Every month we shall present a different corner of the globe. Here you will not find any attractions appearing in "must see" or top 10 lists of any given city or country, but rather more obscure, out of the way sights, which we feel are well worth a visit.
We will greatly appreciate any comments, good or bad, from fellow travellers that have been there in the past. Furthermore, recommendations for future presentations are more than welcome.
Our first destination will be : Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan, China
We will greatly appreciate any comments, good or bad, from fellow travellers that have been there in the past. Furthermore, recommendations for future presentations are more than welcome.
Our first destination will be : Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan, China
Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou, or Nine Village Valley in Chinese, is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is located in the province of Sichuan in South West China, North of the city of Chengdu.
Jiuzhaigou offers some of the most spectacular views of lakes and waterfalls I have ever seen. When I was travelling in China in 1996, I had no intention on visiting the park, but after receiving warm recommendations from fellow travellers, I decided, along with some friends, to alter our plans and visit Jiuzhagou.
Just getting there was an adventure in itself .We took a bus from the town of Songpan, but after an hour or so the bus got stuck in the mud (not an uncommon experience in those days). After more than an hour we decided to continue walking. After some time we managed to ride the back of a truck, along with several very funny and very drunk chinese.
After we stepped off the truck, much nearer to our destination (we hoped), a van took us to the entrance of the park.
From start to finish the 90km trip took us 8 hours, but it was well worth the effort. The views throughout the park were no less than stunning. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my years of travel.
We stayed 3 days in the park, each day walking tens of kilometres along the Y shaped valleys, admiring the views.
I remember vividly the amazing reflections on many of the lakes. After I came home, I remember asking friends to guess on my photographs which side is the landscape and which is the reflection.
I understand that nowadays Jiuzhagou is much more accessible. There are flights to Songpan from Chengdu and other cities, and private helicopter flights are available directly to Jiuzhaigou.
Jiuzhaigou, or Nine Village Valley in Chinese, is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is located in the province of Sichuan in South West China, North of the city of Chengdu.
Jiuzhaigou offers some of the most spectacular views of lakes and waterfalls I have ever seen. When I was travelling in China in 1996, I had no intention on visiting the park, but after receiving warm recommendations from fellow travellers, I decided, along with some friends, to alter our plans and visit Jiuzhagou.
Just getting there was an adventure in itself .We took a bus from the town of Songpan, but after an hour or so the bus got stuck in the mud (not an uncommon experience in those days). After more than an hour we decided to continue walking. After some time we managed to ride the back of a truck, along with several very funny and very drunk chinese.
After we stepped off the truck, much nearer to our destination (we hoped), a van took us to the entrance of the park.
From start to finish the 90km trip took us 8 hours, but it was well worth the effort. The views throughout the park were no less than stunning. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my years of travel.
We stayed 3 days in the park, each day walking tens of kilometres along the Y shaped valleys, admiring the views.
I remember vividly the amazing reflections on many of the lakes. After I came home, I remember asking friends to guess on my photographs which side is the landscape and which is the reflection.
I understand that nowadays Jiuzhagou is much more accessible. There are flights to Songpan from Chengdu and other cities, and private helicopter flights are available directly to Jiuzhaigou.
Wow!
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