A NATURAL WONDERLAND OF LAKES AND MOUNTAINS

Possibly the most beautiful secret of China, Nine Villages Valley (also known as Jiuzhaigou) is a natural wonderland. Located in the mountains of Sichuan Province, the national park is an idyll of forests, waterfalls and lakes. Legend has it that a beautiful Goddess received a mirror from her lover but dropped it, whereupon it broke into 108 pieces, each forming one of the picturesque lakes seen today.

Each of the lakes has its own character. Five-Color Pond boasts rich shades of green and blue while Five Flower Lake has crystal clear waters through which ancient fallen tree trunks can be seen resting on the lake bed. Long Lake is the largest in the park and looking at this beautiful scene one can easily imagine being in the Canadian Rockies or European Alps. The lakes are connected by rushing rivers and impressive waterfalls: Pearl Shoal Falls and Nuorilang Falls are both spectacular cascades hidden in the forest that are over a thousand feet wide.

In the same region is the equally alluring area of Huanglong. Here natural mineral pools have formed on the hillside creating a landscape of beautiful colors. A boardwalk makes for a delightful hike to a temple at the head of the valley while a chairlift provides access for those wanting a more leisurely visit.