Destinations Asia
Lauren Richards
China has the largest population in the world, so it makes sense that its cities are bustling with millions of people. Travelers from all over the world visit to get a glimpse of the pace of life and vibrant culture cities like Shanghai and Beijing hold. While they certainly do make for an exciting vacation, some of us prefer a quieter location, one where we can escape the constant stimulation of cities and instead anchor down in nature. China’s Jiuzhaigou National Park is just the place to go if you need to disconnect from the city and find some beauty and stillness.
China’s Jiuzhaigou National Park is known for its gorgeous landscape, including the 40 lakes, surrounding mountains, and a plethora of trees. It’s a mesmerizing place located in the Minshan Mountains in the northern part of the Sichuan province. Most get there by flying, driving, or busing from the city of Chengdu.
Serene sights to see
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Once you make it to Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can begin your national park adventure. The Crystalline Turquoise Lake, sometimes called the Blue Crystal Lake is just the spot to visit if you’re looking for an idyllic place to relax. We recommend doing something that’ll bring you stillness and calm like meditation so as to be present and mesh with the serenity of the area.
The lake itself is quite large at 1,375 meters long (0.8 miles) and its striking color certainly lives up to its name. Over 200,000 people come annually to get a glimpse of the majestic waters, according to Fresh Travel Destinations. The area is nicknamed “FairyTale Land,” and the views of Crystalline Turquoise Lake certainly contribute to that title. There’s no swimming allowed because the temps are extremely cold, per Tour Jiuzhaigou, but that doesn’t mean that the lake isn’t worth visiting. Just seeing it is breathtaking. You can make a day or even two out of your visit. In addition to admiring the waters, you can hike in Jiuzhaigou National Park. It truly is a spot for nature enthusiasts.
What to expect
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The park itself is quite large, so it will take a couple of days, or trips, to see the entire thing. Other popular sites include the Pearl Beach Waterfall, Five-Colored Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall. If you want to get to sites quickly, there’s a bus that takes you to the most popular places. This bus is free with park admissions, which is $44 in the peak season and $25 in the off-season, according to China Highlights.
The park is open year-round, and each season has its own perks. Winter, though the off season, offers the wondrous site of frozen waterfalls and snow-capped trees; spring showcases blossoming plants; summer reveals vibrant greens and blues, and fall yields spectacular colors as the leaves turn.
If you are traveling to China, or searching for a place to visit, add the Crystalline Turquoise Lake and the Jiuzhaigou National Park as a whole to the itinerary. Take a break from the city and take in some breathtaking views.
