Jiuzhaigou(610 views)

Release date:2009-11-12 13:46:06

Located less than 100km away from the famous Huanglong National Park, Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve is well-known not only as a national park, but also a UN World Biosphere Reserve (also simply known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992).

Attracting both local and foreign tourists by the busloads, Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve is an extremely popular destination in the province of Sichuan, with the best season to visit being in autumn, from September to November. This makes the clear sky a pleasant foil against the opalescent beauty of the multi-coloured lakes.

Although Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve is generally cool all-year round, winter brings about a relatively manageable chill barely below freezing point, but heralding a splendid sight of snow-frosted trees and frozen waterfalls. For the winter trekker with nothing much to look forward to in the bleak natural environment of the west, the magnificent scene is redolent of a painting.

Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve is also known as ‘Nine Village Gully’, referring specifically to the Tibetan villages in the region. The name of the gully was derived from a famous legend – the goddess Wunosemo dropped her magic mirror when she was frightened by a demon. This mirror then shattered into 118 pieces which fell serendipitously onto the ground and formed 118 turquoise lakes.

Consisting of three main valleys – Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley and Zechawa Valley, Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve is home to famous attractions such as the Five-Coloured Pool and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. Not surprisingly, it was the location for many period dramas, such as Journey to the East and the Legend of Eight Immortals.

With a myriad of colours, the various lakes in Rize Valley entice even the sedentary traveler to venture forth, although it is a pity many of these water bodies are out of bounds for swimming. They do, however, offer beautiful views that are seemingly out of this world. For example, Panda Lake gleams dark blue and green at once, reflecting the depths of its allure.

Other lakes such as Long Lake in Zechawa Valley exude an air of mystery, with a supposed monster residing in its depths. Shuzheng Valley is not to be excluded from the magnificent scenery too, with its Nuorilang Waterfalls, the widest highland waterfalls in China.

Facilities such as ATM machines, internet cafes and hostels are available, a resounding testament of the popularity that has engulfed the reserve. Being an established tourist spot, Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve has a series of shuttle buses which ply the well-equipped park. You can get there via bus from Chengdu city or Songpan, which drops you directly outside the park reception centre.

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