Traveling to Jiuzhaigou with a Four-Year-Old

Weekend round trip from Chengdu 🚗 I just want to say it’s absolutely stunning—totally stress-free for moms! Here are some tips for taking great photos even with kids: 1. Opt for a self-guided tour. The facilities in the scenic area are well-developed, and the sightseeing bus provides simple introductions to each spot, which are sufficient. 2. No need to rush to enter the park at 8 AM. We entered at 10 AM and didn’t encounter any queues. Many people reported long lines at 8 AM, likely due to multiple tour groups entering at the same time. 3. Choose either the left or right route freely. The right route has more lakes. Among them, Panda Lake and Five Flower Lake are highly recommended. 4. The middle route leads out of the park. You can stop by Sparkling Lake and follow the boardwalk down to Double Dragon Lake to see the waterfall. This section is quite beautiful and worth exploring. 5. There are plenty of dining options at the central station, so there’s no need to carry too much food. Plan your lunch break at the central station for more choices. 6. Don’t feel pressured to visit every spot with kids. Wander freely—every lake is breathtaking and won’t disappoint. 7. Sun protection is a must. Bring sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and even a sun umbrella, which can double as rain protection if it rains. 8. We skipped the highest lake and started descending from Arrow Bamboo Lake, which is at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. No altitude sickness throughout the trip. 9. The sightseeing bus system is highly efficient, with minimal waiting times. Buses arrive one after another at each stop. As for VIP private cars, I’m not sure about the details, but you’ll still need to walk the boardwalks at each spot. 10. While popular lakes may be crowded, the boardwalks are everywhere. Just head to less crowded areas—everywhere is photogenic. 11. You can buy water and rent power banks at every bus stop, making the trip very convenient.