Shuzheng Valley

Shuzheng Valley

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is laid out in a “Y” shape, with Shuzheng Valley located on the lower branch of the “Y” (the left branch is Zechawa Valley, and the right branch is Rize Valley). Stretching about 14 kilometers from the valley entrance to Nuorilang Waterfall, it features over 40 lakes (known as “haizi”), accounting for approximately 40% of all the lakes in Jiuzhaigou. Introducing…

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Map

Major attractions in Shuzheng Valley include: Heye Village, Penjing Beach, Reed Sea, Shuanglong Sea, Huohua Sea, Huohua Sea Waterfall, Wolong Sea, Laohu Sea, Shuzheng Cluster Lakes, Mill, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Village, Xiniu Sea, and Nuorilang Waterfall. Valley Entrance

The first stop upon entering the valley, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area gate and Jiuzhaigou Bus Station are both located here. Purchase your tickets and sightseeing bus passes here, then board the bus to enter Jiuzhaigou (during peak season, long queues form early in the morning for ticket purchases, so try to get up early).

Jade River

After purchasing your ticket at the valley entrance and entering the gate, there is about a 7-kilometer stretch of road where a jade-green river rushes through the valley on the left—that is the Jade River. Going upstream leads you into a heavenly fairy-tale world.

Heye Village

The first village upon entering the valley, it features strong Tibetan architectural style. As its name suggests, when viewed from above, Heye Village resembles a giant, unfurled lotus leaf. Behind the village stands a century-old ancient pine tree, tall and sturdy, known as the Guest-Greeting Pine.

Penjing Beach

Continuing past Heye Village, you’ll arrive at a calcified shoal. This is a low-lying shallow beach covered with wild grass, as well as trees and shrubs such as poplar, azalea, pine, cypress, and willow. The trees are gracefully swaying, and the water is as green as jade, making the whole area look like a colorful, giant bonsai—hence the name “Penjing Beach.”

Reed Sea

The first haizi after entering Jiuzhaigou. Reed Sea is a semi-swamp lake densely covered with reeds that sway in the wind, serving as a habitat for waterfowl.

In the middle of Reed Sea runs a graceful ribbon of water, meandering through the reeds and dividing the sea into two halves. This water ribbon has the luster and color of fine jade, hence it’s called Jade Belt River. Legend says this beautiful jade belt was transformed from the waistband of Wo Nuo Se Mo, the goddess of Jiuzhaigou. Shuanglong Sea

Shuanglong Sea is located in the bushes beneath the Huohua Sea Waterfall. Through the deep, crystal-clear lake water, you can clearly see two calcified ridges lying on the lakebed, resembling two dragons lurking underwater, seemingly ready to move.

Wolong Sea

The delicate and exquisite Wolong Sea is a typical representation of a blue lake. Its surface is calm and serene, like a smooth, translucent sapphire that captivates the heart. At the bottom of Wolong Sea lies a milky-white calcified ridge, vividly resembling a dragon swimming underwater.

Laohu Sea

Laohu Sea is deep and tranquil. There are three theories about how it got its name: first, the thunderous sound of the nearby Shuzheng Waterfall resembles a tiger’s roar; second, in late autumn, the colorful foliage on the mountains around the lake reflects in the clear water, creating a patterned effect like a tiger’s stripes; third, tigers in the mountains are said to love drinking from this haizi.

Grazing Beach

This is a shallow water beach covered with lush green grass. When dusk falls, a pastoral scene unfolds in the backlight: a few faint evening clouds, a golden-green patch of shallow grass, a shepherd driving a flock of sheep, followed by a few carefree yaks.

On the grassy gentle slope, there are also two naturally formed rocks leaning against each other like lovers, hence the area is also called “Lovers’ Beach,” and the two rocks are named “Lover Rocks.” Legend has it that this was once a frequent meeting spot for Dago and Se Mo. Transportation

Transportation

After entering the valley, you can take the environmentally friendly sightseeing bus or explore on foot.

The hiking route is: Heye Village – Penjing Beach – Reed Sea – Shuanglong Sea – Huohua Sea – Huohua Sea Waterfall – Wolong Sea – Laohu Sea – Shuzheng Cluster Lakes – Shuzheng Waterfall – Shuzheng Village – Xiniu Sea. After leaving Xiniu Sea and continuing upwards, you’ll reach the end of Shuzheng Valley and the largest tourist gathering spot in Jiuzhaigou—Nuorilang Waterfall. From Nuorilang, going right leads to Rize Valley, while going left leads to Zechawa Valley.

Alternatively, you can first take a bus from the valley entrance to Nuorilang Waterfall, then explore from top to bottom.