Hiking in Jiuzhaigou
Why Hiking in Jiuzhaigou is Highly Recommended
Jiuzhaigou hiking is a leisure walk from one scenic spot to the next in the three valleys, which is a top-notch experience for both your eyes and your energy. The pace of hiking is slow and enjoyable as your eyes and mind will always stop to appreciate the breathtaking and diversified scenery. As you know, there are public buses transferring visitors from one spot to another. To save energy and time, most tourists choose to take the bus rather than hike. But to be honest, they aren't wrong, but miss a lot of the wonderful scenery that is hidden along the hiking trails.
Planning Your Jiuzhaigou Hiking Trip
You know, Jiuzhaigou is comprised of three interconnected valleys, which form the shape of a capital "Y". Each valley stretches for more than 10 kilometers. So, it is obviously impossible to explore all the scenic spots in the three valleys by hiking within a day. You should also know that Jiuzhaigou is a closed scenic area with no hotels inside, which means that you will not be able to stay overnight in the valley. Camping is also not permitted in the valley in order to protect the ecosystem. So how to hike it in the right way? Don’t worry. There are beautiful wooden plank roads winding through the valleys, allowing you to enjoy the fun of hiking.
4 Days Enjoyable Jiuzhaigou Hiking Tour
Classic 2-Day Hiking Itinerary
Day 1 – Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley; Hiking Time: 6~7 hours
Starting your hiking from the entrance of the scenic area and continuing ahead, you will find a peaceful world, since many tourists choose to take the shuttle bus rather than hike from the entrance to Nuorilang Tourist Center. Along the wooden plank road, you can stroll leisurely from one scenic spot to another at your own pace. There are over 40 lakes and waterfalls, big or small, in the valley, among which the most famous ones are Reed Sea, Sparkling Lake, Shuzheng Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, Tiger Lake, Rhinoceros Lake and Nuorilang Waterfall. At the end of Shuzheng Valley is the well-known Nuorilang Waterfall, which is 270 meters wide and 24.5 meters high. You can have a break for lunch here.
In the afternoon, continue your hike to another valley – Zechawa. The highlights of this valley are the Long Lake and the Five Color Pool, which are located at the end of the valley. If you don’t want to see too many mediocre attractions, you can take the park bus directly to the end of Zechawa Valley, and then walk along the featured boardwalk. When you feel tired, take the park bus back to the gate.
Day 2 – Rize Valley; Hiking Time: 6~7 hours
Today, you will spend your time exploring the most beautiful valley in Jiuzhaigou – Rize Valley, by hiking. The valley stretches for about 18 kilometers and is famous for its tranquil and dynamic landscapes - like a mysterious mirror, the largest drop waterfall, colorful primeval forests, towering snow-capped mountains… You can imagine how these views will take your breath away – their names include Mirror Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Five Flower Lake, Swan Lake, Panda Lake, etc. Meanwhile, don’t miss this great opportunity to take some masterpieces of the great nature. However, when you want to return, please choose the park bus back to the gate.
Jiuzhaigou Hiking Map
Here is a table of the hiking trails in Jiuzhaigou:
| Trail Name | Valley | Distance | Estimated Hiking Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Nuorilang Tourist Center | Shuzheng Valley | ~ 8 km | 2-3 hours | Easy |
| Nuorilang Waterfall to Long Lake | Zechawa Valley | ~ 5 km | 1-2 hours | Easy |
| Five Flower Lake to Pearl Shoal Waterfall | Rize Valley | ~ 4 km | 1.5-2.5 hours | Moderate |
Jiuzhaigou Hiking FAQs
Q: When is the best time to hike in Jiuzhaigou?
A: The best time to hike in Jiuzhaigou is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its prime.
Q: What should I pack for a hiking trip in Jiuzhaigou?
A: Be sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, and plenty of water.
Q: Are there any restrictions on hiking in Jiuzhaigou?
A: Yes, camping and making fire are strictly prohibited within the Jiuzhaigou National Park. It's important to stay on designated trails, respect the environment, and refrain from littering.