Snowfall Makes Jiuzhaigou a "Cool" New Tourist Destination in Winter

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JIUZHAIGOU, China, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Jiuzhaigou, a well-known scenic spot in China, was recently graced with a heavy snowfall, attracting tens of thousands of tourists from around the world. The scenic spot, located in Sichuan province and home of the iconic pandas, is the only destination of its kind in China where one can take in alpine lakes, waterfalls and calc-sinter beaches in one visit. The name reflects the nine Tibetan villages that dot the area.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131217/CN33141 )

Since 2005, Jiuzhaigou's International Ice Fall Tourism Festival has been held annually in January, in a move to facilitate the development of the local tourism sector in winter. In recent years, more tourists from across China and around the world have chosen to visit Jiuzhaigou during the winter months to catch a glimpse of the unique ice falls and blue ice. "No other body of water will attract you after you have visited Jiuzhaigou." Even in winter, the variously-sized 114 lakes are each in their own way a sight to behold as a result of the varying altitudes and differing subaqueous sediments. Shuzheng Valley at 2,250 meters is still bluish green, with nary evidence of even a frost covering, while Rize Valley at 2,660 meters, is a half-ice, half-water winter wonderland. Yet, the Wucai Pool in even higher altitude, at 3,000 meters, never freezes in winter due to its bottom sediments.

Compared to the overcrowding which can be a detriment in the other three seasons, Jiuzhaigou's winter tourism package meets the standards for smart scenic areas with a complete set of support facilities, excellent choice of accommodations and eating establishments as well as timely shuttle bus services, providing a better traveling experience for visitors.

Note: The entrance fee to Jiuzhaigou in winter is priced at the off-season level, where tourists are entitled to more privileges. In addition, the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport provides non-stop flights to Jiuzhaigou every day. Other modes of transportation including buses are also available.

About Jiuzhaigou:

Jiuzhaigou is a well-known scenic spot in China, and its scenery is stunning all year round. The area's dozens of snow-capped mountains and 114 lakes, each in their own individualality, express their unique array of colors and charm with each change of the seasons. "No other body of water will attract you after you have visited Jiuzhaigou."

Jiuzhaigou is immensely rich in flora and fauna. The 300-square kilometer virgin forest is inhabited by rare and exotic animals including giant pandas and golden monkeys. As an area with rare geological and topographical features and biodiversity, Jiuzhaigou has an unparalleled ecological significance and scientific value.

Since its opening in 1984, Jiuzhaigou has been designated by the Chinese authorities as both a National Natural Protection Area and a National AAAAA Scenic Spot and by the respective international organizations as a World Natural Heritage site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve.

SOURCE Jiuzhaigou