Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area lies in Nanping County, northern Sichuan Province in the southern part of the Minshan range. Stretching over 72,000 square kilometers in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area reaches a height of more than 4,800 meters, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. It is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992.
The name "Jiuzhaigou"
Its name is due to the existence of nine stockaded villages of Tibetan origin, and it is always regarded as a holy mountain and watercourse by the Tibetan people.
Ancient Chinese legend has it that the goddess accidentally broke her mirror here and the pieces which fell down the mountain formed beautiful lakes, streams and waterfalls. The scenery here is extremely beautiful. The scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, which formerly was the site of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans.
A look at Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is one of a cluster of three protected areas in the Minshan range, all of which have been separately nominated for World Heritage status.
Lakes
The place is dotted with more than 100 gorgeous lakes, which differ from others by having a high concentration of calcium carbonate, so that the lakebeds and embankments are all covered with crystals. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible despite depths of several dozen meters. Waterfalls are the essence of the scenery in Jiuzhaigou. They are created between lakes on different levels with water flowing down the cliffs covered with trees. The water actually oozes through the tree trunks into the falls.
Natural resources
Since Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is situated at the point of intersection between sub-tropic and temperate zones, sub-tropical plants such as the Chinese pine and Mt. Huashan pine can be seen growing. State protected animals of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd level also live in this area.
It abounds in virgin forests and rare flowers and grasses. Besides, in the vast primeval forests there are all kinds of rare birds and animals. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the Giant Panda. Much of the site is forested, with an altitudinal variation ranging from mixed forest through coniferous forest to alpine meadows, and finally to permanent snow.
Habitat for the Giant Panda
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area's other values include habitat for the Giant Panda. In this regard it is the fifth most important of the thirteen panda reserves in China with a population estimate of 40 individuals made in 1975. Numbers have likely been reduced since then as a result of forestry operations and bamboo flowering, but much habitat still remains.
Getting around
As the saying goes "when coming back from the Yellow Mountains one does not want to see a mountain; when coming back from Jiuzhaigou one does not want to see water." The essence of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, known as "king of Chinese water scenes," lies in its waters: lakes, spring waters, streams, waterfalls, rivers and shoals.
Reed Lake (Luwei Lake)
Reed Lake is elevated about 2,140 meters (7,021 ft). It is actually a semi-marsh lake, where reeds abound and birds fly freely. As the reeds come into bloom, layers of the down-like flowers undulate, seducing lots of wild ducks and egrets to come here. Reed Lake suffuses a thriving and flourishing vitality.
Pearl Shoal
Reputed as the first scenery in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, the Pearl Shoal Waterfall is located above the Mirror Sea and beneath Jinlinghai (Gold Bell Sea) in Rizegou. It is the most beautiful site in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, with an altitude of 2,433 m (7,982 ft) and a height of 21 meters. On the top of the waterfall, it measures 162.
5 meters (533 ft) in width. With a fall of 40 meters (131 ft), the waterfall has a shape of the crescent. It surges down from the Pearl Shoal with a thunderous sound, splashing up sprays of waves. The Pearl Shoal Waterfall is one of the distinctive waterfalls in China.
Nuorilang Waterfall
The Nuorilang Waterfall is located at the end of the Shuzhenggou, with an altitude of 2,365 meters (7,759 ft), 270 in (885 ft) width and 24.5 (80 ft) in height. It is the widest waterfall in China, and also one of China's largest calcium ones. The name of Nuorilang means magnificent and splendid in Tibetan language. The grand waterfall turns into gorgeous rainbows in the sunshine.
Magic Mirror Cliff
It's a gigantic cliff rising 800 meters (2,624 ft) from the level ground. Its surface is as smooth and slippery as a mirror. Capped with pines and China firs, the cliff top resembles a human head with cropped short hair and curly beard, which in local mythology, was left over by Zhayiga, the Ancester of mountains to keep the evil spirit under control.
Shuzheng Waterfall
The Shuzheng Waterfall is located in Shuzhenggou, above Shuzheng Lakes and beneath the Tiger Sea, with an altitude of 2,295 meters (7,529 ft), a height of 25 meters (82 ft) and a width of 72 meters (236 ft) at the top. Blocked by trees in the upper lake, it turns into streams of water dashing against protruding rocks midway and exploding into millions of petal-shaped falls. Viewed from the distance, it looks like a water lily bursting in the blue sky.
Long Lake
It's the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, covering an area of 7.5 km (4.66 miles), long and 0.375 km (23 miles) wide. It is 3103 meters above sea level, with a maximum depth of 103 meters (337 ft).
The melted snow from the South Peak and the waters of surrounding mountain streams and brooks all find their way into the Lade which has no exit. The excess water either vapors or seeps into the earth. The waters never spill over the banks in spite of downpours in summer and autumn.
Beautiful all year round
The Lake won't dry up either in spring and winter, even there's a long dry spell. In spring, Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is radiant and enchanting. The air is filled with fragrance of wild blossoms. In summer, the beautiful trees are luxuriantly green. In autumn, the breeze is intoxicating, while tree leaves turn crimson. In winter, the mountains and valleys are wrapped in snow and ice.