Late Summer to Early Autumn in Fairy Tale Jiuzhaigou: Enjoy a Wonderful Valley Getaway

Autumn has arrived, and in my heart, the most beautiful place is Jiuzhaigou, known as the 'Fairyland on Earth, World of Fairy Tales.' I love her intoxicating appearance, each season radiating a different beauty that attracts visitors from all directions to witness her grace. The advantage of high altitude makes the mountains and waters here fantastically wondrous, and every visit brings new shocks and surprises. She is like a timeless beauty, pure and refined, majestic and elegant at first glance, a place one can visit countless times without ever getting bored.

The water here gives her soul; each lake is like a piece of crystal-clear jade adorning this valley. The colorful forests are her clothing: tender buds in spring, waterfalls flowing briskly; summer shades of green surround the lakes, orioles sing and swallows dance; autumn red leaves cover the mountains, a dazzling array of colorful forests; winter snow wraps the mountains, ice cascades like jade.

The valley is renowned worldwide for its magnificent and beautiful emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture. I think God must have loved this place deeply, spilling the palette so that she has different beauty all year round, like a flowing landscape painting that intoxicates everyone's heart.

Even though a severe magnitude-7 earthquake once caused serious damage, it hasn't affected its charm at all. Its re-emergence still dazzles people's eyes. Nature's uncanny work has also brought forth gurgling springs in other areas through different means. I can't help but visit her time and again, to encounter extraordinary scenery.

The average annual temperature here is relatively low, making it a true summer resort and an ideal place for self-cultivation and relaxation.

Of course, besides the famous Jiuzhaigou, nearby places like Zhongcha Valley and Ganhaizi are also worth visiting, with fewer people and beautiful scenery, truly hidden gems. The best route is recommended to be four days and three nights, and you can refer to my itinerary for details.

▶ Day 1: ◆ 10:50 Depart from Chongqing Airport ◆ 15:00 Check in at the hotel ◆ 19:00 Enjoy buffet dinner

▶ Day 2: ◆ 06:30 - 08:30 Enjoy breakfast ◆ 08:30 - 18:00 Visit Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (lunch box) ◆ 19:00 Enjoy hot pot feast at Mai Chinese Restaurant

▶ Day 3: ◆ 06:30 - 08:30 Enjoy breakfast ◆ 10:00 - 12:00 Experience and take photos at Zhongcha Valley ◆ 12:00 - 14:00 Enjoy Chinese Executive Chef Season lunch ◆ 14:00 - 18:00 Visit Ganhaizi Scenic Area ◆ 19:00 - 21:00 Enjoy European-style afternoon tea & cold buffet

▶ Day 4 (August 27): ◆ 06:30 - 08:30 Enjoy breakfast ◆ After 12:00 Check out and leave for the airport

First encounter with Hilton, making the trip more comfortable

My friend and I took a direct flight from Sichuan Airlines to Jiuhuang Airport, arriving in just one hour, very convenient. Of course, those who prefer self-driving can also drive directly, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way without getting tired. You can also take a seven-hour bus from Chengdu directly to Jiuzhaigou scenic area entrance. To make this trip more comfortable, we specifically booked accommodation at the Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton Resort.

This hotel is located on a lush slope of Minshan Mountain, backed by the peaceful Zhongcha Village, serene and secluded. It is Hilton's first mountain resort hotel in Sichuan. It is 75 kilometers from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, about a 1.5-hour drive. It is only 12 kilometers from Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, about a 15-minute drive. Detailed address: South side of 301 Provincial Road, Langzhai Village, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (next to Daji Temple).

The hotel blends with nature, with a unique environment and very fresh air. Walking here, the winding paths lead to secluded spots, birds sing and flowers fragrance, and the mood becomes particularly relaxed. I heard that in the future, the first urban waiting lounge in Sichuan's ethnic areas will also be located here. Guests staying here can take shuttle buses directly from the hotel, enjoy luggage consignment, travel consultation, and other 'one-stop' services, quickly and conveniently completing check-in procedures, shortening waiting time at the airport terminal, no longer afraid of delays or rushing.

