By journeycn 
Jiuzhaigou Valley, nestled in the Minshan Mountains of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, is a world-famous UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It gets its name from nine ancient Tibetan villages that have lived in this valley for generations. Locals call these alpine lakes “Haizi” in Tibetan, which means “sons of the sea”
There is a well-known saying in China: “After visiting Jiuzhaigou, no other waters will amaze you.” Water is indeed the soul of Jiuzhaigou. Hundreds of travertine lakes line up along this Y-shaped valley. Calcium deposits, algae and minerals under the water create stunning gradients of turquoise, sapphire, emerald and amber. As sunlight and clouds shift, the lake colours keep changing, just like a paint palette spilled by nature.
Don’t miss these iconic spots. Five Flower Lake is widely seen as the crown jewel of Jiuzhaigou, with the richest mix of water colours. In autumn, colourful forest reflections turn it into a painter’s dream, hugely popular with photographers. Long Lake is the highest and largest lake in the reserve, resting quietly beneath snow-capped peaks. Tiny yet striking, Five-Colour Pond stays partly unfrozen even in deep winter. The grand Nuorilang Waterfall is China’s widest travertine waterfall, where water spreads across wide stone terraces and fills the air with mist. At Pearl Shoals Waterfall, rushing current bounces over shallow rocks, scattering countless sparkling droplets like pearls.
Together, emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow peaks, colourful forests and authentic Tibetan-Qiang culture form the “Five Wonders of Jiuzhaigou”. The valley reinvents itself with every season: fresh green buds in spring, cool shade for summer getaways, fiery autumn foliage (the peak season for sightseeing), and quiet magical frozen waterfalls and blue ice in winter.
This protected wilderness also shelters rare wildlife, including giant pandas and Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys. Well-built boardwalks and shuttle buses connect all major viewpoints, making it easy to explore at a gentle pace. In Jiuzhaigou, you do not chase scenery — breathtaking natural views greet you around every corner.