Jiuzhaigou National Park Part 1, CTourus Day 3
September 1, 2016
There is a saying in Chinese "After a visit to Jiuzhaigou, there is no need to look at any other bodies of water." Needless to say, water is the main feature at this nature reserve. I have taken many photos while we spent the day here but will only be able to post just a few. I must say that it was an incredible day and the highlight of this trip.
Jiuzhaigou means "Valley of the Nine Villages" is a nature reserve and a national park in the north of Sichuan province on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. I believe the original nine villages have been down to seven now. This reserve not only is famous for its many waterfalls and colorful lakes, this area is also the habitat of giant pandas although its extremely rare that you will ever see one in the wild at the park. There is no more agricultural activities allowed in this area so tourism is the main source of income for locals. Apparently they seemed to be doing very well as we saw many young people driving their new private vehicles inside the park. Only local residents are allowed to be driving in the park, all visitors must use the shuttle buses provided.
It takes about 8 to 10 hours for the long bus ride to get here from Chengdu, which means it is not easily accessible to this park but there are still many visitors spending their vacation days here. Our tour spent two nights here so we would have a full day visit inside the park.
Part of the Holiday Inn compound. I took this picture from the dining room window as we were having breakfast early in the morning.
Buffet breakfast at the hotel dining room.
Our bus passing by this 'ancient city', which looked pretty touristy.
Arriving at the parking area of the park, right near the river.
Entering the National Park area.
Many visitors getting ready for their day of adventure. Entrance fee was like $50pp USD (senior 60+ is half price, the most expensive national park I have ever been to. In fact, everything was expensive here including food and drink.
Line for the shuttle buses. I can't imagine having to push and shove to get on the bus with this crowd. That was why we opted to charter a private bus for our tour and paying the extra 120 yen pp for the day. Money well spent, I have to say. Our bus was waiting for us at every stop and we were able to keep our guide as narrator as we went along the whole time.
Inside our private bus.
The Y shape roads inside the park helped the driver to decide which way to go at a certain time of the day. We were told that the first stop should be Mirror Lake for the best sunlight for that day. It also requires that there's no strong wind to be able to see the calm, smooth mirror effect of the water.
Mirror Lake
The reflection of the surrounding trees and mountains on the glassy surface of the lake was just amazingly beautiful! We were told that this lake was filmed on one of Zhang Yimou's movies and that was the only movie being shot inside the park.
Description of Mirror Lake.
Smooth and glassy
Clear reflection of the surroundings just like a mirror.
It's so clear that you could see what lies underneath.
Five-Flower Lake
This shallow blue and green lake is often referred to as the soul of Jiuzhaigou. The bottom of the lake can be seen with tree trunks, bushes, and leaves settled years underwater.
This is the Five-Flower Lake.
Absolutely amazing!
Old tree branches underwater.
Panda Lake
The name implies that this is panda land with enough vegetation including bamboo for the pandas in this area. This lake has a deep green to blue color which gives a different tone than the Five-flower lake.
We did not have time to stroll through this walkway.
Arrow Bamboo Lake
Arrow Bamboo Lake located right close to Panda Lake. For some reasons, even when Panda Lake is frozen in ice, this lake never freezes. Again, as the name implies, there are lots of bamboo plants in this area.
Pearl Shoal and Waterfall
After seeing the lakes, we came to the Pearl Shoal and Waterfall area where we had to take a stroll past many visitors who were posing for their photos on the walkway. With the crowds, it was a little difficult to get the photos we need that would capture the beauty of the place.
Water rushing down from the river
past the wooden walkway
to a bigger pool
before cascading down the cliffs.
Creating the magnificent waterfall, like strands of pearls.
Absolutely breathtaking!
Yes, we had to walk through this site but it was quite an easy walk with well-designed paths.
After a full morning of sightseeing, it was time for lunch. Did I say that everything was expensive here? Well, this was where we had our lunch. Inside the visitor center, there is a cafeteria serving "buffet" lunch for USD$10pp (there are also other more expensive options). Fast food eateries, etc. that serve noodles, burgers, fried chicken are also available inside this visitor center. We decided to go for the 'buffet', assuming that it would be quick.
This was my $10 buffet lunch. Yes, it's all you can eat, but there was really nothing much left in the containers when we arrived. With that many people there, you really don't want to go back for seconds. Most of the dishes were stir-fried or stew type of food that have very bony meat pieces. We were reminded how lucky we are in Los Angeles that we can easily find buffets with choices from sushi, salad bar, mongolian grill, all kinds of Asian and western food that comes with desserts for about the same price. How we missed Zen, Luxe, and Kami Buffets!
Rhinoceros Lake
After our quick lunch, we boarded the bus and went to Rhinoceros Lake. By now, I was a little tired already and it almost seemed that we were laked-out. About this lake, legend has it that a monk from Tibet was riding a rhinoceros here and he was so attracted to the beautiful scenery, he accidentally rode the rhinoceros into the lake. Well, I am not sure how he got a rhinoceros in this part of the world though?
Rhinoceros Lake
Oh, something different here...praying wheels
and flags.
The truth is, it's still very pretty. I imagine that it would be gorgeous when this is in fall colors.
I think this is the largest and deepest lake.
Tiger Lake
This lake is probably the least visited because we did not see many people here.
Shuzheng Waterfall
At the Y-shaped intersection of the three gullies is the Shuzheng area where waterfalls and lakes going downhill to the valley. I found this area to be quite pretty and different, with waterfall of different sizes and shapes all along the path.
So pretty!
At the end of the path, hiking back up to the main road, we could see the lake sitting calmly nearby. Can't tell that there are so much water activities down there.
Across from the main road is the Shuzheng Village, one of the nine villages in Jiuzhaigou. There are stores and homes in the village but I did not go inside for a peek. I was tired!
The village.
to be continued...
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