The Reopened "Fairyland on Earth" - Your Ultimate Travel Guide

After years of ecological restoration, Jiuzhaigou Valley—revered as a "fairyland on earth"—has fully reopened to the public! This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is now entering its most vibrant season. Discover the latest travel policies, must-see attractions, and insider tips to experience the legendary beauty of this "water wonderland."  

1. Jiuzhaigou’s Grand Reopening: What’s New in 2024

✅ Open Areas: All core scenic zones (including Nuorilang Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, etc.) are accessible.  

✅ Visitor Cap: Limited to 5,000 daily entries (advance booking required).  

✅ Transport Upgrades:  

- Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou Expresswayfully operational (5.5-hour drive).  

- Jiuhuang Airport reopened (direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou).  

Pro Tip: Water visibility now reaches 30 meters, with travertine pools more vivid than pre-earthquake!  

2. Six Unmissable Highlights

① Five-Flower Lake 

🔹 Why visit?Displays five shimmering hues (peacock blue, emerald green, etc.).  

🔹 Best time: Before 10 AM for mirror-like reflections.  

🔹 New feature: Enhanced "underwater coral" of ancient submerged trees.  

② Nuorilang Waterfall  

🔹 Asia’s widest travertine waterfall (270 meters).  

🔹 Photo hack: Capture rainbows in afternoon sunlight.  

③ Long Lake 

🔹 Highest (3,100m) and largest alpine lake in Jiuzhaigou.  

🔹 Winter magic: Frozen surface glows sapphire-blue.  

④ Shuzheng Lakes   

🔹 A chain of 19 terraced lakes, most stunning with autumn foliage.  

⑤ Pearl Shoal Waterfall 

🔹 Filming site for Journey to the West’s opening scene—water cascades like pearls.  

⑥ Mirror Lake  

🔹 At dawn, perfectly reflects snow-capped peaks and forests.  

3. 2025 Travel Guide

📍 Itinerary Ideas 

1-Day Express Tour:  

Park entrance → Mirror Lake (sunrise) → Five-Flower Lake → Pearl Shoal → Nuorilang (lunch) → Long Lake → Five-Color Pond → Shuzheng Lakes.  

2-Day In-Depth Tour:  

Day 1: Rize Valley (Arrow Bamboo Lake to Primeval Forest).  

Day 2: Zechawa Valley + Shuzheng Valley.  

📸 Photography Tips 

1. Must-have: Polarizing filter to reduce water glare.  

2. Golden hours: 1 hour post-sunrise / 2 hours pre-sunset.  

3. Secret spot: Five-Flower Lake’s curved boardwalk.  

4. Seasonal Charms  

🌸 Spring (Apr–Jun): Blossoms and gushing waterfalls.  

🍃 Summer (Jul–Aug): Cool retreat (avg. 22°C).  

🍁 Autumn (Sep–Oct): Peak foliage (mid-Oct is prime).  

❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar): Frozen waterfalls and fewer crowds.  

5. Essential Tips  

⚠️ Altitude prep: Long Lake sits at 3,100m—carry oxygen if needed.  

🌿 Eco-rules: Single-use plastics are banned.  

👗 Packing: Layers! (Cold nights even in summer).  

📱 Tech: Park-wide 5G for digital guides.  

6. Nearby Attractions  

1. Huanglong Scenic Area (2hrs away): World’s largest travertine pools.  

2. Ruoergai Grassland (3hrs): July flower fields.  

3. Songpan Ancient Town: Tibetan-Qiang culture.  

Jiuzhaigou’s revival is not just a natural wonder but a lesson in conservation. This summer, witness a reality more magical than fairy tales!