Jiuzhaigou Opening Hours: Seasonal Selection, Timed Entry, and Routes

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Nature Reserve, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, is one of China’s first scenic spots to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, renowned as a “fairyland on earth.” This magical land is famous worldwide for its unique karst landscape, rich biodiversity, and especially its 108 emerald-like lakes and countless waterfalls and streams. After the 2017 earthquake, following years of scientific restoration and ecological recovery, Jiuzhaigou has reopened to the world with more better facilities and under strict protection. This article provides a comprehensive travel guide to Jiuzhaigou from multiple angles, including opening hour policies, seasonal features, tour routes, and visiting suggestions.

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Opening Hours

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area operates year-round, but specific opening hours are divided into a “Peak Season” period and a “Winter Season” period based on seasonal climate, ecological protection needs, and facility maintenance schedules. Please plan your itinerary accordingly.

Peak Season Period:

Time Frame: From April 1st to November 15th each year, which is the tourist peak season opening period.
Opening Features: During this period, all planned tour routes, viewing platforms, and service facilities are fully open, with接待 capacity reaching its peak.
Opening Hours: Daily entry for tourists begins at 07:30. Ticket sales and entry for the day stop at 14:00.
Visiting Time: Visitors may stay within the scenic area until 17:00 at the latest, at which time the area begins clearing to ensure all visitors leave safely beforedark.

Winter Season Period:

Time Frame: From November 16th to March 31st of the following year.
Opening Features: Scenic spots at higher altitudes or with a high risk of icy roads (such as the Primeval Forest, the high-altitude areas of Long Lake) may be temporarily closed or have limited access based on actual weather and road conditions.
Opening Hours: Daily entry for tourists begins at 08:30. Ticket sales and entry for the day stop at 14:00.
Visiting Time: Visitors may stay within the scenic area until 16:30 at the latest. Clearing isin advance due to shorter daylight hours in winter for safety reasons.
Ticket Price Adjustment: Off-season ticket prices apply during this period, typically around 60% of the peak season price.

Additionally, the scenic area may close under special circumstances:

Annual Maintenance Closure Period: Usually scheduled for a period of approximately 20-30 days sometime between early December and the end of February the following year for comprehensive facility inspection and repair, boardwalk maintenance, and ecological conservation work. Specific dates are announced by the management department one quarter in advance each year.
Temporary Closure: The area may close temporarily in cases of extreme weather (torrential rain, blizzards, geological hazard warnings, etc.) or major public health events. Such notices are issued urgently via the official website, WeChat official account, and mainstream media.

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Timed Entry Arrangement

To optimize the visitor experience, reduce congestion at core scenic spots, and protect the fragile ecological environment, Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area has strictly implemented a “Timed Entry Reservation System” since its reopening.

Entry Time:

07:30-09:00: The first entry slot. Recommended for visitors staying near the valley entrance. The advantage is being the first to enter the scenic area, enjoying the morning tranquility of the lakes and fresh air, with soft light ideal for photography.
09:00-11:00: The second entry slot, the most populartime frame. Suitable for visitors coming from hotels further away. Tour groups are more concentrated at this time.
11:00-14:00: The third entry slot, suitable for visitors seeking to avoid peak times and who don’t mind a relativelytight Entering in the afternoon, as some tour groups have started exiting the valley, the crowd pressure within the scenic area gradually eases.

Please note: You must make a real-name reservation and purchase tickets in advance through official designated platforms and select a specific entry time slot. Upon arrival at the scenic area entrance, you must undergo facial recognition verification using your original ID card (or passport/other valid证件) within your reserved time slot. Entry will not be allowed if you are late. In principle, visitors without reservations cannot purchase tickets on-site for entry, especially during peak seasons and holidays.

