Jiuzhaigou
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of more than 4,800 m, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. Its superb landscapes are particularly interesting for their series of narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular waterfalls. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin. source: http://whc.unesco.org
original as Nanping County, is located in the western Sichuan. It is one the boundary between Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. Covering an area of 5,290 sq km, Jiuzhaigou County is administratively divided into 17 towns. And the world famous scenic sport Jiuzhai Valley lies in the southwest direction of Jiuzhaigou County, about 41km away from the county. The various geographical characters and various scenic types make Jiuzhai Valley as the unique site in the karst geography in the world. Jiuzhaigou County is a part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Due to the Jiuzhai Valley scenic area which was open since 1984, visitors have flocked to the region year by year, and the prosperous tourist industry now accounts for a large proportion of local revenue. source: www.topchinatravel.com
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of more than 4,800 m, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. Its superb landscapes are particularly interesting for their series of narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular waterfalls. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin. source: http://whc.unesco.org
original as Nanping County, is located in the western Sichuan. It is one the boundary between Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. Covering an area of 5,290 sq km, Jiuzhaigou County is administratively divided into 17 towns. And the world famous scenic sport Jiuzhai Valley lies in the southwest direction of Jiuzhaigou County, about 41km away from the county. The various geographical characters and various scenic types make Jiuzhai Valley as the unique site in the karst geography in the world. Jiuzhaigou County is a part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Due to the Jiuzhai Valley scenic area which was open since 1984, visitors have flocked to the region year by year, and the prosperous tourist industry now accounts for a large proportion of local revenue. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Jiuzhaigou Valley
is located in the Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, covering a land of natural beauty. This land features perennially snow-capped mountain peaks, verdant and lush forest, stretches of serene lakes, and various birds and animals, all contributing to the unique view of Jiuzhai Valley. Upon entering the resort, you will find yourself strolling in a fairyland, leaving behind nothing but earthly troubles and vexations. It is a world of water, the clearest in the world. Water brings Jiuzhai Valley its most enchanting views, which is the soul of the place. Whether you are met with serene lakes or plunging waterfalls, you will enjoy yourself so much among the charming sights as to linger on with no thoughts for home. The local people of Jiuzhaigou Valley call these lakes ‘haizi', meaning little sea in Chinese. Jiuzhaigou Valley has a total of 108 “haizi” of varying sizes and shapes, but of invariant limpidity to the bottom of the lakes. Some of the lakes are hidden in the valleys, and others inlay the virgin forests. On sunny days, algae and sediments at the bottom of the lakes send out colorful lights. The lakes, thus, have gained another name call ‘Wuhua Hai', meaning ‘multicolored sea' in Chinese from the locals. A beautiful local legend has it that a very long time ago, there lived a beautiful and kind-hearted goddess in the mountain east of the Jiuzhaigou Valley and an industrious and chivalrous god in the mountain west of the Jiuzhai Valley. As time went by, they fell in love with each other. One day the god presented a big and shiny divine mirror to the goddess as a token a love. The goddess reached out to take it, but she was too exited and nervous to hold fast the mirror. Hence, the mirror slipped from her trembling fingers and dropped to the valleys, breaking into 108 pieces. The 108 mirror pieces turned out to be 108 winkling and glittering crystal lakes of different sizes, covering the land of Jiuzhaigou Valley. With an elevation of 2,000-3,000 meters above the sea level, the area enjoys a favorable climate that is cool in summer while immune from the cold wind of the winter season, presenting the beautiful scenery all year around.
Shuzheng Valley: is the main valley in Jiuzhaigou scenic area. This valley is the entrance of Jiuzhaigou. With a totally length of 13.8m, there are more than 40 lakes (local people prefer to call the lakes as "haizi" meaning the son of the sea in Chinese). These lakes are just looked like mirrors which reflect the splendid scenery in this area. The Tour Route of Shuzheng Valley is reputed as the epitome of Jiuzhaigou, with mystic and unpredictable independent lakes and lake clusters, as well as colorful beaches, century-old grinderies, wood bridges, and powerful waterfalls. Visitors are likely to reach a consensus that Jiuzhaigou is the best of Nature creation.
Rize Valley: may possess the most attraction part of Jiuzhaigou Valley. From the Nuorilang to virgin forests which is about 18km totally, visitors may be in a fantastic world all the time. Here are all colors of the lakes like a kaleidoscope, like a fairyland tranquil and abstruse, and like a mystic mirror. Here are the waterfalls with the tallest drop, beaches like treasure houses, virgin forests reaching the sky, all in finest arrangements, engendering a strong aesthetic appeal and offering you an exciting experience.
