Fall in Love with Jiuzhaigou

Zhuzheng Valley is a northern, main branch of Jiuzhaigou Valley. This valley, more than 8 miles (14 kilometers) long, can be regarded as the epitome of Jiuzhaigou, which is dotted with more than 40 lakes, waterfalls, mills and plank bridges. Going downhill into the valley, the visitor can see such attractions as Heye Village, Bonsai Shoal, Reed Lake, Nuorilang Falls, Nuorilang Lakes, Sleeping Dragon Lake and so on.

Highlights of Shuzheng Valley

Heye Village

Heye Village is the first village you will encounter in Shuzheng Valley. As the largest Tibetan village among the nine villages of Jiuzhaigou, Heye Village is well-known for its traditional Tibet-style buildings and pastoral views. Behind the Heye Village stands a tall pine tree which is hundreds of years old. This pine tree is hung with numerous Khatags such that it is called Guest-Greeting Pine.

Nuorilang Falls

Nuorilang Falls, near the junction of the valleys, is 80 feet (24.5 meters) high and almost 900 feet (270 meters) wide. Nuorilang, in the Tibetan language, means “God,” which implies height and magnificence. The year-round waterfall looks best in late summer and autumn. Facing the waterfall, a sightseeing stage was built to help you get the panoramic view of the waterfall.

There is a service center for tourists, about 1,000 feet (300 meters) away from the waterfall. The service center offers a high-quality buffet with reasonable prices and a pleasant ambiance. It’s the only restaurant in Jiuzhangou scenic area.

Nuorilang Lakes

Rising more than a mile and a half (2,592 meters) above sea level, Nuorilang Lakes contains a series of 18 lakes formed by the retreat of glaciers many centuries ago. The color of the lakes changes with the seasons. In summer and spring, the lakes take on the color of blue. In autumn, the lakes became multi-colored due to the trees growing around the lakes. In winter, the lakes are covered with ice which make the lakes look like a series of silver plates.

Sleeping Dragon Lake

Sleeping Dragon is one of the lower lakes in the area. At 65 feet (20 meters) deep, it is well-known for its visible calcareous dike running through the lake.