Top Things to Do near Jiuzhaigou

With 6 places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sichuan province is the second largest tourism province in China. Due to the complex geological environment and deep historical background, there is great tourist potentiality for its natural landscape and humanity landscape, religions, fork customs and abundant biological resources.Among those various kinds of landscapes, Jiuzhaigou is the most prestigious one.

Natural landscape in Jiuzhaigou

In fact, centered by Jiuzhaigou, there are many others wonderful spots worth watching. Having a combination of historical and cultural significance, those spots are great attractions for tourists.

3 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong National Park Local Tour

Where You Should Pay Attention to near Jiuzhaigou?

First of all, Chengdu, Heavenly Land of Plenty. The common feature of the spots in Chengdu is the combination of history and humanity.No matter the food or the culture, you won't be disappointed in. Only 25km to Jiuzhaigou, Songpan County has a deep historical significance. Munigou is famous for virgin forests, colorful lakes and mountains. On the way from Lanzhou to Jiuzhaigou, Langmusi County and Ruoergai grassland are also must-see spots. When autumn arrives, to find a place to see red leaves, Miyaluo is the best choice.

To have a worthwhile trip, here are top things suggested to do near Jiuzhaigou.

Chengdu - Heavenly Land of Plenty

The unique relaxing life style of Chengdu made it synonymous with leisure and serenity. The common feature of the spots in Chengdu is the combination of history and humanity. Compose of three different alleys, Kuanzhai Alley respects three different culture, including the most popular folk culture, the relaxing life style and the new life of Chengdu. Jinli Ancient Street is also a good place to enjoy Chengdu, the city of leisure and prosperity. While some commemorate museums like Du Fu’s cottage, the temple of Marquis Wu make people forget themselves. Though it is old building tourists still can feel the massive history.

Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu

Others natural landscapes of here, headed of Qingcheng Mountain, are quiet and peaceful lands. As the origin of Taoism, even at the end of Qing Dynasty, Qingcheng Mountain was not only a holy land of scenery, but a place with many heroes appeared here.

Qingcheng Mountain is the origin of Taoism

How to Get There

There are three choices available from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, regarded as self-driving, taking bus and taking plane. For self-driving, the east route, having a stretch of 450km, drives through Guanghan, Miangyang and Pingwu successfully, while the 430-kilometer-long west route, has better traffic condition and less time. For taking bus, tourists could buy tickets at Chadianzi bus station and New South Gate Center at the price of 150 RMB. It will take you more than ten hours. For flight, there are non-stop flights from Chengdu Airport to Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Airport every day. The flying time is 40 minutes. It will cost about 1000 RMB without discount, while 700 RMB in off season.

Songpan - The Ancient Town: Songpan

Named as “strategic choke point” for centuries, Songpan was known as the town of military importance in Tang dynasty. However, now Songpan is still located at the center of tour route, and connects Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Ruoergai grassland and others spots. Even with the development of modern business and technology, Songpan remains the antique andclassic beauty spread thousands of years.

Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan is famous for the ancient city and its ruins of the wall. Summer and autumn are suggested to visit here. With wooden boats flowing on it, the Min River keeps running through the ancient city from east to west. Aimed at defending foreign enemy, the wall was started to build at Ming dynasty, and divided the city into two parts. Getting on the wall affords a fine view of the Old City, though it will cost you 150 RMB.

Ruins of the wall in Songpan

How to Get There

It could be arrived by taking bus in Chengdu Chadianzi bus station and New West Gate bus station.There is no high speed railway station in Songpan County yet, but it is under construction now. What’s more, it is only 25 kilometers far away from Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Airport, so that you can set out from Chengdu by flying.

Munigou - The Subtle Combine of Mountains and Water

Located at 30km south of Songpan County, Munigou Valley consists of Zhaga waterfalls and Erdao lakes. With the highest altitude of 4070 meters and the lowest altitude of 2800 meters, this place offers a subtle combine of mountains, water and forests. This special location has resulted Munigou the combination of beauty both from Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.

Zhaga waterfalls

The busy season is from April to November, and the ticket will be 100 RMB, while the off season will cost you 60 RMB. The spot will be closed from the beginning December to the ending of March.

Erdao lakes

How to Get There

There is no public transportation with the destination of Munigou. It is highly suggested that getting there by chartered car, which will charge you about 300 RMB per day. Or you can contact with the caravan in Sonpan County, who will help you to arrive at Munigou.

Ruoergai Grassland - A Wonderful Emerald on the Edge of Northwest Sichuan

Covering Covering about 10, 500 square kilometers, Ruoergai grassland is known as the fourth largest grassland in China.Irrigated by the flowing through Yellow River, Ruoergai has a rich source of water. On this grassland, the First bend of Yellow River is the most important spot you could ever wish to see. The important bend divides two provinces, Gansu and Sichuan, and flows on the green land as a white ribbon.

Ruoergai Grassland

How to Get There

There is more than 250km away from Ruoergai County to Jiuzhaigou. It will take you 5 hours to get there by car. It is a key scenic spot on the way from Lanzhou to Jiuzhaigou.

Langmusi County - A County of Religions

Located at 1km west of Xiahe, Langmusi Town is surrounded by high mountains and attracts many tourists. Known as Eastern Switzerland, it is located at the border of Sichuan province and Gansu province. Divided by a river called Bailong River, Langmu Temple is formed by Geerdi Temple of Sichuan province, and Saichi Temple of Gansu province.

Langmu Temple

How to Get There

Generally speaking, visiting Langmu Temple is a part on the way of visiting Jiuzahigou from Lanzhou. Starting Lanzhou, the provincial capital of Gansu province, it will take you 4 hours and a half of 380km to Langmusi Town. From Langmusi County to Jiuzhaigou, it will take you 4 hours of 340km by chartered car.

Miyaluo Scenic Area - Best Place to See the Red Leaves near Jiuzhaigou

Located at the upper reaches of Min River, the Zagunao River valley, Miyaluo became the first choice place to see the red leaves near Jiuzhaigou. It ever was 180 times bigger than the red leaves spot of Fragrant Hill, Beijing. Though the area of red leaves shrinks because of the construction of cascade hydropower stations, the colorful world of leaves still could be found by hiking through the valley beside the highway. Others famous spots nearly Miyaluo are also well worth a visit, such as Guergou hot springs, Bipenggou and TaopingQiang Village.

The Red Leaves in Miyaluo Scenic Area

How to Get There

Driving through Li County, TaopingQiang Village and Miyaluo successfully, the bus set out from Chengdu Chadianzi bus station will take you 40 RMB and 6 hours. Inside Miyaluo Scenic Area, themain spots are mainly distributed beside 317 National Road, so you can visit them by chartered car.