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In Sichuan (38)
emka
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 550 W: 19 N: 1421]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (10428) | The main attraction of the Jiuzhaigou National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is its dozens of blue, green and turquoise-colored lakes.The remote region was inhabited by various Tibetan and Qiang peoples for centuries, but was not officially discovered by the government until 1972. Nearly 300 kmē of the core scenic area are covered by virgin mixed forests. Those forests take on attractive yellow, orange and red hues in the autumn, making that season a popular one for visitors. They are home to a number of plant species of interest, such as endemic varieties of rhododendron and bamboo.
Local fauna includes the endangered giant panda and golden snub-nosed monkey. Both populations are very small (less than 20 individuals for the pandas) and isolated. Their survival is in question in a valley subject to increasing tourism. Jiuzhaigou is also home to approximately 140 bird species.
After rather tiring days, when we visited big cities and a lot of temples,the days spent so close to the nature in Jiuzhaigou were fantastic.It is difficult to access by land. The valley can be reached by a 10 hour bus ride from Chengdu along the Minjiang River canyon, prone to frequent rockslides and mudslides that can add several hours to the trip. Quite a scary ride! So only a few western tourists go there.
The road goes just through the area hit by earthquake.So this wonderful site probably will be inaccessible now.
The colour of water is like on this photo. it is also crystal clear, you can see everything many meters deep. |
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