Jiuzhaigou Facts

Jiuzhaigou County, original as Nanping County, is located in the western Sichuan. It is one the boundary between Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. Covering an area of 5,290 sq km, Jiuzhaigou County is administratively divided into 17 towns. And the world famous scenic sport Jiuzhai Valley lies in the southwest direction of Jiuzhaigou County, about 41km away from the county. The various geographical characters and various scenic types make Jiuzhai Valley as the unique site in the karst geography in the world.

Jiuzhaigou County is a part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Due to the Jiuzhai Valley scenic area which was open since 1984, visitors have flocked to the region year by year, and the prosperous tourist industry now accounts for a large proportion of local revenue. 
 

Basis Information 

• Chinese Name: 九寨沟
• Location: Jiuzhaigou County, A Ba Tibeten and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan
• Dialing code: (+86) 0837
• Zip Code: 623400
• Area: Jiuzhaigou has an area of 64,297 hecture.
• Main attractions in Jiuzhaogou: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong Scenic Spot, etc.

About Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
The Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan is home to an abundance of natural beauty and cultural significance. 3 of China’s UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites can be found in the Aba Prefecture.

The population of the Aba Prefecture is mainly formed by Tibetans, Han Chinese, Qiang ethnic, and Hui ethnic. 

Geography

Jiuzhaigou County, original as Nanping County, is located in Zhangzha town, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, the western Sichuan. It has more than 400 km distance of Chengdu. Geographical coordinates (E) east longitude 100˚30΄-104˚27΄, north latitude (N) 30˚35΄ - 34˚19΄. It is one of a big branch of Baishuijiang River source of Jialing River upstream which belongs to the Yangtze River water system, the basin area of 651.34 km.

 

Climate

• Best Time to Visit

♦ Spring (March to May): Jiuzhaigou ice and snow is melting in spring and mountain flowers and plants are vigorous. Distant mountains snow is like a fairy tale world, gentle and lazy spring sun kiss to the lake, and kiss green shoots.
♦ Summer (June to August): Jiuzhaigou’s summer is in wet season. Verdant scenery is also very beautiful. Jiuzhaigou is suitable for traveling in sunny weather, the water can only be fully present the color under the sun, the sun, the better.
♦ Autumn (September to October):November is the most brilliant period of Jiuzhaigou late autumn, the empty light blue sky, red leaves, and colorful forest reflects in the bright and beautiful lake which is gorgeous. But this period is the peak season, if you travel in the National Day holiday, you will meet many tourists. So suggest avoiding the holiday to travel.
♦ Winter (November to next February): Jiuzhaigou in winter has low water flow, but there are less people, so the scenic spot is quiet than any season, full of poetic and idyllic feeling. Tickets and accommodation are cheaper; during this time is the most suitable for leisure tour. Kindly note that air oxygen content is low in winter, people might have an altitude sickness.

• Dressing Tips 

♦ Spring (March to May): Spring day and night temperature difference is bigger. Wearing the t-shirts or thin sweater is enough during the day, but in the early morning and evening it is better to wear coat. Visitors should change the cloth according to the weather situation in time. All kinds of sunscreen and moisturizing products are also essential.
♦ Summer (June -August): Jiuzhaigou climate is very suitable, the average temperature is 20 ℃ in summer, the summer day and night temperature difference is small, but cool at night, so in addition to wear t-shirt tourists may also prepare a long sleeve or thin jacket. Sunscreen is necessary in this season!
♦ Autumn (September to October): In the fall (October) average temperature is 10 to 15 ℃, autumn wear a fleece with a windproof coat is enough, if there is mountaineering jacket is the best, of course. Autumn day and night temperature difference is bigger, tourists can wear light clothing during the day and night have to wear cotton wadded jacket. Jiuzhaigou is in the rainy season in autumn, so there will be more wet weather, and rainy days the temperature is low. Visitors should bring warm clothes and rain gear, sun block is also cannot forget.
♦ Winter (November to February): between day and night is not very big. Jiuzhaigou at this time the weather is dry, please bring enough winter coat and other warm supplies and moisturizing supplies, advice to eat more fruit and vegetables. Winter snow is very dazzling, tourists have better to prepare a pair of sunglasses.

