There's no denying Jiuzhaigou is one of China’s most breathtaking natural reserves, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and dramatic snow-capped peaks. Out of all the places I visited in China, Jiuzhaigou feels the most out of this world, and also the most crowded place I have ever been.
Located in northern Sichuan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like a fairytale valley carved out by glaciers, with mineral-rich lakes that shift colors in the sunlight and ancient forests stretching across more than 700 square kilometers.
With all its natural beauty comes an overwhelming number of visitors every single day. The crowds are so intense that the government has enforced a daily limit of around 41,000 people during peak season. It is a place that requires careful planning and realistic expectations in order to have an enjoyable trip, and that is exactly what this travel guide is here to help you with.
In this guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip, including the best places to visit, how to manage the crowds (they are no joke), where to stay, and much more. So without further ado, here is a complete travel guide to Jiuzhaigou.
- Jiuzhaigou Points of Interest Map
- Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou?
- 8 Best Places to Visit in Jiuzhaigou
- Things to Know Before Visiting China
- When to Visit Jiuzhaigou?
- How to Get to Jiuzhaigou?
- How to Get Around Jiuzhaigou?
- How to Avoid Crowds in Jiuzhaigou?
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fee?
- How Difficult is the Walk in Jiuzhaigou?
- How Many Days to Stay in Jiuzhaigou?
- What to Pack for Jiuzhaigou?
- Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau
Jiuzhaigou Points of Interest Map
Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou?
8 Best Places to Visit in Jiuzhaigou
1. Swan Lake
To help you navigate Jiuzhaigou easily, I will list the best places to visit in the order I explored them, starting from the right-hand side of the Y, which is how the park is laid out with the entrance at the bottom. The shuttle bus takes you from the bottom of the Y to one of the branches, and a friend of mine recommended starting with the right branch over the left because there are more attractions to see there, beginning at the top with Swan Lake.
Located at an altitude of about 2,905 meters, Swan Lake is a semi-marsh lake where the bus will drop you off. The lake is quite big with lush floating water plants, algae, and grass shoals that create beautiful, textured patterns on the water’s surface. It earned its name because it used to be frequented by swans and ducks, though swans are much rarer now, wild ducks are still commonly seen.
From here, you can walk along the lake’s edge and enjoy the glistening turquoise water set against lush green and golden trees, with a snow-capped mountain towering above. You can stroll the entire length of the lake before taking another shuttle to Arrow Bamboo Lake, which is next on the route, or continue on a 3 km hike to the Primeval Forest, an ancient woodland, if you have enough time. I did not have time for the hike, so I walked along the shore and then continued on to Arrow Bamboo Lake.
- Jiufeng Holiday Hotel (Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Visitor Center Branch) (Budget)
- Starry Sky Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Rezen Retreat·Four Seasons Manju Hotel (Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area) (High-End)
2. Arrow Bamboo Lake & Its Waterfall
After a short ride from Swan Lake, you will arrive at Arrow Bamboo Lake and its beautiful waterfall. The lake sits at an altitude of about 2,629 m and covers roughly 151,000 m². The lake is relatively shallow (around 5–10 m deep) and is known for its stable water level throughout the year; it doesn’t fully freeze even in winter.
The lake is surrounded by dense groves of arrow bamboo, which gives this spot its name. It is a lovely place to stroll along its elevated boardwalk. At the other end of the lake, you will find a beautiful waterfall curving along the shoreline, with a graceful cascade and a stunning snow-capped mountain towering behind it.
It is a lovely walk that takes you right up to the water of the lake so you can appreciate it closely, but it can get crowded at times, and there is no railing protecting you from falling into the water in case you bump into someone, so be very careful. You can spend about 30 minutes here before.
3. Panda Lake
Panda Lake sits at around 2,587 m elevation and is another mirrored turquoise lake that is reachable on foot from Arrow Bamboo Lake so you do not need to take another bus to get to. You can stroll along its lakeside trail and it should take you all the way to Panda Lake Waterfall, another must-see here.
