Jiuzhaigou: A Natural Wonderland of Lakes, Waterfalls and Forests

Recognized as the only Chinese destination that has been included on both the World Heritage List and the World Biosphere Reserve list, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is located in Nanping County of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, near the southern foothills of the Minshan Mountains. It belongs to the upper reaches of the Jialing River, which is part of the Yangtze River water system. Covering an area of approximately 720 square kilometers, Jiuzhaigou is situated about 400 kilometers from Chengdu.

The developed tourist area covers around 140 square kilometers and takes its name from the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley. The scenic area is centered around Nuorilang and consists of three main valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zezhawa Valley. These valleys extend for about 14 kilometers, 17 kilometers, and 18 kilometers respectively.

Known for its breathtaking and untouched landscapes, Jiuzhaigou features snow-covered peaks, dense forests, open meadows, rivers, waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. Its colorful lakes and spectacular waterfalls are the highlights of the region. Among them, the Pearl Shoal Waterfall is considered the starting point of the most impressive scenery, Five Flower Lake is regarded as the most beautiful lake and is also called Peacock Lake, Long Lake is the largest lake, and Five Color Pool is the smallest. These four attractions represent some of the most magnificent views in Jiuzhaigou.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall

Known as one of the most iconic sights in Jiuzhaigou, Pearl Shoal Waterfall is located between Mirror Sea and Gold Bell Sea in Rize Valley. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in the entire scenic area. Sitting at an elevation of 2,433 meters, the waterfall reaches a height of 21 meters and stretches approximately 162.5 meters across at the top.

The waterfall flows down from the Pearl Shoal in a crescent-shaped formation, creating a powerful roar as water crashes downward from a drop of about 40 meters. The rushing water creates countless sparkling sprays, making it one of the most distinctive waterfalls in China.

Nuorilang Waterfall

Nuorilang Waterfall is located at the end of Shuzheng Valley, standing at an altitude of 2,365 meters. It is approximately 270 meters wide and 24.5 meters high, making it the widest waterfall in China and one of the country’s largest calcium-based waterfalls.

The name “Nuorilang” comes from the Tibetan language and means magnificent or spectacular. When sunlight shines through the falling water, beautiful rainbows often appear above the waterfall, adding to its impressive beauty and charm.

Shuzheng Waterfall

Located in Shuzheng Valley between Shuzheng Lakes and Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall is another remarkable natural feature of Jiuzhaigou. It sits at an elevation of 2,295 meters, with a height of 25 meters and a width of 72 meters at its upper section.

The waterfall begins as water flows through the upper lakes, where trees partially block the stream. The water then rushes over rocks and breaks into countless small streams resembling blooming flower petals. Viewed from afar, the waterfall looks like a giant white water lily floating against the blue sky.

Xiongmaohai Waterfall (Panda Lake Waterfall)

Panda Lake Waterfall originates from Panda Lake and is connected to Five Flower Lake by a 3-kilometer-long wooden walkway built along the cliffs. Located at an altitude of 2,592 meters, the waterfall has a total height of 78 meters and features the largest drop among all waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou.

The upper section of the waterfall descends through three dramatic curves, with the first 50 meters creating a spectacular cascading effect. During winter, the waterfall transforms into a frozen wonderland, forming an impressive ice curtain. The surrounding valley becomes covered with enormous icicles, ice formations, and unique ice stalactites inside caves shaped by flowing water, creating a magical world of snow and ice.