Jiuzhaigou - brilliant blues touch heaven and earth

Photos provided to China Daily

This is setting for fairytales. Jiuzhaigou in the north of Sichuan province is well known for its peaceful pools of water colored a chalky blue that reflects the hue of an azure sky. These crystal-clear lakes are indeed a gift of heaven, thanks to the karst landscape, and the high density of calcium carbonate crystals in the water.

The nature reserve and park is a paradise for photographers both professional and amateur, and nature has already prepared the setting for good pictures. Every scene is like an oil painting with blue and green pools against a backdrop of mountains with glistening snow-covered peaks.

Jiuzhaigou is listed as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO and is one of the best-preserved wetlands in the region. Animals and plants abound, thanks to an eco-system that has been kept carefully intact.

There are nine ethnic Tibetan villages in the area, hence its name, and the villagers provide both local color and a way to inner peace, if you are so inclined. There are many Tibetan Buddhist places of worship here. Just follow the prayer flags.

If you go

Beijing, Shanghai, and other domestic cities offer direct flights to Jiuzhaigou. Taking a taxi for the 90-km ride from the airport will cost about 200 yuan ($31). Admission to the park is 220 yuan for a day, plus 90 yuan for a bus pass. Accommodation ranges from family-run inns to luxury hotels. The altitude can go as far as more than 3,000 meters above sea level, so be wary of the cold and altitude sickness.