Buzz
In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Airlines doesn't offer direct flights to Chengdu; instead, you'll have to transit in Bangkok or Hong Kong. If you're looking to save more, consider Cathay Pacific with a layover in Hong Kong for a round-trip ticket price close to 10 million dong.
* From Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou:
Jiuzhaigou scenic area is approximately 560 km away from Chengdu. If you have extra budget and want to save time, you can take a flight from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport with airlines like Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, South China Airways, or China Eastern. It takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour, then you'll need to travel about 80 km further to Jiuzhaigou. The lowest round-trip ticket price is around 9 million dong.
For those who prefer adventurous travel to immerse in the beauty of this region, traveling by road via Songpan is recommended, taking around 10 – 12 hours. The roads here are well-maintained and spacious, ensuring travelers won't feel excessively fatigued.
Accommodation
There are plenty of hotels and homestays operated by local Tibetan people around Jiuzhaigou, approximately 15 minutes away by car from the entrance gate. While they may not offer the highest level of amenities compared to other tourist spots in China, these homestays and hotels meet the basic needs of travelers seeking rest after exploration.
For the most budget-friendly and culturally enriching experience, consider staying at a homestay. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and cultural heritage of the local Tibetan community while enjoying captivating evenings and serene sunrise vistas right outside your doorstep.
Exploring the Attractions of Nine-Village Valley
During peak season, admission to the Nine-Village Valley eco-tourism area is priced at 300 RMB (approximately 1 million VND) per person. However, from mid-November onwards, during the off-peak season, entrance fees drop significantly to only 80 – 100 RMB.
The Nine-Village Valley comprises a total of 114 lakes and over 17 waterfalls, making it impossible to explore in just one day. However, here are some of the highlights you shouldn't miss:
– Tran Chau Than is a mesmerizing pearl-like waterfall, the wildest among the 17 waterfalls in the Nine-Village Valley. Situated amidst a pristine forest with vibrant red and golden foliage, this waterfall is an ideal spot for visitors to leisurely stroll and observe rabbits and squirrels frolicking nearby.
– Ngũ Sắc Trì is a 6.6-meter deep and nearly 3,000-meter wide azure-colored lake with astonishingly clear water that seems to penetrate deep into the earth. This lake stands out amidst the breathtaking natural landscape of lush forests and rugged pristine hills and mountains.
Although Thac Thu Chinh is not expansive, it stands tall at over 30m. The cascading falls split into two streams, plunging into the deep abyss, creating frothy white cascades.
Truong Hai Lake – positioned at the highest point, marks the ultimate destination and also the largest lake within the Cuu Trai Cau tourist complex, spanning a circumference of 7.5km and plunging over 100m deep. The lake water accumulates from melted ice on the surrounding peaks. Remarkably, despite the chilly atmosphere, the lake remains unfrozen.
Shopping
Travelers can explore purchasing various types of traditional Tibetan medicines, mushrooms, and herbs from the Tạng A Ba ethnic group residing here. Yak beef is also highly recommended for its deliciousness and high protein content.
For enthusiasts of fine handicrafts such as weaving, embroidery, and paintings, you can also acquire them as souvenirs or gifts as the products of the Tibetan and Kuang people are renowned throughout the Tuxian province.
Some Points to Note
September 18th, 2013