• Weather in Jiuzhaigou Valley
The area has a subtropical to temperate monsoon climate. Valleys are warm and dry, the middle mountain slopes cold and damp. At Nuorilang waterfall and visitor center at 2,400m the mean temperature is 7.3C, the mean January temperature is -3.7C and the mean July temperature is 16.8C. Although the mean temperatures are not too high, on a warm summer’s day, ar such altitude it feels a lot hotter. Mid-summer days can oftern reach the low 30’s but at this altitude humidity is low. Similarly winter days can oftern drop below 0C and can feel considerably colder than the 3.7C mean provided. Having said that, during the many blue sky winter days, when it can rach as high as 15C in the sunshine, it feels a lot warmer, while in the shade you will stll feel cold and warm clothes are needed.

Here is a form of the average temperature and precipitation in each month for your reference:

► Tips on weather:
Pay attention to the sun burn: Jiuzhai Valley enjoys more that its fair share of blue sky days which is results in spectacular scenery. But especially at this altitude, you should take preventative measures against sun burn. You should apply a high SPF sun cream and re-apply regularly. On a clear summer day, you could be in the sun on and off through the shade from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.. Even in the winter months when the mean temperature is close to 3C, it can be quite warm in the sun shine and there is a risk of burning. Wearing a hat and good sun glasses are further methods of protecting you against sun bum.

Tourism

Jiuzhaigou Valley (Nine Stockaded Villages Valley), named after the nine Tibetan stockaded villages in the valley. The most beautiful water landscape in China, and is a beautiful fairy tale world. In Jiuzhaigou Tibetan ancient stockaded villages, experience Tibetan feelings is also a feature.

• Best Places to Visit

♦ Jiuzhaigou Valley – Situated in the northern part of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou Valley is a well-known fairyland that features perennially snow-capped mountain peaks, verdant and lush forest, stretches of serene lakes, and various birds and animals.

It is also a world of water, the clearest in the world. Water brings Jiuzhai Valley its most enchanting views, which is the soul of the place. Bright green waters, icy waterfalls, colorful forest (especially in autumn) and pure snow mountains surrounded, all contributing to the unique view of Jiuzhai Valley and earning it a place on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List. 

♦ Huanglong Scenic Spot–Huanglong Scenic Area is located at the foot of Xuebaoding, the main peak of Minshan Mountain. The topography is very like a head of the pranced dragon, resting in the crystal arms of Snow Mountain. Huanglong valley is about 7.5 km long, about 1.5 km wide. Full mountain of gorgeous azalea, red maple leaf, reflect with the size of the colorful pools, it is beautiful.

Huanglong main attractions are: Yingbin Pool, Huanglong Cave and Five Color Pools, Lotus Pond, Huanglong temple, etc.

♦ Five Flowers Lake–Five Flowers Lake is praised as “the essence of Jiuzhaigou”, and it is located at the end of the upstream channel of Peacock River Rize Valley. Five Flowers Lake is the most wonderful attractions in the Jiuzhaigou scenic spot. It is surrounded by hills and fall over a piece of beautiful scenery in autumn with rich colors. October is the most beautiful time to visit Five Flowers Lake, water is so clearly to see the bottom, and there are colorful leaves and colorful water.

Shopping

Jiuzhaigou belongs to A Ba Tibeten and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, so tourists can also buy some specialties of Tibetan handicrafts, such as Tibetan ring, knives, Buddha beads and so on. In Alpine region, yak meat is also a local produce which lots of tourists compete to buy. And Qiang embroidery, Maowen apples is also local specialties.

Jiuzhaigou Valley though is a famous scenic spot, there are not many shops here. There is a bazaar near the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Valley. There is a great collection of specialty stalls, very lively. Tourists can choose their favorite products to take home.

Transportation

Currently visiting Jiuzhaigou the most convenient approach is to fly to Chengdu or Chongqing, and then transfer to Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Airport (Jiuhuang Airport). There are flights from the domestic cities to Chengdu or Chongqing. At present there is no direct train to Jiuzhaigou, only to go to Chengdu or Guangyuan, Jiangyou first and then take vehicle transfer to Jiuzhaigou, very inconvenient.

