View source for Jiuzhaigou

{{Short description|Nature reserve and national park in Sichuan, China}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox protected area 
| name = Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area<br />{{nobold|{{lang|zh-hant|九寨沟风景名胜区}}}}
| photo = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = 1 jiuzhaigou valley wu hua hai 2011b.jpg
| photo2a = 1 jiuzhaigou valley five colour pond 2011.JPG
| photo3a = 1_nuorilang_jiuzhaigou_2023.jpg
| photo4a = 1_jiuzhaigou_zhen_zhu_ta_pu_bu_pearl_shoal_2023.jpg
| position = fit
| size = 290
| color = #F5F5F5
| border = 0
| color_border = white
}}
| photo_caption = From top, left to right:<br /> Five Flower Lake, Five Colour Pond, Nuorilang Falls, Pearl Shoal Falls
| location = [[Jiuzhaigou County]], [[Sichuan]]
| nearest_city = [[Songpan]]
| embedded1= {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
| child         = yes
| criteria      = {{UNESCO WHS type|(vii)}}(vii)
| ID            = 637
| year          = 1992
| area          = {{convert|72,000|ha|sqmi|abbr=on}}
| buffer_zone   =  
}}
| map = Sichuan
| coordinates = {{coords|33|12|N|103|54|E|region:CN-51|display=inline, title}}
| area_km2 = 720
| established = 1978
| visitation_num = 1,190,000
| visitation_year = 2002
| governing_body = Sichuan Provincial Commission for Construction
}}
{{infobox Chinese
 | pic      = Jiuzhaigou (Chinese and Tibetan).svg
 | piccap   = "Valley of Nine Fortified Villages (''Jiuzhaigou'')" in Simplified Chinese (top), Traditional Chinese (middle), and Tibetan (bottom) characters
 | picupright = 0.5
 | s        = 九寨沟
 | t        = 九寨溝
 | l        = "Valley of Nine Fortified Villages"
 | p        = Jiǔzhàigōu
 | w        = Chiu<sup>3</sup>-chai<sup>4</sup>-kou<sup>1</sup>
 | mi       = {{IPAc-cmn|AUD|Jiuzhaigou pronunciation.ogg|j|iu|3|.|zh|ai|4|.|g|ou|1}}
 | wuu      = 
 | j        = 
 | y        = 
 | ci       = 
 | tl       = 
 | tib      = གཟི་རྩ་སྡེ་དགུ།
 | wylie    = gzi-rtsa sde-dgu
 | zwpy     = Sirza Degu
 | order    = st
}}
'''Jiuzhaigou''' ({{IPAc-cmn|AUD|Jiuzhaigou pronunciation.ogg|j|iu|3|.|zh|ai|4|.|g|ou|1}}; {{zh|t=九寨沟|hp=Jiǔzhàigōu}}) is a [[nature reserve]] and [[national park]] located in the north of [[Sichuan Province]] in [[southwestern China]]. A long valley running north to south, Jiuzhaigou was inscribed by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1992 and a World [[Biosphere Reserve]] in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/637|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|title=Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area|language=en|access-date=2017-08-16}}</ref> It belongs to the category V (Protected Landscape) in the [[IUCN]] system of protected area categorization.

The Jiuzhaigou valley is part of the [[Min Mountains]] on the edge of the [[Tibetan Plateau]] and stretches over {{convert|72,000|ha}}. It has an altitude of over 4800 meters and is composed of a series of diverse forest ecosystems.<ref>{{Citation |title=Forest Change Over Millennia |date=2022-09-20 |work=The World Atlas of Trees and Forests |pages=304–331 |publisher=Princeton University Press|doi=10.2307/j.ctv23r3gdg.13 }}</ref> It is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Its elevation ranges from {{convert|2000|to|4500|m|ft}}. The Jiuzhaigou area borders the Minshan Garna Peak in the south, and the [[Huanglong Scenic Area]] is to Jiuzhaigou's north. It originates from the Baishui River area, one of the headwaters of the Jialing River and a part of the Yangtze River system.<ref>{{Citation |last=Huadong |first=Guo |title=Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area |date=2013 |work=Atlas of Remote Sensing for World Heritage: China |pages=272–281 |editor-last=Huadong |editor-first=Guo |place=Berlin, Heidelberg |publisher=Springer |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-642-32823-7_38 |isbn=978-3-642-32823-7}}</ref>

==History==

Jiuzhaigou (literally "Nine Settlement Valley") takes its name from the nine [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] settlements along its length.

