May Day Jiuzhaigou Trip

May Day. Western Sichuan Trip

Jiuzhaigou Western Sichuan Small Loop 6-Day Tour

Rongzhong Erjia's song 'Magic Jiuzhaigou' not only made more people know about that paradise-like scenery but also touched our hearts. It was like a seed buried deep in our hearts, growing and growing! Suppressed for years, finally this May Day, I took my wife like moths to a flame, braving the wind and rain, eager to embrace her beauty and relieve the obsession that haunted my dreams! To experience the unknown wonders, surprises, or even shocks and amazements.

After two days of preparation, we temporarily put aside the trivialities of daily life and went to Western Sichuan to blow the free wind, breathe the clear air, and let Jiuzhaigou no longer wait for our audience!

To avoid the May Day travel peak, we planned to depart on May 1st and enter the scenic area on the 3rd, which proved to be a wise decision.

Overall, the Jiuzhaigou trip was quite perfect. We experienced various natural beauties, tasted Tibetan cuisine, and even gained some touching moments. Therefore, while still in the aftertaste, it is necessary to make a small summary of gains and losses.

1. Time and Route Planning

Day 1: Yaan Caoba → Songpan

We stayed overnight in Songpan. Parking fees were too expensive, but we happened to find the Songpan bus station that allowed parking for 10 yuan. My wife saw a kind-looking Tibetan elderly woman and told me to give an extra 5 yuan. The public toilet was clean and bright, convenient for washing. We had a self-heating meal and rested in the car.

Day 2: Songpan → Jiuzhaigou

Breakfast: 28 yuan for a bowl of yak offal soup, a huge bowl that I couldn't finish without my wife's help. It seems that places less bustling serve generous portions.

After breakfast, we left Songzhou Ancient City, passed through Chuanzhusi, and drove for 2 hours to Zhangzha Town. We found a free parking lot opposite the 'See Jiuzhaigou' theater.

Willows were green, small bridges over flowing water, and a high-quality public toilet less than a hundred steps away. My wife was quite satisfied, which greatly relieved me!

With time to spare, we strolled around, experiencing the ethnic charm of this small town near China's hottest scenic spot. There was a large animal hide that I mistook for bear skin, but the owner explained it was actually Tibetan mastiff skin. How my eyes deceived me!

Along the way, various Tibetan handicrafts were dazzling and colorful.

We had agreed to try local specialties whenever possible in Western Sichuan. We spotted a clean little Tibetan food shop that we liked.

160 yuan for a small pot of yak meat hotpot.

The broth was so delicious that words failed me; I could only praise it as 'so fragrant, so fresh'. The 5-yuan bowl of highland barley wine was slightly sour and lightly sweet, truly good to drink. The butter tea at the same price was rich with milk flavor and moderate saltiness, without the expected gamey taste, not repulsive at all—delicious!

We ate and drank to our hearts' content, packing the leftovers, and took away 10 jin of the owner's homemade highland barley wine.

The moon was bright, the stars sparse, the wind gentle, and rain light—yes, it was raining and windy. Looking up, we saw colorful clouds chasing the moon. Surreal, wasn't it?

Day 3: May 3rd. Today we entered the valley.

On the last day of May Day holiday, we parked at the entrance for 40 yuan, which was a bit expensive but not too bad.

'After visiting Jiuzhaigou, no need to see any other water.' This saying lives up to its reputation. Personally, I think the must-see spots are: 1) Five-Color Pond, and 2) Pearl Shoal. The water in Five-Color Pond is like multicolored crystal, indescribably beautiful.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall was the filming location for the opening scene of the old version of 'Journey to the West'. Looking up, it was like the Milky Way pouring down, countless pearls cascading. The highland sun reflected off the water droplets, shimmering silver. In my mind, I saw Tang Monk and his three disciples, the four and one horse trudging along to the theme song of Journey to the West—immersive and wonderful.

Other attractions were equally amazing! In short, the water of Jiuzhaigou is no longer ordinary water; it's like ice crystals blessed by immortals, colorful and too beautiful to disturb! I won't elaborate further.

At 3 PM, we ended our sightseeing. Via Chuanzhusi and Gailitai, we drove south on the over-a-hundred-kilometer-long Jiuhong Grassland Sightseeing Road, experiencing the vastness and grandeur of the Yellow River Grassland. My wife kept exclaiming: 'I never imagined Sichuan could have such boundless grasslands!'. Under the azure sky, cotton-candy-like clouds seemed within reach. Several times, yaks crossing the road blocked our way; the newborn calves were incredibly cute.

We drove all the way on the grassland sky road and finally stopped at the Waqie Town Hongyuan Riganqiao Rest Area.

Here stands a monument commemorating the Red Army crossing the marshland.

