THEIR first stop that morning was Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping mountain scenery. A private guide was already waiting for them at the entrance of the resort, along with three other guests who would be joining the tour. After introducing herself, she gave them a brief overview of the park and its different scenic areas while they waited for the shuttle bus to arrive.
"Jiuzhaigou is shaped like a Y," she said. "Rize Valley is on the right side. It's where most of the famous lakes are. Zechawa Valley is on the left, and Shuzheng Valley is the main one that connects them both."
Minutes later, the bus arrived, and they all boarded. The guide told them they would start at the top of Rize Valley and work their way down. Once the bus reached the valley, they got off and walked to their first destination.
