Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou National Park, China

Asia » China » Sichuan » Chengdu » Jinniu
April 17th 2015

Published: April 19th 2015

We arrived very late at night in Chengdu and checked into 'Mrs. Panda's Hostel'. Linda and Maurice had a room while Lulu bunked in a dorm room for 4. Chengdu has a population of 7,000,000 and there are 30,000,000 in the province of Sichuan. It is a very clean modern city teeming with construction. The huge streets have 6 lanes and another 2 side lanes for turns, scooters and bikes. We woke about 8... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 52, Displayed: 21

Road Blocked by a Tree

We arrived where a couple of trees fell across the highway because of the wind. It was amusing watching the Chinese trying to figure out what to do: not ropes, chains or common sense to remove the trees.

Jiuzhaigou National Park

After a 10 hour bus ride, we arrived at the village located at the entrance to the park. Lulu, in her fluent Chinese, called Do, our driver from the Homestay and he came to pick us up.

Zhou Ma's Homestay

This is Zhou Ma's mother and she does all the cooking. Because of Lulu's Chinese, we were able to visit with her and discuss Tibetan traditions.

Tibetan Traditional Homestay

We thought that it would be very interesting to experience Tibetan life rather than stay in another hotel. And rightly so. We were very comfortable under the quilts on our soft beds. Linda's bed had a heating pad.

Wood Stove

This unique wood stove was the centerpiece of the dining area and provided most of the heat in the house. Here, mother, son and grandson pose for a picture.

Homestay in the Jiuzhai Valley

9 years ago, before the park became accessible and popular, this family used to farm and raise yak. They still produce all the food and drink they served us, including a delightful wine with supper.

Inside Jiuzhaigou National Park

This park claims to be the most scenic in all of China. Now that it is reasonably accessible, the Chinese tourists flock here. Cars are no longer allowed inside the park, buses are used to transport the guests.

Crowds of Chinese Tourists

The Chinese love to pose and take "selfies", so venues such as this one offer "traditional Tibetan costumes". The visitors can buy photos of themselves. They do a brisk business!

Many Clean Uniquely Shaped Bathrooms

This is one of many bathrooms located throughout the park. They are built to blend in with the surroundings.

Linda and Lulu

We were so happy to have Lulu join us for this trip through China. They're standing in front of one of many ponds located in the park. Check out the water color.

Colorful Waters

The area reminded us a lot of Banff and Lake Louise.

Gorgeous Views

We spent from 8AM till 4PM wandering through the park enjoying scenery such as this.

Posing in Tibetan Costumes

The Chinese love to take "selfies", so posing in traditional clothing is right up their alley!

Resting by Another Lake

Yet another scenic lookout point.

Lunch Time

The Homestay provided us with a sandwich for lunch. It was amazing how filling the heavy bread and yak meat were.

Scenic Waterfalls

It felt like we walked by lakes and ponds in the morning, and then after lunch, we encountered a lot of pretty waterfalls.

Look Like Banff?

The snow capped mountain in the background makes this a pretty picture.

Crowds and Crowds of People

Because the walkways are well built and spacious, the crowds are not as intrusive as we expected.

Lulu's Turn to Look Pretty Against the Falls

Yet another waterfall to pose in front of.

Linda in a Selfie

They wanted a picture of us and Linda wanted a picture of his brocade jacket. Everybody's happy.

Tibetan Village

There are a couple of Tibetan villages located inside the park. They are maintaining their way of life.

19th April 2015

Joanne
non-member comment

China
I really enjoy the pictures.

20th April 2015

Terri
non-member comment

Hi!
As usual, I am thoroughly enjoying your entries. They make me feel like I am there, between the photos and narration. It was also a "balmy 32" here today, and Tacho and I were all over the Centro. He asked about you two and sends his regards. He was very impressed that you were visiting China. Take care. We miss you!

20th April 2015

Annette
non-member comment

Awesome
Hi! It looks so colorful and interesting! Looking forward to visiting these places!

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Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou National Park, China

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