Jiuzhaigou — Colorful Fairyland with Picturesque Waterscapes

Beautiful Lake in the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Sichuan Province, Photo by Leonoyes.

Beautiful Lake and Forests in the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Sichuan Province, Photo by Leonoyes.

Definition

What Are Jiuzhaigou and Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Areas?

Jiuzhaigou County, initially named Nanping and Yangtong, was included in the territory of the Han Dynasty over 2000 years ago.

In 1998, it changed to Jiuzhaigou, named after the stunning Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area located inside.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for stunning, colorful waterscapes, diverse ecosystems, picturesque terraces, and impressive karst views.

Jianzhuhai or Arrow Bamboo Lake Waterfall of Jiuzhaigou

Jianzhuhai or Arrow Bamboo Lake Waterfall, Photo by Zhang Kunkun.

Data

Brief Introduction and Important Data.

Jiuzhaigou was named after nine stockaded villages of Tibetan that have been living in this area for centuries.

Besides Tibetan, there are other minority ethnic groups living in Jiuzhaigou County, such as Qiang and Hui.

Its altitude varies from about 1900 to over 4500 meters.

It has rich biological resources, with 2822 vegetation and about 42 endangered animal species, including the giant panda and golden monkey.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area are over 50 kilometers long, 720 square kilometers large, and have over 108 beautiful lakes scattered.

Jiuzhai Plank Road (Jiuzhai Zhandao) Along the Xiongmaohai or Panda Lake, Photo by Li Heng.

Legend

What Is the Origin Legend of Jiuzhaigou?

A long time ago, two immortals fell in love with each other. However, their love token, a glorious mirror, accidentally dropped on earth.

The mirror got broken and incarnated into 108 stunning lakes, and its decorative gems became trees and flowers in the surroundings. Together, they formed the picturesque Jiuzhaigou.

Stunning Lake and Beautiful Plants in the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Stunning Lake and Plants in the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, Photo by Leonoyes.

Culture

Valuable Cultural Attractions

Tibetan Culture

Jiuzhaigou was named after nine Tibetan stockaded villages, whose culture is one of the most important attractions of this area.

From architectural styles, religion, clothes, and food, to local festivals and activities, inhabitants hold apparent Tibetan style and blend traces with other ethnic groups in this area.

Shuzhengzhai, One of the Nine Tibetan Stockaded Villages.

Qiang Culture and the Taoping Qiang Stockaded Village

Qiang or Chiang, a minority group in China with rich culture and history, is famous for its stone building complex.

The Taoping Qiang Stockaded Village, or Taoping Qiangzhai, was first built in the year 111 BC, and some Qiang people have been living in this area for centuries.

Today, some still live in villages following their traditions, which well preserved Qiang culture, including music, dance, architecture, food, clothes, handicraft skills, etc.