Jiuzhaigou (“Valley of Nine Villages”) is a UNESCO-listed nature reserve in northern Sichuan, famous for impossibly turquoise and emerald lakes, tiered waterfalls, and a backdrop of snow-capped Tibetan mountains.

What to see

• Five Flower Lake and Long Lake — the most vivid, mineral-coloured pools.
• Nuorilang Waterfall — a wide, dramatic cascade.
• Pearl Shoal and the boardwalk trails that link the valley’s highlights.

A clean park bus system loops the valley; you hop on and off to walk sections of boardwalk.

Getting there

Fly into Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport or drive from Chengdu (a long but scenic trip). Book flights on Trip.com; multi-day tours from Chengdu are on Viator.

Tips

• Autumn (October) is peak season for colour — and crowds. Summer is lush; winter is icy but magical.
• The valley sits at ~2,000–3,000 m — take altitude seriously and pace yourself.
• Daily visitor numbers are capped; book tickets well ahead.