The remote region was inhabited by various Tibetan and [[Qiang people|Qiang]] peoples for centuries. Until 1975 this inaccessible area was little known. In 1975, famous forestry scientist [[Wu Zhonglun]] conducted a comprehensive survey of Jiuzhaigou. He was deeply moved, saying "I have visited several countries in Europe and America, but I have never seen such breathtaking natural beauty. It must be well protected." He then wrote to the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and the Sichuan Provincial Forestry Department, urging local authorities to protect the natural landscape and prohibit the indiscriminate logging of trees. 
The Sichuan Provincial Forestry Department promptly issued a notice stating that logging must be restricted beyond 200 meters in the Zechawa and Rize gullies of Jiuzhaigou. The Sichuan Provincial Government subsequently prioritized the protection of Jiuzhaigou, directing relevant departments and research institutes to develop a detailed conservation plan and completely halting logging in the valley. In 1980, the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve was established.

An Administration Bureau was established and the site officially opened to tourism in 1984; layout of facilities and regulations were completed in 1987. The site was inscribed by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1992 and a World [[Biosphere Reserve]] in 1997. The tourism area is classified as a [[AAAAA scenic area]] by the [[China National Tourism Administration]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.cnta.gov.cn/html/2008-11/2008-11-16-10-27-72978.html |date=16 November 2008 |title=AAAAA Scenic Areas |work=[[China National Tourism Administration]] |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404043021/http://en.cnta.gov.cn/html/2008-11/2008-11-16-10-27-72978.html |archive-date= 4 April 2014 }}</ref>

=== Visitor numbers ===
Since opening, tourist activity has increased every year: from 5,000 in 1984 to 170,000 in 1991, 160,000 in 1995, to 200,000 in 1997, including about 3,000 foreigners. Visitors numbered 1,190,000 in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http%3A%2F%2Fsea.unep-wcmc.org%2Fsites%2Fwh%2Fjuizhaig.html~main |title=UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre |access-date=2020-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130071435/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http%3A%2F%2Fsea.unep-wcmc.org%2Fsites%2Fwh%2Fjuizhaig.html~main |archive-date=2009-01-30 }}</ref> In 2004, the site averaged 7,000 visits per day, with a quota of 12,000 being reportedly enforced during high season.<ref name="unep">{{Cite web |url=http://www.unep-wcmc.org/medialibrary/2011/06/24/68205af0/Jiuzhaigou%20Valley.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305161317/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/medialibrary/2011/06/24/68205af0/Jiuzhaigou%20Valley.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-05 }}</ref> In 2024 the site welcomed 5.11 million tourists, with over 30,000 per day during the peak season during the end of July and start of August.<ref>{{Cite web |title=创历史新高！九寨沟景区2024年接待游客已突破511万人次 _四川在线 |url=https://sichuan.scol.com.cn/ggxw/202411/82640956.html |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=sichuan.scol.com.cn}}</ref> A limit of 41,000 daily visitors is enforced by requiring timed tickets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=四川省文化和旅游厅 |url=http://wlt.sc.gov.cn/scwlt/hydt/2025/8/5/ac1861b8f26644b4af8ec0dcdcb29eb6.shtml |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=wlt.sc.gov.cn}}</ref> The [[Town (China)|town]] of Zhangzha at the exit of the valley and the nearby [[Songpan County]] feature an ever-increasing number of hotels, including several luxury [[hotel rating|five-stars]], such as [[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]].

The site has become more accessible with mass transport due to the opening of the [[Sichuan–Qinghai railway]] and [[Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=创历史新高！九寨沟景区2024年接待游客已突破511万人次 _四川在线 |url=https://sichuan.scol.com.cn/ggxw/202411/82640956.html |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=sichuan.scol.com.cn}}</ref> Developments related to mass tourism in the region have caused concerns about the impact on the environment around the park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pulitzercenter.org/slideshows/sichuan-province-jiuzhaigou-national-park-ecosystem-biodiversity-logging|title=Development vs. Protection: The South-West's Struggle|access-date=2011-09-06|archive-date=2016-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520041430/http://pulitzercenter.org/slideshows/sichuan-province-jiuzhaigou-national-park-ecosystem-biodiversity-logging}}</ref>

