Hey LeoSquad! 👋After braving a two-hour queue at Huánglóng (黄龙) the day before, my mom and I were exhausted but excited for the next stop on our journey: Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟). This valley has always looked like a dream to me, with emerald lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks straight out of a postcard. In this Jiuzhaigou travel guide, I’ll share our experience exploring the sights, the culture, and even the funny little moments (like testing out instant rice for lunch!) that made this trip unforgettable.

Curious about our journey at Huánglóng (黄龙)? Read the full story in Exploring Huanglong here.

Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort entrance view

Our hotel, Howard Johnson TianYuan Resort turned out to be quite the surprise. The room had futuristic buttons for everything: terrace lights, fireplace, and even the curtains. Of course, I had to test them all. The curtains slowly slid open… only to reveal complete darkness, it was still 5 a.m. After all, we would have to wait till sunrise.

Breakfast at the hotel’s Riviera Restaurant was the perfect start to the day. The spread leaned heavily on traditional Chinese flavors: steamed buns, porridge, pickled vegetables, stir-fried greens, and plenty of fresh fruits. Simple, hearty, and surprisingly healthy fuel for the long day ahead.

Jiǔzhàigōu‘s entrance view

By the time we reached Jiǔzhàigōu’s entrance, the air was crisp, cool, and refreshing at 2,500 meters above sea level. The downside? A sea of visitors. Yesterday at Huánglóng (黄龙) there were about 10,000 people. Today, Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) had around 30,000 visitors! Thankfully, the park’s infrastructure made things run smoothly. Buses ferried people quickly, and despite the crowds, the energy was unbeatable: cameras out, backpacks on, and excitement in the air.

Sea of visitors in Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟).

Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) Map Route

Here are some lists of spots that I visited in Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟).

Long Lake (长海) Chǎnghǎi view

Our first stop was Long Lake (长海) Chǎnghǎi, the largest and deepest lake in Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟). Snow-capped mountains framed the crystal-clear water, which shimmered like a mirror. At just 3°C, the air was brisk and sharp. One fascinating detail: Long Lake has no visible outlet. Its water seeps underground, feeding other lakes in the valley, including the famous Five Color Pond (五彩池) Wǔcǎi Chí.

Mom posing at the lake

💡 Quick tip: skip the toilets here, because they’re filthy. The cleanest restrooms are at Nuorilang Station. 🚽

Five Color Pond View

Despite its modest size, the Five Color Pond (五彩池) Wǔcǎi Chí is one of Jiǔzhàigōu’s most enchanting sights. The water dazzles in shades of turquoise, blue, and green, almost like a living painting. Its vibrant hues come from travertine deposits on the uneven lakebed combined with algae. The pond is considered sacred by locals, who believe its colors hold mystical energy. Standing there, gazing at the impossibly clear water, it’s easy to see why.

Nuòrìlǎng (诺日朗) Station

The bus ride through Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) isn’t just transportation: it’s a moving panorama. We passed hidden ponds, dense forests, towering peaks, and quiet Tibetan villages.

At Nuòrìlǎng (诺日朗) Station, the park’s main hub, we found a bustling market selling colorful Tibetan garments, hand-made crafts, panda souvenirs, and local snacks. Once a traditional trading spot, it’s now a lively, well-organized marketplace. If you need to use the toilet, the cleanest one is at Nuorilang Station 🚻. For other stations… just be cautious 😅

Virgin Forest (原始森林)

Next, we ventured into the Virgin Forest (原始森林) Yuánshǐ sēnlín, the highest point in Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟). Surrounded by ancient trees, the air felt untouched and impossibly fresh.

Mom and I found a bench for lunch. Our meal? Instant rice from Zi Hai Guo that cooks itself using a heating pad activated with water. It smoked, steamed, and eventually—after a few failed attempts—produced something edible. We bought this from supermarket in Chengdu. It’s not gourmet, but definitely a memorable experience!

Our instant meal

River in Shùzhèng (树正沟)

Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) is blessed with waterfalls, each with its own personality.

Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布) Nuò rì lǎng pùbù : At 24.5 meters tall and 300 meters wide, it’s one of China’s largest highland waterfalls. The roar of the water and the mist cooling the air made it unforgettable.

Waterfall in Nuòrìlǎng (诺日朗)

Shuzheng Waterfall (树正瀑布瀑布) Shù zhèng pùbù: Not as wide, but beautifully cascading down rocky slopes, with legends claiming its endless flow brings eternal prosperity.

Waterfall in Shùzhèng (树正沟)

Five Flower Lake (五花海) Wǔ huā hǎi : Bigger than Five Color Pond, its water shifts between turquoise, green, and golden brown, with fallen trees preserved beneath the surface like frozen sculptures.

Five Flower Lake; Source: Get Lost

Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布) zhēnzhū tān pùbù: Mom and I miss this waterfall spot, low-key kind of regretting it. This spot is actually a must-visit, craggy, beautiful with water flowing like a million tiny pearls.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall ; Source: Bluelapisroad

Mirror Lake (镜海) Jìng hǎi: As we pass the mirror lake, it perfectly reflects the sky and mountains like nature’s own mirror. it’s absolutely stunning.

Mirror Lake

All the spots I mentioned here in Jiuzhaigou are absolute must-sees—don’t miss them! We had to skip a few because of time (and tired feet), but every view we caught was pure magic.

🌈 Ready to see Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) in real life? Tap the button below to buy your ticket!

Prayer Wheels

Throughout the valley, prayer wheels spun in the wind. Locals believe each turn spreads blessings and positive energy, sending prayers into the universe.

Our guide shared stories of how Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) was once a hidden gem, largely unknown until the 1970s. For centuries, only Tibetan villagers thrived here, surrounded by myths and legends. Some say the waters are protected by spirits; others believe ancient traders once passed through the valley. Whatever the truth, the magic is undeniable.

Couple wearing Tibetan traditional clothings

Tibetan theme house

Romantic Show of Jiǔzhài (九寨)

The day ended with the Romantic Show of Jiǔzhài (九寨), included in our tour package. The theater itself was massive, decorated with golden Tibetan motifs. Inside, layered staging, dynamic dances, and dazzling high-tech effects brought local legends to life in a stunning 3D spectacle.

 🎭 Buy your ticket here for the dazzling Romantic Show of Jiǔzhài (九寨).

Minjiang Natural Site (岷江自然景观区) Mínjiāng zìrán jǐngguān qū

On our last day, we explored the Minjiang Natural Site (岷江自然景观区) Mínjiāng zìrán jǐngguān qū. The mist rolled gently over the hills, creating a mystical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Unlike Jiuzhaigou, this area isn’t heavily developed for tourism yet, making it feel raw and untouched.

We drank from icy mountain streams, breathed in the crisp air, and simply soaked in the beauty of nature.

Me drinking some pure spring water from mountain

Me and Mom ending our trip at Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟)

Jiǔzhàigōu (九寨沟) was exhausting but absolutely worth it. The lakes, forests, waterfalls, and cultural touches combined into an unforgettable journey.

As Mom put it simply, “The scenery is beautiful.” And I couldn’t agree more.

If you ever get the chance, make Jiuzhaigou part of your travel list, it’s a place that truly feels like a dream brought to life.

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That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!

Source: Trip.com

Where I Stayed: Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort

Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort feels like a proper place to rest after a long day out, with spacious rooms and a calm, resort-style setting that makes everything slow down a bit. It’s comfortable, quiet, and really nice when you just want to relax and recharge without thinking too much.

Source: Trip.com

Other Recommended Stays: Banshan Xuanjing • Kuobo Qiongxi Private Hot Spring Homestay (Jiuzhaigou)

Banshan Xuanjing • Kuobo Qiongxi Private Hot Spring Homestay (Jiuzhaigou) feels truly special, almost like a hidden mountain escape. Waking up to fresh air, soaking in your own private hot spring, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings makes it easy to forget about everything else and just enjoy the moment.