Zechawa Valley: is started from Nuorilang Waterfall, stretched to the south direction, and ended in the Long Lake (Changhai Lake). It is the longest valley in Jiuzhaigou scenic area, attractions along this valley including Seasonal Lake, Five Colored Pool and Long Lek, etc. This route feature overlapped and erecting peaks. Overlooking from a distance, you will have a full view of the U-shaped valley, under the sun and covered with glaciers. source: www.topchinatravel.com
is located in the Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, covering a land of natural beauty. This land features perennially snow-capped mountain peaks, verdant and lush forest, stretches of serene lakes, and various birds and animals, all contributing to the unique view of Jiuzhai Valley. Upon entering the resort, you will find yourself strolling in a fairyland, leaving behind nothing but earthly troubles and vexations. It is a world of water, the clearest in the world. Water brings Jiuzhai Valley its most enchanting views, which is the soul of the place. Whether you are met with serene lakes or plunging waterfalls, you will enjoy yourself so much among the charming sights as to linger on with no thoughts for home. The local people of Jiuzhaigou Valley call these lakes ‘haizi', meaning little sea in Chinese. Jiuzhaigou Valley has a total of 108 “haizi” of varying sizes and shapes, but of invariant limpidity to the bottom of the lakes. Some of the lakes are hidden in the valleys, and others inlay the virgin forests. On sunny days, algae and sediments at the bottom of the lakes send out colorful lights. The lakes, thus, have gained another name call ‘Wuhua Hai', meaning ‘multicolored sea' in Chinese from the locals. A beautiful local legend has it that a very long time ago, there lived a beautiful and kind-hearted goddess in the mountain east of the Jiuzhaigou Valley and an industrious and chivalrous god in the mountain west of the Jiuzhai Valley. As time went by, they fell in love with each other. One day the god presented a big and shiny divine mirror to the goddess as a token a love. The goddess reached out to take it, but she was too exited and nervous to hold fast the mirror. Hence, the mirror slipped from her trembling fingers and dropped to the valleys, breaking into 108 pieces. The 108 mirror pieces turned out to be 108 winkling and glittering crystal lakes of different sizes, covering the land of Jiuzhaigou Valley. With an elevation of 2,000-3,000 meters above the sea level, the area enjoys a favorable climate that is cool in summer while immune from the cold wind of the winter season, presenting the beautiful scenery all year around.
Shuzheng Valley: is the main valley in Jiuzhaigou scenic area. This valley is the entrance of Jiuzhaigou. With a totally length of 13.8m, there are more than 40 lakes (local people prefer to call the lakes as "haizi" meaning the son of the sea in Chinese). These lakes are just looked like mirrors which reflect the splendid scenery in this area. The Tour Route of Shuzheng Valley is reputed as the epitome of Jiuzhaigou, with mystic and unpredictable independent lakes and lake clusters, as well as colorful beaches, century-old grinderies, wood bridges, and powerful waterfalls. Visitors are likely to reach a consensus that Jiuzhaigou is the best of Nature creation.
Rize Valley: may possess the most attraction part of Jiuzhaigou Valley. From the Nuorilang to virgin forests which is about 18km totally, visitors may be in a fantastic world all the time. Here are all colors of the lakes like a kaleidoscope, like a fairyland tranquil and abstruse, and like a mystic mirror. Here are the waterfalls with the tallest drop, beaches like treasure houses, virgin forests reaching the sky, all in finest arrangements, engendering a strong aesthetic appeal and offering you an exciting experience.
Zechawa Valley: is started from Nuorilang Waterfall, stretched to the south direction, and ended in the Long Lake (Changhai Lake). It is the longest valley in Jiuzhaigou scenic area, attractions along this valley including Seasonal Lake, Five Colored Pool and Long Lek, etc. This route feature overlapped and erecting peaks. Overlooking from a distance, you will have a full view of the U-shaped valley, under the sun and covered with glaciers. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Goddess Lake
also called Nam San Tso in local Tibetan Amdo tribal dialect that means the bath site of goddess, is lake a heaven on earth, which consist of alpine lakes, travertine ponds, snow-capped mountains, valleys, rapids and primitive forests with rich biodiversity.
also called Nam San Tso in local Tibetan Amdo tribal dialect that means the bath site of goddess, is lake a heaven on earth, which consist of alpine lakes, travertine ponds, snow-capped mountains, valleys, rapids and primitive forests with rich biodiversity.
