The Jewel of Jiuzhaigou

The Jewel of Jiuzhaigou

The Jiuzhaigou Natural Preserve's cerulean and aqua pools are among the most beautiful in the world. Its raw natural beauty has been compared to Yellowstone National Park. And so have the size of the crowds—throngs of Chinese tourists descend daily on this 800-ki (497-mi) stretch of lush forests, piercing peaks, languid lakes, and clear pools. UNESCO has given it heritage status for its "Man and Biosphere" program. Within the park itself, you can also meet tribes of ethnic Tibetans and Qingnan peoples.

If you want to truly experience Jiuzhaigou as the Chinese do, sign up with any of the numerous package tours found in Chengdu and Chongqing. A word to the wise: be prepared to be herded along with a flag and a bullhorn. That being said, the folks on Chinese tours are boisterous and full of curious energy. Foreigners who join them are in for a full cultural immersion. It'll be an experience you won't soon forget.