As a source branch of the Jialing River belonging to the Yangtze River system, Jiuzhaigou stretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, and is some 400 kilometers south of Chengdu. With a development area of 140 square kilometers, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area gains its name from its nine Tibetan villages, centering in Nuorilang and comprising three valleys, namely Shuzhenggou, Rizegou and Zezhawagou. The three valleys are 14km, 17km and 18km in length, respectively.

Since Jiuzhaigou is situated at the point of intersection between sub-tropic and temperate zones, sub-tropical plants such as the Chinese pine and Huashan pine can be seen growing. State protected animals of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd level also live in this area. With its mild weather-the average lowest temperature in January being 2.5 degrees Celsius and the average highest temperature in July, 17 degrees Celsius- this natural garden of animals and plants welcomes tourists all year round. Jiuzhaigou is famous for its ancient and mysterious scenery, encompassing snow-capped mountains, forest, grasslands, waterfalls, streams, and lakes. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin. Colorful lakes and various waterfalls are special scenes in Jiuzhaigou, with the first scene as the Pearl Shoal, the most beautiful lake as the Five Flower Lake, also known as the Peacock Lake, the largest lake as the Long Lake and the smallest lake as the Five Color Pool. These four scenes are the most splendid ones in Jiuzhaigou.

The main scenic spot that spans 80 kilometers consists of three "Y" shaped gullies called Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa. It is 1,980-3,100 meters above sea level while the altitude of the highest peak is 4,700 meters above sea level. One hundred and eighteen lakes are inlaid among the high mountains and cliffs like strings of pearl necklaces. Between each lake are ten waterfalls with nearby carbonic calcifications which dazzle with color in the sunshine.

The mountains of Jiuzhaigou are mystical and a grand sight traces of ancient glaciers can still be seen. Snow-capped mountains and the crisscrossing gullies are like poetry written by nature. The industrious Tibetan and Qiang people live and cultivate this piece of land, leaving behind strange tales and stirring legends.

As the legend says long, long ago the deity of mountain named Dago had a crush on the goddess Semo, and he gave a mirror that was made from wind and cloud to the goddess. However, the devil appeared and made trouble to Semo. Inadvertently, Semo broke the mirror into 108 pieces, which fell down to the earth and then turned to 108 colorful lakes. The lake is also called Haizi by local people.

During the 1970s, a group of foresters discovered this wonderland which had been lying asleep for millions of years. In 1978, Jiuzhaigou was listed as a State nature reserve. In 1982, it's scenic spots became one of the first protected by the State. In 1990 it was selected as the best new scenic spot and in 1992 was listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Culture Heritage. In 1997 it entered the World Man and Biology protection web, being the first scenic spot in the world to be awarded with two such high honors.