Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area「九寨沟风景区」

Review

On this 12-day Sichuan trip, I finally arrived at the stop I was most looking forward to—Jiuzhaigou.

Woke up after 7 a.m., had breakfast, and took the hotel shuttle at 8 to the scenic area. Originally thought the one-kilometer-plus ride should take only a few minutes, but in peak season I really underestimated the crowds at Jiuzhaigou; that short stretch took more than half an hour.

The shuttle could not drop us directly at the main entrance of the scenic area, so we walked a bit after getting off, and queued for about half an hour before officially entering the scenic area.

Jiuzhaigou is really huge. On a first visit, if you go completely on your own, it is easy not to know where the key spots are.

After getting off at Shuzheng station, we happened to meet a young local guide who lives near Jiuzhaigou; he charges 400 yuan per day. At first I wondered if it was necessary, but after a full day walking around, I think the 400 yuan was well spent.

Because he knew which places were worth focusing on and which were currently in mediocre condition, and he saved us a lot of time. For example, Jianzhuhai and Panda Lake, due to the impact of a recent mudslide, he told us the water scenery has not been particularly good lately, so we simply skipped them.

Along the way, we visited several major spots, including Long Lake, Five-Color Pond, and Pearl Shoal.

If I had to choose the place that stunned me the most, I would not hesitate to choose Long Lake.

When that vast expanse of blue suddenly appeared before my eyes, everything really became quiet.

The lake surface is very open, with mountains in the distance. The color of the water is so blue it seems almost unreal, yet it is right there before your eyes. Photos and videos really cannot reproduce the feeling of being there; that tranquility and clarity truly give you the feeling of having your eyes “washed clean.”

Another place that impressed me deeply was Pearl Shoal.

Water flows down layer after layer over the shoal, sparkling in the sunlight. Standing there, you really feel: this kind of scenery must be seen with your own eyes; words are hard to describe.

We went to many places on this Sichuan trip, but if I were to rate Jiuzhaigou, I think it fully deserves:

The ceiling level of China’s natural scenic areas.

Of course, the biggest drawback in peak season is also obvious—there are really too many people!

Especially when taking the scenic area shuttle near Nuorilang Waterfall, the queuing experience was indeed quite poor. This was the only part of this Jiuzhaigou trip that clearly deducted points for me. If the scenic area can optimize its traffic organization during peak periods in the future, the experience will be much better.

But even so, I will come to Jiuzhaigou again.

Because Jiuzhaigou is not a place you can just “check off once you’ve been there.”

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter—it should look completely different in each season. This time I saw Jiuzhaigou in midsummer. Next time I want to pick an off-season, preferably autumn or winter, and come back again.

On this 12-day Sichuan trip, if you ask me which place is most worth visiting?

Jiuzhaigou, number one.

It is truly too beautiful.

Some scenery is meant for taking photos,

but Jiuzhaigou is the kind of place that, long after you see it, you will still think about it.

📍 Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

💰 Local guide: 400 yuan/day (personally, I think it is very worthwhile for a first visit)

⭐ Recommendation: ★★★★★

⚠️ Peak season advice: definitely set out early and be mentally prepared for queues

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Visit details

• Address: Beside National Highway 544, Zhangzha Town（漳扎镇544国道旁）
• Rating: 5 / 5
• Published: September 2, 2026
• Original record: View this review on Dianping

Photos