Jiuzhaigou National Park Tickets — Timed Entry to Turquoise Lakes & Boardwalk Trails
Reserve a timed-entry ticket to Jiuzhaigou to see vivid turquoise lakes, travertine terraces and boardwalk viewpoints accessed by the park’s sightseeing buses. This guide covers what to expect, seasonal notes, and practical tips for a 4–7 hour visit.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book a morning time slot
Timed entry is enforced; choose the earliest available slot to avoid crowds and to catch calmer water reflections.
Bring a refillable bottle
Water stations and vendors exist but bringing a bottle reduces cost and waste; carry enough for several hours.
Dress in layers and expect rain
Mountain weather shifts quickly — a light rain shell and a warm midlayer keep you comfortable between viewpoints.
Stay on boardwalks and follow signs
The travertine formations are fragile; boardwalks protect both the landscape and visitor safety — do not shortcut them.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning boardwalks around Shuzheng Valley for quieter reflections and fewer crowds
- •Longer Rize Valley viewpoints toward the eastern circuit that feel less hurried late in the day
Wildlife
- •Sichuan takin
- •Golden snub-nosed monkey
Conservation Note
Jiuzhaigou manages visitor numbers with timed entry and boardwalks to protect travertine formations; follow signage, don’t feed wildlife, and pack out waste.
The valley has long been inhabited and used by Tibetan and Qiang communities and is officially protected as a nature reserve and UNESCO-listed area for its unique lakes and geomorphology.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Grippy, comfortable shoes handle wet boardwalks and short stair sections.
Waterproof rain jacketEssential
Protects against sudden mountain showers common in spring and shoulder seasons.
Insulating midlayer
Light fleece or down for chilly mornings and higher-elevation breezes in winter.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated during the 4–7 hour circuit and reduces single-use plastic.
Common Questions
Do I need to reserve a timed ticket in advance?
Yes — entry requires a reserved time slot. Peak season has three slots (07:30–10:00, 10:00–12:00, 12:00–14:00); off-season offers two. Last admission is typically around 14:00.
Are transportation and admission included?
Admission includes access to the park and the internal sightseeing bus that moves visitors between main viewpoints.
How much walking is involved inside the park?
Walking is mostly on wooden boardwalks with some stairs and short trails at each stop; expect a moderate amount of on-foot time spread over 4–7 hours depending on stops.
Are children admitted free?
Children under 6 years old or under 120 cm in height are typically admitted free of charge, per park rules.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–7 hours
Location
Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for walking on boardwalks, steps and short uphill sections; bring comfortable footwear and moderate stamina.
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