Travel Guide to Five Flower Lake of Jiuzhaigou

Introduction of Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is the first nature reserve in China that is specifically aimed at protecting natural scenery, and it is one of the first ten most famous tourist destinations in China.

Five Flower Lake

Five Flower Lake is extremely beautiful. Looking down from the mountain, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and the lake is crystal clear. The lake is shaped like a big gourd, with colorful water gushing out from the source. There are dark green plum-blossom-shaped spots at the bottom of the lake, and a light blue figure about 10 meters long in the middle of the gourd, shaped like the leg of a sika deer. Legend has it that when the mountain god went up the mountain, the sika deer was frightened and lost a leg, which fell into the lake.

The tranquility of the colorful alpine lake is broken by a string of roaring waterfalls downstream. Nuorilang Waterfall at the end of Shuzheng Lakes cascades from a grove of willows, the trees combing the hundred-meter-wide falls into crystalline strands. Jiuzhaigou's most magnificent waterfall is Pearl Shoal Waterfall in Rize Valley, which plummets over a sheer cliff face, its water seeming to explode into millions of glittering pearls in the sunlight.

At the end of Zechawa Valley lies Long Lake, discovered in the 1970s and the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. At 3,000 meters, Long Lake is covered with snow year round and is especially pleasant for boating in the summer. In spring, the lake reflects the bright flowers on the snowcapped mountains. In autumn, it mirrors the red and gold maple leaves. In winter, the lake surface is frozen.

Flora and Fauna

More than half of the scenic area is covered by virgin forests, with bamboo forests and flowers, and is home to rare animals such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, and white-lipped deer.
The seed plant species are very rich, with more than 500 species, of which about 92 species are rare, endemic, ornamental, and medicinal plants, including 15 Rhododendron species distributed between 2,000-4,000 meters above sea level and two important giant panda foods - bamboo.

Historical and cultural value

Jiuzhaigou means “Valley of Nine Villages”, the area being so named because there were originally nine Tibetan villages there. Local Tibetan residents have retained their cultural traditions.
The numerous lakes in Jiuzhaigou have inspired religious sentiments in the local population and generated a number of fascinating folk tales. According to legend, the goddess Wonosemo dropped a mystical mirror, which was a present of love given to her by the god Dage here, and the mirror broke into 108 pieces, which then became lakes. The colorful lakes of the Zechawa valley are said to be the Beryl Pool of the Western Queen Mother. According to local lore, the color of the water comes from a fairy’s cosmetics, although it is more likely linked to the aquatic plants in the lake. Legends about the presence of monsters and more recent stories abound about various lakes, particularly Long Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake and Nuorilang Lake. One of the lakes, Wolonghai (Sleeping Dragon Lake), has a travertine barrier reef running across it, clearly visible below the waterline, which is likened to a dragon lying at the bottom of the lake in local folktales. These tales further attract tourists and spark some scientific interest.

Legends

Ancient Chinese legend tells of the goddess Semo, who accidentally shattered her mirror here, the shards falling from the mountain to create the beautiful lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Despite official attempts to cater to thousands upon thousands of visitors, Jiuzhaigou remains a surprisingly peaceful and traditional place. Yaks, shrines, and prayer wheels are all common sights.

Weather

Jiuzhaigou has a subtropical to temperate monsoon climate. In spring, the temperatures are quite low and variable, averaging between 9 and 18 degrees Centigrade. Temperatures pick up and stabilize during summer, averaging between 19 and 22 degrees with slightly cooler nights. Autumn is pleasant but has a large variation in temperature, especially after October. In winter, it is exceptionally quiet as the hotels all close and the lakes, waterfalls, and springs freeze over, with temperatures generally below 0 degrees. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the scenic spot, so warm clothes are needed throughout the year.

The annual rainfall is 761mm, but it is at least 1,000mm in the cloud forests between 2,700m and 3,500m. 80% of the rainfall occurs between May and October, as the monsoon moves through the valleys. The climate above 3,500 meters is colder and drier. Snowfall is variable but usually occurs between October and April, with the heaviest snow in December to February.

Jiuzhaigou boasts impressive scenery all year round, but the most popular times to visit are spring and autumn, when the trees are ablaze with colorful maple leaves and there is minimal rainfall.

Highlights of Five Flower Lake

Five Flower Lake is named for its five colors, a result of travertine deposits on the lake bed, algae of various hues, and the reflection of the colorful woods along the shore.
· October is the most beautiful time in Five Flower Lake, when the lake is crystal clear and the leaves on the shore are intertwined with reflections in the water in seven colors.
· The plank road on the west side of Five Flower Lake is one of the best places to enjoy the view. At the end of the plank road is the outlet of Five Flower Lake, which is the area with the most concentrated colorful leaves.
· Walk about 100 meters north along Peacock River to the ring road, then walk southeast to Tiger Rock, which is the best place to take a panoramic view of Five Flower Lake.

Transportation

Five Flower Lake is located in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. There is Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which is more than 400 kilometers away from Chengdu.

Tickets

Tips: The ticket is included in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area ticket.

Opening hours

08:00-14:00 (admission time); Stop admission time: 14:00 (Monday-Sunday from January 1st to December 31st)
Tips: The specific opening hours are subject to the scenic spot.

Q & A

Q: What makes Five Flower Lake so unique?

A: Five Flower Lake stands out due to its stunning array of colors, a result of travertine deposits, diverse algae, and the reflection of surrounding colorful trees.

Q: When is the best time to visit Five Flower Lake for the most vibrant colors?

A: October is ideal, as the lake is exceptionally clear and the surrounding foliage creates a breathtaking spectacle of reflected colors.

Q: Is there a specific spot recommended for the best overall view of the lake?

A: Yes, head to Tiger Rock, located southeast of the lake. You can reach it by walking along Peacock River and then following the ring road. This spot offers a fantastic panoramic perspective of Five Flower Lake.