There Is a Fairyland Called Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) and the Scenery Along the Way to It Is Beautiful!

On this three-day self-driving trip to Western Sichuan, I saw many charming and beautiful natural landscapes, such as the plateau grasslands, cattle and sheep, and the majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountains towering on the plateau. In Western Sichuan, there are splendid grasslands, as well as Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool), hidden within Jiuzhaigou County. This place is truly a fairyland on earth. On April 8, 2021, our group of nine people set off in two vehicles for a self-driving tour of Western Sichuan, which lasted a total of three days. We departed from the Jiuzhaigou Hotel in Chengdu, heading to the Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) scenic area in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan.

There are three roads leading to the Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) scenic area:

The first is from Zoige via the Brazilian Conference site in Brazil Town, Qiuqiu Township, crossing the Lama Ridge (pass at 3,990 meters above sea level), passing through the ancient Tibetan village of Dalu and the Shenxianping self-driving campground to reach Shenxian Pool, a total of 143 kilometers.

The second is from the Shangsi Village entrance between Chuanzhusi and Jiuzhaigou, passing through Lale Heba, the most beautiful internet-famous road with 28 twists, Sun Moon Observation Deck, the Yalong Nari Sacred Mountain (meaning the sacred mountain that does not shed tears, elevation 3,688 meters) pass, and finally reaching Shenxian Pool, a total of 45 kilometers.

The third is starting from Jiuzhaigou County, passing through the Heihe Bridge. Along the way, attractions include the Heihe Grand Canyon, Lamas' Stone, Hanging Spring, Jiuzhaigou Celestial Bead, the ancient Tibetan village of Dalu, and the Shenxianping self-driving campground, eventually reaching Shenxian Pool, a total of 128 kilometers.

This time we took the first road to the Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) scenic area. It was not yet the most beautiful season in Western Sichuan; the vegetation along the way was still tinged with yellow and had not turned green. However, we felt that the scenery along the way was still very beautiful. Especially characteristic of the Western Sichuan plateau, cattle and sheep accompanied us all the way, along with the distant snow-capped mountains and rivers, all combining to create a splendid view.

The First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River: See the Yellow River You Have Never Seen Before:

That is why I was so impulsive to go to Western Sichuan for a self-driving trip. Only the days you seize are real. Pack your bags and head to that long-awaited destination. After a full day of driving for about seven hours, we arrived at our first scenic spot in Western Sichuan: the First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River in Zoige County. The First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River is a magnificent scenic spot, especially at sunset. Here, the scene perfectly embodies the poetic line, "The sunset and the lone wild duck fly together; the autumn water and the vast sky share one color." The Yellow River water, like a fairy's ribbon, gently drifts from the horizon, lightly brushes the edge of Sichuan, and then turns back to Qinghai. The First Bend of the Nine-Bend has many islands, with red willows forming forests, lush and varied, where golden pheasants and hares hide. Waterbirds gather, fishing boats cross, and it is a paradise for golden pheasants, yellow ducks, hares, red-crowned cranes, and black-necked cranes.

This is the Yellow River, but not as you have seen it before. In your heart and mind, what kind of Yellow River have you seen? Perhaps the majestic Kunlun Bay? Or the roaring thunder of Hukou Waterfall? Have you ever seen a very calm Yellow River? Or a Yellow River with huge bends? Then I suggest you come to the First Bend of the Nine-Bend and take a look. The sight of the Yellow River here will indeed subvert your imagination. The First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River originates from the Bayan Har Mountains and flows through Sichuan Province. Along this stretch of the river, it forms the boundary between Sichuan and Gansu. The west bank is Gansu, and the east bank is Sichuan.

Huahu Lake after a Snowfall: Scenery of Unique Beauty:

Going to Western Sichuan is inherently a journey full of unknowns. We not only care about the scenery along the way, but also about the mood in which we view it. Travel does not end because of beautiful scenery. The roads we have traveled become the scenery behind us; we cannot turn back or linger. If we pause, we will miss better views ahead. Maintain a sense of peace, keep a clear head, enjoy every moment's feeling, and appreciate every scene's beauty—this is life. Especially Huahu Lake after a snowfall gave us a different kind of beauty and experience. At this moment, the beauty of Huahu Lake in Zoige County is vast and broad, with an endless expanse of white as far as the eye can see. Standing in Huahu Lake, everything in sight is a view, like a colorful painting, bringing full joy to the heart. The joy in my heart seemed ready to bloom like spring flowers. I think this is the unique beauty of Huahu Lake we saw this spring. Huahu Lake scenic area is a natural sea within the Reda Dam grassland. Huahu Lake is indeed a back garden bestowed by heaven on Zoige in Western Sichuan, beautiful beyond restraint!

