Must-See Attractions Near Jiuzhaigou: Nature & Culture Highlights

There are even more incredible attractions near Jiuzhaigou that you simply cannot miss!

While Jiuzhaigou is undoubtedly a natural wonder, the surrounding areas are equally captivating.

From the dazzling travertine pools of Huanglong to the charming Tibetan villages of Se'er Gu, these attractions near Jiuzhaigou showcase the rich diversity of Sichuan’s landscapes and culture.

Whether it’s hiking through the vibrant forests of Naizi Gou or experiencing the ancient charm of Songpan Ancient Town, these destinations will make your trip even more unforgettable.

Huanglong Scenic Area

Located to the south of Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong is a world-renowned destination famous for its breathtaking travertine pools. These crystal-clear, multicolored pools have earned it the nickname “Jade Pool on Earth.”

Highlights：

Five-Color Pond (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí):
Situated at the highest point of the Huanglong Scenic Area, this is the most mesmerizing group of travertine pools in the region. With 693 vibrant pools scattered across the forested landscape, they resemble strings of pearls nestled among the trees or a painter's palette of vivid colors sparkling in the sunlight.
Golden Sand Flow (金沙铺地, Jīnshā Pùdì):
A striking travertine stream dominated by a golden hue, creating a surreal natural phenomenon.
Washing Body Cave (洗身洞, Xǐshēn Dòng):
Found between Golden Sand Flow and Lotus Platform Waterfall, this travertine wall marks an ancient glacier’s water outlet.
Snow Treasure Summit (雪宝鼎, Xuěbǎo Dǐng):
At 5,588 meters above sea level, this is the highest peak of the Minshan Mountain Range. The best viewing point is a scenic platform on “Snow Mountain Ridge,” a must-pass spot en route to Huanglong. Visitors can also admire Snow Treasure Summit and the surrounding snow-capped peaks from the cable car ride within the park.
Huanglong Ancient Temple (黄龙古寺, Huánglóng Gǔsì):
Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, this Taoist temple carries a legend of the Yellow Dragon (黄龙, Huánglóng), which helped Yu the Great control flooding. After the dragon ascended to immortality here, its body turned into the golden travertine streams, and its scales became the colorful pools. To honor this, people built Huanglong Temple.

Every year, from the 12th to the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, the temple hosts the annual Huanglong Temple Fair. During this time, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, explore unique ethnic handicrafts, and savor delicious local snacks.

Practical Information

Admission Fees:

Peak Season (April–November): ¥170
Off-Season (November–March): ¥60
Tickets can be booked in advance via the official Aba Tourism website or WeChat public account.

Opening Hours:

7:30 AM–6:00 PM (varies slightly by season; please check official updates).

Cable Car Schedule:

Ticket sales end at 4:30 PM.
Last uphill ride: 5:00 PM.
Last downhill ride: 5:30 PM.
Schedule may vary between seasons; refer to official information.

Muni Gou

Located in Aba, Sichuan Province, Muni Gou is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, which include pristine forests, high-altitude lakes, giant calcified waterfalls, and colorful calcified pools. The area is often described as a "mini version" of Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong, boasting stunning lakes similar to those in Jiuzhai and calcified pools reminiscent of those in Huanglong. The Muni Gou Scenic Area is made up of two main attractions: Zaga Waterfall and Erdao Hai.

Highlights:

Zaga Waterfall – The tallest and largest calcified waterfall in China
Erdao Hai – A magical place with over a thousand high-altitude lakes scattered across the area, where you’ll find a lake every three steps and a pool every five steps

Practical Information:

Admission:
Peak season (June 1st – December 15th): 170 CNY/person
Off-season (December 16th – May 31st): 80 CNY/person
Upward cable car: 80 CNY/person (Closed after December 16th)
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Songpan Ancient Town

Formerly known as Songzhou, Songpan Ancient Town was established during the Ming Dynasty in the Hongwu era. It has long been an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road. The town exudes an air of quiet antiquity, where you can wander through its old buildings, feeling the weight of history and the passage of time. You can also climb the ancient city walls and enjoy a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

Admission:

Free entry to the ancient town, 20 CNY/person to climb the city wall

Opening Hours:

Open daily (City wall climbing: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Qizang Gou

Located in the northwest of Sichuan Province, north of Chuanzhusi, Qizang Gou is the hidden gem behind the famous Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou scenic areas. The area is home to seven mountain valleys formed by melted snow from the surrounding snow-capped peaks, along with three secluded high-altitude lakes. The scenery here is pristine and untouched, making it a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts.

The best time to visit Qizang Gou is from June to October. In June, the alpine rhododendrons bloom in a dazzling display of colors, while in October, the mountains are covered with brilliant golden leaves, creating a breathtaking scene. During the winter and spring months, heavy snow can block the roads, so it’s not recommended to visit during this time.

Admission: Free

Danyun Gorge

Located about 18 kilometers east of the Huanglong Scenic Area, Danyun Gorge is famous for its stunning canyon landscapes. The gorge is densely forested and home to a rich variety of plant species, including rare plants like alpine rhododendrons and wild roses, making it a true "paradise for plant enthusiasts."

Admission:Free

Danyun Gorge

Located in Heishui County, just 9 kilometers from the county seat, Dagu Glacier is the lowest-altitude glacier in the world and the closest to a city. The scenic area boasts the world’s highest cable car, which takes visitors directly to an altitude of 4,860 meters, offering an up-close experience with the glacier.