Jiuzhaigou natural wonders in Zhangzha

Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sichuan's Min Shan range, is defined by its karst geology and high-altitude lakes. This selection features Five Flower Lake, known for its submerged ancient trees, and Nuorilang Waterfall, the widest calcified waterfall in China. The list includes the park's highest body of water, Long Lake, and the seasonally fluctuating Upper Season Lake. These sites demonstrate the unique mineral-rich hydrology and glacial activity that characterize this Tibetan Plateau landscape.

Jiuzhaigou Natural Wonders — Map

A

Wu hua hai

A shallow lake featuring a bottom crisscrossed by fallen ancient tree trunks. High concentrations of calcium carbonate and diverse algae create a multi-colored appearance, with distinct shades of turquoise, yellow, and green.

B

Nuorilang Waterfall

Measuring 270 meters in width, this is the widest highland waterfall in China. The name Nuorilang translates to 'grand and magnificent' in Tibetan, reflecting its scale as it cascades over a calcified travertine ledge.

C

Colorful Pond

The smallest of the Jiuzhaigou lakes, notable for its intense turquoise color and clarity. Fed by underground springs from Long Lake, the pond's mineral deposits ensure it remains unfrozen during the winter months.

D

Long lake

The highest, deepest, and largest lake in the valley, situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters. This crescent-shaped body of water is surrounded by coniferous forests and snow-capped peaks, with no visible surface outlet.

E

Upper Season Lake

A high-altitude lake characterized by dramatic seasonal changes in water volume. It typically reaches its maximum depth during the autumn rainy season and recedes significantly during the spring and summer months.

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