Muni Valley
36km west of Songpan is another of Aba Prefecture's aquatic marvels - Muni Valley. Muni Valley consists of two side valleys, more than 100 lakes and natural hot springs with the most spectacular sceneries being Zhaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake. It is possible to reach Muni Valley by road or horse trek from Songpan. The altitude ranges from 2,800m at the entrance to 4,070m on the mountain peaks. Muni Valley is a geologic museum of miscellaneous natural landscape formed by the rare karst calcification in high and cold mountain area. Owing to the fact that the travertine sediment deposit in the scenic sport in large in scale and various in shapes, added with later on geologic movements, various kinds of travertine landforms were formed. The landscape of the scenic spot is blended with travertine waterfalls, annular ponds and waterfalls, plateau collapsed solution lakes, stalactites, karst caves, calcification relics, primeval forests, high-mountain meadows, sulfurous springs, rare flora and fauna, Tibetan Buddhism tmples, and unique customs of Tibetan village, and famous for Five Marvels – "waterfall, flower sea, lake, spring and stalactite". Muni Valley, also high in calcium carbonate boasts similar colors to those of the larger Huanglong and Jiuzhai Valley National Park. It also contains China's largest stalactite. Of historical significance is China's ancient Tea and Horse Trading Routes passed through the Muni Valley area. The local Tibetan Village of Muni Valley is a convergent point of history and present day life, of culture and nature which makes it an excellent starter to your Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong Trip.
Zhaga Valley
The largest travertine waterfall is – Zhaga Waterfall – is the world's tallest travertine stack waterfall, with the height of 104m and width 35.4m. There are lakes upstream and a string of terrace-like riverbeds down stream. Water cascades down the three-level steps, giving out huge water sprays. The thundering waterfall can be heard ten li away. There is a karst cave under the waterfall, with two smaller ones on the sides. The caves seem to be skylights, to which the waterfalls are plunging. What a spectacular view! source: www.topchinatravel.com
36km west of Songpan is another of Aba Prefecture's aquatic marvels - Muni Valley. Muni Valley consists of two side valleys, more than 100 lakes and natural hot springs with the most spectacular sceneries being Zhaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake. It is possible to reach Muni Valley by road or horse trek from Songpan. The altitude ranges from 2,800m at the entrance to 4,070m on the mountain peaks. Muni Valley is a geologic museum of miscellaneous natural landscape formed by the rare karst calcification in high and cold mountain area. Owing to the fact that the travertine sediment deposit in the scenic sport in large in scale and various in shapes, added with later on geologic movements, various kinds of travertine landforms were formed. The landscape of the scenic spot is blended with travertine waterfalls, annular ponds and waterfalls, plateau collapsed solution lakes, stalactites, karst caves, calcification relics, primeval forests, high-mountain meadows, sulfurous springs, rare flora and fauna, Tibetan Buddhism tmples, and unique customs of Tibetan village, and famous for Five Marvels – "waterfall, flower sea, lake, spring and stalactite". Muni Valley, also high in calcium carbonate boasts similar colors to those of the larger Huanglong and Jiuzhai Valley National Park. It also contains China's largest stalactite. Of historical significance is China's ancient Tea and Horse Trading Routes passed through the Muni Valley area. The local Tibetan Village of Muni Valley is a convergent point of history and present day life, of culture and nature which makes it an excellent starter to your Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong Trip.
Zhaga Valley
The largest travertine waterfall is – Zhaga Waterfall – is the world's tallest travertine stack waterfall, with the height of 104m and width 35.4m. There are lakes upstream and a string of terrace-like riverbeds down stream. Water cascades down the three-level steps, giving out huge water sprays. The thundering waterfall can be heard ten li away. There is a karst cave under the waterfall, with two smaller ones on the sides. The caves seem to be skylights, to which the waterfalls are plunging. What a spectacular view! source: www.topchinatravel.com
Erdao Lake
It is not only the name of scenic spot, but also the largest lake. The area of Erdao Lake is 21.700 hectares, with the water area of 146 hectares. The elevation is 3,290m to 3,417m, and 46 km away from Ancient Songpan City. Its overall length is 5.6m. There are 26 scenic views, among which forests, lakes, flower seas, hot springs, stalactites and karst caves. In the valley, with sunglos towering to the sky, green lawn, flowers blooming like a piece of brocade, pleasant hot spring, picturesque waterscape, and all kinds of birds resting in the forest, the valley seems to be empty with peaceful sounds which are primitive and pure. Entering through the entrance of the valley, along the plank road, more than one thousand lakes scatter among the woods. Walking through those lakes, the miraculous landscape of "a lake in every three steps, a pool in every fiver steps, lakes hiding in the forests and flowers blooming in the lakes" is fantastic as a dream. source: www.topchinatravel.com
