Shenxianchi Scenic Area

The Fairy Pool Scenic Area in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, can be said to encapsulate the essence of several nearby top scenic spots. Here, one can witness the pool waters of Jiuzhaigou and the calcified ponds of Huanglong, as well as enjoy the plateau's sky clouds and the Tibetan prayer flags and tents. The Fairy Pool Scenic Area can be explored in just one day, without the crowds and noise of other tourist spots, and there's no need to prepare any travel strategies or guides. The scenic area has two touring paths, one up and one down, and you can simply follow your mood, walking and looking around.

The Fairy Pool Scenic Area is located in the southern section of the Minshan mountain range on the northwestern Sichuan plateau, in Jiuzhaigou County, facing Jiuzhaigou from afar. In Tibetan, it is called 'Nen'en Sangcuo', meaning the place where fairies bathe. Its main attractions are distributed along a high mountain canyon that is 3000 meters long and about 300 meters wide. Here, is the dwelling place of fairies, a cool retreat in summer, where the vitality of summer comes alive unconsciously in the Fairy Pool, as if blessed by the heavens, blooming with the passion of summer. The various colorful pools are renowned treasures, like sapphires scattered by the immortals among mortals, dazzling and brilliant, with the surrounding colorful forests adding a touch of vivacity. The lake surface is like a mirror, with the shadows of trees swaying gracefully. A gentle breeze blows, like a whispering maiden, her shy beauty evident, guarding the dragon that has been hidden in the lake for thousands of years. Everyone has their own beautiful homeland in their heart, it may be the Peach Blossom Spring where ancient literati 'knew nothing of the Han, and cared not for Wei or Jin', the Shangri-La of many backpackers, or Mount Kailash, but here in Nen'en Sangcuo, it is Gama Tao—the place where stars have fallen. The Fairy Pool consists of over 1200 colorful pools and calcified pools, combining the beauty of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, possessing the same simplicity, primitiveness, and spiritual aura as Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, as well as underwater spectacles that are hard to see in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. It has the best-preserved primeval forests and vast bamboo forests within Sichuan, with many national-level protected animals such as giant pandas, Tibetan antelopes, and golden monkeys often seen here. This place is a transcendence from the flashy world, a life revelation from the fearless mountains and seas, a summer in the human world that people yearn for. Tips: Self-driving is recommended.

👀 🌟 Nen En Sangcuo, a mystical scenic spot veiled in secrecy, whose name means 'Fairy Bathing Place' in the Tibetan language, is a world-class beauty that combines the spirit of Jiuzhaigou with the fantasy of Huanglong. 🏞️ The area is located in Dongbei Village, Dalue Township, Jiuzhaigou County, surrounded by a national forest park, with a core scenic area of 46,000 hectares and a valley length of 5 kilometers, yet it is little known, maintaining its original tranquility and serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. 🌈 Nen En Sangcuo, a place forgotten by time, has the beauty of Jiuzhaigou and the fantasy of Huanglong, yet few know of it. Its cream terraces are like exquisite dreamy paintings, making one feel as if they are in the Chinese version of Pamukkale. The Glass Sea in the forest reflects the autumnal oil painting, stunningly beautiful. 📍 Location: Nen En Sangcuo 🚗 Transportation: Located in Zhangzha Town and Dalue Township, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan 🎫 Ticket: Off-season 50 yuan/person, peak season 100 yuan/person, visitors from Sichuan and Chongqing enjoy a half-price discount, and the shuttle bus is about 2 kilometers one way ⭐ Travel Tips: 🚶‍♂️ Start from Shang Sizhai, pass through the 28 turns to Yalongnari Shen Mountain Pass, and reach the Fairy Pool. 🎫 After purchasing a ticket, there is no need to take a sightseeing bus, walk to attractions such as Yaochi, Qinglonghai, and Liantai Color Pool. 🔚 After the tour, return to the visitor center from Lianhuatai. 🕒 Suggested visiting time: 2-3 hours. 🌳 The entire scenic area is surrounded by plank roads, encompassing three pools, and the whole journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. Every step reveals a new view, with the forest's light and shadow, and the lake's reflection, all stunningly beautiful. The pristine forests and lakes here are well protected, without excessive commercial development, allowing one to get closer to nature. 💡 Tips: 🚗 The Fairy Pool is about 60 kilometers from Jiuzhaigou, closer than Huanglong, and also more relaxing to visit. 👟 If you're not in a hurry, I recommend hiking into the scenic area 🌟 Personally, I think the Fairy Pool can completely replace Huanglong as your next travel destination.

Sichuan Province's Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture's Jiuzhaigou County is known not only for the world-famous Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage site but also for a lesser-known attraction that combines the features of both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong — the Fairy Pool, also known as Nen'en Sangcuo. The reason it's considered off the beaten path is that Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong draw the majority of tourists, and travel groups generally do not include the Fairy Pool in their itineraries. Moreover, its location is relatively remote. However, the scenery of the Fairy Pool is no less stunning than that of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, with its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking calcified pools, and serene highland forests. At the Fairy Pool, one can fully enjoy these sights without the bother of crowds.