♦ How to Get Jiuzhaigou Valley
If you choose to travel independently of a travel agent, there are many ways to get there.
► By Bus: Buses to Jiuzhai Valley leave in the mornings from both Cha Dian Zi and Xin Nan Men bus stations in Chengdu.
► By Train: The closest accessible train station to Jiuzhai Valley is in Jiangyou, a 6 hour bus ride from Jiuzhai Valley. From Jiangyou it is possible to connect to national train routes.
► By Air: During the peak season 23 flights a day leave from Chengdu to Jiu Huang Airport which is a 80min drive from the park entrance. During the off-peak season 15 flightsleave per day. It is also possible to fly from Beijing, Xian and Chongqing during the peak season. Flight schedules oftern change so it is advisable to contact a travel provider or check about the exactly information on related website. 

• Airport

Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport
♦ Address: Songpan county, A Ba Tibetan and Qing Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan
♦ Official website: www.jzairport.com
♦ Tel: 0837-7243126

Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport (referred to as Jiuhuang airport) is located in 12 km of north Chuanzhusi Town Aba prefecture in Sichuan province, is the first airport in Aba prefecture, the airport elevation 3448 meters, 88 km away from Jiuzhaigou, 43 kilometers apart from Huanglong. The design throughput of 2010 will reach 0.8 million person-time, airport runway length 3200 meters, 60 meters wide, the airport can handle the Boeing 757, 737 and the Airbus 319 aircraft. The distance from Chengdu is about 240 km, flight time of about 40 minutes. Airport was officially put into use on October 20, 2003. 

How to get to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Spot from Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport
There are shuttle buses from airport to Juzhaigou and Huanglong scenic spot, 45 RMB of one way to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Spot and 22 RMB of one way to Huanglong Scenic Spot. Round way to Jiuzhaigou is 80 RMB and 40 to Huanglong. The shuttle buses are very fewer. General tourists could rent a car there, about 200 RMB/car to Jiuzhaigou valley

• Rail

At present there is no direct train to Jiuzhaigou, only to Chengdu or Guangyuan, Jiangyou and then transfer to Jiuzhaigou by bus, very inconvenient.

Taking train to Jiuzhaigou there are four routes to choose:
Route 1: Taking train to Guangyuan (or Zhaohua), and then transfer to bus going to Jiuzhaigou via Wenxian county in Gansu province, and you will pass Guangyuan ancient city, Zhaohua ancient city, Huangze temple, thousand-buddha rock and other attractions along the way. But going this route is easily getting landslides during rainy season.
Route 2: taking train of Baocheng railway to Jiangyou station, and then transfer bus to Jiuzhaigou County via Pingwu county in Sichuan and Wenxian county in Gansu province. The whole highway mileage is about 303 km.
Route 3: taking train of Baocheng railway to Lvyang station in Shaanxi, and then transfer bus to Jiuzhaigou through Chengxian county, Wudu, Wenxian county in Gansu province. The whole highway mileage is about 441 km. And you will pass Wudu Wanxiang Cave along the way.
Route 4: taking train of Longhai railway to Tianshui Station in Gansu, and then transfer bus to Jiuzhaigou through Wudu and Wenxian county in Gansu province. The whole highway mileage is about 546 km. And you will pass Maijishan Grottoes, Shimen Scenic Spot, Dufu Thatched Cottage of Chengxian county along the way.

• Bus

Considering distance and convenient way, most of people will choose to take bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. 

Jiuzhaigou Passenger Bus Center

♦ Address: 500 meters of west of Jiuzhaigou Valley
♦ Tel: 0837-7739900
♦ How to get: it is in the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, people can walk there

To Chengdu: there are six buses to Chengdu, respectively departs at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30, ticket price 145 Yuan (most of the Bus which back to Chengdu will stop at Chadianzi Station, but it is also possible that stop at the New South Gate Station, so before you take the bus you need to ask clearly);
To Mianyang: there are three buses to Mianyang, respectively departs at 6:30, 7:20, 8:20 and the ticket price 103 yuan;
To Deyang: the earliest bus departs at 6:00, ticket price 102 yuan; To Dujiangyan: the earliest bus departs at 6:00 and the fare of 107 yuan.