From the moment you step into the lobby, you can feel the perfect fusion of modern and Tibetan-style design. The thousand-year-old Bodhi tree placed in the center is very eye-catching, and the auspicious cloud prayer flags hanging at the top are a form of blessing and wishing. The front desk warmly helped us check in quickly and had staff help carry our luggage to the room, making the whole process very comfortable.

Due to the special circumstances of the pandemic, the hotel has fully implemented the upgraded cleaning and disinfection standards of 'Hilton CleanStay,' allowing guests to enjoy a cleaner and safer stay experience with confidence.

When we opened the door, the first thing we saw was a heartfelt handwritten card and welcome gifts, with various details showcasing Hilton's luxury taste.

The spacious layout of over 46 square meters allows you to fully enjoy the forest and lake views through the windows. The bedding is very soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The walls have abandoned traditional plug-in modes, with light switches hidden in the bedside table, understated yet elevated.

The facilities are complete, with a separate wet and dry bathroom. You can relax in the bathroom equipped with a bathtub and rainforest shower, washing away fatigue.

The hotel also features an exclusive Tibetan-style commercial street, where you can experience unique local culture. You can stroll around, and maybe buy some souvenirs for friends. It is said that in the future, cinemas and other facilities will be added, making the scale even larger.

'Kai' All-Day Dining Restaurant

After resting and freshening up, for our first meal in Jiuzhaigou, we chose the all-day dining restaurant. The space here is bright and transparent, with both indoor and outdoor seating options, offering excellent water views and an impressive open kitchen. A wide variety of delicious food, including à la carte and breakfast buffet, is served here, whetting the appetite. Business hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM.

The buffet dinner here costs 258 yuan per person, featuring various local specialties like seafood and barbecue. For a high-altitude area, this level is quite rare; you can even enjoy Sichuan's 'Bobo Ji' and 'Mao Cai'... In addition to the buffet dishes, some limited-edition dishes are offered daily for guests to choose. The night we ate, we had foie gras and avocado rolls.

After visiting Jiuzhaigou, you don't need to see water elsewhere; Jiuzhaigou is paradise on earth.

On the second day, after a hearty breakfast, we booked a car to Jiuzhaigou. Since the scenic area is large and requires a full day to explore, we picked up the lunch box prepared by the hotel and set off smoothly. In September, the mountains and waters here seem more lively, with richer layers. The gradually changing leaves look like they are putting on colorful autumn clothes, and by October, they will show their most beautiful form. Special note: Currently, the scenic area limits visitor numbers to 17,000 per day. If exceeded, no more will be admitted. Be sure to book tickets in advance.

The scenic area route is Y-shaped, and some spots are temporarily closed due to the earthquake. The first stop by sightseeing bus is Long Lake (Changhai), which is the highest and widest lake in Jiuzhaigou, with a dark blue surface. Long Lake winds along the mountain, its head hidden deep in the layered valleys, with clear reflections on the calm lake surface, incredibly spectacular.

Then going down, we reach the Five-Color Pond (Wucai Chi), known as the Eye of Jiuzhaigou. It is at an altitude of 2,995 meters, 6.6 meters deep, hidden in the dense forest like a huge sapphire, the smallest and most colorful pond in Jiuzhaigou. Due to heavy rain earlier that flooded the walkway, currently you can only view it from above.

After visiting Five-Color Pond, you need to take a sightseeing bus to Nuorilang Central Station to transfer. The Nuorilang Waterfall here is a marvel, the widest waterfall in China. 'Nuorilang' is a Tibetan transliteration meaning 'male god,' symbolizing grandeur. Standing in it, it feels like everyone can undergo an unprecedented baptism: washing the eyes, lungs, and soul.

From Nuorilang, we took a bus to my favorite spot—Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai), known as the 'Jewel of Jiuzhaigou' and 'Essence of Jiuzhaigou,' a pride of Jiuzhaigou. Its colors and outline resemble a half-open peacock, so it is also called Peacock Lake. The blue-green lake water contrasts with strange flowers and rocks, incredibly beautiful and intoxicating.

This pure land seems to wash away the world's chaos and noise. When the sunlight reflects, various colors blend and merge, with white clouds, giving the lake water a surreal, dreamy, and magical hue, as if entering a fairy tale realm.

We chose a quiet spot on the ground and sat down to enjoy lunch there. The picturesque scenery seemed to make the bento box even more delicious.

