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Jiuzhaigou Reserve
Located deep in the heart of the Aba autonomous
prefecture in Sichuan and 40 kilometers from Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou
is an impressive spot offering scenery to rival Guilin and
an atmosphere and culture that is not dissimilar to much
of Tibet.
Jiuzhaigou is actually a huge nature and
scenery reserve covering approximately 60,000 hectares situated
in the Min Shan mountain range. Ancient Chinese legend has
it that the goddess Semo accidentally smashed her mirror
here and the pieces which fell down the mountain formed
beautiful lakes, streams and waterfalls. Despite official
attempts to attract thousands of tourists, Jiuzhaigou remains
a surprisingly peaceful and traditional place. Yaks, shrines
and prayer wheels are all common sights. The small villages
here are inhabited by Tibetan and Qiang people who conduct
their lives in a very traditional manner. The scenery here
is pretty spectacular too. Lakes and waterfalls spill down
the mountainside, mountains tower above small hamlets and
villages and there is an abundance of beautiful wildlife
too. Panda, monkey and bison exist here and birds and fish
are everywhere, nestled in amongst the pretty bamboo forest.
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