How to Spend 5 Days in Jiuzhaigou? Must-Do List

Spending five days in Jiuzhaigou allows you to fully experience one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Famous for its turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and colorful forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a perfect blend of scenic exploration and peaceful mountain escapes.

A typical five-day itinerary begins with in-depth visits to Jiuzhaigou National Park, exploring highlights such as Five-Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, and the Rize and Zechawa Valleys. With time built in for easy walks, shuttle rides, and photography, the journey remains relaxed.

Beyond nature, travelers can enjoy Tibetan culture, local cuisine, and quiet evenings in nearby villages, making the trip both visually stunning and culturally enriching.

For more details, keep reading!

What to Do in Jiuzhaigou in Day 1?

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Jiuzhaigou is located in Sichuan's Aba Prefecture. The place got its name because nine villages are located in this valley. Like a world from the fairy tales, Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its water landscapes. There is a saying that after visiting Jiuzhaigou, you will not see any better water landscapes elsewhere. In some areas of Jiuzhaigou, the elevation is relatively high. Some tourists may experience altitude sickness. When visiting, please do not engage in vigorous exercise.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• CoreybBaker: foreigners are welcome again!! we had two full days walking in the park. only 2/3 is open at the moment as they are still repairing the valleys. it’s amazing and apart from two lakes and one waterfall we only run into a few other couples. lots of tourist are covering quickly trying to see the whole park using the get on/off bus system. I’d take the bus until the first stop cross the lake to the other side without a road and enjoy the day walking up the valley.
• Wandering Laowai: Absolutely breathtaking and worth fighting the crowds for. Most tourists there ride the park bus between each attraction, so if you walk along the beautiful walkways instead there will be considerably less people. There is no food to purchase inside the park so bring lunch and snacks, just not instant noodles as it is very hard to find hot water.

Enjoy the colorful lakes in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area?

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort is the best places.

Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort

The Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort sits near the entrance of Zhongchagou, about 90 minutes from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport and 15 minutes from Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park. Blending modern design with Tibetan cultural elements, the resort is surrounded by mountains and flowing streams.

It offers 421 rooms, suites, and villas with spacious layouts, many featuring balconies and panoramic views. With modern amenities, public Wi-Fi, and proximity to Langzhai Village, guests can enjoy both a relaxing stay and local Zang and Qiang cultural experiences.

Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort

What to Do in Jiuzhaigou in Day 2?

Jiuzhai Ancient Love

Jiuzhai Ancient Love is a living ancient city of Tibetan and Qiang, where you can experience the Tibetan and Qiang style. In the Jiuzhai Ancient Love, there are attractions like the high statue of Semo Goddess, the large prayer wheel, and the ancient tea and horse trails in the sky.

In addition, in the scenic area, you can also see wonderful performances such as Tibetan and Qiang songs and dances and throwing balls. The performance " is a living ancient city of Tibetan and Q" is an extremely shocking visual feast.

Watch a cultural performing show in Jiuzhai

What to See in the Colorful Pond?

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Colorful Pond.

Colorful Pond

Wucaiche is located in the Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve, China along south section of Zechawagou. The breath taking water of Wuchaichi comes in from the Changhai and stays at a temperature that will not freeze in any season. There are many aquatic plant communities that can been seen such as ferns, herbaceous plants (reeds), knotted grass, and water wicks. The different amounts of chlorophyll within these plants cause the lake water to be rich in calcium carbonate.

This causes colorful effects in the water that cause the upper part of the Wucaigi to be a bright blue, the lower part an orange-red, the right is olive green, and the left is more of a sky blue. The water is crystal clear and transparent so that you can easily see the colors and all of the aquatic wildlife. One of the most beautiful parts is when the sun shines on it just right, it will shine with multicolored light.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kenny Traveler: The water is blue and it's very beautiful

Take a break having an amazing sight of the colorful pond

Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou in Day 2?

Don’t forget to book Hotel Indigo JIUZHAI in advance, because all the tourists head to Colorful Pond love staying at it.

Hotel Indigo JIUZHAI

The Hotel Indigo JIUZHAI is one of the newest hotels in Jiuzhaigou, having opened in 2021. Seeing Jiuzhaigou's sights from this hotel is easy with Zhongcha Ditch, 九寨魯能勝地 and Liantai Pool all close by.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. For those driving themselves, parking is provided on site. According to our trusted guests, the facilities at this hotel are first-rate. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling with families.