=== 2017 earthquake ===
In August 2017, a [[2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake|magnitude 7.0 earthquake]] struck Jiuzhaigou County, causing significant structural damage. The authorities closed the valley to tourists until March 3, 2018, before reopening the park with limited access.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Government Travel Advice for China |url=http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/north/Pages/china.aspx |access-date=2017-12-03 |website=Smartraveller.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

The Jiuzhaigou earthquake in Sichuan, China had a significant impact on the scenic area. The earthquake also resulted in the damage and breakage of two natural dams, namely the Nuorilang Waterfall dam and the Huohua Lake dam.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Zhao |first1=Bo |last2=Wang |first2=Yun-sheng |last3=Luo |first3=Yong-hong |last4=Li |first4=Jia |last5=Zhang |first5=Xin |last6=Shen |first6=Tong |date=2018-02-23 |title=Landslides and dam damage resulting from the Jiuzhaigou earthquake (8 August 2017), Sichuan, China |journal=Royal Society Open Science |language=en |volume=5 |issue=3 |article-number=171418 |doi=10.1098/rsos.171418 |issn=2054-5703 |pmc=5882679 |pmid=29657755|bibcode=2018RSOS....571418Z }}</ref>

The Nuorilang Waterfall suffered damage due to its initial low stability and topographic effects. The dam was composed of poor material with low mechanical strength, making it prone to rockfalls even during non-earthquake periods. The nearly vertical structure of the dam amplified the seismic influences at its upper part, increasing the likelihood of deformation and collapse.<ref name=":0" />

The Jiuzhaigou earthquake caused the Huohua Lake dam to break. After the dam broke, the water discharge increased from the normal level of 9.3 m<sup>3</sup>/s to a maximum of 21.5 m<sup>3</sup>/s. As a result, the water level rapidly descended, leading to collapses along the dam.<ref name=":0" />

==Population==
Seven of the nine Tibetan villages are still populated today. The main agglomerations that are readily accessible to tourists are Heye, Shuzheng and Zechawa along the main paths that cater to tourists, selling various handicrafts, souvenirs and snacks. There is also Rexi in the smaller Zaru Valley and behind Heye village are Jianpan, Panya and Yana villages. Guodu and Hejiao villages are no longer populated. Penbu, Panxing and Yongzhu villages lie along the road that passes through the town of Jiuzhaigou/Zhangza outside the valley.

In 2003, the permanent population of the valley was about 1,000 comprising 112 families,<ref name="unep" /> and due to the protected nature of the park, agriculture is no longer permitted so the locals now rely on tourism and local government subsidies to make a living.

[[File:1 jiuzhaigou valley shuzheng village panorama 2011.jpg|thumb|none|upright=3.2|Panorama of Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley]]

==Geography and climate==
[[File:Jiuzhaigou Map.png|thumb|left|Map of Jiuzhaigou]]
Jiuzhaigou lies at the southern end of the [[Minshan]] [[mountain range]], {{convert|330|km|0|abbr=on}} north of the provincial capital of [[Chengdu]]. It is part of the [[Jiuzhaigou County]] (formerly [[Nanping County]]) in the [[Aba Tibetan Qiang Autonomous Prefecture]] of northwestern [[Sichuan]] province, near the [[Gansu]] border.

The valley covers {{convert|720|km²|0|abbr=on}}, with [[buffer zone]]s covering an additional {{convert|600|km²|0|abbr=on}}. Its [[elevation]], depending on the area considered, ranges from 1,998 to 2,140&nbsp;m (at the mouth of [[#Shuzheng gully|Shuzheng Gully]]) to 4,558-4,764 m (on Mount Ganzigonggai at the top of [[#Zechawa gully|Zechawa Gully]]).

