JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY
Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in the northern part of Sichuan Province in China, is a nature reserve and national park that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This valley is known for its beautiful turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and colorful forests that make it a popular tourist destination. In this blog post, we will explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of Jiuzhaigou Valley.
The name “Jiuzhaigou” translates to “Nine Village Valley,” which refers to the nine Tibetan villages that are located within the valley. These villages have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional architecture and customs. The valley is home to the Qiang people, who have lived in this region for over 2,000 years. The Qiang people have their own language and unique customs, which have been preserved over the years.
One of the unique features of Jiuzhaigou Valley is the colorful pools and lakes that are found throughout the park. These pools are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals over thousands of years. The colors of these pools range from deep blue to bright green and are truly stunning.
Jiuzhaigou Valley covers an area of over 700 square kilometers and is home to over 2,500 plant species and more than 140 bird and mammal species. The valley is divided into three main areas, each with its own unique features.
Shuzheng Valley
The first area, known as Shuzheng Valley, is home to the largest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley, the Shuzheng Waterfall. If you head northward while descending, you will encounter Nuorilang Falls as the three valleys converge. This cascade is 20 meters tall and 320 meters broad, and is believed to be the broadest high-altitude waterfall in China, serving as a prominent landmark of the picturesque region.
The Shuzheng Valley is also home to several beautiful lakes, including the Shuzheng Lakes and the Rhinoceros Lake. These lakes are known for their clear, turquoise water and are surrounded by lush forests and meadows.
Rize Valley
The second area, Rize Valley, is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Jiuzhaigou Valley. The valley is named after the Rize Gully, a narrow canyon that is lined with towering cliffs and waterfalls. This valley is best to visit first, it contains the largest variety of attractions in its 18km.
It is best to go to its highest point and then you are walking downhill; some of the major attractions include The Primeval Forest. This is an ancient woodland area that has some views of the surrounding mountains and contains Sword Rock, a 500 metre high cliff. You will then pass several lakes before you reach Panda Lake, it is believed to be a lake that in the past wild pandas would come to drink from, although it has been several years since a panda has been seen here.
The lake water drops 78m in three steps of the Panda Waterfall.
The Pearl Shoal is an area of wide gently flowing water that ends at the Pearl Waterfalls; it is a drop of 28m but is an impressive 310m wide.
Zechawa Valley
The third area, Zechawa Valley, is known for its stunning alpine scenery. After departing from the largest lake, you will arrive at Five-Colour Pond, which is one of the smallest lakes in the area.
Despite its shallow depth, this pond boasts vivid colors and is accompanied by a fascinating legend. According to the myth, it is believed that Goddess Semo used to visit this site to wash her hair with the water provided by God Dage on a daily basis.
The Zechawa Valley is also home to several waterfalls, including the Pearl Shoal Waterfall, which is one of the most popular attractions in Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Activities in the Jiuzhaigou Valley
Visitors to Jiuzhaigou Valley can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and camping. There are several hiking trails throughout the park, ranging from easy to difficult. The park also offers several guided tours, which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
