Has Jiuzhaigou recovered after the 2017 earthquake?

I've seen many tours to Jiuzhaigou this autumn and would like to ask if the attractions there have fully recovered after the 2017 earthquake, and what precautions I should take regarding transportation?

I'm planning to visit Jiuzhaigou next month because I've seen many tours reopening. However, I'm still wondering if the area has recovered since being severely affected by the earthquake. Also, I'm concerned about whether travel and sightseeing have been affected after Covid-19.

Thank you.

Thu Lan

Reply

According to a representative of a Vietnamese travel company, Jiuzhaigou is one of the top destinations for Vietnamese tourists this autumn.

Jiuzhaigou is a nature reserve and national park in northern Sichuan Province, China, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

Jiuzhaigou. Photo: Lonely Planet — Jiuzhaigou. Photo: *Lonely Planet*

Following the earthquake on August 8, 2017, and the subsequent Covid-19 lockdown, most destinations in Jiuzhaigou have almost fully recovered. Except for the Rize Valley, the most severely affected area, which is still undergoing repairs, other sites are open to visitors as usual. By the end of October, the autumn foliage index reaches 60-95% of the forest area, ideal for experiencing the fall season.

Jiuzhaigou is located more than 400 km from Chengdu (where the airport is located). The drive takes about 8 hours. There are many beautiful sights along the way. The road to Jiuzhaigou is mostly mountainous, so those unfamiliar with the route may find it tiring.

According to updated information from tour guides for the 2023 tourist season, tour groups will visit five locations: Truong Hai, Ngu Sac Lake, Nhuoc Nhat Waterfall, Thuc Chinh Cau, and Song Long Hai.

Jiuzhaigou currently only sells 40,000 entrance tickets per day. During peak tourist season, it's necessary to book tickets in advance.

Vietnam Airlines resumed direct flights between Hanoi and Chengdu from October 27th, so traveling to Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou in the coming period will be more affordable and time-saving. Recently, tourists have had to make multiple transit stops.

Here are some sample tour prices to Jiuzhaigou offered by travel companies in Vietnam:

- Vietravel: A 6-day, 5-night tour of Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Panda Garden - Butterfly Creek departing from Hanoi costs from 16.9 million VND per person, and a tour of Chengdu - Emei Mountain - Jiuzhaigou - Leshan Giant Buddha costs from 18.9 million VND per person.

- Pys Travel: The 7-day, 6-night Chongqing - Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City costs 18.8 million VND per person.

- Vietnam Tour: Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Dujiangyan, departing from Ho Chi Minh City, 6 days 5 nights, price from 17.9 million VND.

Tam Anh

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