The lake gets its name from local stories that say giant pandas once came here to drink, forage, and play. There is a rounded white rock in the water with black markings that vaguely resemble a panda’s face. Whether or not the stories are true, you will likely not see any pandas here today, especially with so many tourists visiting every day.
4. Five Flower Lake & Pearl Shoals
Next up is Five Flower Lake, the most beautiful multi-colored lake in Jiuzhaigou in my opinion, and definitely the highlight of my trip here. It sits at an altitude of about 2,472 m. The lake is relatively shallow (around 5 m deep) and covers roughly 90,000 m². Its magical, multicolored water comes from a combination of calcium‑carbonate deposits, algae, and submerged water plants.
When sunlight hits it just right, the lake bed lights up with patches of deep blue, emerald green, gold, and even light red, making it look like a giant watercolor painting. If you look closely into the clear water, you can also see ancient, sunken tree trunks on the lake bottom.
The trees around the lake, green in summer and golden in autumn, also reflect beautifully in the water, creating a dreamlike scenery that doesn't feel like China at all. It feels more like the Alps in Europe! This is the place that made it all worthwhile for me. The Five Flower Lake is truly breathtaking to see!
Just downstream from Five-Flower Lake lies the famous Pearl Shoal. It is a broad travertine platform formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate, with shallow water flowing gently over its surface. When the water flows over the uneven surface, it creates countless sparkling droplets that glisten under the sun like strings of pearls, hence the name Pearl Shoal.
From here, instead of taking the shuttle bus to Central Station, you can opt to walk instead so you can actually enjoy Jiuzhaigou and its wonderful nature in peace without having to shove and be shoved by others in other crowded places.
This is what I mean when I say you should walk at least one section of the park instead of taking the bus. It is so quiet and peaceful that I almost needed a moment to adjust my mental state before arriving at Nuorilang Waterfall, our next stop.
The walk from here to Nuorilang Waterfall takes about 30 minutes along an easy and flat boardwalk, and you will get to see some really beautiful foliage along the way. If you have the time, be sure to enjoy this beautiful and peaceful part of the park on foot!
5. Nuorilang Waterfall
Nuorilang Waterfall is one of Jiuzhaigou’s most iconic sights and also one of the most crowded areas in the park. Located at an elevation of about 2,365 meters, it spans 320 meters in width and plunges roughly 24.5 meters. Its Chinese name comes from Tibetan, meaning “majestic and splendid”, which perfectly describes how I felt when I first saw it in person.
What's cool about Nuorilang Waterfall is the fact that it is not just any waterfall; it’s a calcified/travertine waterfall, formed by mineral-rich water slowly depositing calcium carbonate over thousands of years. The result is a broad, stepped curtain of water that looks like a flowing veil.
There are viewing platforms on both sides of the waterfall. From these vantage points, you can feel the spray from the falls, hear its thunderous roar, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding forest and cliffs. You can also walk up toward an abandoned road to get another excellent viewpoint from above. This spot was recommended by my friend, Dana, who has traveled extensively around China. Check out her Instagram for more great tips like this!
6. Rhinoceros Lake
After visiting the waterfall, you can take the shuttle bus to Rhinoceros Lake, located at the lower end of the Y. If time allows, you could instead take a shuttle from the Central Station to the other branch of the Y and explore sights like Long Lake and Five-Color Pond. I didn’t have time to visit that branch, so I chose to continue down toward the exit, stopping at Rhinoceros Lake along the way.
Rhinoceros Lake is another spectacular lake in Jiuzhaigou and is considered the second largest in the park. The lake stretches about 2 km, and you can spend some time walking along its shore. I really enjoyed how deep blue the water is compared to the turquoise-colored lakes I had just seen. It is definitely worth a quick stop before continuing on with the bus.
7. Shuzheng Village
If you are looking for a place to stop and take a break, you can get off at Shuzheng Village, a traditional Tibetan-Qiang village with more than 400 local residents. Here, you will see many beautiful buildings highlighting the unique wooden Tibetan architectural style, colorful decorations, and religious touches.
