First, the Y shape
The park is shaped like a letter Y. The lower stem is Shuzheng Valley (entrance to Nuorilang); from Nuorilang the Zechawa Valley branches northwest toward Long Lake and Five-Color Pond, and the Rize Valley branches southwest toward Five-Flower Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake and the primeval forest.
A classic one-day route
- Morning: enter and ride to the upper end of Rize Valley, then work downhill on foot through Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall — good light and thinner crowds.
- Midday: return to Nuorilang for lunch and a rest, and see Nuorilang Waterfall.
- Afternoon: ride into Zechawa Valley for Long Lake and Five-Color Pond; on the way back tour Shuzheng Valley — Shuzheng Lakes, Rhinoceros Lake, Sparkling Lake and Bonsai Shoal.
- To finish: visit Shuzheng village for the Tibetan houses and water mills, then ride out.
Route notes
Buses stop at the main sights. Up-valley buses usually do not stop en route while down-valley buses stop at each site, so riding to the top and walking down is the easiest pattern. In peak season crowds gather at the entrance and at the Nuorilang interchange in the morning — arrive early and go against the flow.
Managing your energy
There is a fair amount of walking, with elevation moving between 2,000 and 3,100 m. Wear light, non-slip shoes, carry water and a snack, and stop to rest when you feel short of breath rather than pushing on.