The climate is [[subtropical]] to [[temperate]] monsoon with a mean annual temperature of 7.8&nbsp;°C, with means of −3.7&nbsp;°C in January and 16.8&nbsp;°C in July.<ref name=unep/> Total annual rainfall is 761&nbsp;mm but in the cloud forest it is at least 1,000&nbsp;mm.<ref name=unep/> 80% of rainfall occurs between May and October.<ref name=unep/>Due to the monsoon moving towards the valley, summer is mild, cloudy, and moderately humid. Above an altitude of 3500 meters, the climate is colder and drier.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP-WCMC |date=2017-05-22 |title=JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY SCENIC & HISTORIC INTEREST AREA |url=http://world-heritage-datasheets.unep-wcmc.org/datasheet/output/site/jiuzhaigou-valley-scenic-historic-interest-area |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=World Heritage Datasheet |language=en}}</ref>

==Ecology==
Jiuzhaigou's [[ecosystem]] is classified as temperate broad-leaf forest and woodlands, with mixed mountain and highland systems. Nearly {{convert|300|km²|0|abbr=on}} of the core scenic area are covered by virgin [[mixed forest]]s. Those forests take on attractive (vibrant) yellow, orange and red hues in the autumn, making that season a popular one for visitors. They are home to a number of plant species of interest, such as endemic varieties of [[rhododendron]] and [[bamboo]].

Local fauna includes the [[endangered species|endangered]] [[giant panda]] and golden [[snub-nosed monkey]]. Both populations are very small (fewer than 20 individuals for the pandas) and isolated. Their survival is in question in a valley subject to increasing tourism. It is one of only three known locations for the [[Threatened species|threatened]] [[Duke of Bedford's vole]].<ref>{{cite iucn |author=Johnston, C. |author2=Smith, A.T. |date=2016 |title=''Proedromys bedfordi'' |volume=2016 |article-number=e.T18305A22379426 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T18305A22379426.en |access-date=12 November 2021}} Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is considered to be vulnerable.</ref> Jiuzhaigou is also home to approximately 140 bird species.

The region is indeed a natural museum for mountain karst hydrology and research. It preserves a series of important forest ecosystems, including ancient forests that provide important habitats for many endangered animal and plant species such as giant pandas and antelopes. Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area also contains a large number of well preserved Quaternary glacial relics, which are of great scenic value.<ref>{{Cite web |last=周冰 |title=Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201811/20/WS5bf3aa6ea310eff303289e09.html |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref>

==Geology and hydrology==

Jiuzhaigou's landscape is made up of high-altitude [[karst]]s shaped by [[glacier|glacial]], [[hydrology|hydrological]] and [[tectonics|tectonic]] activity. It lies on major [[Fault (geology)|fault]]s on the diverging belt between the Qinghai-Tibet [[tectonic plate|Plate]] and the Yangtze Plate, and earthquakes have also shaped the landscape. The rock [[stratum|strata]] are mostly made up of [[carbonate]] rocks such [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] and [[tufa]], as well as some [[sandstone]] and [[shale]]s.

The region contains a large amount of [[tuff]], which is a type of limestone formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate in freshwater. It falls on rocks, lake beds, and even fallen trees in the water, sometimes accumulating into terraces, shoals, and dam barriers in the lake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PeakVisor |title=Jiuzhai Valley National Park |url=https://peakvisor.com/park/jiuzhai-valley-national-park.html |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=PeakVisor |language=en}}</ref>

The valley includes the catchment area of three [[gully|gullies]] (which due to their large size are often called [[valley]]s themselves), and is one of the sources of the [[Jialing River]] via the [[Bailong River]], part of the [[Yangtze River]] system.

Jiuzhaigou's best-known feature is its dozens of blue, green and turquoise-colored lakes. The local Tibetan people call them ''Haizi'' in Chinese, meaning "son of the sea". Originating in glacial activity, they were dammed by rockfalls and other natural phenomena, then solidified by processes of [[carbonate]] deposition. Some lakes have a high concentration of [[calcium carbonate]], and their water is very clear so that the bottom is often visible even at high depths. The lakes vary in color and aspect according to their depths, residues, and surroundings.
Some of the less stable dams and formations have been artificially reinforced, and direct contact with the lakes or other features is forbidden to tourists.

==Notable features==
Jiuzhaigou is composed of three valleys arranged in a Y shape. The Rize and Zechawa valleys flow from the south and meet at the centre of the site where they form the [[#Shuzheng gully|Shuzheng]] valley, flowing north to the mouth of the valley. The mountainous [[drainage basin|watersheds]] of these gullies are lined with {{convert|55|km|0|abbr=on}} of roads for shuttle buses, as well as wooden [[boardwalk]]s and small pavilions. The boardwalks are typically located on the opposite side of the lakes from the road, shielding them from disturbance by passing buses.

