Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou, China

It's a genuine palette of artists.

The UNESCO-listed nature reserve in southwest China's Sichuan province is an amazing and incredible natural collection of shimmering lakes, clustered waterfalls, emerald forests, snow-clad peaks and blue ice. It's also a habitat of rare animals and plants, including the celebrity panda.

Jiuzhaigou, or Nine-Village Valley, has gained its name due to the nine villages in a valley. It's often described as something “out of this world”, something celestial.

Though Jiuzhaigou is a scenic drama in all seasons, the best season to visit is autumn – it's colors that leave visitors bowled over. The golden period is the second half of October, when most of the leaves have taken on a yellow hue and red hillsides are tinged with other colors.

See and Do

• Five-Color Pond

  At an altitude of 2995 meters, the smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou amazes with its colors. The crystal clear water reveals the cracks along the grain of the underwater rocks. In the sunlight and with the reflections of the vegetation caught by the water, the lake becomes a riot of color.

• Changhai

  It's the highest, most expansive and deepest among Jiuzhaigou's lakes. Lush vegetation reigns supreme on its shores. The snow-clad mountains are the source of its water. Though it has no vents, it never overflows.

• Huanglong

  It bears resemblance to a prancing dragon taking a rest at the foot of snow-capped mountains, hence the name of the scenic area which in Chinese means “Yellow Dragon”. Trek up the steps and take in the wavy rocky spins of the dragon. Waterfalls tumble down cliffs. Flowers and maples sweep across hillsides. Colored ponds catch the reflections of everything around it.

  
  
  
• Ancient City of Songpan

  The small town used to be a pit-stop for the ancient tea and horse traders. Twelve-meter-high sturdy brick town walls have been preserved to this day and age.