Where Is Jiuzhaigou? Jiuzhaigou is located in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. It lies on the mountainous boundary where the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau meets the Sichuan Basin. Like a piece of emerald dropped between heaven and earth, Jiuzhaigou is a dreamlike world of lakes, forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks—often praised as a “fairyland on earth.”Open a Jiuzhaigou map, and you will see cascading valleys, scattered alpine lakes, flowing waterfalls, and deep forests. Each route unveils a different color, mood, and quality of light. Jiuzhaigou is not just a scenic area—it is a living painting crafted by nature.
Three Main Valleys on the Jiuzhaigou Map: Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley
Jiuzhaigou forms a “Y” shape, with three major touring routes. Each valley feels like a movement in a grand symphony of nature.
Jiuzhaigou Travel Route
Shuzheng Valley — The Opening Chapter and Heartbeat of Jiuzhaigou
Located in the southern part of the park, Shuzheng Valley is the most accessible area. The map shows winding streams, dense waterfalls, mirror-like lakes, and lush forests—ideal for first-time visitors and waterfall photography.
If Jiuzhaigou were an epic poem, Shuzheng Valley would be its prelude.
Recommended Spots
- Shuzheng Lakes
Sitting at an elevation of 2187–2280 meters, the Shuzheng Lakes were formed by a combination of mudflow deposits and travertine terraces. The area consists of 19 lakes layered along the valley—creating a landscape of “trees growing in water, water flowing through forests, and visitors walking in a painting.”
Shuzheng Valley stretches 13.8 km and contains more than 40 lakes, about 40% of all lakes in Jiuzhaigou. Water spills from upper lakes over travertine dams, forming countless miniature waterfalls and water curtains. The green-and-blue palette feels almost unreal, like a fairytale coming alive.
Each lake mirrors the mountains and sky, linked by forests, reeds, and rushing streams. Together they resemble a long, shimmering emerald necklace adorning the valley.
Shuzheng Lakes
- Shuzheng Waterfall
At 2295 meters above sea level, this 72-meter-wide waterfall is the first major waterfall that visitors encounter—and although the smallest of Jiuzhaigou’s four main waterfalls, its impact is unforgettable. The water divides into thousands of streams as it flows over moss-covered trees, forming graceful cascades and misty sprays.
The surrounding scenery—snowy peaks, green forests, and flowing silver water—creates a poetic and dreamlike backdrop.
Shuzheng Waterfall
Zechawa Valley — Silence and Vastness of the Plateau
Located in the northwest, Zechawa Valley is known for its high-altitude lakes, open landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. The map highlights its iconic spots such as Five-Color Pond and Long Lake, famous for their vibrant hues that shift with the seasons.
Follow the map northwest, and the valley suddenly opens up into a wide, serene expanse.
Recommended Spots
- Seasonal Lakes (Upper & Lower)
These rare lakes appear and disappear with the seasons.
In autumn, abundant rainfall fills the lakes with vivid blue water.
In summer, the lakes turn jade green.
In winter and early spring, the lakes dry up and reveal grass beds, becoming pastures for grazing animals.
Upper Seasonal Lake sits next to Five-Color Pond, changing dramatically throughout the year. Lower Seasonal Lake rests in a lush valley surrounded by golden trees in autumn—its deep blue water looking like spilled ink on the landscape.
Seasonal Lakes
Rize Valley — The Climactic Movement of Jiuzhaigou
Located in the northeast, Rize Valley features scattered lakes, waterfalls, and villages. It is considered the most dramatic and cinematic section of the Jiuzhaigou map—like a symphony of flowing water.
Recommended Spot
- Pearl Shoal Waterfall
At 2433 meters, Pearl Shoal Waterfall is one of the most powerful and majestic features of Jiuzhaigou. The waterfall spans 270 meters with a 21-meter drop, tumbling down a travertine terrace shaped like a crescent.
The water roars like thunder as it crashes into the valley, sending mist swirling into the air. It is one of the best places in Jiuzhaigou to feel the sheer force of nature.
The wooden walkway along the left side offers the best viewing angle and photography spot. Visitors often say:
“Once you step onto the Pearl Shoal walkway, never look back—walk it through, and your journey will be complete.”
There is also a legend:
If you make a wish here, it will likely come true—and you must return someday to fulfill it.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall
Why the Jiuzhaigou Map Changes Color — The Four Seasons
- Spring — A World Awakening
Melting snow reveals vibrant underwater forests and brightening lake colors.
- Summer — Best Season for Hiking
Lakes show their widest range of blue and green shades; forests are at their fullest.
- Autumn — The Golden Season
Red leaves, golden pines, and clear blue water blend into the most iconic Jiuzhaigou scenery.
- Winter — A Silver Fairyland
Frozen lakes, snow-dusted trees, and quiet valleys create a serene white wonderland.
Jiuzhaigou Travel Tips and Transportation Guide
How to get to Jiuzhaigou?
- By plane: Chengdu → Aba Hongyuan Airport, 1 hour 10 minutes
- High-speed rail: Chengdu → Huanglong Jiuzhaigou, 1.5 hours direct (highest recommended)
- By land: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou via the Sichuan-Jiumian Expressway, 4 hours, with magnificent scenery along the way
Travel Tips:
- High altitude, slow down your pace
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes
- Best time for photography: 10:00–15:00
Leave Your Jiuzhaigou Journey to a Trusted Team — China Dragon Travel
Jiuzhaigou is pure beauty, but the journey requires thoughtful planning, pacing, and professional guidance. If you want:
- The best lake viewpoints at the best times
- Cultural insights into Tibetan and Qiang traditions
- Private transport, expert guides, and customized itineraries
- Maximum travel value in limited time
Then China Dragon Travel is the ideal choice. With deep local expertise, they turn a simple map into an unforgettable adventure.
