Top Things to Do for Family with Kids in Jiuzhaigou

Located at the transition zone of Qinghai Tibet Plateau and Sichuan Basin, Jiuzhaigou Valley is endowed with exceptional natural condition and geographical position. Because of the nine Tibetan villages dispersing over the alpine lakes, Jiuzhaigou got its name. Having a combination of historical and cultural significance, Jiuzhaigou attracts more than 2 million people every year.

The entrance of Jiuzhaigou

As one of the most prestigious scenic spots in Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou is suitable for family travel. The colorful and crystal lakes, unique national culture and various entertainment activities make the travel of Jiuzhaigou not to be missed. Here are top things recommended to do for family with kids in a Jiuzhaigou tour, including enjoying the colorful natural beauty, having picnic at the lake side, hiking and horseback riding in Songpan.

The little girl is having fun in Jiuzhaigou

1. Enjoy the Colorful Natural Beauty

Represented by golden forest, crystal clear lakes and pleasant sunshine, especially the beauty of the water, the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou could find nothing to cavil it. In spring, due to the high altitude, lakes still remain its crystal blue by comparison with snow-capped mountains. The soft earth is moist with melting snow and ice, and the world starts to turn green. In summer, wet season arriving, trees turn into lush green. The colorful lakes at high level never seen before appear in summer. However, when autumn arrives, everything reaches its most beauty. The autumn of Jiuzhaigou spares no effort to show its colorful, changeless natural beauty. The trees change its color overnight, and the sky shines brilliant blue, setting off the silver and rolling mountains. Finally winter arriving, the various colors of the world fade and the pure, white fairyland shows up. Snowflakes, falling down generously, cover Jiuzhaigou with a coat of snow.

Colorful and crystal lakes in Jiuzhaigou

The natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou changes from seasons, and generally speaking, the scenery of October is the best, although each season has its own characteristics. No matter elders or kids, the colorful natural beauty of the golden autumn scenery is not to be missed for everyone. The sunshine passes through the crystal-liked lakes and lightens up the bottom and ripples. Adding the golden and red leaves, the travel will be enjoyable for families.

The secenery of October in Jiuzhaigou is the best

2. Having Picnic at the Lake Side

Comparing with having lunch at restaurant, having picnic at the lake side seems to be more leisure and enjoyable. Otherwise, there is only one restaurant inside scenic spot, so it is highly recommended to bring lunch on the trip. Wuhua Lake and Pearl Beach, which spots have a relatively open field of vision and pleasant environment, are good choices to have picnic with family numbers. More importantly, due to its location, it’s highly possible that you will arrive at these two spots at lunch time.

You can have a picnic at the lake side

Some takeaways, like spontaneous heating hot pot and rice, have the advantages of portability and delicacy. Prepare some snacks and fruits for kids. Last but not least, make sure that you have already prepared rubbish bags to take care of your garbage.

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3. Hiking in Jiuzhaigou

With hectares of 64297, it is impossible to hike all the way. If the kids of family are short of energy, the un-stop operation of eco buses in Jiuzhaigou could connect all the spots. The whole tourist route of Jiuzhaigou is Y-shaped, and right route has more spots than the left one. It is suggested to travelling the left route by bus and hike the right one.

The map of Jiuzhaigou

Taking bus at the gate of Jiuzhaigou, you could enjoy the scenery outside the window and get off the bus and Reed Lake. Given to the limited physical ability of kids, you’d better save strength, and after hiking for some time, you can take the direct bus to virgin forest, which is the end of the right route, at Spark Lake. With towering old tree, fresh air and comfort temperature, it is a good choice for hiking. After hiking here, you could take the bus and tour down. Get off at Jianzhu Lake or Panda Lake, and the hiking trip begins officially. Along the right route, Wuhua Lake and Pearl Beach are regarded as the essence of Jiuzhaigou, which are also the spots you need to feel its beauty with your heart and feet. As chance would have it, you could have lunch by the lake side when you arrive at Wuhua Lake or Pearl Beach.

Hiking in Jiuzhaigou

Taking bus at Pearl Beach, according to your physical strength and time limitation, you can decide whether the next journey is on foot or not. Nuorilang Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou, which is also a nice spot to hike.

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4. Horseback Riding in Songpan Ancient Town near Jiuzhaigou

With the resources of sincere history and culture, Songpan has been named as “strategic choke point” for centuries. The history of this ancient town could date bake to Qin dynasty. Having such a long history, Songpan ancient town is famous for its ruins of ancient city wall and various kinds of antique architecture. For better experience of local culture, horseback riding would be a good choice for family travel.

Songpan Ancient Town

The cost depends on different routes of horseback riding. Tourists don’t have to worry about accommodation, because the accompanying guide will be responsible for camping, cooking and feeding the horses. What you need to do is enjoying the riding and taking good care of kids. The camps, foods, raincoats and cold protective Tibetan cloaks are all arranged by guide and carried by horses. Having tied up the camps, the guide raises a bonfire and starts to prepare the local food for his customs. At night, it seems like returning to primitive nomadic life to sing and dance in a circle. An enthusiastic guide or groom would sing folk songs for amusement along the way, and make the horseback riding ring with cheers and laugher.

Songpan horse riding

You'll need something waterproof on top of that sweater if you're going riding in the hills.Climbing shoes, sun cream, sun glasses and spare clothes are also necessary. Pay attention to that a long-time-riding can cause backache. It is dangerous for beginners to take photo on horseback. What’s more, take good care of kids.

Travel Tips for Family with Kids in Jiuzhaigou?

With an average altitude of 2930m, Jiuzhaigou has a typical temperate plateau humid climate. Before setting out, be careful of the physicalconditions family members, especially kids. Some medicine for carsickness, colds and diarrhea is needed in case of malaise. The difference of temperature between day and night may change greatly, so prepare an extra coat for kid to resist it. Pay attention to the weather forecast, and prepare umbrellas and good quantity raincoats for family members. A big bag and some rubbish bags are also necessary for picnic.