Fall In Love
As the weather cools, the true splendor of Northern Sichuan’s Jiuzhaigou Valley is revealed to visitors.
Autumn in the Jiuzhaigou Valley attracts a lot of attention from all over the world. Though unknown to many, there are eyes and ears from all corners of the globe waiting to see the leaves change color, turning the valley into what is described as a photographer’s paradise. Even though it is China’s premier national park and a sister park of Yosemite in California and Cradle Mountain in Australia, it is still not well known to the masses outside of Asia.
With its breathtaking sights, and its Tibetan people living here for thousands of years (at least 3,000 going by archaeological data), it is no wonder that there are a multitude of legends tied to this place of magical beauty. Although much scientific research has been done in Jiuzhaigou Valley, the local people believe in the version of events that has been passed down to them through generations—the tragic myth of Dage and his gift to the goddess Woluo Semo, a mirror that shattered into 114 pieces, forming the sparkling, gem-like lakes of the Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Water World
The valley is best known for its water. The blues, greens and purples in the crystal clear pools must be seen to be believed. You rarely think of diving into and drinking from rivers and lakes in China but Jiuzhai Valley is the exception. However, swimming is not allowed in this protected area, much to the disappointment of many water lovers that come looking to take a dip. In almost every season—most notably autumn—the range of colors in the lakes of Jiuzhai Valley cause a visual overload. In winter, mountains are one color—white, brown or green. And there are no words to describe the magnificence of the composition, of the mountains transforming into a blanket of green, brown, yellow, red and orange with snowy caps in autmn.
Jiuzhai Valley is also scientifically significant. The park is located at the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau, at the intersection of the subtropical and temperate floristic zones of the Sino-Himalayan region. There are over 2,560 plant species including many of interest for their rarity, endemicity, ornamental or medicinal value. There are over 220 bird species, 170 vertebrate species, ten animals and two fish species known to frequent the national park. The best known of the animal population are the Giant Panda, Red Panda, Sichuan Takin and Clouded Leopard—although you are unlikely to spot any of the larger animals.
Season Change
The best time to see the mountains in all their autumn glory is between October 15 and 27. The leaves will start changing color at the beginning of the month but the best time to see them is at the latter stages are when they are in full swing. Like other national parks and scenic sites in China, a visit to Jiuzhaigou Valley is not cheap, especially in autumn. The daily entry ticket is US$34 and you still have to add US$14 for a shuttle bus ticket if you plan on seeing the whole park. Autumn accommodation prices are also expensive, with five-star hotels starting at over US$307 per night. However, It is still possible to find reasonably prized three- and four-star hotels.
Winter Wonderland
Winter is the off-peak season in Jiuzhai Valley. It’s too cold for the tour groups and it’s not really travelling season for many. This is excellent news for nature lovers and anyone looking for a bargain. The mountains are covered in snow, days are greeted with bright sunshine and apart from the few that freeze over, the lakes retain their bright azure colors. The most breathtaking winter sites are the massive waterfalls that freeze completely into jagged ice curtains. Jiuzhai Valley in the winter resembles imagined scenes from Narnia—which is why it’s commonly known as a “Winter Fairyland.”