Finally, we visited Pearl Shoal (Zhenzhu Tan) and Shuzheng Village Waterfall, ending this perfect day of refreshing the heart and lungs. I think I will definitely come again next season, because this place is so beautiful, no matter how much you look, you never tire of it.

Mai Chinese Restaurant – A Sichuan Hot Pot That Tantalizes the Taste Buds

Returning to the hotel in the evening, we experienced the most authentic Sichuan cuisine and Tibetan-style local hot pot at the Chinese-style Mai Chinese Restaurant. Here, the main hall and private rooms are separated into different areas, with joy and tranquility only a wall apart.

As a Chongqing native, I seem to love hot pot wherever I go, so we ordered a set meal with friends, which was incredibly satisfying. The ingredients used were all fresh, greatly increasing our appetite.

After dinner, walking to aid digestion was perfect. The twinkling candlelight made the night even more romantic.

The Place Where the Divine Eagle Descends – Zhongcha Valley

On the third day, after a good breakfast, we arranged a car with the concierge and headed straight to Zhongcha Valley, a hidden Tibetan ancient village near the hotel, known as the back garden of Jiuzhaigou, meaning 'the place where the divine eagle descends.' It's just a few minutes' drive from the hotel, a peaceful and quiet space ideal for exploring Tibetan village culture on foot.

It is separated from Jiuzhaigou by only one mountain, surrounded by green mountains all year round, with scattered cattle and sheep on the slopes, presenting a pastoral idyll.

Halfway up the mountain, looking closely at Zhongcha Valley, the scattered Tibetan villages seem isolated, with occasional smoke from chimneys, a calm and unhurried pace of life, living undisturbed by the outside world. At that moment, I was quite envious.

Imagine waking up every morning to the birds' songs, pushing open the wooden window to see blue sky, white clouds, colorful forests, streams, grass, and wildflowers. Then brew a pot of butter tea, watching the prayer flags flutter gently in the distance—that would be a leisurely and carefree, heavenly life.

As a passerby, I could only pick a handful of yellow wildflowers on the hillside, take a few 'I was here' photos to record this beautiful time.

Natural Meadow Pasture – Ganhaizi Love Sea

Leaving Zhongcha Valley, there is another scenic spot, Ganhaizi, not to be missed. Ganhaizi is also known as Grass Lake, passing by on the way from Jiuzhaigou back to Chengdu, located at Gonggang Ridge on the border of Songpan and Jiuzhaigou. It was originally a high-altitude lake, but due to geological changes in early years, locals called it 'Dry Lake.' Now, with layered mountains, winding streams accompanied by lush grass, wildflowers in summer and autumn contrasting with snow-capped mountains and forests, it has beautiful scenery and dense forests, thus renamed from 'Dry Lake' to 'Sweet Lake.'

It is a love garden meticulously created by the Jiuzhaigou Management Bureau, so it is also called Love Sea. There are many popular photo spots set up, such as the currently fashionable love arch, folk custom Eternal Tower, happy prayer wheel, fate blessing flags, colorful plank road, Lanshan Pavilion, and Biyi Qifei (flying wing to wing).

Following the wooden plank road all the way leads to the end. The undulating mountains in the distance, the flower-covered meadows, and the colorful prayer flags are all beautiful sights.

My personal favorite is the 'Mirror of the Sky' here. When you stand on the glass, your reflection merges with the sky in a line, instantly producing great photos.

Chinese Executive Chef Season – Delicacies on the Tongue

Returning to the hotel from Ganhaizi, we were extremely hungry. I heard that this month Hilton happened to hold the first 'Chinese Executive Chef Season.' As a foodie, I naturally wouldn't miss the chance to taste these delicious dishes. So we booked a private room at Mai Chinese Restaurant with friends and enjoyed the meticulously prepared dishes by Chef Liu Yang, who has been in the industry for over twenty years. In particular, the 'Barley Pan-Fried Yak Steak' won the honor of being one of the top ten dishes at the 'Panda Jiuzhaigou' Food Festival.

I heard the decorative model on the table was a Jiuzhaigou model his team spent two weeks shaping—meticulous and dedicated.

