Jiuzhaigou : A Rare Beauty On Earth

This poetic narration by CCTV (China Central TV) on the reflective effects of crystal clear water in the Lakes of Jiuzhaigou portrays vividly its wonders:

In the Lakes of Jiuzhaigou, you see fish swimming in the sky, birds flying in the lake, trees growing in the water and people living inside scenic drawings.

Jiuzhaigou is situated on the world's highest tableland between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China, about 2000 - 4300 m. It is endowed with beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and rich variety of endangered plants and fauna in virgin forests. Mainly due to its high altitude where man-induced pollution is minimal, and the preservation efforts of the local authority, the splendor of Jiuzhaigou is just simply beyond words.



In early dawns before the wind starts whistling, the Jiuzhaigou Five-Flower Lake (and other Lakes) is as smooth as a mirror.

With its snow-capped mountains, glittering waterfall splashed with rainbow-colored water droplets against the sun, and sapphire-colored lakes, crystal clear water to give a perfect reflection in water, Jiuzhaigou in winter is simply enchanting, in comparison to its colorful autumn hue.

Considering that 20,000 visitors flock to Jiuzhaigou daily at peaks, and 8.8 million visitors last year, I am amazed and thankful at how well-preserved are these natural resources. Just call myself lucky to be 'in' this breath-taking landscape (I mean, in the photograph!!). I must recommend that my readers pay a visit to breathe the cool mountain freshness and admire its uniquely beautiful scenery.


Weather was freezing cold but hearts were warm.

Jiuzhaigou has been awarded strings of awards: UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1997, UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, a National Geological Park, a AAAA Class Scenic Spot in China and a Green Globe 21.

Due to the unstable ground structure after the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008, the normal long distance bus route is now defunct. We had to travel to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan by air, then took a short ring route by bus. This mode of travel was less taxing, but we missed many of the captivating mountain features on the way.

Complementary to the nature component of the tour were the cultural performances of the local Tibetans and Qiangs which were very professionally done and absolutely entertaining. Costumes were rich and colorful, artistes were young and cheerful.


Xiang enjoyed her moments of being part of Nature, as a local!

In addition, I love the food here. Though they were a bit oily, they were delicious, with many types of mountain mushrooms and wild vegetables, tasty with natural sweetness and freshness. Colorful stones, ornaments and handicrafts of Tibet and Qiang origins are cheap (if you know how to bargain) and interesting, suitable as gifts and souvenirs.

One advice after this travel is : Travel while you are still healthy, do not wait till you find yourself too old or too weak to endure the harshness of weather and altitude and miss the captivating beauty of many remote landscapes, like that of Jiuzhaigou!


The Peacock Lake was behind us. The turquoise-colored water was not so crystal clear in the afternoon due to ripples created by whistling winds.

Jiuzhaigou has been blessed with some of the most captivating landscapes on earth and words simply do not do it justice, and so you are encouraged to visit at the earliest opportunity.


The whole tour group, cheerful and friendly, old and young.

More pictures

You Tube: The Splendid Jiuzhaigou Norilang Waterfall