The village also has restaurants, cafes, and a variety of local shops for you to enjoy. It is a great place to rest from exploring nature and enjoy the facilities and comfort that a village provides.
8. Reed Lake
After Shuzheng Village, you can stop by at Reed Lake, a beautiful lake known for its dense beds of reeds that sway gently in the wind. A clear, jade-colored brook, which is often called the “Jade Ribbon”, meanders through the reeds and divides the lake into two halves.
In spring and summer, the reeds are green and lush, while in autumn they turn a brilliant golden color, offering a stunning contrast to the turquoise water. It feels completely different from the other lakes in the park, making it a nice place to visit before exiting the park.
Legend has it that the rock face across the lake, shaped by natural erosion, resembles a maiden’s profile. It is truly a sight to behold, so be sure to stop by here on your way out of Jiuzhaigou.
Things to Know Before Visiting China
- Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
- Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
- Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
- Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
- Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
- Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
- Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
- Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.
When to Visit Jiuzhaigou?
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou is generally from mid-September to early November, when the autumn foliage transforms the valley into a palette of red, gold, and orange that reflects beautifully in its turquoise lakes. During this period, the weather is crisp and clear, which makes the colors of the lakes stand out even more, especially with the golden leaves and trees surrounding them.
It is also one of the most crowded times of the year because the scenery is at its absolute best during this season, so be sure to prepare yourself mentally. Not gonna lie, I was there in early November, and the crowds were overwhelming to say the least. It really took the beauty of the place out a bit, to be honest.
Also, with the daily limit of 41,000 people during this period, you not only need to get your park ticket at least three days in advance, but you also have to book the trains to and from Huanglong–Jiuzhaigou Station early, as they sell out very quickly. Do not wait until the last moment to book your train back unless you want to stand for the entire two-hour journey to Chengdu.
For a quieter but still lovely experience, spring (late April–May) is a great option with much of the snow already melted, wildflowers blooming, and visitor numbers remaining relatively low. Summer (June–August) brings lush greenery and powerful waterfalls thanks to seasonal rains, but be prepared for frequent showers as well as typical crowds, although not as much as in autumn.
Avoid visiting during Chinese New Year (variable Jan–Feb) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) as Jiuzhaigou will get extremely packed during these long holidays. The same goes for most tourist destinations in China. Avoid these periods like the plague!
How to Get to Jiuzhaigou?
By Train: One of the most popular ways to get to Jiuzhaigou is to take a high-speed train from Chengdu. You can take a train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, which takes about two hours. Be sure to book your train tickets together with your Jiuzhaigou entrance ticket at least three days in advance, as both sell out very quickly. You do not want to secure your park ticket but then find that the trains are fully booked, leaving you without a way to get there and back.
Once you arrive at Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can walk to the parking lot on the right-hand side from the exit where there will be bus drivers asking you where you want to go. Tell them you want to go to Jiuzhaigou and they will direct you to the right bus. The bus should take about 2 hours and cost 51 CNY. You can buy it from the bus driver.
You will be dropped off at a bus stop located right next to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Most of the hotels I recommend are in this area as well, so you can check in first and it is only a few minutes’ walk to the park entrance.
Most people visit Jiuzhaigou together with Huanglong, usually spending one night in Jiuzhaigou since the two are not far apart. You can explore Jiuzhaigou on the first day and Huanglong the next, or the other way around. If you plan to start with Jiuzhaigou, I recommend taking the earliest train from Chengdu at 6:15 AM so that you arrive by 10:15 AM and have a full day to explore the park.
I took the 8:35 AM train because the 6:15 AM one was fully booked for that week. I arrived at 12:35 PM and only had half a day to explore. Although it was enough to see the highlights, it felt a bit rushed for my liking. Do not make the same mistake I did and make sure to book the 6:15 AM train at least three to four days in advance.