It is not only the name of scenic spot, but also the largest lake. The area of Erdao Lake is 21.700 hectares, with the water area of 146 hectares. The elevation is 3,290m to 3,417m, and 46 km away from Ancient Songpan City. Its overall length is 5.6m. There are 26 scenic views, among which forests, lakes, flower seas, hot springs, stalactites and karst caves. In the valley, with sunglos towering to the sky, green lawn, flowers blooming like a piece of brocade, pleasant hot spring, picturesque waterscape, and all kinds of birds resting in the forest, the valley seems to be empty with peaceful sounds which are primitive and pure. Entering through the entrance of the valley, along the plank road, more than one thousand lakes scatter among the woods. Walking through those lakes, the miraculous landscape of "a lake in every three steps, a pool in every fiver steps, lakes hiding in the forests and flowers blooming in the lakes" is fantastic as a dream. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Songpan Ancient Town
The ancient city of Songpan was built during Tang Dynsaty (618 – 907 A.D.) and it was later rebuilt during Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Songpan was an important military post and economic and trading center for horse and tea exchange between Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet. In 1935, led by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, the retreating Chinese Communist Army marched through the plateau of Songpan to advance to the north western province. As well the history and scenery of Songpan, the cultural diversity is one of the most fascinating in China. because of its location, four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui(Muslim) and Han (Mandarin). This contributes to the unique cultural style of this ancient town, Kangba Culture, a kind of multicultural medley of the four different cultural elements in this ancient historical town makes it a rare if not unique example of cultural history in China. source: www.topchinatravel.com
The ancient city of Songpan was built during Tang Dynsaty (618 – 907 A.D.) and it was later rebuilt during Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Songpan was an important military post and economic and trading center for horse and tea exchange between Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet. In 1935, led by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, the retreating Chinese Communist Army marched through the plateau of Songpan to advance to the north western province. As well the history and scenery of Songpan, the cultural diversity is one of the most fascinating in China. because of its location, four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui(Muslim) and Han (Mandarin). This contributes to the unique cultural style of this ancient town, Kangba Culture, a kind of multicultural medley of the four different cultural elements in this ancient historical town makes it a rare if not unique example of cultural history in China. source: www.topchinatravel.com
White Horse Village
Remote Village
Cuisine
The special foods here are mainly beef and mutton. Tibetan’s eating habit is a little different of Qiang People. Tibetans mainly eat smoked meat with barley wine, oil tea or yogurt. Qiang people like hot and sour taste.
Yak Meat: is pickled and sliced into slices. Seasoned with pepper, it is very delicious. The yaks are from the plateau of Songpan and Jiuzhaigou.
Yanyu Ci Ba: is one of the unique foods in Jiuzhaigou. Yanyu is potato. Steamed the potato and put them in a wooden bucket and beat with a stick into viscous masses. And then beat them into Ci Ba Boil in the pot and seasoned with sour pickled cabbage and peppers. It tastes smooth and delicious.
Barley wine: color is a little yellow. It tastes sour and sweet, so it get the name "Tibetan beer". It is indispensable drinks for Tibetans, and top grade wine for celebrating the holiday and entertaining guests. When Tibetans urge people to drink, they often sing drinking songs with colorful lyrics, beautiful and moving melody.
Ya Tea: made from the big leaf and thick stem of tea trees, as its origin is in Ya'an region, so called "Ya tea”. In Ming Dynasty, it called "Horse Tea" and after the Qing Dynasty it was called as "Bian Tea". As Tibetans seldom eat vegetable and fruit, the vitamins the body need are from the Ya Tea. Making buttered tea must use "Ya Tea", because of its strong taste.
Milk Residue Buns: used the fresh milk residue stuffing for the buns. The fresh milk residue is sour and delicious. The milk residue can be dry in the sun and it is also a snack of Tibetans to eat with porridge or soup. source: www.topchinatravel.com
The special foods here are mainly beef and mutton. Tibetan’s eating habit is a little different of Qiang People. Tibetans mainly eat smoked meat with barley wine, oil tea or yogurt. Qiang people like hot and sour taste.
Yak Meat: is pickled and sliced into slices. Seasoned with pepper, it is very delicious. The yaks are from the plateau of Songpan and Jiuzhaigou.
Yanyu Ci Ba: is one of the unique foods in Jiuzhaigou. Yanyu is potato. Steamed the potato and put them in a wooden bucket and beat with a stick into viscous masses. And then beat them into Ci Ba Boil in the pot and seasoned with sour pickled cabbage and peppers. It tastes smooth and delicious.
Barley wine: color is a little yellow. It tastes sour and sweet, so it get the name "Tibetan beer". It is indispensable drinks for Tibetans, and top grade wine for celebrating the holiday and entertaining guests. When Tibetans urge people to drink, they often sing drinking songs with colorful lyrics, beautiful and moving melody.
Ya Tea: made from the big leaf and thick stem of tea trees, as its origin is in Ya'an region, so called "Ya tea”. In Ming Dynasty, it called "Horse Tea" and after the Qing Dynasty it was called as "Bian Tea". As Tibetans seldom eat vegetable and fruit, the vitamins the body need are from the Ya Tea. Making buttered tea must use "Ya Tea", because of its strong taste.
Milk Residue Buns: used the fresh milk residue stuffing for the buns. The fresh milk residue is sour and delicious. The milk residue can be dry in the sun and it is also a snack of Tibetans to eat with porridge or soup. source: www.topchinatravel.com