3-Day Guide to Unlocking Jiuzhaigou's Colorful Secrets

- Best Time: Peak season is April–November. May offers ideal conditions with refilled water levels and sunny weather (avg. 25°C, bring a jacket for mornings/evenings). - Ticket Policy: - Peak Season (Apr 1–Nov 15): CNY 190 entry + CNY 90 shuttle bus. Book in advance via *Aba Tourism Website* – no on-site sales. - Free Entry: Children under 6/1.2m, seniors over 65, active military personnel (shuttle bus ticket required). - Opening Hours: Enter by 14:00, park closes at 18:00. Arrive by 7:30 to avoid crowds. **Transport Guide** 1. **High-Speed Rail + Shuttle**: - Chengdu East Station → Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou Station (fastest 1h39m, 30 daily trains), transfer to scenic shuttle (~2h, synchronized with train schedules). 2. **Flights**: - Jiuhuang Airport offers direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai. Airport→Jiuzhaigou takes 1.5h (CNY 50 shuttle bus). 3. **Long-Distance Bus**: - Chengdu (Chadianzi/Xinnanmen Stations)→Jiuzhaigou (9–10h, CNY 100–150); Mianyang→Jiuzhaigou (5–6h). **Must-See Attractions** 1. **Rize Valley (Highlight Zone)**: - *Five-Flower Lake*: Turquoise waters glow best at 10:00–14:00; aerial views resemble a peacock’s tail. - *Pearl Shoal Waterfall*: *Journey to the West* filming site – wear anti-slip shoes for misty cascades. - *Mirror Lake*: Arrive before 7:30 for fog-reflected perfection. 2. **Zechawa Valley**: - *Long Lake*: Jiuzhaigou’s largest lake – frozen in winter, misty in summer. - *Five-Color Pond*: Smallest but most vibrant pool, shimmering blue/green/orange under sunlight. 3. **Shuzheng Valley**: - *Nuorilang Waterfall*: China’s widest travertine falls – expect spray during rainy season. - *Shuzheng Lakes*: Tibetan prayer flags adorn quiet plank trails. **Itinerary Tips** - *1-Day Highlights*: Park entrance → Primeval Forest (hike to Arrow Bamboo Lake) → Panda Lake → Five-Flower Lake → Pearl Shoal → Nuorilang lunch → Long Lake → Five-Color Pond → Rhinoceros Lake → Shuzheng Lakes → Reed Lake. - *3-Day In-Depth*: D1: Chengdu→Jiuzhaigou (train/bus), stay near entrance (e.g. Seasons Fairy Tale Hotel). D2: Full-day Jiuzhaigou tour (focus on Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal, Long Lake). D3: Jiuzhaigou→Huanglong (CNY 170 entry + CNY 80 cable car) → return. *Note*: Huanglong’s 3,558m altitude may require oxygen (CNY 20/canister). **Key Notes** 1. *Altitude*: Jiuzhaigou (avg. 2,930m) rarely causes issues; Huanglong (3,558m) may require oxygen. 2. *Gear*: Strong UV – pack hats/sunglasses; layer for temperature swings. 3. *Eco-Rules*: No smoking/stepping on travertine; carry out trash. 4. *Hiking*: Nuorilang→Five-Flower Lake trail opens mid-late October for autumn foliage. 5. *Crowd Hacks*: Early shuttles head straight to Rize Valley; visit Shuzheng after 15:00 for softer light.