Travel with Elk: A 3-Day Jiuzhaigou October Autumn Trip

Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Sichuan, is a breathtaking natural wonderland renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse forests. It offers a mesmerizing blend of pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For travelers seeking an escape into nature, Jiuzhaigou provides a serene retreat, no matter the season. Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit, with a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors. During our visit in early October, the foliage had not yet fully turned golden and red, but the scenery was still captivating. By late October, the entire valley becomes a fiery palette of autumn hues, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise lakes and creating a stunning visual spectacle.

I have always been captivated by Jiuzhaigou’s unique combination of alpine landscapes and multi-hued scenery. Taking advantage of the National Day Holiday (7-day holiday from October 1~7), my friends and I embarked on a journey to Jiuzhaigou. Although the holiday season drew large crowds and a light drizzle fell, the beauty of Jiuzhaigou made every moment worthwhile.

Colorful Jiuzhaigou Valley in October

3 Days Classic Jiuzhaigou Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou
Highlights: Huanglong National Park, Jiuzhaigou Valley

Day 1 Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou

We boarded the high-speed train at Chengdu West Railway Station and arrived at Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station 2 hours later. Along the way, we marveled at the ever-changing scenery - misty valleys, terraced hills, and fleeting glimpses of Qiang ethnic villages. Then, a pre-booked shuttle bus took us on a 2-hour ride along the Jiuzha Circular Highway. The road conditions were well-maintained, but the route featured a few winding mountain sections.
⋙ How to Get from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou

By mid-afternoon, the bus arrived at Jiuzhaigou Valley Entrance, where cozy homestays cluster beneath towering peaks. My host, a Tibetan grandmother in a hand-embroidered chuba (robe), welcomed us with butter tea and tsampa (roasted barley dough). The wooden cabin, adorned with thangka paintings, offered a balcony view of the valley’s first waterfall.
⋙ Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou

As night fell, we had a fiery Sichuan hotpot dinner, ingredients bursting with wild mushrooms and free-range yak meat. The day ended with a feast of delicious food.
⋙ What to Eat in Jiuzhaigou

Train to Jiuzhaigou made stop at Zhejiangguan Railway Station

Day 2 Immerse in the Magic of Jiuzhaigou Valley

The first rays of sunlight pierced the mist as we stepped into Jiuzhaigou Valley (Jiuzhaigou National Park), the most beautiful waterscapes in China.

Beautiful Lakes in Jiuzhaigou Valley

Equipped with a park shuttle pass and a heart full of anticipation, we embarked on a whirlwind journey through its three iconic valleys: Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley. It was a day where nature’s artistry leaves me breathless at every turn.

Jiuzhai Valley Tourist Map

Morning Magic in Rize Valley

The shuttle bus took us into Rize Valley, where the air was fresh and filled with the scent of pine. Our first stop was Mirror Lake, known for its perfectly still waters that reflected the surrounding peaks and autumn leaves with a mix of golden yellows and greens, creating a breathtaking mirror image.

Forest Green Mirror Lake

Next, we visited Pearl Shoal Waterfall. Its water cascaded down travertine terraces like jade, producing a vibrant display of mist.

Cascading Pearl Shoal Waterfall

The highlight of the day was Five-Flower Lake, where the crystal-clear waters revealed ancient submerged logs and mineral deposits. They painted the lakebed in sapphire, emerald, and amber. It felt like floating above a drowned forest frozen in time.

Emerald Green Five-Flower Lake

Midday Mystique in Zechawa Valley

Switching buses at Nuorilang Center, we ascended to Zechawa Valley, the Jiuzhaigou's highest reach. Long Lake greeted us with its mirror-like turquoise waters and towering peaks.

Long Lake with a Deep Blue Hue

A short ride down led to Five-Color Pond, a small but hypnotic pool where dissolved minerals created swirling hues of turquoise and gold. Locals said fairies bathed here at dawn.

Azure Five-Color Pond

Afternoon Serenity in Shuzheng Valley

In the afternoon, we explored Shuzheng Valley, where the landscape transitioned into a series of clear waterfalls and traditional villages. Shuzheng Lakes resembled a series of gemstones embedded in the mountains, shimmering in shades of blue. At Rhinoceros Lake, we stopped to watch yaks grazing by the shore, their bells clinking softly. Nearby, Shuzheng Village offered a cultural experience, with Tibetan women weaving colorful belts and their laughter mingling with the rush of Shuzheng Waterfall. We took a break at a wooden stall, enjoying salty butter tea while soaking in the harmonious blend of nature and local life.

Farewell Under Golden Hour

As dusk neared, the shuttle passed by Reed Lake, where golden reeds swayed against azure waters, and Sparkling Lake, its surface glittering like scattered diamonds. After exiting the park, we stopped at a family-run Tibetan restaurant, enjoying yak meat stew and tsampa (roasted barley flour) while the valley’s vistas replayed in my mind.

Tranquil Reed Lake

4 Days Jiuzhaigou In-depth Exploration Tour (Spending 2 Days in Jiuzhaigou Valley)

Itinerary: Chengdu - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou
Highlights: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong National Park

Day 3 Unveil the Treasures of Huanglong Valley

Today’s journey began with a traditional Tibetan breakfast of yogurt from yak milk and butter tea. After the meal, we hopped on a pre-scheduled shuttle for 3 hours driving to Huanglong Valley (Huanglong National Park).

By mid-morning, we were about to explore Huanglong’s travertine terraces — a surreal landscape of calcified ponds, caves, waterfalls, streams, stones, etc. While visitors can choose to hike or take the cableway, we opted for the walking route to fully immerse ourselves in the scenery. The hike started at Huanglong Valley Entrance, ascending wooden boardwalks flanked by pine forests. We reached its star attraction, Five-Color Pond, which shimmered in shades of turquoise and jade under the midday light, with its mineral-rich waters mirroring the sky. At Huanglong Temple, incense coils blended with the crisp mountain air, offering a moment of serenity.

Five-color Pool in Huanglong Valley

Time flew while we were having fun, and our Jiuzhaigou adventure came to an end. If you're looking for a magical travel experience, Jiuzhaigou should be at the top of your list. The unique blend of colorful lakes, vibrant waterfalls, lush forests, and rich cultural experiences makes it a must-visit place in China. Don’t miss the chance to explore this natural wonder!

6 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou High Speed Train Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu
Highlights: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong Valley, Chengdu Panda Base, Wuhou Temple, Jinli Old Street, Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Wenshu Temple, People's Park

Are you interested in traveling to Sichuan with me? Browse our best Jiuzhaigou Tour Packages, or just share your travel preferences, and I'll use my experience and knowledge to provide you with an unforgettable customized Jiuzhaigou trip.

Travel with Me

Hi, I'm Elk. Are you interested in my exploration of Jiuzhaigou? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Elk

Travel Consultant

E-mail me now!