Jiuzhaigou
The dreamland of Jiuzhaigou lies about 450 kilometers north of Chengdu. The valley takes its name from the nine Tibetan villages there. The valley is 50 kilometers long and has 108 lakes, each one unique, as well as a number of waterfalls and streams.
Legend has it that the god of mountains was so taken in by the goddess Semo that he presented her with a mirror made of winds and clouds. She treasured it immensely for a time, but then the devil managed to gain some influence over her and caused her to shatter the mirror. As it broke, it fell to the earth in 108 pieces, and so the lakes were formed.
Jiuzhaigou is divided into three separate areas, Zechawa Valley, Shuzheng Valley and Rize Valley. Zechawa is an 18-kilometer stretch. It contains the highest reaches of the valley, as well as Long Lake, Five Color Lake, Seasonal Lake, the Magic Mirror Cliff and so on. The Rize Valley has its fair share of scenic spots – the Peacock River, Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake. Shuzheng is the most frequently traveled and popular route. Nearly half of the lakes, over forty, are in this section, as well as many other scenic spots. The Double Dragon Lake, with its two reefs in the shape of dragons, is fed by the Spark Lake Waterfall. The Reed Lake is full of reeds that change color from season to season. Spark Lake, Rhinoceros Lake and Tiger Lake are also found in Shuzheng, as is the widest waterfall in the valley, Nuorilang Waterfall.
The valley is an absolute must for nature lovers and trekkers of all sorts.
Language Reference
| English | Jiuzhaigou | ||
| Chinese | 九 | 寨 | 沟 |
| Pinyin | jiu | zhai | gou |
