Travel solo to Jiuzhaigou

This park is about the scenery, scenery that takes your breath away, scenery that begins with the flight over dramatic snow-capped mountains, forested canyons, rivers, and lakes to land at Jiuzhaigou Airport, itself perched on the mountaintop.

Jiuzhaiguo means "Valley of the Nine Villages", and the nine villages remain spread around the valley within the Park, home to about 110 Tibetan and Qiang families. Agriculture is not permitted so the locals mostly work either for the Park itself, or with the nearby hotels.

The Park covers a little over 700 sq km and there's a further buffer zone of just under 600 sq km. It lies on the northern border of Sichuan Province, and is part of the magnificent Min Shan mountains on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Jiuzhai Valley first became a Park in 1978, although it would be 14 years before it earned World Heritage listing, during which time work was aimed mainly at restoration and halting logging activities.

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and in 1997 awarded the status of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, and has since received many other, well-deserved listings.

The sides of the valleys are covered in dense vegetation. The wildlife here is shy, but the range is equally impressive, including 27 protected rare and endangered species like the giant panda, golden monkey, gnu, white-lip deer, black-neck crane, swan, lovebirds, red-belly golden pheasant, snow leopard, forest musk deer, and otters. However, visitors are more likely to spot some of the 141 bird species than one of the very few pandas remaining in the park.

Possible Altitude Sickness

• At Jiuzhaigou, the altitude changes a lot in different areas. For example, the entrance of the valley is at about 2000 meters, while the airport is at about 3500 meters.
• The altitude sickness varies from person to person, so it is suggested that you consult your doctor. Visitors with heart disease and high blood pressure should be careful and precautious when traveling at Jiuzhaigou.
• When at Jiuzgaigou, do not do any strenuous exercise, or drink wine. Keep warm and eat more vegetables and fruits.
• Take some common medicines with you, or a small oxygen bottle just in case