Quick Facts

Ticket

Zaga Waterfall and Erdaohai are ticketed sections. Plan for CNY 70 per section or CNY 100 for a combined ticket when both sections are sold for the same date.

Hours

Use 08:30-17:00 as the practical visitor window for open sections. Buy the dated ticket product that matches the section you actually plan to visit.

Transport

No metro. From Songpan Railway Station or Songpan Ancient Town, use a scenic shuttle, taxi, charter car, or self-drive to the Munigou entrances.

Duration

4-6 hours for one section; most of a day for both sections

Best Time

Jun-Oct for fuller water and easier roads

Visitors

All ages

Book Ticketsvia Trip.com

How to Visit

Choose one or both sections

Zaga Waterfall is the stronger quick stop. Erdaohai is slower and lake-focused. Do both only if you have a full day and private transport or a confirmed shuttle plan.

Tip:The two sections are not the same entrance.

Base the day from Songpan

Songpan Ancient Town is the practical food and lodging base. Leave in the morning, because transport between Songpan, Erdaohai, and Zaga Waterfall can take longer than expected.

Tip:Public transport is less flexible than Jiuzhaigou's park buses.

Walk the boardwalk slowly

The scenery is calmer than Jiuzhaigou. Use the boardwalks for lakes, forest, and waterfall viewpoints instead of treating it as a fast photo stop.

Tip:Bring water and snacks; food inside the scenic area is limited.

Return before dark

Roads and village routes are easier by daylight. Build in time for the drive back to Songpan or onward to Chuanzhusi.

Tip:This is a highland area, so temperature drops quickly after afternoon.

Highlights

Zaga Waterfall as the easiest high-impact stop
Erdaohai for quieter highland lakes and boardwalk walking
Lower crowd pressure than Jiuzhaigou in many periods
Good add-on for travelers staying in Songpan
More rustic experience with fewer visitor services

Insider Tips

✦Do not plan both sections without confirming transport between entrances.

✦Use Songpan for meals before and after because in-park food options are thin.

✦Wear shoes that can handle wet boardwalks and uneven paths.

✦Move slowly at 2,800-4,000 m altitude, especially after arriving from Chengdu.

✦Choose Zaga Waterfall first if your time is limited.

More Jiuzhaigou Attractions

01City Guide

Chuanzhusi Town

川主寺

All Ages

Admission

Free public town and temple stop. Food, lodging, taxis, birding transport, and private transfers are separate spending.

Typical Visit

20-60 minutes for the temple and town; overnight if using it as a base

02City Guide

Huanglong Scenic Area

黄龙风景名胜区

All Ages

Admission

Peak season Jun 1-Dec 15: CNY 170 admission. Low season Dec 16-May 31: CNY 60 admission. Cableway is separate: CNY 80 up and CNY 40 down. Electric cart products are sold separately when operating.

Typical Visit

4-6 hours

03City Guide

Jiapan Ancient City

甲蕃古城

Adults Focused

Admission

Free roadside / open-area stop. There is no normal full-service scenic ticket for the abandoned-style site.

Typical Visit

20-40 minutes

04City Guide

Jiuzhai Romance Park

九寨千古情

All Ages

Admission

Dated show tickets are the key purchase. Full-price guest or VIP seats are listed at CNY 280-300 on current ticketing pages, while travel-platform discounts can be lower.

Typical Visit

1.5-2 hours including entry, show, and exit

05City Guide

Jiuzhaigou Love Sea

九寨沟爱情海

All Ages

Admission

Adult ticket is CNY 68 as a standard listed price; dated online tickets may be discounted. Paid animal feed, photo props, or seasonal projects are separate.

Typical Visit

2-3 hours

06City Guide

Jiuzhaigou National Park

九寨沟景区

All Ages

Admission

Peak season Apr 1-Nov 15: CNY 190 admission + CNY 90 sightseeing bus. Low season Nov 16-Mar 31: CNY 80 admission + CNY 80 sightseeing bus. Buy online in advance; normal window sales are not the main channel.

Typical Visit

1 full day