Info updated · 2026-10-23
Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan 九寨沟
"After Jiuzhaigou, there is no more water to see" — a fairy-tale plateau of colorful lakes, forests and tiered waterfalls; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
📍 Location
Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
🎫 Tickets from
Peak ¥280 / Low ¥160
⏱ Suggested stay
Allow 1 day inside the park; stay outside the valley (visit the valley, sleep outside).
🌤 Best season
Autumn foliage best (Sep–Nov)
About
Jiuzhaigou, named for the nine Tibetan villages inside, sits on the northwest Sichuan plateau. Famous for 'emerald lakes, tiered falls, colorful forests, snow peaks and Tibetan culture', it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — autumn foliage mirrored in the lakes earns it the name 'fairyland on earth'.
📍 Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan (northwest Sichuan plateau)
🔗 Official booking ↗
Highlights
1
Five Flower Lake
The poster child of Jiuzhaigou: calcification and algae tint one lake blue, green and gold at once.
2
Nuorilang Falls
One of China's widest travertine waterfalls — over 300 m across, spectacular at high water.
3
Long Lake & Five-Color Pond
The highest and largest lake in the valley, plus the tiny, intensely colored Five-Color Pond.
Hours & Tickets
🕒 Opening hours
Peak (Apr 1–Nov 15) entry 8:00–14:00, close 18:00; low season per notice. Capacity-limited, timed reservation — book 7–14 days ahead in peak season.
🎫 Tickets
Peak: entrance ¥190 + shuttle ¥90 = ¥280; low: entrance ¥80 + shuttle ¥80 = ¥160; insurance ¥10 optional.
Re-check before you go：Ticket prices and opening hours may change with season, holidays and policy. Always confirm the latest on the official website or official mini-program before departure.
🚆 Getting there
High-speed rail to Huanglong–Jiuzhaigou station (from Chengdu East ~1 h 39 m) plus official shuttle '九旅悦行' ~2 h to the gate; or drive via the Jiumian Expressway; take the shuttle bus from the gate visitor center into the valley.
Jiuzhaigou official site
jiuzhai.com (booking: WeChat mini-program "九寨沟旅游官方平台" / Aba Tourism abatour.com)
🧭 Combine with
Huanglong, Ruoergai Grassland, Songpan Ancient Town.
FAQ
Do foreign visitors need to book in advance?
Yes. 九寨沟 uses real-name timed reservation; foreign visitors must provide a passport number. Book via the official website or mini-program before you travel to avoid sold-out days.
Do ticket prices and opening hours change?
Ticket prices and opening hours may change with season, holidays and policy. Always confirm the latest on the official website or official mini-program before departure.
How do I get there?
High-speed rail to Huanglong–Jiuzhaigou station (from Chengdu East ~1 h 39 m) plus official shuttle '九旅悦行' ~2 h to the gate; or drive via the Jiumian Expressway; take the shuttle bus from the gate visitor center into the valley.
How long should I plan to stay?
Allow 1 day inside the park; stay outside the valley (visit the valley, sleep outside).