In Retrospect: Jiuzhaigou National Park

The devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province in China last month is a reminder that the province straddles one of the world’s most active quake zones. But precisely due to this geologic activity, the province is home to ranges of soaring mountains and unrivalled natural beauty. I went to Jiuzhaigou National Park in October 2003 during my month-long stay in Sichuan.

The name Jiuzhaigou, pronounced ‘joo-JAI-goh’, means Nine-Village Valley; the nine villages are inhabited by the local Tibetan and Qiang minorities. It is in a notoriously difficult to access part of the province. The bus ride, on roads with thousand-meter drops on one side, was in itself a harrowing experience. The couple of upside-down buses on the side of the road, like tipped over giant turtles, didn’t exactly instill confidence. But the breathtaking scenery was well worth the risk.

Jiuzhaigou is situated in northern Sichuan province.


A stream close to the park entrance

The trees along the stream provided a preview of the fall foliage deep on display inside the park.


As 99.9% of the visitors took the shuttle bus, I had the broad plank walkway all to myself.


The water was so clear, it was difficult to gauge the depth of the pond.


Taking a break next to a little cascading waterfall


A Tibetan village is nestled between the foothills and the creek at the bottom of the valley.


The creek widens into small lakes in parts of the valley.


The turquoise water contrasts against the riot of fall foliage around it.


Another view from the plank walkway. The newly-built road for the shuttle bus is at the opposite side of the creek.


Another gem of a little lake


Nourilang Falls is the signature location of Jiuzhaigou. It’s not particularly tall or wide, but definitely photogenic.


A walkway built at the bottom of the falls allows people to take in the view head-on.


Like the name suggests, Mirror Lake does a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains.


Five Flower Lake is home to a strange scaleless fish.


Five Color Lake is one of the most popular spots in the park. Its nutrient-rich water supports different types of plants, giving the water different shades of the green-blue spectrum.


Another view of Five Color Lake


A popular photo spot for tourists on the bank of Five Color Lake


Pearl Shoal, with a moss-covered bottom, is part creek, part cascading falls.


Sunlight reflected off the clear water created colorful ripples.


Long Lake is the highest and deepest lake in the valley. The clouds gathering behind the mountain gave it a menacing alpine feel.


A flurry is starting to cover the mountains around Long Lake.