Sichuan's Hidden Gem: Exploring Shenxianchi, the 'Mini Jiuzhaigou'
2026-07-21 10:50:19 by Jay Voss
In summer, a visit to Jiuzhaigou County offers more than just Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong—Shenxianchi (Fairy Pool), nestled deep in Dalu Township, is an unmissable pristine hidden gem. On June 26, a delegation from the Fourth Jiuzhaigou International Eco-Cultural Tourism Season inspected this lesser-known, restorative destination as part of their curated route tour.
Shenxianchi is located in Dalu Township, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It lies within the core zone of Jiuzhai National Forest Park, approximately 40 kilometers from the main Jiuzhaigou scenic area, or about a 1.5-hour drive. Locally, it is known as 'Nen'en Sangcuo' meaning 'the bathing place of fairies'.
The site is often described as a condensed version of 'Jiuzhaigou + Huanglong': it features milky-white travertine terraced pools reminiscent of Huanglong, alongside crystal-clear, deep alpine lakes akin to those in Jiuzhaigou, all surrounded by primeval fir forests. Liantai Colorful Pools represent the most densely concentrated travertine area, where interconnected pools vary dramatically in terrain and display vivid, shifting hues, resembling gemstone lenses dropped by fairies. The Fairy Pool—also known as 'Nen'en Sangcuo'—boasts a striking azure bottom, exuding serene elegance and said to be where fairies once bathed. Qinglong Lake and Shenwa Lake are tranquil and deep blue, their mirror-like surfaces perfectly reflecting the surrounding dense forest.
For those with extra time, a side trip to Baihe Golden Monkey Valley is recommended. Home to over 1,700 wild Sichuan golden monkeys, the valley often offers sightings of troops foraging and playing at dawn or dusk, displaying endearing antics. The scenic area also includes an educational exhibition hall and study-travel routes, making it ideal for family summer outings.
This summer, visit Jiuzhaigou County—immerse yourself in the cool mountain wilderness and step into a vibrant 'oil-painting world'.
【本文部分内容由AI辅助生成,特此声明。The author(s) generated part of the content in this work with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), which is hereby declared.】