Most visitors will first take the shuttle bus to the end of Rize and/or Shuzheng gully, then make their way back downhill by foot on the boardwalks, taking the bus instead when the next site is too distant. Here is a summary of the sites found in each of the gullies:

===Rize Valley===
[[File:1 jiuzhaigou valley pearl shoals waterfall 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The [[Pearl Shoal Waterfall]] is a 310-metre-wide curtain of water]]
The {{convert|18|km|0|adj=mid|-long}} Rize Valley (日则沟, [[pinyin]]: Rìzé Gōu) is the south-western branch of Jiuzhaigou. It contains the largest variety of sites and is typically visited first. Going downhill from its highest point, one passes the following sites:
* The ''Primeval Forest'' (原始森林 Yuánshǐ Sēnlín) is a preserved ancient woodland. It is fronted by views of the surrounding mountains and cliffs, including the 500-metre-high, blade-shaped Sword Rock (剑岩 Jiàn Yán).
* ''Swan Lake'' (天鹅海, Tiān'é Hǎi) is a 2250-metre-long, 125-metre-wide lake named for its visiting swans and ducks.
* ''Grass Lake'' (草海, Cǎo Hǎi) is a shallow lake covered in intricate vegetation patterns.
* ''Arrow Bamboo Lake'' (箭竹海, Jiànzhú Hǎi), covering an area of 170,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>, is a shallow lake with a depth of 6&nbsp;m. It lies at an elevation of 2,618&nbsp;m, and was a main feature site for the 2002 Chinese film ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]''.
* ''Panda Lake'' (熊猫海, Xióngmāo Hǎi) features curious color patterns of blue and green. Giant Pandas were said to have come to this lake to drink, though there have been no sightings for many years. The lake empties into the multi-stream, multi-level Panda Waterfalls, dropping 78&nbsp;m in three steps.
* ''Five Flower Lake'' (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi) is a shallow multi-colored lake whose bottom is criss-crossed by ancient fallen tree trunks.
* ''Pearl Shoal'' (珍珠滩, Zhēnzhū Tān) is a wide, gently sloping area of active calcareous [[tufa]] deposition covered in a thin sheet of flowing water. It empties into the famous [[Pearl Waterfall]]s, where the [[shoal]] drops 28&nbsp;m in a 310-metre-wide broad curtain of water. A scene of the television adaptation of ''[[Journey to the West]]'' was filmed there.
* ''Mirror Lake'' (镜海, Jìng Hǎi) is another quiet lake casting beautiful reflections of the surroundings when the water is calm.

===Zechawa Valley===
[[File:1 jiuzhaigou valley long lake chang hai 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Long Lake is the highest, largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou]]
The Zechawa Gully (则查洼沟, Zécháwā Gōu) is the south-eastern branch of Jiuzhaigou. It is approximately the same length as Rize gully (18&nbsp;km) but climbs to a higher altitude (3150&nbsp;m at the Long Lake). Going downhill from its highest point, it features the following sites:
* ''Long Lake'' (长海, Cháng Hǎi) is crescent-shaped and is the highest, largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, measuring {{convert|7.5|km|0|abbr=on}} in length and up to 103&nbsp;m in depth. It reportedly has no outgoing waterways, getting its water from snowmelt and losing it from seepage. Local folklore features a [[lake monster|monster]] in its depths.
* ''Five-Color Pond'' (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) is one of the smallest bodies of water in Jiuzhaigou lakes. Despite its very modest dimensions and depth, it has a richly colored underwater landscape with some of the brightest and clearest waters in the area.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} According to legend, the pond was where Goddess Semo washed her hair and God Dage came daily to bring her water.
* The ''Seasonal Lakes'' (季节海, Jìjié Hǎi) are a series of 3 lakes (Lower, Middle and Upper) along the main road, that change from empty to full during each year.

