Best Jiuzhaigou Routes & Trails: Complete Route Guide (2026)
Jiuzhaigou routes split into three branches — left, right, and middle — in a Y-shape, and the first time I went, I had no idea what to expect at each stop. I just followed the crowd onto the bus. Looking back, knowing the route in advance would’ve made the whole day a lot less rushed.
This guide breaks down exactly what you’ll see on each of the three Jiuzhaigou routes, in the order you’ll actually encounter it, based on my own visit. I’m not covering tickets or how many days to plan here — check the ticket guide and itinerary guide for that.
Jiuzhaigou Is Shaped Like a Y
Once you’re through the gate, you’ll board a sightseeing bus that splits into a left route, a right route, and a middle route. Most people cover one direction in the morning and the other in the afternoon, hitting all three branches in a single day.
- You can’t choose left or right when you first board — buses are assigned by boarding order, not by request.
- All three routes converge at Nuorilang Center, where the restaurants are clustered — a good spot for lunch.
- The sightseeing bus is included in your entrance ticket, so there’s no separate fee to worry about (details in the ticket guide).
The Left Route — Zhanghai & Five-Colored Pond
The left route is short — just two stops.
- Zhanghai (长海): The end of the left route, sitting at 3,101m elevation. Get off at the last stop and take in the view.
- Wucaichi / Five-Colored Pond (五彩池): About a 1km walk down from Zhanghai. Known for its multicolored water.
- From Wucaichi, hop back on the bus toward Nuorilang Center for lunch.
⚠️ Zhanghai sits above 3,000m, which is where altitude symptoms are most likely to show up on this route. Prep tips are in the travel tips guide.
The Right Route — Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five-Flower Lake & Pearl Shoal Falls
The right route technically ends at Primeval Forest, but you don’t need to go that far — here’s the more efficient order:
- Bamboo Lake (箭竹海): Get off the bus here. You can choose a scenic path through green meadows or a faster road route.
- Panda Lake (熊猫海): Some reviews say it’s skippable, but I’d disagree — the emerald color is genuinely striking.
- Five-Flower Lake (五花海): Jiuzhaigou’s most famous lake, reachable on foot from Panda Lake. The color shifts between turquoise, yellow, green, and blue depending on the light.
- Pearl Shoal Falls (珍珠滩瀑布): A short bus ride from Five-Flower Lake. This is where the 1986 film Journey to the West was shot — a genuinely massive waterfall.
- From there, catch the bus at Jing Lake parking area back to Nuorilang Center.
💡 You can skip Primeval Forest — it’s the official end of the right route, but it doesn’t compare to the four stops above.
The Middle Route — Rhino Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall & Beyond
The middle route runs from Nuorilang Center back down toward the exit, and how far you walk is up to your energy level.
- Rhino Lake (犀牛海): A short bus ride from Nuorilang Center.
- Tiger Lake (老虎海) → Shuzheng Waterfall (树正瀑布) → Shuzheng Group Lakes (树正群海): Walkable on foot, past a cluster of traditional Tibetan tea houses — a good spot to rest.
- If you’re running low on energy, catch the bus at Shuzheng Group Lakes and call it a day.
- With more energy left, continue on foot along the marked trail to Huohua Lake (火花海).
- If you’ve still got legs left, keep walking to Shuanglong Waterfall (双龙海瀑布) and Reed Lake (芦苇海).
⚠️ The stretch from Shuzheng Group Lakes to Reed Lake is about 2km with no bus stop in between. Once you commit to walking it, you’re walking the whole thing. It’s noticeably quieter out here though, which is its own reward.
Full Route Summary
Jiuzhaigou entrance → (Left route) Zhanghai → Wucaichi → Nuorilang Center (lunch) → (Right route) Bamboo Lake → Panda Lake → Five-Flower Lake → Pearl Shoal Falls → Nuorilang Center → (Middle route) Rhino Lake → Tiger Lake → Shuzheng Waterfall → Shuzheng Group Lakes → (Huohua Lake → Shuanglong Waterfall → Reed Lake) → Jiuzhaigou exit
Timing between each stop and the total ~8-hour duration is covered in the itinerary guide.
Practical Tips
- Bus seating: Sit on the left side for the left route, right side for the right route — you’ll get better views.
- Meals: Nuorilang Center has the only real cluster of restaurants inside the park — eat here, since you won’t get another good chance.
- Snacks: Bring some, since food options outside Nuorilang Center are limited.
- Rain gear: Jiuzhaigou gets rain often — ponchos are sold right at the entrance, so no need to bring one. Skip the shoe covers though, they’re more slippery than helpful.
- Local food: About a 15-minute walk from the entrance, Bianbian Street (边边街) serves yak hotpot — a local specialty you won’t find elsewhere.
FAQ
Can I cover all three routes in one day?
Yes, the standard route takes about 8 hours total — see the itinerary guide for the detailed time breakdown.
Where should I start?
You can’t choose — buses are assigned by boarding order. Whichever route you get first, just go with it.
Do I need to visit Primeval Forest?
No, you can skip it — most visitors say it doesn’t compare to the other stops on the right route.
How far should I walk on the middle route?
Depends on your energy — stop at Shuzheng Group Lakes if you’re tired, or keep going to Huohua Lake, Shuanglong Waterfall, and Reed Lake if you’ve got more in the tank. Just remember there’s no bus stop between Shuzheng Group Lakes and Reed Lake.
Related Guides
Getting from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by train → Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by Train
Entrance ticket & opening hours → Jiuzhaigou Entrance Ticket Guide
How many days to plan → Jiuzhaigou Itinerary
Where to stay → Where to Stay Near Jiuzhaigou
Altitude & packing tips → Jiuzhaigou Travel Tips
