By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
The Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is a protected zone located in the northern part of Sichuan Province on the Chinese mainland. This place boasts dreamlike beauty all year round, especially its extraordinarily clear lakes and waterfalls. In 1992, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also the filming location for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Moreover, the area is home to endangered species such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and Sichuan takins.
![](\"/pic/20200304/4678649839f4c5181ece420b45a66543.jpg\")
In autumn, the leaves in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area turn red, making it the most “red” season of the year. (Image source / Sichuan Food and Drug Administration)
![](\"/pic/20200304/bc3648d31bf509a2acc763b8b9dc6341.jpg\")
The magnificent waterfalls are also a must-visit sight in a lifetime. (Image source / Culturalink)
According to local folklore, the unique lake scenery in this region has a story behind it. That is, a god gave a mirror to a goddess, but the goddess in heaven accidentally dropped and broke the mirror. As it fell to the earth, the gift shattered into 118 pieces — which are the 118 lakes we see today.
![](\"/pic/20200304/9f5692e289a298f4213a1fa5fce60a1d.jpg\")
The red beauty of Jiuzhaigou in autumn is truly poetic. (Image source / Culturalink)
![](\"/pic/20200304/a170a011ec061abdce3a3a45eccbd47e.jpg\")
The shimmering lakes complement the surrounding mountain scenery. (Image source / Wikipedia)
- 1
- 2