Jiuzhaigou Holidays and Special Events

For national statutory holidays at Jiuzhaigou, such as Spring Festival, National Day, and Labor Day:

Opening hours are generally consistent with the peak season policy but may be dynamically adjusted based on reservation situations. For example, during the National Day Golden Week, opening may be advanced to 07:00, and the final entry time may be extended to 14:30 depending on circumstances (subject to that year’s official announcement).
When the number of visitors approaches or reaches the maximum carrying capacity (approximately 41,000 people per day), the management department will activateemergency, including suspending ticket sales, advising non-reserved visitors to return, and evacuate within the scenic area

Please be aware: Currently, the core areas of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area are not open for night tour. However, commercial cultural performances are held nightly at entertainment centers like “Jiuzhai Romance Theater” and “Dreamland Jiuzhai” near the valley entrance, with separate tickets.

Best Season to Visit Jiuzhaigou

Choosing the right season and time is key to obtaining the perfect Jiuzhaigou experience.

Spring (Early April – June): Water levels gradually rise, and waterfalls regain their vigor. Temperature differences are significant: warm during the day, cool mornings and evenings. Average temperatures range from 5-20°C. There are relatively fewer visitors compared to the peak season, and airfare and hotel prices are moderate. The scene of ecologicalrecover is full of vitality.
Summer (July – August): The season with the most abundant water. Waterfalls like Nuorilang and Pearl Shoal are Lush greenery forms green tones. It’s an excellent time for viewing water and enjoying the cool shade. Average temperatures range from 13-21°C.
Note: This is the peak period within the peak season with the highest number of visitors. Be prepared for possible brief road controls orpart of the boardwalk closures due to heavy rains.
Autumn (September – Late October): This season iswidely known as the golden season. The sky is high and the air is crisp, with many sunny days and enough Average temperatures range from 7-18°C. However, this is also the most densely crowded period of the year, especially around the National Day holiday. You must reserve tickets and accommodation well in advance.
Winter (November – March of the following year): Waterfalls form massive ice curtains, and blue icesolidified in the lakes. The scenery is serene with fewer visitors. Daytime temperatures can reach 0-10°C, dropping below zero at night. Snowfall is common. Visitor numbers are extremely low, and ticket and accommodation prices are at theirlowest. You can experience a completely different, tranquil and sacred Jiuzhaigou.
Note: Some scenic spots and boardwalks may be closed. Transportation may be affected by ice and snow. Adequate cold-weather preparation is essential.

Jiuzhaigou at Dawn

Classic Jiuzhaigou Tour Route Planning

The Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is “Y” shaped, consisting of three main valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Reasonable route planning is key to fully appreciating its beauty.

Jiuzhaigou Highlights Tour Schedule:

Morning (08:00-12:30): Explore theessential section of Rize Valley. After entering the park, take the sightseeing bus directly to the Primeval Forest at the top of Rize Valley (or to Arrow Bamboo Lake as arranged by adjustment).
Tour from top to bottom: Arrow Bamboo Lake → Arrow Bamboo Lake Falls → Panda Lake → Panda Lake Falls → Five-Color Lake (key stop, essence of Jiuzhaigou) → Pearl Shoal → Pearl Shoal Falls (filming location for “Journey to the West”) → Mirror Lake (if there is no wind in the morning, reflections can be seen).
Noon (12:30-13:30): Rest at Nuorilang Service Center. Take the sightseeing bus to the Nuorilang Transfer Center for lunch.
Afternoon (13:30-16:00): Explore Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley. Transfer from Nuorilang to the sightseeing bus for Zechawa Valley, going directly to its peak, Long Lake (the longest and highest lake in Jiuzhaigou). Walk from Long Lake to Five-Color Pond (the smallest and most colorful lake in Jiuzhaigou). Take the bus back to Nuorilang, transfer to a bus heading towards the valley entrance, and begin touring Shuzheng Valley.
End (16:00-17:00): Exit the valley.

Jiuzhaigou is not just a scenic attraction; it is a vivid natural textbook on Earth’s evolution and ecological succession. Every stipulation regarding its opening hours is underpinned by profound consideration for the scientific protection and sustainable use of this invaluable world heritage. Choosing the right time and visiting with a heart of revere, you will harvest not just breathtaking photos, but an unforgettable journey of deep dialogue with nature and purification of the soul. We wish you an encounter with the most stunning the four seasons and left the most beautiful memories at Jiuzhaigou.