I thought Moon Lake was beautiful enough! Until I visited this place...
🏔️ Wuxuhai (Jiulong County, Garze Prefecture, Sichuan) Travel Guide | Exploring the Hidden Gem Beneath Gongga Snow Mountain
1. Scenic Area Introduction
Wuxuhai, located in northern Jiulong County, Garze Prefecture, Sichuan✨, means "brilliant lake" in Tibetan. It's the core area of Gongga Mountain National Scenic Spot! At an altitude of 3,760m, it's surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, primeval forests, and emerald meadows🌲. The crystal-clear lake mirrors the snowy peaks of Twelve Fairy Maidens Peak❄️, earning it the title "The Last Shangri-La of Western Sichuan" – every snapshot is postcard-worthy!
2. Best Time to Visit
- June–August (Summer): Alpine flowers bloom across meadows🌼, the lake shines sapphire-blue, and temperatures are pleasantly cool (15–20°C daytime, 5–10°C nighttime) – perfect for strolls and photography!
- September–October (Autumn): Forests blaze with fall colors🍁, creating stunning contrasts with snow-white peaks – a golden season for photographers!
- November–May (Winter): The frozen lake offers serene snowscapes⛄, but roads may close due to snow – always check accessibility beforehand!
3. Transportation Guide
【External Transport】
1. Self-drive (Recommended):
- From Chengdu: Chengdu → Ya'an → Luding → Kangding → Jiulong County → Wuxuhai (approx. 580km, 10–12hrs)🚗. The Xinduqiao–Jiulong section has winding mountain roads – drive carefully!
- Pro tip: The 25km from Jiulong to Wuxuhai takes 40min, but some gravel sections require SUVs.
2. Public Transport:
- Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Jiulong County (1 daily, ~12hrs)🚌, then charter a car to Wuxuhai (~¥200/vehicle).
4. Must-See Attractions & Activities
【Core Landscapes】
1. Wuxu Lake: Hike the 3km shoreline🚶. At dawn, mist transforms it into a fairyland! The western meadow offers prime photo ops📸.
2. Twelve Fairy Maidens Peak: Snow-capped summits reflect perfectly in the lake❄️. Autumn brings dramatic color gradients.
3. Riluku Grassland: Alpine meadows threaded with streams🌿. Summer wildflowers, horseback riding (~¥100/hr)🐎, or picnics make it idyllic!
【Deep Experiences】
1. Tibetan Villages: Visit Wuxu/Huaqiu villages🏠, try butter tea and tsampa, join local dances💃 (respect customs!).
2. Trekking: Advanced hikers can tackle the 2–3 day Wuxuhai→Lotus Lake route🚶♂️ through ancient forests (guide required).
3. Lakeside Camping: Stargaze by the mirror-like lake⛺ (bring -10°C sleeping bags; be bear-aware🐻!).
5. Photography Tips
- Golden Hours:
- Sunrise (6:00–7:30): Capture the peaks' golden glow🌅.
- Sunset (18:30–19:30): East-shore meadows glow warmly.
- Gear: Wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for compressed reflections, ND filters for silky water📷.
- Drones: Max 120m altitude; side shots create "sky mirror" effects (caution in wind!)🚁.
6. Food & Lodging
【Accommodation】
- In Wuxuhai:
- Tibetan homestays (~¥200/night) with lake views🏞️ (shared bathrooms; book early!).
- In Jiulong Town:
- Xiangyun Hotel (~¥350/night) offers oxygen rooms for altitude relief.
- Camping: Designated zones (¥50/tent⛺); no open fires – use gas stoves.
【Food】
- Tibetan hotpot: Yak meat, wild mushrooms, potatoes🍲 (~¥80/person).
- Butter-roasted matsutake: Summer delicacy🍄.
- Barley wine: Homemade brew aids altitude adjustment🥂.
7. Key Notes
1. Altitude sickness: Avoid showers/alcohol on arrival❌; carry oxygen (sold in town) and glucose.
2. Eco-rules: Preserve this paradise🌍 – no littering, pack out trash, avoid disposables.
3. Road conditions: Some Jiulong–Wuxuhai stretches lack guardrails; 4WD advised🚙.
4. Fees: Entry ¥60/person, shuttle ¥20 (optional), parking ¥10🅿️.
5. Connectivity: No signal📵 – carry cash for payments.
8. Sample Itinerary (3D2N)**
- Day1: Chengdu → Kangding (acclimatize)💪.
- Day2: Kangding → Jiulong → Wuxuhai (hike, sunset🌄, homestay).
- Day3: Sunrise photos → Riluku Grassland → Return (or extend to Lotus Lake trek!)🚶
Wuxuhai is an uncut sapphire on Sichuan’s plateau💎 – whether chasing filming locations from *Legend of Fei* or savoring mountain solitude, its raw beauty whisks you far from crowds. Pack this guide and go! 🏔️🌌📸