Jiuzhaigou: A Dreamlike Fairyland

Author: Xu Jiaguo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its unparalleled primitive and mysterious atmosphere. Legend has it that long, long ago, the brave mountain god Dage fell deeply in love with the beautiful goddess Womo Semo. Dage crafted a mirror from wind and clouds and presented it to Semo, but she accidentally dropped it into 108 pieces, which transformed into 108 alpine lakes (high-altitude lakes), becoming the 108 most beautiful scenic spots in Jiuzhaigou. Here, snow-capped peaks stand tall, green mountains and flowing waters complement each other, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The waterfalls and streams here are even more enchanting, like scattered pearls and jade, exceptionally magnificent and beautiful. Jiuzhaigou is located in the southern Pinglin County of Aba Prefecture, upper reaches of the Min River, 450 kilometers south of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. It is named after the nine Tibetan villages within the valley, including Panxin, Pengbu, Guwā, Pan'yazhechawa, Heijiaozhai, Shuzheng, Heye, and Zaru. According to the "Nanping County Records," it is written: "In the Yangdong area, the strait stretches for several miles, with emerald waters floating and reflections of forests." Hence, the place is also known as Zhong Yangdong or Cuihai. Jiuzhaigou is celebrated for its extraordinary primitive and mysterious ambiance. The legend tells of the brave mountain god Dage, who fell deeply in love with the beautiful goddess Womo Semo. Dage crafted a mirror from wind and clouds and presented it to Semo, but she accidentally dropped it into 108 pieces, which transformed into 108 alpine lakes, becoming the 108 most beautiful scenic spots in Jiuzhaigou. Here, snow-capped peaks stand tall, green mountains and flowing waters complement each other, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The waterfalls and streams here are even more enchanting, like scattered pearls and jade, exceptionally magnificent and beautiful. Jiuzhaigou covers an area of approximately 620 square kilometers, of which 52 are dense primeval forests. Its natural scenery combines the beauty of lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and forests, earning it the reputation of a "fairy tale world." Most attractions are concentrated in the three main valleys shaped like a "Y," spanning 50 kilometers. According to expert studies, these alpine lakes were formed during the Earth's neotectonic movement, when the crust underwent abrupt changes, uneven uplift of mountains, and river erosion. They are divided into four categories: glacial erosion lakes, karst depression lakes, debris-flow dammed lakes, and landslide and collapse dammed lakes. Their common characteristics are clear and transparent waters, deep and tranquil, interconnected by terraces and waterfalls, stretching endlessly. The smallest are half an acre, while the largest exceed a thousand acres. Ancient trees grow along the shores, accompanied by exotic flowers and grasses that change colors with the seasons, creating a kaleidoscope of reflections and ever-changing weather. Among them, the largest, Changhai, is 7 kilometers long and stands at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Its waters are as clear as jade pools, allowing ice skating in winter and boating in summer. Nearby, Wuhai, with its lake bed deposits of various mineral pigments, fallen branches, and algae, refracts sunlight into a rich array of colors, making it a true multicolored lake. Jiuzhaigou has been planned into several scenic areas: Shuzheng Scenic Area (Huohuahai, Wolonghai, Xiniuhai, Gumo Fang, and Shuzheng Waterfall); Rize Scenic Area (Zhenzhaitan, Nuorilang Waterfall, Zhenzhaitan Waterfall, and High Waterfall); Jianyan Scenic Area (Tian'e Sea, Xuanquan, Jianyan Primeval Forest, and Xiongmaohai); Changhai Scenic Area (Changhai, Wuhai, Upper Seasonal Sea, and Lower Seasonal Sea); and Zaru Scenic Area (horseback riding, picnicking, and Tibetan village customs). It has developed two dams, three valleys, four waterfalls, and eighteen groups of lakes. The most famous attractions include Jianxuanquan, Fangcanghai, Tian'e Lake, Jianzhu Lake, Xiongmaohai, High Waterfall, Wuhai, Zhenzhaitan Waterfall, Jinghai, Nuorilang Waterfall, Xiniuhai, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Group of Lakes, Wolonghai, Huohuahai, (Reed Sea), Liujingtan, Changhai, Wucipai, Upper and Lower Seasonal Seas, etc. The wooden boardwalks between the attractions are deep and secluded, with small bridges crossing over, and the villages are rustic with diverse local customs, giving visitors a transcendent sense of detachment. In the charming spring, Jiuzhaigou's numerous attractions burst with vibrant colors; in the scorching summer, lush shade drips with emerald green; in the intoxicating autumn, a kaleidoscope of colors unfolds; and in the freezing winter, the scenery is ice-cold and jade-like. Truly, each season has its unique charm, with autumn being the most enchanting. The 108 alpine lakes—haizi—hidden in the forests reach their peak when the sky is clear and the air is crisp, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the dazzling autumn forests. The colorful stones at the bottom of the lakes and the white clouds floating in the sky create a dreamlike, intoxicating scene. Attractions like Huohuahai and Wucipai, with their crystal-clear waters and glittering lake beds, refract sunlight into a magical glow, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. Zhenzhaitan's sparkling waves resemble scattered pearls and jade. Nuorilang Waterfall, spanning over 100 meters wide and plunging from a 30-meter-high cliff, is vibrant in color, exuding a unique elegance and purity. Jiuzhaigou's forests cover over 20,000 hectares, densely distributed at altitudes of 2,000 to 4,000 meters. The main species include Korean pine, Picea asperata, Picea brachytyla, Betula albo-sinensis, Euptelea pleiosperma, and Cercidiphyllum japonicum. In these primeval forests, rare animals such as giant pandas, white-lipped deer, Sichuan takins, Tibetan antelope, Eld's deer, and golden cats thrive. The lakes are home to flocks of wild ducks, while swans and mandarin ducks often come to play. Jiuzhaigou is one of China's most famous nature reserves.