At the southern foot of the Minshan Mountains, where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau transitions to the Sichuan Basin, lies a hidden gem favored by nature — Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Situated in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, it is more than 400 kilometers away from Chengdu. As a major tributary of the source of the Baishui River in the upper reaches of the Jialing River in the Yangtze River system, Jiuzhaigou is also China’s first nature reserve dedicated to protecting Natural Scenery. It boasts numerous honors such as World Natural Heritage and National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction, and is hailed as “fairyland on earth” and “a fairy tale world” by people all over the world.
The name “Jiuzhaigou” (Nine Villages Valley) originates from the nine Tibetan villages that have lived here for generations — Shuzheng Village, Zechawagou Village, Heijiao Village, etc. These nine villages are also known as “Heyao Jiuzhai”, where Tibetans have lived and thrived in harmony with the mountains and rivers, endowing this hidden gem with a strong humanistic atmosphere. Today, only three villages remain in the scenic area: Shuzheng Village, Heye Village and Zechawagou Village. The Jiubao Lotus Bodhi Pagoda in front of the villages stands in the sun, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, becoming a landmark of Jiuzhaigou’s humanistic landscape. Every visitor can feel the simplicity and piety of the Tibetans.
The uncanny craftsmanship of nature has created a unique natural wonder in Jiuzhaigou, among which the most representative are the “six wonders of Jiuzhaigou” — green lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice and Tibetan customs. Water is the soul of Jiuzhaigou. There are scattered lakes here, with 114 stepped lakes like gems scattered among the mountains. The lake water is crystal clear, showing various colors such as blue, green, cyan and yellow with the changes of light and seasons, just like nature’s palette. Wucai Pool is the most outstanding among the lakes. Its water is as blue as a gem, inlaid among the dark green forests, and it still ripples even in the cold winter. Changhai Lake, at an altitude of 3060 meters, is the highest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests. In winter, the lake surface freezes, like a huge piece of blue ice, quiet and magnificent.
Waterfalls and shoals add vitality to this quiet mountain and water. Nuorilang Waterfall, 320 meters wide, is the widest waterfall in China. The water flows slowly down from the cliff, like a white curtain hanging between green mountains and trees, majestic and gentle. Pearl Shoal Waterfall is completely different. The water hits the travertine shoal, splashing countless water droplets, which look like flying pearls all over the sky under the sunlight, shaking the valley with their sound. Panda Lake Waterfall, with a drop of 78 meters, is the highest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou. In winter, it condenses into crystal ice sculptures, showing a different beauty of ice and snow from that in summer.
Jiuzhaigou has its own charm in four seasons, which is extremely beautiful. In spring, the ice and snow melt, new green shoots emerge, and wild peach blossoms bloom vigorously. Peach pink and crimson mountain flowers dot the lakeside and mountains, and the spring water reflects the mountain scenery, which is so delicate that it touches people’s hearts. In summer, Jiuzhaigou is a natural summer resort. The dense forests block the sky and the sun, the streams gurgle, the breeze is cool, and the color of the lakes becomes more intense, contrasting with the green trees, forming a cool summer picture. Autumn is the most brilliant season in Jiuzhaigou. The mountains and forests are dyed golden and fiery red. The colorful leaves are reflected in the lake water, making the lake and mountains the same color, as if walking into a fairy tale world. The ancient poem “Nature concentrates all its beauty here” is the most appropriate interpretation of this beautiful scenery. In winter, Jiuzhaigou is quiet and holy. The mountains and forests are covered with snow, the waterfalls turn into huge ice sculptures, and the blue ice on the surface of the lakes is covered with wonderful ice patterns. The snow flutters, covering this hidden gem with a white dress.
In addition to the stunning Natural Scenery, Jiuzhaigou is also a gene pool of biological germplasm resources. The primitive forests here cover a vast area, with 2576 species of higher plants, including ancient relic plants such as Euptelea pleiosperma and Kingdonia uniflora, which are of great scientific research value. There are many kinds of wild animals, including national first-class protected animals such as giant pandas, golden monkeys and takins, and a total of 17 national protected animals inhabit and reproduce here, forming a complete and diverse ecosystem. In 1992, when officials from the World Natural Heritage Organization inspected Jiuzhaigou, they were deeply shocked by the beautiful scenery here, even knelt down to worship, marveling at the magical creation of nature.
The beauty of Jiuzhaigou lies not only in the uncanny craftsmanship of nature, but also in the profound humanistic heritage. The Tibetans regard this place as “sacred mountains and holy waters” and have guarded these mountains and rivers for generations. Their folk customs are perfectly integrated with the Natural Scenery, forming the unique charm of Jiuzhaigou. Today, after years of precipitation and protection, Jiuzhaigou still maintains its most primitive style. Every drop of lake water, every piece of colorful forest and every wisp of prayer flag tells the legend of this hidden gem. Walking into Jiuzhaigou is like walking into a flowing landscape painting. Here, you can enjoy the blue water and cascading waterfalls, watch the colorful forests and snow-capped peaks, feel the Tibetan customs, and better understand the true meaning of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
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