By China Wonder Tours
Jiuzhai Valley in winter is a different kind of magic — its turquoise lakes and waterfalls framed in snow, and the crowds gone. Here's what it's like to watch the snow in the fairy-tale valley.
In winter, Jiuzhai Valley's multicolored lakes freeze and steam in the cold air, the waterfalls become ice curtains, and the forests are dusted with snow. It's a serene, hauntingly beautiful season.
The famous lakes — Five Flower Lake, Long Lake, and the rest — take on a special quality in winter, their colors deepened beneath the ice and snow. The reflections are extraordinary.
The valley's waterfalls, including the great Nuorilang Falls, transform into dramatic cascades of ice — a sight few travelers see.
Winter is the quietest season in Jiuzhai — far fewer visitors than in summer and autumn. You can often have the viewpoints to yourself.
The valley is cold in winter, often below freezing. The park remains open, and the shuttle buses continue to run. Dress in warm layers and wear non-slip boots.
December to February offers the deepest snow and the most reliable winter scenery. Check snow conditions before you go — the valley is at its most magical after a fresh snowfall.