The Divine Hotel in Jiuzhai Paradise: Sightseeing and Hotel Stay Are the Absolute Best
I recently took a trip to Jiuzhaigou. Actually, the last time I went was seven or eight years ago. As I recall, there were no particularly good hotels near Jiuzhaigou at that time, so the dining and accommodation experience was very average. As a result, I hadn't felt like going again for many years. That changed when I heard from a friend who had just been there that an Indigo hotel under the InterContinental Hotels Group had opened near Jiuzhaigou, and it was really great—both the environment and the stay experience were absolutely fantastic. So I had to go!
The Jiuzhaigou Indigo Hotel is located in Zhongcha Valley, Langzhai Village, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Huanglong Airport. If you book the hotel, they offer a complimentary shuttle pick-up service.
As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I was amazed by the warm welcome from the staff—they blew conch shells to greet us and presented us with hada scarves. It was traditional and grand, and it really helped ease the fatigue of a day's travel.
[The cultural experience at the hotel is also great.]
Check-in was very quick, and the hotel lobby was full of local elements. Whether it was the wooden ceiling or the colorful carpets, every detail revealed a distinctive design sensibility, immersing me in the local cultural atmosphere.
I was also stunned by the room design. The theme was clear, with traditional Qiang embroidery and unique Amdo Tibetan thangka paintings adorning the space. Even the box for the welcome tea snacks featured Tibetan cultural elements—the attention to detail was truly thoughtful.
The guest room was spacious and well-equipped. The large bathtub allowed us to wash away the day's exhaustion and enjoy our evening to the fullest. Outside the window, there were beautiful mountain views. The open vanity was also equipped with a large bottle of Yulong body lotion, so we didn't have to worry about dry skin while visiting the plateau. After a nice bath, I poured a cup of tea, picked up a book, and sat on the spacious bay window sofa to enjoy a quiet moment.
After a little relaxation, it was time for my favorite part—food! The restaurant also incorporated local charm. The golden color blended traditional Ando Tibetan etiquette with British manor culture, and combined with various local dishes, both the visual and taste senses were fully satisfied.
The authentic local food, steaming hot, was a real feast for us.
After dinner, you could also choose to enjoy a cappuccino at the café or go to the hotel terrace for a bowl of special butter tea, lazily letting your mind wander.
When visiting Jiuzhaigou, you must try the butter tea—it's really unique.
If you're traveling with a large group and want some entertainment, the hotel also offers a mahjong room, which is a favorite for Sichuanese. Playing a few rounds with friends in such a beautiful setting is a great way to relax and have fun.
Or if you prefer quiet, you can read a book and enrich your inner world. If you bring children, you don't have to worry—the hotel's kids' club lets them burn off energy, so they won't get bored.
Of course, what I looked forward to most was the hotel's afternoon tea. The delicate pastries and special presentation, paired with the Tibetan red tableware, really whetted the appetite. The desserts were light and not too sweet, soft and smooth on the palate—such a lazy, cozy afternoon.
The hotel offers quite a variety of dining options. For this meal, I chose a BBQ feast! The mellow wine and local yak meat skewers were a perfect match. With a few drinks and some skewers, chatting and laughing, we lived life freely and joyfully.
[What else is there to do around the hotel?]
The Luneng Meilihui Town where the hotel is located is worth a visit, especially the Tibetan and Qiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum in the town. It's the best place to learn about local culture.
The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts and artworks, some dating back thousands of years to the mandala culture. The centerpiece—a meticulously crafted 'mandala' made from gemstones ground into powder—is truly awe-inspiring.
Besides this, there are many shops promoting local cultural and creative products, and the town also has a variety of restaurants to choose from.
Even KFC and Starbucks are available—that really hits the spot for young people!
At Green No.7 Paradise, an outdoor exploration site, you can choose to drive a UTV all-terrain vehicle to the park and experience the thrill of off-road driving. Once you arrive at Green No.7 Paradise, there are even more activities to try, including a yak-themed parent-child experience and forest adventure challenges.
[Coming to Jiuzhaigou, you have to see the water.]
After driving several hours to get here, you can't miss Jiuzhaigou itself. I set aside a whole day to visit. The water here is truly stunning—no wonder many people say that after visiting Jiuzhaigou, no other water scenery compares.
Jiuzhai Paradise has over 20 scenic spots, each unique and unforgettable. Whether it's the tranquil ripples of Five Flower Lake or the sparkling waves of Nuorilang Waterfall, the beauty fills you with awe for nature's craftsmanship.
Legend has it that this was also a filming location for the 1986 TV series "Journey to the West." The great waterfall is indeed spectacular.
If I come to Jiuzhaigou again, I will definitely stay at this 'divine hotel'—the Jiuzhaigou Indigo. A good hotel greatly enhances the overall travel experience and happiness. With great food, drinks, fun, and stunning natural scenery, how could I not love it!