===Shuzheng Valley===
[[File:1 jiuzhaigou valley wolong hai huohua hai 2011.jpg|thumb|left|Sleeping Dragon Lake and Sparkling Lake amidst the morning mist during autumn]]
The Shuzheng Valley (树正沟, Shùzhèng Gōu) is the northern (main) branch of Jiuzhaigou. It ends after {{convert|14.5|km|0|abbr=on}} at the Y-shaped intersection of the three gullies. Going downhill from the intersection to the mouth of the valley, visitors encounter the following:
* ''Nuorilang Falls'' (诺日朗瀑布, Nuòrìlǎng Pùbù), near the junction of the valleys, are 20&nbsp;m high and 320&nbsp;m wide. They are reportedly the widest highland waterfall in China, the widest travertine-topped waterfall in the world, and one of the symbols of Jiuzhaigou.
* ''Nuorilang Lakes'' (诺日朗群海, Nuòrìlǎng Qúnhǎi) and ''Shuzheng Lakes'' (树正群海 Shùzhèng Qúnhǎi) are stepped series of respectively 18 and 19 [[ribbon lake]]s formed by the passage of [[glacier]]s, then naturally dammed. Some of them have their own folkloric names, such as the Rhinoceros, Unknown, and Tiger lakes.
* ''Sleeping Dragon Lake'' (卧龙海, Wòlóng Hǎi) is one of the lower lakes in the area. With a depth of 20&nbsp;m, it is notable for the clearly visible calcareous dyke running through it, whose shape has been compared to a [[Chinese dragon|dragon]] lying on the bottom.
* ''Reed Lake'' (芦苇海, Lúwěi Hǎi) is a 1375-metre-long, reed-covered marsh with a clear turquoise brook (known as the "Jade Ribbon") zigzagging through it. The contrast is particularly striking in the autumn when the reeds turn golden yellow.

===Others===

* The ''Fairy Pool'' (神仙池, Shénxiān Chí) lies {{convert|42|km|0|abbr=on}} west of Jiuzhaigou and features [[travertine]] pools very similar to those of the nearby [[Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area]].

==Tourism==
[[File:1 sichuan mountain range 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|View of the [[Min Mountains]] as the plane approaches the Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport]]
The ''Zharu Valley'' (扎如沟, Zhārú Gōu) runs southeast from the main Shuzheng gully and is rarely visited by tourists. The valley begins at the Zharu [[Buddhist]] [[monastery]] and ends at the Red, Black, and Daling lakes.

Zharu Valley is the home of tourism in Jiuzhaigou.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jiuzhai.com/language/english/ecotourism.html|title = Jiuzhai Valley National Park – Eco-tourism}}</ref> The valley has recently been opened to a small number of tourists wishing to go hiking and camping off the beaten track. Visitors can choose from day walks and multiple day hikes, depending on their time availability. Knowledgeable guides accompany tourists through the valley, sharing their knowledge about the unique biodiversity and local culture of the national park. The Zharu Valley has 40% of all the plant species that exist in China and it is the best place to spot wildlife inside the national park.

The main hike follows the pilgrimage of the local Benbo Buddhists circumnavigating the sacred 4,528&nbsp;m Zha Yi Zha Ga Mountain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jiuzhai.com/language/english/info_history.html|title=Jiuzhai Valley National Park – Park Information: History, culture and religion}}</ref>

==Access==
Jiuzhaigou, compared with other high-traffic scenic spots in China, can be difficult to reach by land. The majority of tourists reach the valley by a ten-hour bus ride from Chengdu along the [[Min River (Sichuan)|Min River]] [[canyon]], which is prone to occasional minor rock-slides and, in the rainy season, [[mudslide]]s that can add several hours to the trip. The new highway constructed along this route was badly damaged during the [[2008 Sichuan Earthquake]], but has since been repaired and the road is open to public buses and private vehicles.

Since 2003, it has been possible to fly from [[Chengdu]] or [[Chongqing]] to [[Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport]] on a {{convert|11311|ft|m|0|adj=mid|-high|order=flip}} mountain side in [[Songpan County]], and then take an hour-long bus ride to [[Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area|Huanglong]], or a 90-minute bus ride to Jiuzhaigou. Since 2006, a daily flight to [[Xi'an]] opens in the peak season. In October 2009, new direct flights were added from Beijing, Shanghai, and [[Hangzhou]]. 

Jiuzhaigou is served by the [[Huanglongjiuzhai railway station]], opened on 30 August 2024. The station forms part of the [[Sichuan—Qinghai Railway]].