By Bus: Before the high-speed train, you used to have to take the grueling 8 - 10 hour bus ride from Chengdu to visit Jiuzhaigou. Well, you can still do it today if you are looking to save a bit of money and have time to spare. The buses depart from Xinnanmen Bus Station or Chadianzi Bus Station and take around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Make sure when you buy your ticket that the bus goes all the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley, not just to Jiuzhaigou County, which is further away. I wouldn't recommend it personally, but at least you know you have the option.
By Shuttle Service from Huanglong: If you decide to explore Huanglong on the first day and want to get to Jiuzhaigou from there, you can book a shuttle service here. It costs around 11 USD per person one-way, with departures from 7 AM to 1 PM almost every hour. Once you book, the travel agency will send you the exact pickup location and vehicle license plate via WeChat, so keep an eye out for the message.
Getting from Jiuzhaigou back to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station: To get from Jiuzhaigou back to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can also go with the same shuttle service, which you can book it here. Make sure you pick the right option!
How to Get Around Jiuzhaigou?
By Scenic Buses: Once inside the nature reserve, you can use the scenic buses to get around the park. They are very efficient, run every couple of minutes, and stop at all the designated stops in the park. I arrived at 12 PM and didn't have to wait long to get on one, although I've heard if you are there during the opening hours, it can take quite a while to get on one.
As you can see from the map, Jiuzhaigou is laid out in a Y shape. When you board the park bus from the entrance, there is an equal chance you might be heading to either the left or right side of the Y. Either way, the bus will first take you to the central station, and then continue to the end of that branch without any stops.
Once you reach either end, you can start walking down the Y or hop on the bus one stop at a time as you make your way back to the central station. Some sections are easy to walk, while others are quite long and are best covered by bus. That said, walking does allow you to escape the crowds, so I highly recommend walking at least one section instead of taking the bus to fully appreciate the true beauty of Jiuzhaigou.
Once you arrive at the central station, if you have enough time, you can either explore the other branch or start making your way toward the Jiuzhaigou exit, getting off along the way to visit attractions before leaving the park.
How to Avoid Crowds in Jiuzhaigou?
Crowds in Jiuzhaigou are next level, even by Chinese standards. I have never been to a natural place that is this crowded before; it is absolutely mind-boggling to see! And although crowds in Jiuzhaigou are a constant struggle, there are ways you can minimize them and make your trip more enjoyable.
First and foremost, if you can, try to visit outside of peak periods, such as the Chinese Golden Week in early October, when the park is extremely busy, as well as weekends. Spring and winter are generally quieter while still offering beautiful scenery. Arriving early in the morning or exploring in the late afternoon also helps you avoid the busiest hours, as most day-trip groups are not yet in the park or have already left.
Use the shuttle bus strategically by taking it to the end of one branch of the Y-shaped layout and then walking back toward the central station. This allows you to bypass crowded bus sections which most people take from stop to stop all the way through. You can avoid all of that simply by choosing to walk instead of taking the shuttle.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee?
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area has defined entry times and limits, so you have to plan way in advance. According to the official park announcement, during peak season (April 1 to November 15), you can enter from 7:30 AM until 2:00 PM, and the park closes at 6:00 PM. There is a strict daily limit of 41,000 visitors, so advance booking is required.
Ticket pricing varies between high season and low season. In peak season, the entrance ticket costs 190 CNY, and the mandatory sightseeing shuttle-bus ticket costs 90 CNY, so the total for both comes to 280 CNY per person. During the off-season (November 16 to March 31), the entrance fee is reduced to 80 CNY, and the bus ticket is also 80 CNY, making the total 160 CNY.
Because tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak periods, you must book online at least three to four days in advance. You can book your ticket here. Be sure to calculate your arrival time and choose the correct entry time slot.
For example, although the train from Chengdu takes about two hours, you also need to account for the additional two hours it takes to travel from the railway station to the park entrance. Weekdays are busy, but weekends can be extremely crowded, so avoid visiting on weekends if possible.