Red Impression: The Unforgettable Site of the Brazilian Conference:

The site of the Brazilian Conference is located in Brazil Township, 32 kilometers east of Zoige County, Aba Prefecture. The original site was a lama temple called Banyou Temple, of which only ruined walls remain. After the Maogai Conference, the Central Committee led the Right Route Army across the grasslands to the area of Banyou and Brazil, waiting to join the Left Route Army. But Zhang Guotao, leading the Left Route Army, arrived at Aba and disobeyed the Central Committee's orders, refusing to join the Right Route Army, even threatening the Right Route Army and the Party Central Committee to go south, and even attempting to harm the Party Central Committee. In response, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party held consecutive Politburo meetings at Banyou Temple from September 2 to 9, 1935. After full discussion, they still adhered to the correct route of advancing north, condemned Zhang Guotao's rightist flightist behavior, and demanded that the Left Route Army led by Zhang Guotao quickly move closer to the Center and head north. Given Zhang Guotao and Chen Changhao's stubborn stance and the enemy situation at the time, the Party Central Committee decided to lead the directly affiliated column northward first. In the early morning of September 10, the directly affiliated column left the Brazil area and set off for the Russian Front in Gansu, while issuing the "Letter to Comrades on Implementing the Northern Policy." The Brazilian Conference was a crucial meeting that determined the fate and future of the Party and the Red Army, holding an important historical position in Party history and is well worth visiting.

Lama Ridge at an Altitude of 3999 Meters on the Ruojiang Road:

Poetry and distant lands are right under our feet. Going to see the scenery on the Ruojiang Road, because we have dreams, we bravely set out; once we choose to depart, we press on regardless of wind or rain. Travel is the best way to dispel ignorance and melancholy. We reached Lama Ridge at an altitude of 3999 meters. After consulting relevant information, I learned the origin of the name Lama Ridge. It is located in Qiuqiu Township, Zoige County, Sichuan Province, and is a sacred mountain in the hearts of the local people, hence called Lama Ridge.

The Beauty of the Ancient Tibetan Village of Dalu Shows Its Accumulated Charm:

The ancient Tibetan village of Dalu is located in Dalu Township, northwest of Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, 97 kilometers from the county seat. It is a pure Tibetan township with a mix of farming and animal husbandry. The geographical position of this township is very complex, being a junction of two provinces, four counties, and nine townships, bordering A'xia Township and Duoxiang Township in Diebu County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, as well as Baozuo Township and Qiuqiu Township in Zoige County, Aba Prefecture, Chuanzhusi Town in Songpan County, and Zhangzha Town, Yuwa Township, and Heihe Township in Jiuzhaigou County.

I calmed my mind to appreciate the mountains and rivers here, experiencing every bit of local customs and culture. It not only cultivated my temperament and broadened my knowledge, but also allowed me to cultivate my character, understand doubts, and resolve confusion. Truly, "three miles away from home, you encounter a different local custom." Only by going out, arriving in Western Sichuan, reaching the ancient village of Dalu, and enjoying the visiting pleasure bestowed by history and architecture, can one stretch their mind and purify the soul.

The charm of the ancient Dalu village accumulates over time amidst smoke and mist. Every earthen wall, every wooden tile, and the log cabins combined with round timber are scattered in a well-arranged manner, occupying the precious flat terrain on the hillside.

There is the nearly 700-year-old Sakya Tibetan Buddhist temple Dalu Temple, and the auspicious place—Shenxianping. The colorful Anduo Tibetan folk culture, unique natural scenery, the ancient Tibetan village with a long history, and the mysterious religious culture intersect here. The unique geographical location and climatic conditions, as well as the diverse regional cultures, have given birth to rich tourism resources in Dalu Township. Besides the Shenxian Pool scenic area, which is known as "the epitome of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong," there is also the "last ancient Tibetan village"—Dalu Village.

Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool): A Fairyland Hidden within Jiuzhaigou County:

Not only is there Jiuzhaigou in Jiuzhaigou County, but also the Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) scenic area. Today, I want to take everyone to explore its hidden beauty. The Shenxian Pool scenic area faces Jiuzhaigou from a distance. Nen'ensangcuo is also known as "Shenxian Pool," meaning a place where fairies bathe. The most special thing about Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) is that it is one of the few places in the world where you can see both alpine lakes and calcified colorful pools at the same time, combining the landscapes of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. The scenic area is dominated by alpine valleys, with many ten-thousand-mu grasslands, forests, and pastures. The main landscapes are emerald lakes, colorful pools, and calcification formations. Its characteristic is the integration of clear alpine lakes, well-developed large-scale calcification landscapes, and boundless primitive forests. The overall impression it left on me: peaks upon peaks, winding and deep gullies, shrouded in clouds and mist, giving an ethereal, mysterious, quiet, and remote feeling.

This was my first time visiting the Shenxian Pool scenic area in Jiuzhaigou County. As I strolled and immersed myself in the primitive forests of Shenxian Pool, my nose breathed in the fragrant and moist air, which was so refreshing to the lungs. My ears could even hear the sound of pines and birds, the mountain wind of the wild forest brushed against me, and my eyes saw the lush greenery. It felt like stepping into another fairy-tale world in Jiuzhaigou County, suddenly giving me a transcendent feeling. Truly worthy of being a place where fairies bathe; only fairies can bathe here. Although it's a legend, its beauty really shocked me.

