Five Flower Lake: Gem Of the Jiuzhaigou National Park
Located in the southwest China, the Jiuzhaigou National Park is a valley on the Tibetan Plateau. The Jiuzhaigou Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for a reason. Besides, breathtaking views, the valley is home to over dozen lakes and waterfalls. But, most spectacular of all is Five Flower Lake.
Five Flower Lake is surrounded with mountains. The depth of the lake is 16 feet, but the lake-bed is visible under its clear water. It’s color varies and it is mesmerizing to observe. The color of the lake varies: from amber yellow, emerald green, dark jade to light turquoise, with a hint of coral. But, most of the time the water is sapphire blue. The place is shrouded in a lot of secrets and mysteries. While neighboring lakes periodically melt and dry up, the water level in Five Flower Lake is always constant. The lake does not freeze in winter. Local residents consider it to be a holy lake. However, there is an explanation for it. The water contains lime, calcium carbonate and multicolored hydrophytes. Also, an underwater hot spring flows into the lake, so the lake does not freeze.
The Jiuzhagou Nature Reserve aims to preserve the nature as much as possible. But, there are very well developed walkways next to the crystal clear lakes, rapids and waterfalls. Bus service is provided, but it gets crowded fast. Also, there are shuttle buses, that take visitors around all the attractions faster. However, it is better to explore the place by walking, in order to enjoy it the fullest.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai), Jiuzhai Valley National Park, Sichuan, China
- Coordinates
- 33.158554, 103.878779
- Access
- Five Flower Lake is inside Jiuzhai Valley National Park. Visit by the park sightseeing-bus route and use designated boardwalks. The park announced full-area reopening from July 30, 2026 after the July mudslide disruption; check same-day notices for temporary restrictions.
- Admission
- Park admission (not a separate lake fee): peak season, April 1–November 15, ¥190 plus ¥90 for the sightseeing bus; off-season, November 16–March 31, ¥80 plus ¥80 for the bus. Optional ¥10 insurance is listed for peak season. Buy through the official real-name reservation channel and check the current ticket notice.
- Time needed
- Jiuzhai Valley’s official one-day itinerary allocates 20 minutes to Five Flower Lake, then a 10-minute sightseeing-bus transfer toward Mirror Lake. Treat this as the park’s suggested itinerary, not a required limit; same-day routing may change.
- Best season
- Autumn is a particularly colorful viewing period: Jiuzhai Valley’s official site highlights Five Flower Lake’s autumn reflections, and the scenic-area administration describes mid-October as the park’s most colorful season. Foliage and lake appearance vary with yearly weather and water conditions.
- Opening hours
- Peak-season 2026 entry: 08:00–14:00; the park closes at 18:00. Off-season ticket dates are November 16–March 31; confirm that day’s operating hours and access notices before travel.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-21
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
Location
Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom. Use arrow keys to pan when the map is focused.
Interactive map loads when in view.
Suggest an edit
No account needed. Your update goes to the editor for review.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
Discover more from Unusual Places
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
