attracted by this beautiful valley and the vast grassland and wetland scenery. Under the blue sky, prayer flags flutter in the wind, arc-shaped stupas are arranged in order, neat and orderly, with unique Tibetan style, wonderfully strange.
Ganhaizi is located at Gonggang Ridge at the border of Songpan County and Jiuzhaigou County, connecting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas, forming a scenic corridor, thus attracting a constant stream of tourists. After renovation and construction, Ganhaizi now has added internet-famous photo spots, a colorful Kangzhuang Avenue like a fairyland, forest walking areas, and cycling areas. Here you can safely bring kids or enjoy pure romantic time. If time permits and energy is good, you can also trek into the primeval forest, enjoy the "God's perspective" view of the still Fangcao Sea from the top, which has a unique charm and is incredibly beautiful.
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort Hotel - Chengdu [D4 Timeline] 9:00 Breakfast at [Kai] All-Day Dining Restaurant. 10:00 - 12:00 Rest in room; 13:00 [Mai] Chinese Restaurant, enjoy Stone Pot Tibetan Fragrant Chicken. 17:00 Check out, take a car to Jiuzhaigou Airport, takes about 1.5 hours. 22:00 Arrive in Chengdu.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, take advantage of the crisp autumn weather, head west, step into mythical Jiuzhai, start a comfortable and pleasant romantic trip, quietly appreciate the autumn fairy tale, encounter a joyful mountain retreat, experience the most primitive and original paradise, meet lightly and collect quietly.