Every scenic spot here is unique and beautiful. Since there are so many, I won't introduce them one by one, but only selectively introduce some representative ones.

Yao Pool: Composed of several calcified pools of different sizes connected in a curved shape. When calm, they look like connected jade pieces; when the wind and rain pass, they resemble celestial pearls scattered in a green jade plate, creating an illusion of being in another world. Standing on the glass observation platform above Yao Pool, looking out at the wonder of "layered terraces" in Yao Pool, it is hard to imagine—is this the shape of the fairyland where the Queen Mother of the West resides? Scientific explanation for this scene: It is formed when calcium carbonate dissolves in spring water, evaporates, and the sediment covers the ground. But I prefer to believe that I am standing in the mythical Yao Pool of the Ninth Heaven, sharing the same land with immortals.

Qinglong Lake and Shenwa Lake: Their forms resemble the large and small lakes in Jiuzhaigou. In these lakes, dead trees lie quietly at the bottom, forming natural paintings. Especially, the water here is so clear that you can see the "lake bottom" landscape, including the calcified sunken wood and various algae plants growing on them clearly visible.

Mo Fu Cave: A "stone cave" full of worldly expectations and wishes, hidden for many years as a deity. It is said that touching it can predict the gender of your future child. The surrounding colorful prayer flags fluttering and swaying in the wind, and the scattered pure white Longda, are the best testimonies to devout faith. People choose to believe in what they hold in their hearts and walk forward with faith. In this world, faith itself is beautiful.

The core attractions of Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) mainly include: Shuilian Cave, Jinyin Beach, Divine Spring, Yao Pool, Qinglong Lake, Lotus Terrace Colorful Pool, Fairy Pool, Shenwa Lake, Mo Fu Cave, Fairy Flat, Wanlayer Beach, Yonglian Spring, Lotus Terrace, Tibetan Village, and Tibetan folk customs. According to the guide map and my physical condition, I spent about two hours visiting the entire Shenxian Pool scenic area, and the physical exertion was quite acceptable.

After visiting Shenxian Pool, we continued down the winding mountain road toward the direction of Jiuzhaigou Valley Mouth. We had to pass through 28 twists. The mountain scenery here perhaps meets with life experiences unexpectedly, bringing more surprises to everyone's journey. At this moment, we could not help but marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature. Combined with human wisdom, such a rugged mountain road was built. There really are 28 twists. In early spring, reaching the pass, the snow-capped mountains in front and behind are perhaps the most beautiful scenery, unadorned and unsculpted, pure and sacred. The scenery here varies with the seasons and is worth savoring and checking in.

Ticket Information for Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool):

Peak season: June 1 - November 16, full ticket: 100 yuan. Discount ticket: 80 yuan.

Off-peak season: November 17 - May 31 of the following year, full ticket: 50 yuan. Discount ticket: 25 yuan.

Electric cart: 24 yuan.

Ticket Purchase Instructions:

1. Each time you enter the scenic area, you need to buy a ticket for Jiuzhaigou Nen'ensangcuo Scenic Area. Please arrange your time to avoid duplicate purchases.

2. One ticket per person, valid on the day of issue. No refunds after ticket inspection upon entry.

3. Free tickets: (1) Children under 6 years old (including 6) or under 1.2 meters tall (including 1.2 meters) are free. (2) Seniors aged 70 (including 70) and above with valid ID get free tickets (tickets for the cart need to be purchased). (3) Revolutionary disabled soldiers and active-duty soldiers with valid ID get free tickets (cart ticket needed). (4) Tour guides and travel agency staff with valid ID get free tickets. (5) Doctors, nurses, and medical staff nationwide (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) with valid ID get free tickets from now until December 31, 2021.

4. Discount tickets: (1) Minors aged 6 (excluding 6) to 18 (including 18), and full-time undergraduate and below students with valid student IDs get discount tickets (cart ticket needed). (2) Seniors aged 60 (including 60) to 69 with valid ID get discount tickets (cart ticket needed). (3) Disabled persons with valid ID get discount tickets (cart ticket needed). (4) Teachers with valid teaching certificates visiting the scenic area on Teacher's Day get discount tickets (cart ticket needed).

Three-Day Self-Driving Itinerary for Western Sichuan Aba:

Time: April 8-10, 3 days:

Day 1: Chengdu - Wenchuan - Lixian - Hongyuan - Zoige First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River, Huahu Lake (total 570 km).

Day 2: Zoige Huahu Lake - Brazilian Conference Site - Dalu Tibetan Village - Shenxian Pool Scenic Area - Jiuzhaigou Valley Mouth (total 180 km).

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Valley Mouth - Pingwu - Beichuan - Jiangyou - Chengdu (total 480 km).

During this three-day self-driving trip to Western Sichuan, I realized that the beauty of Nen'ensangcuo (Shenxian Pool) is breathtaking, making one feel as if living in an intoxicated poetic and pictorial realm. As long as you have a goal in mind and unremitting efforts, the journey will always grant us different life experiences, allowing us to see different scenery and embrace a different state of mind. The most beautiful scenery is always on the road.