Explore China - Fascinating Images of Jiuzhaigou Valley Explore in China - Attractions

Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟) is a nature reserve and national park located in the north of Sichuan province, China.

Jiuzhaigou Valley is part of the Min Mountains on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and stretches over 72,000 hectares (180,000 acres). It is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Its elevation ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 metres (6,600 to 14,800 ft).

Jiuzhaigou Valley was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. It belongs to the category V (Protected Landscape) in the IUCN system of protected area categorization. The tourism area is classified as a AAAAA scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration.

Jiuzhaigou (literally "Nine Village Valley") takes its name from the nine Tibetan villages along its length. The remote region was inhabited by various Tibetan and Qiang peoples for centuries.

Since opening, tourist activity has increased every year: from 5,000 in 1984 to 170,000 in 1991, 160,000 in 1995, to 200,000 in 1997, including about 3,000 foreigners. Visitors numbered 1,190,000 in 2002.[4] As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a quota of 12,000 being reportedly enforced during high season.[2] The Town of Zhangzha at the exit of the valley and the nearby Songpan County feature an ever-increasing number of hotels, including several luxury five-stars, such as Sheraton. (Source - wikipedia)

Photos by People.cn