Barley Pan-Fried Yak Steak is different from traditional steak. It incorporates local Tibetan characteristics, cooked with barley grains, slowly simmered for a soft and sticky texture, then pan-fried at high heat to a golden color with a fragrant aroma.

Stir-Fried Morel Mushrooms is Chef Liu's original creation, using local morels, processed uniquely for a bright color, smooth, and refreshing taste.

Jiuzhaigou Peppercorn Cold Water Fish features local cold water fish from Jiuzhaigou, paired with green Sichuan pepper from Wenchuan County, breaking traditional fish cooking methods for a fresh and rich taste.

Hand-Grabbed Goat Ribs are made from local goat meat, served with a special dipping sauce, leaving a lingering fragrance. When served, the staff will re-process and help cut them open.

Matsutake Bamboo Fungus Tibetan Chicken Soup is particularly sweet and delicious—don't forget to try it.

Air-Dried Hand-Shredded Yak Meat is chewy and flavorful, with a dry texture and great taste in every shred.

Leek Fragrant Live Abalone in Shell is a dish made from leeks and abalone, colorful, bouncy, and full.

Ancient Village Three-Year-Old Preserved Pork lets you feel the taste of time, with a shiny oil color and fragrant slices.

If there are fewer diners, you can also try Stone Pot Tibetan Fragrant Chicken. The ingredients are slowly simmered in a Mo tuo stone pot to produce a fresh and delicious broth, with extremely tender chicken, one of the popular dishes at the Chinese restaurant.

Western-Style Cold Buffet – A Sense of Ritual for Natural Life

This unforgettable journey needed a perfect end. The next day, everyone would go their separate ways to start new lives. As the saying goes, meeting is fate. It's not easy for a group of friends to be together, so why not have a grand dinner, bringing a joyful sense of ritual to the trip?

We decided to rent a whole villa here for the last day, so we booked afternoon tea and a Western-style cold buffet (dinner). Thank you to the hotel for their thoughtful arrangements, creating such a wonderful environment for us.

I have to praise the beautiful environment of the villa, with high privacy, and various details reflecting excellent quality. The spacious outdoor balcony offered a panoramic view of the distant lake and mountains. When we returned from our outing, the staff had already arranged everything in the living room for us.

Every decoration exudes the aesthetics of life, with extremely delicate and exquisite plating.

It is said that some fruits on the table were freshly picked from the hotel's own orchard, and those Gesang flowers also represent sincere wishes.

When the gentle breeze brushed my cheeks, the sun kissed the top of my head, sitting here quietly toasting with friends, listening to music and chatting—it was an incredibly comfortable enjoyment.

All wonderful elements gathered here, temporarily away from the pressures and fatigue of the city, spending this day leisurely and peacefully.

Everyone laughed and talked, sharing the food on the table, the experience of being surrounded by nature, and the joy...

This autumn, why not slow down your pace of life like me, choose a holiday, bring your loved one, and immerse yourselves among the mountains, waters, and trees, living a long-cherished tranquil life, stepping into the fairy tale paradise of Jiuzhaigou.

Pre-trip Precautions

Sunscreen: Jiuzhaigou is located on a high plateau with very strong UV rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen, buy one with a high SPF. I usually use the 'little gold bottle.' Sun hat: When outdoors for long periods, it's best to wear a sun hat; also useful for taking photos. Sunglasses: Especially in winter after snow, it's very dazzling; bringing sunglasses can protect your eyes. Rain gear: The weather on the plateau is unpredictable; rain gear is a travel essential. A raincoat is recommended for convenience. Daily necessities: Travel-sized skincare, after-sun repair lotion: After intense UV exposure during the day, remember to care for your skin at night. Moisturizer, moisturizing mask, lip balm, wet wipes are essential. Warm clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is large, and the weather is dry and cold. Prepare warm underwear, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and bring a down jacket or windbreaker. When in Rome: Since Jiuzhaigou belongs to the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, many customs are different from ours as Han Chinese. So before going to Jiuzhaigou, you should familiarize yourself with local customs to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Also, be cautious when spending in some entertainment venues. Digital products: Jiuzhaigou is as beautiful as a painting; it must be well recorded. My camera equipment for this trip is as follows: D810 + 24-70 + 14-24 lens, iPhone 11 Pro. Everything is ready, set off...