CHINA’S BREATHTAKING ALPINE VALLEY
01-12-2011 | Mike Smith
Beyond the Great Wall in a mountainous region of China’s Sichuan province is an alpine valley with a name which is hard to pronounce let alone spell. Yet its name and natural appeal are well documented in the People’s Republic . . . a magnetism which has led visitor number restrictions to protect the area’s tranquil image. Jiuzhaigou, which means “valley of nine villages”, is more than a popular tourist spot.
It’s a national treasure with national park status - a highly elevated valley shadowed by snow capped peaks and soaring pines often decorated with the white powder. To international visitors the valley resembles those found in Canada’s scenic Rockies.
To appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, a full day is needed to walk along the paths which hug some of the region’s 110 crystalline lakes. Many are fed by spectacularly stepped marble-like cascades.
Jiuzhaigou is also a natural habitat of the much loved Giant Panda, the focal point of stringent breeding and conservation efforts, especially in the provincial capital of Chengdu, 330kms to the south.
As with all visits to Jiuzhaigou, a visit to a Tibetan family home is a must, as included in tours by leading China specialist Helen Wong’s Tours. Guests are also invited to an evening show which focuses on music and dance of the local Tibetan and Qiang nationalities.
Located in the northern corner of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is easily accessible by commercial aircraft from Chengdu. Despite its remoteness, accommodation is luxurious, guests spending two nights in such retreats as the Sheraton Resort.
The visit to the alpine valley, about 2000 metres above sea level, is one of a number of highlights on Helen Wong’s Tours’ 19-day Exotic China tour which begins with a flight from Australia to Chengdu and also includes a tour of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.
One of China’s four most sacred Buddhist peaks - Mt Emei - is also toured, its ancient temples and Golden Summit major focal points. Historic Lijiang in picturesque Yunnan province and neighbouring Jade Dragon Mountain and Tiger leaping Gorge on the Yangtze are other highlights on a tour which, from $5350 per person, twin share, also calls on the Stone Forest natural phenomena near Kunming, Yuanyang and the old town Jianshui.
It’s a tour which represents good value as it includes return air fare from Australia, economy flights in China, quality accommodation, all meals, five evening cultural shows, specified transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees, and the assistance of English-speaking guides. A China visa is also included for Australian passport holders along with an informative 424-page Odyssey China book, cabin bag and departure taxes, security charges and fuel surcharges (subject to change).
Scenic Jiuzhaigou also included in Helen Wong’s Tours’ 21-day Magical China tour, priced from $5860 per person, twin share from Australia.
For details of these and other tours, contact Helen Wong’s Tours,
phone 1300 788328