Sichuan Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic And Historic Interest Area
Of all the natural wonders in China, the Jiuzhaigou Valley is one of the country’s greatest treasures. This scenic area lies 200 kilometers to the north of the provincial capital of Chengdu in south western China. Jiuzhaigou translates from Mandarin as the “Valley of the Nine Villages”. The name is often shortened to Jiuzhai Valley. Only seven of the original nine villages that the valley was named for remain today. The total population of the valley is a mere thousand people.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is renowned for its natural beauty including beautiful waterfalls and lakes. The Jialing River has its source in the valley. With a concentration of over 140 species of flora, the valley serves as a haven for China’s native wildlife. It provides a home to the rare giant panda and snub-nosed monkey. In 1992, the United Nations declared the valley as a World Heritage Site. In recent years, China has opened up the area and promoted the valley for tourism.
The people of Sichuan Province have endured war and disaster over the centuries. In May 2008, an earthquake rocked the province causing many deaths and massive devastation. Three years later, life is finally returning to a normal pace. Soon people will return to the Jiuzhaigou Valley to see the many natural wonders of this treasured historic site.
