Updated: 2007-04-28 09:00

Lying in southwestern China, the northwestern Sichuan Plateau is noted for its picturesque and idyllic natural beauty. One of the best scenic areas is the Grand Jiuzhai Tourist Region, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northwest Sichuan Province. Covering an area of 84,000 square kilometers, the tourist region is especially famous for its plateau landscapes and ethnic customs. The tourist region encompasses two world natural heritage sites, three state-level scenic spots and eight provincial-level nature reserves and scenic areas. The most famous are the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Huanglong Scenic Area, Mt. Siguniangshan (Four Maidens' Mountain) and Wolong Panda Nature Reserve.

A Wild Wilderness Beauty

How to get there?

Best time to visit?

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Readers' comments: Lotus_flower :You've brought me back with these fairytale photos. I must admit that there're few natural interesting places that can match Jiuzhai in terms of natural beauty. Contribute your comments toForum

Jiuzhaigou's attraction lies in its primitive and mysterious beauty. According to a beautiful legend, long, long ago, the brave mountain deity Da Ge fell in love with the charming goddess Se Mo and gave her a mirror burnished by wind and cloud. Carelessly, Se Mo accidentally smashed the gift. The segments sprinkled down into the world, changing as they fell into the 114 magnificent alpine lakes of the region.

The average altitude of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is between 2,000 and 4,760 meters, and the area enjoys cool summers and warm winters. With an average temperature between 13 and 21 degrees centigrade, summer here sees the abundant greenery in its prime, with gentle gurgling streams and crystal clear waterfalls cascading down from tall mountain peaks. Primitive, unspoiled, and uninhabited, it is an idyllic nature getaway.

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