== Protection ==
As a national park and national nature reserve, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is protected by national and provincial laws and regulations, ensuring the long-term management and protection of the heritage. In 2004, the Sichuan Provincial Regulations on the Protection of World Heritage and the Implementation of the Sichuan Provincial Regulations on the Protection of World Heritage in Aba Autonomous Prefecture became laws, providing a stricter basis for the protection of heritage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/637/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref>

The Sichuan Provincial Construction Commission is fully responsible for the protection and management of the site. The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Administrative Bureau (ABJ) consists of several departments, including the Protection Section, the Construction Section, the police station and so on, which are responsible for the field administration. In addition to national legislation, there are many relevant local government laws and regulations. The revised management plan in 2001 is based on these laws and contains specific regulations and recommendations: prohibiting the logging of trees and forests, as well as activities that cause pollution, and fully considering the needs of local Tibetan residents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP-WCMC |date=2017-05-22 |title=JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY SCENIC & HISTORIC INTEREST AREA |url=http://world-heritage-datasheets.unep-wcmc.org/datasheet/output/site/jiuzhaigou-valley-scenic-historic-interest-area |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=World Heritage Datasheet |language=en}}</ref>

==Image gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:九寨溝-箭竹海 Jiuzhaigou Arrow Bamboo Lake.jpg|Arrow Bamboo Lake
File:PearlLakeRapids.jpg|Pearl Shoal rapids
File:Beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park - Apr 2017.png|Stunning emerald green lake water in the park
File:九寨沟五花海.jpg|Five Flower Lake
File:Jiuzhaigou Sichuan China Panda-Lake-02.jpg|Panda Lake
File:1 jiuzhaigou valley sleeping dragon falls 2011.jpg|Sleeping Dragon Lake
File:Long Lake Jiuzhaigou.jpg|Long Lake
File:Tiger Lake Jiuzhaigou.jpg|Tiger Lake
File:九寨溝-樹正群海 Jiuzhaigou Shuzheng Lakes.jpg|Shuzheng Lakes
File:Jade Ribbon Jiuzhaigou.jpg|"Jade Ribbon" in Reed Lake
File:Mirror Lake Jiuzhaigou.jpg|Mirror Lake
File:1 jiuzhaigou valley rhino lake 2011.jpg|Rhinoceros Lake
File:1 jiuzhaigou valley nuorilang falls 2011.jpg
</gallery>

==See also==
;Related places
* [[Pearl Waterfall]]
* [[Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area]], south of Jiuzhaigou

;Related lists
* [[List of World Heritage Sites in China]]
* [[List of Biosphere Reserves in China]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite journal|last1=Hoagland|first1=Edward|author-link1=Edward Hoagland|last2=Yamashita|first2=Michael|author-link2=Michael Yamashita|editor-first=Chris|editor-last=Johns|editor-link=Chris Johns (photographer)|date=March 2009|title=China's Mystic Waters|journal=[[National Geographic Magazine]]|publisher=[[National Geographic Society]]|location=[[Washington, DC]]|volume=215|issue=3|pages=82–97|url=http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/03/jiuzhaigou/hoagland-text|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221215350/http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/03/jiuzhaigou/hoagland-text|archive-date=February 21, 2009|access-date=January 7, 2010|issn=0027-9358}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve}}
{{Commons category|Jiuzhaigou Valley}}

* [https://archive.today/20121210045118/http://www.jiuzhai.com/language/english/index.html Jiuzhaigou National Park official website]
* [https://whc.unesco.org/sites/637.htm Jiuzhaigou at the World Heritage Sites] of [[UNESCO]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041012145530/http://www2.unesco.org/mab/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?mode=all&code=CPR+14 Jiuzhaigou at the MAB Biosphere Reserves] of UNESCO
* [http://www.fao.org/gtos/tems/tsite_show.jsp?TAB=4&TSITE_ID=1560 Jiuzhaigou at the Terrestrial Ecosystem Monitoring Sites (TEMS)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040809211303/http://www.fao.org/gtos/tems/tsite_show.jsp?TAB=4&TSITE_ID=1560 |date=2004-08-09 }} of [[FAO]]

{{World Heritage Sites in China}}
{{National parks of China}}
{{Valleys of China}}
{{Sichuan topics}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:World Heritage Sites in China]]
[[Category:Biosphere reserves of China]]
[[Category:Valleys of China]]
[[Category:National parks of China]]
[[Category:Geography of Sichuan]]
[[Category:Landforms of Sichuan]]
[[Category:Old-growth forests]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Sichuan]]
[[Category:AAAAA-rated tourist attractions]]