Hotel Indigo JIUZHAI by IHG

What to Do in Jiuzhaigou in Day 3?

Wuhuahai

Wuhuahai is located in the middle section of Rizhigou, Sanzhaigou, Jiuzhaigou. In the upper reaches of the Peacock River, due to the travertine sedimentation on the seabed, various algae and the reflection of the trees on the shore, Wuhuahai presents geese, navy, dark green and royal blue.

And so on a variety of colors, it is called "five flowers sea." Take the scenic eco-car to the Wuhuahai. Along the boardwalk along the lake, a section of the boardwalk on the west side of Wuhuahai is a better viewing point.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Kenny Traveler: The first attraction of Jiuzhaigou is very beautiful and there are many behind.
• Trip.com User: the most beautiful place visited

Classic Sichuan Tour – Jiuzhaigou

What to See in Changhai?

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Wuhuahai, Changhai next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Changhai

Changhai is a long sea of ​​Jiuzhaigou. It is a few kilometers long and has an ink blue color and an "S" shape. The waters of the sea are dense, and at first glance, the spectacular snow peaks and the typical glacier landscape are bathed in blue sky and white clouds.

There is no water outlet around the Changhai Sea, and the water comes from snow melting in the mountains. The strange thing is that the Changhai will never dry up and will not overflow the embankment. Therefore, the Tibetans call it the "Gourd gourd with dissatisfaction and leaks."

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kenny Traveler: The scenery here is really super beautiful, it is worth coming.

The dense water in Changhai in Jiuzhai

Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou in Day 3?

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Changhai? Conrad Jiuzhaigou is one of your top choices.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou

The Conrad Jiuzhaigou is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Jiuzhaigou, having been recently opened in 2021. This hotel is located near many of Jiuzhaigou's attractions including 九寨藏羌非遺博物館, 格林7號營地 and 九寨魯能勝地.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities. This Jiuzhaigou hotel provides parking on site. Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service. For guests traveling with families, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

What to Do in Jiuzhaigou in Day 4?

Nuorilang Waterfall

Nuorilang Waterfall is located in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Yuzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. It is one of the large calcification waterfalls in China and a large number of film and television dramas. The Nuorilang Waterfall means a majestic waterfall in Tibetan. It fell in multiple levels, and the water curtain flew out of the two mountains and fell directly under the cliff to form a rare forest waterfall.

Opposite the waterfall, there is a viewing platform, standing on the stage, the panoramic view of the waterfall is in full view.

Although the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake damaged parts of the original falls, restoration efforts have helped it recover, and it remains a highlight of the park, featured in many Chinese films and TV shows. Wikipedia

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kenny Traveler: The waterfall is spectacular and beautiful and worth seeing.

Waterfull pouring down with greenery background in Jiuzhai

What to See in Virgin Forest?

After finishing the tour at Nuorilang Waterfall, you can head to Virgin forest, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Virgin Forest

There is a piece of Wildwood at the end of the Hiragou. At the end of the day, you are surrounded by lush forests. Under the feet are deep and soft mossy leaves. The fragrant air flows through the nose, and the ears are full of birds and pines. It is just another world.

Part of the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich forest ecosystems, sapphire lakes, and dramatic waterfalls, the forest reflects the park’s outstanding natural value and biodiversity. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Feeling the return of the nature in Virgin Forest

Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou in Day 4?

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Legend of Tibet King Resort Hotel is the best places.

Legend of Tibet King Resort Hotel

The Legend of Tibet King Resort Hotel was recently opened in 2020, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Songpan. The hotel is located approximately 24km from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. The nearest airport is Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, approximately 24km from the hotel.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. This Songpan hotel provides parking on site. Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service.

This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling with families

What to Do in Jiuzhaigou for the Last Day?

Rizegou Landscape

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kenny Traveler: It's a beautiful sight, blue sea.

Enjoy the beautiful blue see at Rizegou

What to See at Zhenzhutan Waterfall?

Zhenzhutan Waterfall nearby is the top choice before you leave Rizegou Landscape and hit the road.

Zhenzhutan Waterfall

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kenny Traveler: It's a beautiful feeling to take a waterfall from the side.

Visit the Zhenzhutan Waterfall in a sunny day

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.