How Difficult is the Walk in Jiuzhaigou?
Jiuzhaigou is very easy to walk, with clear designated trails and elevated boardwalks on mostly flat terrain. There are a few stairs here and there, but nothing too challenging, so you will not be breaking a sweat. Although the altitude is 2,500~ meters, which is not much, you might still feel mild effects of altitude, so be sure to pace yourself if you are feeling out of breath.
The main challenge, however, is the crowds. You will often find it difficult to walk along the trails because many people stop in the middle to take photos. Just take it slow and power through it, and you should be good.
How Many Days to Stay in Jiuzhaigou?
Most people will be visiting Jiuzhaigou together with Huanglong, which are not too far apart, so you are going to need to spend at least one night in Jiuzhaigou, making it a 2-day trip in total. You can start your journey from Chengdu at 6:15 AM, taking the earliest train, and you should arrive in Jiuzhaigou by 10:15 AM. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Jiuzhaigou before spending the night there.
The next morning, you can catch the bus to Huanglong and spend the day exploring its beautiful travertine pools, waterfalls, and lakes before returning to Chengdu by train. You could take a train around 6 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Huanglong before leaving. Just be sure to book your train early, as trains from Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station to Chengdu between 4 PM and 9 PM sell out quickly.
What to Pack for Jiuzhaigou?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Jiuzhangou, China:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau
Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here are a collection of articles that you might find useful:
- Want to spend 5 days in Hong Kong? Here's a complete itinerary for you: Hong Kong in 5 Days: A Backpacker's Itinerary.
- First time in Hong Kong, but you are not sure where to begin? This is the guide for you: Visiting Hong Kong: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Macau is often called the Las Vegas of Asia, offering larger-than-life entertainment, a unique blend of Portuguese heritage, and so much more. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check this out: Discover Macau: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- Guangzhou is the fourth-largest city in China and one of the wealthiest, with major trade activities taking place in and around the city for over 2,000 years. With so much history and so many places to explore, you’ll definitely want this comprehensive travel guide: Explore Guangzhou: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Guilin is, hands down, one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in China. If you’re planning to visit, here is the comprehensive travel guide I wish I had! Check it out: Visiting Guilin: A Complete Travel Guide
- Looking for a complete itinerary to Guilin? Check out: 5-Day Itinerary in Guilin
- Want to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia? Check out this travel guide: Huangguoshu Waterfall: A Complete Travel Guide
- Visiting Guizhou and want to experience the rich culture of the Miao people? Why not visit Xijiang, the largest and arguably the most beautiful Miao stilted village in the region. Here’s a complete travel guide: Xijiang Village: A Complete Travel Guide
- Dali is one of Yunnan’s most charming and culturally rich destinations and a great place to start acclimatizing before visiting other high-altitude areas in the province. If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out this travel guide: Exploring Dali: A Complete Travel Guide
- Yulong Snow Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in Yunnan, is located in Lijiang, a destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting China. If you plan to visit Lijiang, check out our travel guide: Exploring Lijiang: 10 Best Things to Do & More
- The mythical town of Shangri-La, made famous by the novel "Lost Horizon", is real and located in China. If you want to visit Shangri-La, this travel guide provides all the information you need to plan the perfect trip: Discover Shangri-La: A Complete Travel Guide
- Yading is probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in China, and definitely my favorite of all. To help you plan your trip to this stunning region, here’s a complete travel guide: Visiting Yading: A Complete Travel & Hiking Guide
- If you are planning a visit to Huanglong, here is everything you need to know to plan your trip: Visiting Huanglong: A Complete Travel Guide
- Want to visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong together? Here’s a complete itinerary for you: 2-Day Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong
- Planning a trip to Chengdu but not sure where to start? This travel guide has you covered: Chengdu Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do & More
- For more articles about China, visit the China travel guide, or explore my guides to Hong Kong and Macau.
- Planning a trip to East Asia? Explore all my articles on the East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can find all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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