Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its stunning and diverse waterscapes. Its rich ecosystem and picturesque natural scenery complement each other perfectly, creating an ideal sanctuary for a variety of rare wildlife and plants to thrive in harmony.

Tian Tian

Xin Xin

My first stop in Jiuzhaigou's ecological paradise was the Jiawuhai and Panda Park, and I couldn't contain my excitement. As I entered the park, adorable panda sculptures greeted me on both sides of the path, displayed in various playful poses across the lawns, instantly immersing me in a delightful panda culture atmosphere.

Hai Hai

Xiao Liwu

One of the park's stars is "Xiao Liwu," a panda that returned from overseas. Its every movement captivated the attention of visitors. Relaxed on the grass, it leisurely chewed on fresh bamboo or gazed into the distance, its adorable demeanor bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

"Not long ago, two visitors specifically came to the Jiawuhai and Panda Park just to see these pandas. They stayed for three days because of their deep love for these animals," shared Du Xiaoming, Deputy Director of the Jiawuhai and Panda Park Management Office. "The cool weather in Jiuzhaigou encourages pandas to spend more time playing outdoors, giving visitors more opportunities to see them. In the future, we’ll add more trees and swings to the outdoor areas to improve the pandas' living conditions."

It is learned that there are 31 wild pandas in the Jiuzhaigou region, with 22 of them living near the park. "Recently, some visitors even spotted a wild panda by the roadside as they were leaving the mountains," Du Xiaoming added with a smile.

This nature reserve is also home to a wide array of other adorable creatures. It houses 170 species of vertebrates from 47 families, including 26 species under national protection. In addition to the giant panda, other inhabitants include golden monkeys, takins, white-lipped deer, snow leopards, clouded leopards, and the red-crowned crane.

Golden monkeys [Photo by Liu LangTao]

Squirrel

While researching Jiuzhaigou travel tips online, I came across a short video of a tourist who had unexpectedly captured footage of a Eurasian otter in the park. In the video, the small creature elegantly glided through the crystal-clear waters, earning its reputation as the "ballet dancer of the water."

Otter [Photo by Cheng Long and Liang Feng]

With streamlined bodies and sleek, silky fur, Eurasian otters are natural swimmers, their webbed toes acting like built-in fins for seamless movement through water.

Mallard duck

Jiuzhaigou is also a heaven for mallard ducks. These ducks can be seen leisurely drifting across the water, diving in search of food, or playfully interacting with their companions. Occasionally, they simply float on the surface, closing their eyes to bask in the sunlight and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Jiuzhaigou, the wonderland,  has nurtured a remarkable array of wildlife. This place is not only a treasure trove of natural beauty but also a biodiversity paradise. In this wonderland, these creatures coexist in balance and harmony, forming an essential part of Jiuzhaigou’s delicate ecosystem.（By Fan Yiling and Yang Wenhan）