3-Day Fairyland Journey to Jiuzhai Valley

Trip Highlights World Natural Heritage: Six wonders of turquoise lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture Four-season wonderland: Spring's clear waters reflecting flowers, autumn's colorful forests, winter's mysterious blue ice Tibetan and Qiang culture: Experience Tibetan home visits, prayer flag blessings, and Guozhuang dance Ecological sanctuary: Hike through pristine forests, observe Sichuan golden monkeys 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions Day 1: Shuzheng Valley - First Glimpse of Jiuzhai Shuzheng Lakes (Included in admission) 🌿 19 terraced lakes interconnected, boardwalk strolls through swaying reeds, Tibetan village prayer flags flying 📸 Best photo spot: Shuzheng Village viewing platform overlooking the entire lake group Nuorilang Waterfall (Included in admission) 💦 China's widest travertine waterfall, filming location for 1986 Journey to the West finale, transforms into blue ice wall in winter Zharu Temple (¥30) 🕉️ The only Tibetan Buddhist temple in Jiuzhai Valley, prayer wheel blessings, temple fair on the 15th day of first lunar month Day 2: Rize Valley - Essential Exploration Five-Flower Lake (Included in admission) 🎨 "Jiuzhai's Wonder," view calcified trees in Peacock River, recommended for morning photography with favorable lighting Pearl Beach Waterfall (Included in admission) 🌊 Journey to the West opening scene location, experience waterfall mist from boardwalk Primeval Forest (Included in admission) 🌲 Oxygen bar at 3,060m altitude, chance encounters with Tibetan macaques, 2km boardwalk hike to Grass Lake Day 3: Zechawa Valley + Surroundings Long Lake (Included in admission) ❄️ Jiuzhai's highest lake (3,101m), frozen like sapphire in winter, photograph "One-armed Elder Cypress" silhouette Five-Color Pool (Included in admission) 💧 Jiuzhai's smallest but most colorful pool, most vibrant colors during midday sun Huanglong Scenic Area (¥170, 2h drive from Jiuzhai Valley) 🪷 World's largest travertine pools, Five-Color Pool like God's palette, save energy by taking cable car up and walking down 🍲 Food Guide Tibetan Flavors 🍖 Tibetan yak hot pot: Zhaxi Tibetan Restaurant (Valley entrance), with barley pancakes + butter tea 🥛 Yak yogurt: Abu Qingzi Ranch (add honey + crushed nuts) Sichuan Flavors 🍜 Sichuan dishes: Himalaya Music Tibetan Bar (kung pao chicken + sour vegetable noodles) 🍢 BBQ: Bianbian Night Market (grilled yak skewers + Tibetan pork) Warming Drinks ☕ Jiuzhai Coffee: Starbucks (Jiuzhai Paradise store), one of world's highest-altitude locations 🍵 Sea buckthorn juice: Must-try from vending machines in scenic area (sweet and sour thirst-quencher) 🚌 Transportation Guide ✈️ Air: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (1.5h from valley entrance), direct flights from Chengdu/Chongqing 🚌 Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Station → Jiuzhai Valley (¥158, 8h, via Wenchuan Diexi Lake) 🚗 Self-driving: West route: Chengdu → Dujiangyan → Wenchuan → Songpan → Jiuzhai Valley (good road conditions) East route: Chengdu → Mianyang → Pingwu → Jiuzhai Valley (beautiful autumn foliage) 🚍 Within scenic area: Sightseeing bus (¥90 mandatory): Tree-shaped route, left window seats best for views 💡 Travel Tips Admission Policy: Peak season (Apr-Nov): ¥1,690/person (including bus) Off-peak (Dec-Mar): ¥80/person (including bus) Advance reservation required on "Aba Tourism Website" Altitude Sickness: Long Lake/Primeval Forest 3,000m+, bring oxygen bottles (¥30 at entrance) Avoid strenuous exercise, no hair washing/bathing first day Photography Tips: Morning: Mirror Lake reflections (calm period 8-9am) Afternoon: Five-Flower Lake/Five-Color Pool (direct sunlight enhances colors) Avoiding Scams: Beware of "free photo" traps at entrance Be cautious when buying silverware/herbs during Tibetan home visits Hidden Experiences: Jiuzhai Romantic Show (¥260): Tibetan-Qiang performance + 5D effects Shenxian Pool Scenic Area (¥100): Combination of Jiuzhai-Huanglong features, less crowded 🏔️ After Jiuzhai, all other waters pale in comparison; such scenery belongs only in heaven Let the blue of the lakes soak into your eyes, and let the dancing prayer flags remind you of this land blessed by the divine! 🦌