At the parking lot, a warm-hearted Tibetan brother and sister showed us where to park and told us the specific locations of toilets and water points. What moved us most was Sister Zhuoma, who delayed closing her small souvenir shop, using its lights to illuminate us, and brought us steaming hot butter tea for free, asking us to warm ourselves.

Once again, we felt the unity of ethnic groups and the simplicity and warmth of Tibetan compatriots. That beam of light not only illuminated our tired bodies but also warmed our cold hearts. Sincerely wishing Sister Zhuoma and the unknown brother Tashi Delek!

Day 4: As the first morning glow painted the sky red, we headed straight for the Yellow River's First Bend.

It wasn't the right season; even standing at the highest point of the viewing platform, we couldn't fully experience the graceful scene of green grass, blue water, and the winding bends of the Yellow River.

Yellow River's First Bend

However, seeing the adorable marmots for the first time brought a little joy to my wife.

Along the way, many horse-riding grounds fulfilled my wife's wish for me to gallop freely. Thank you, my wife!

The warm Tibetan uncle repeatedly invited us to come back in July to ride horses and enjoy flowers on his pasture.

Day 5: Via Hongyuan, Anqu, Rangqu, and Zhuokeji Tusi Official Village, we arrived at Maerkang Songgang Kepan Tian Street to check into a guesthouse.

In the evening, we went to a corner of the still-developing Tibetan village, ordered a few small dishes at a farmhouse, and sat leisurely under an apple tree, drinking wine and sharing our travel experiences with my wife. The evening breeze gently caressed us; the Tibetan watchtowers at the mountain pass were bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, and large black crows fluttered in the woods.

Traveling is indeed tiring, but the novelty and surprises along the way invigorate the spirit!

Day 6: Via Jinchuan, Beauty Valley to Danba, then along the 248 Landscape Avenue past Yala Snow Mountain, Tagong Grassland, and Mosh Park into Xinduqiao's Ten-Mile Gallery. October should be the most beautiful season for colorful forests along the 248 Landscape Avenue. Already, while traveling, we planned to cross the 248 Landscape Avenue again in October to make up for the missed autumn foliage.

Ma'erbang is famous for its cherries, but the pollution-free strawberries are actually my wife's favorite. Firm flesh, sweet and juicy, with a faint milky aroma filling the mouth—it was hard to stop eating.

Jinchuan Ma'erbang - Sunshine Cherries

Opposite is Mosh Park; no need to enter, just park by the roadside to get a glimpse.

With my unprofessional explanation to my wife: 'It's a landscape formed when crustal movement pushed incompletely developed coal seams to the surface, then sculpted by rain. Other than the gimmick, it's not as visually valuable as imagined.'

A quick glance, then we moved on.

Xinduqiao's scenery is truly soothing; its reputation as a 'Photographer's Paradise' is well-deserved. But October is its most beautiful season—we look forward to another encounter.

Yuzixi, located on the mountaintop of Yuzixi Village in Xinduqiao, is a 360-degree viewing platform at an altitude of about 4200m. When the weather is good, you can see Yala Snow Mountain, Siguniang Mountain, and the Gongga Mountains.

We paid 20 yuan for insurance (ticket was free), a little surprise. Bumping all the way to the top, the weather changed suddenly; strong winds and snow obscured the graceful silhouettes of the surrounding snowy mountains. Perhaps the snow-capped mountains were shy because of too many tourists!

My wife, who didn't suffer from altitude sickness, happily swung on the swing, having a great time.

The unseen Milky Way and starry sky will have to wait until next time.

We sped along, joining the endless stream of traffic on Highway 318. When climbing over Zheduo Mountain, we suddenly encountered a blizzard, which excited my exhausted wife. People who love snow must have pure and clear hearts!

Day 6: For a ticket of 12 yuan, we visited the world-famous Luding Bridge. On the swaying bridge deck, it was not hard to imagine the heroic and fearless feat of the 27 warriors back then. Long live the people's heroes!

A friend told us that the cherries in Chuni Township were tempting; we wanted to satisfy our craving, but the road was difficult. Afraid of jostling my wife, we gave up the opportunity to buy mulberries at 4 yuan per jin.

Via the Yaxi Expressway, we returned to Caoba. Thus, the May Day mini-crossing of over 1,700 kilometers in Western Sichuan ended perfectly. This trip brought many gains and also some regrets. To make the next trip more perfect, I summarize as follows:

1. Ensure the vehicle is in good condition; fill the tank when half empty.

2. Bring warm clothing: waterproof jacket, thin down jacket, thermal underwear.

3. Self-heating meals, biscuits, bread, canned coffee, Red Bull, fruit—just enough; supplies can be bought along the way.

4. Must bring sunglasses, sunscreen, face cover, sun hat.

5. Most importantly, plan driving time to ensure adequate sleep. This prevents altitude sickness and boosts energy for subsequent activities.

6. When possible, schedule a staggered departure to avoid crowds and save money.