Source: impression.org.cn 06-26-2008 18:55

Jiuzhaigou (Nine-Village Gully) is a scenic spot tucked away in the depth of mountains at Nanping county in the northern part of Sichuan Province. Stretching over 72,000 square kilometers in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of more than 4,800 m, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. The scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, which formerly was the site of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans. Hence the name Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou is well-known for its network of alpine lakes, spectacular waterfalls and wonderful vegetation. There are, forinstance, 108 terraced lakes in the midst of great mountains where the valleys echo with the roar of cataracts and Cliffside springs. The place, therefore, has always enjoyed the reputation of being a "Wonderland on Earth". It abounds in virgin forests and rare flowersand grasses. Besides, in the vast primeval forests there are all kinds of rare birds and animals. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the panda (a tare animal not to be found elsewhere in the world) and the Sichuan takin.

Penjinghai Lake (Miniature Landscape Lake)

On the Lake's shallows, a few dozens of miniature-potted-landscape-like bushes of azalea, poplar, metasequoia etc. scatter about. They assumevarious forms: some in the shape of a fierce spread eagle, and some, of a galloping steed.

Huohahai (sparkling Lake)

The west hill commands a spectacular view of the sparkling reflections of bright sunlight upon the Lake's deep blue surface. Lying Drag on Lake: In the middle of the lake, submerges a dimly visible yellowish "Lying Dragon" in some 20 metre deep water. When a gentle wind from the mountain whips up ripples on the Lake's clear surface, it looks as if the "Dragon" were stretching herself, and once the wind increases intensity, the "Dragon" begins to shake her head and wag her tail, as if poising for a take off.

Magic Mirror Cliff

It's a gigantic cliff rising 800 metres from the level ground. Its surface is as smooth and slippery as a mirror. Capped with pines and China firs, the cliff top resembles a human head with cropped shorthair and curly beard, which in local mythology, was left over by Zhayiga, the Ancester of mountains to keep the evil spirit undercontrol.

Long Lake

It's the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley, covering an area of 7.5 km long and 0.375 km wide. It is 3103 metres above sea level, with amaximum depth of 103 metres. The melted snow from the South Peak and the waters of surrounding mountain streams and brooks all find their way into the Lade which has no exit. The excess water either vapours or seeps into the earth. The waters never spill over the banks in spite of downpours in summer and autumn. The Lake won't dry up either in spring and winter, even there's a long dry spell. In spring, Jiuzhaigou Valley is radiant and enchanting. The air is filled with fragrance of wild blossoms. In summer, the beautiful trees are luxuriantly green. In autumn, the breeze is intoxicating, while tree leaves turn crimson. In winter, the mountains and valleys are wrapped in snow and ice.