The name Jiuzhaigou Valley conjures images of impossibly turquoise lakes, multi-level waterfalls, and serene forests that look like they’ve been lifted from a fairy tale. It is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of Sichuan's Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. But to land in this corner of China, witness the stunning beauty of Jiuzhaigou, and then depart, is to only hear the first movement of a grand symphony. The landscapes surrounding the valley are equally dramatic, deeply cultural, and offer a raw, unfiltered look into the soul of this high-altitude region.
Venturing out on day trips from Jiuzhaigou is not just an addition to your itinerary; it's an essential chapter. It’s where you trade the well-trodden boardwalks for winding mountain roads, where the silence is broken only by prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and where you can truly grasp the scale and spirituality of the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
Just a couple of hours' drive south of Jiuzhaigou lies another UNESCO World Heritage Site that often plays second fiddle but is every bit as breathtaking: Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area. If Jiuzhaigou is a collection of discrete, perfect jewels, Huanglong is one continuous, flowing masterpiece.
The centerpiece of Huanglong is its vast system of travertine terraces. These are natural limestone formations created over millennia by the flow of calcium-rich water from the snow-capped mountains. The water deposits calcite, which solidifies into a series of cascading, tiered pools, resembling a colossal golden dragon winding its way down the entire valley—hence the name "Huanglong," which means "Yellow Dragon."
The colors are surreal. The pools are filled with water in shades of azure, turquoise, and emerald, creating a stunning contrast against the golden-yellow travertine. The most famous section is the "Colorful Ponds," a sprawling, sun-drenched area where thousands of these interconnected pools create a mosaic that looks almost man-made in its perfection. Walking the elevated boardwalks that snake through this landscape feels like traversing an alien, yet incredibly beautiful, planet.
Exploring Huanglong involves a fair bit of altitude, with the highest point reaching over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). Many visitors opt for a cable car ride up to a higher point and then walk down, which is less strenuous than hiking up. Along the way, you'll encounter several small, ancient temples. The most significant is the Huanglong Ancient Temple (Huanglonggou), nestled in a forest near the top. These temples are a reminder of the area's deep spiritual significance in both Tibetan Buddhism and Taoism, adding a layer of cultural richness to the overwhelming natural beauty.
For a complete change of scenery, head northwest from Jiuzhaigou towards the town of Zoige (Ruo'ergai). This day trip trades towering peaks and dense forests for the seemingly endless, rolling expanse of the Zoige Grassland. Situated at an average altitude of 3,500 meters, this is one of the largest high-altitude wetlands in the world and offers a profound sense of space and freedom.
The grassland stretches to the horizon in every direction, a vibrant green carpet in the summer months, dotted with wildflowers and countless yaks and sheep. The sky here feels immense, a vast dome of blue that hosts dramatic cloud formations. The air is crisp and clean, and the silence is a tangible presence, broken only by the wind and the distant bells on grazing animals. It’s a landscape that invites contemplation and provides a stunning backdrop for photography.
While the Yellow River is famously muddy further east, here at its upper reaches, it's a clear, meandering stream. The "First Bend" is a spectacular sight where the river makes a wide, graceful S-curve through the flat grassland. The best view is from a small hilltop overlooking the scene. Watching the sunset here, as the river reflects the golden and pink hues of the sky, is an unforgettable experience that rivals the beauty of Jiuzhaigou’s lakes.
This is authentic Tibetan nomadic territory. You can visit local Tibetan families in their tents, be welcomed with a cup of salty butter tea, and learn about their centuries-old way of life. Many local operators offer short horse-trekking tours on the grassland, allowing you to traverse the land in the traditional manner. It’s a chance to connect with a culture that is intrinsically linked to this harsh yet beautiful environment.
On your way to or from Jiuzhaigou, you will likely pass through the historic town of Songpan. While often treated as a transit hub, it is a destination in its own right and makes for a fascinating cultural day trip. Songpan has been a strategic border town for centuries and is steeped in the history of the Qiang and Tibetan peoples.
Songpan is famously encircled by well-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls. A walk along the top of these walls provides panoramic views of the old town with its traditional architecture, and the surrounding mountains. The two main city gates, the North and South gates, are particularly impressive and offer a glimpse into the town's fortified past. This walk is especially magical in the early morning or at dusk when the light bathes the stone in a warm glow.
Songpan is a fantastic place to experience the unique culture of the Qiang people, one of China's oldest ethnic groups. Look for their distinctive stone watchtowers, some of which are hundreds of years old. The town itself is a lively mix of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Qiang influences, evident in the markets, the food, and the faces of the people. You can sample local specialties like yak meat hot pot and explore shops selling Tibetan Thangka paintings and Qiang embroidery.
For the more adventurous, Songpan has long been a base for horse trekking and hiking expeditions into the nearby Min Mountains. Multi-day trips to places like the Muni Valley, with its stunning gorges and alpine lakes (Muni Gou and Zhaga Waterfall), can be organized here, offering a more rugged, backcountry alternative to the developed parks.
Venturing beyond Jiuzhaigou requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Public transport to these specific sites can be infrequent and time-consuming. The most efficient and comfortable way to explore is to hire a private car and driver for the day. This can often be arranged through your hotel in Jiuzhaigou Valley or the nearby Zhangzha Town. It offers flexibility, comfort, and the ability to stop for photos whenever a stunning vista appears—which will be often.
All of these destinations are at high altitude. Huanglong's highest points are over 3,500 meters, and Zoige Grassland sits at a similar elevation. It is crucial to: * Acclimatize: Spend at least a day in Jiuzhaigou (which is also at altitude) before embarking on these trips. * Go Slow: Avoid strenuous activity initially. * Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. * Consider Oxygen: Small, portable oxygen canisters can be purchased locally and are helpful for managing symptoms of altitude sickness.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Jiuzhaigou Travel
Source: Jiuzhaigou Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.