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Jirisan National Park

Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) is in South Gyeongsang, South Korea.

Understand
Jirisan National Park is the largest – and perhaps most famous – national park in South Korea. It spans three provinces: South Jeolla, North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang and is 1,915 m above sea level. Within the park is Jiri mountain, which is considered one of the three holy mountains on the Korean peninsula.

The literal meaning of Jirisan Mountain is 'the mountain of wise people'. In the past, many hermits entered Jiri Mountain to train their minds. Their population was enough to influence the name of the mountain.

It offers some of Korea's best hiking and is the beginning of the Baekdu Deagan (백두대간) Ridge, the "spine" of Korea, which extends all the way to Baekdusan (백두산) on the border of China and North Korea. The park has 12 peaks over 1,000 m with a 40 km ridge. The highest peak is Cheonwangbong (1,915 m), which is South Korea's second largest mountain.

Until now, it has been listed as Korea's top five famous mountains, and the Korean Peninsula's top five famous mountains, and in 2021, a drama titled this mountain was aired.

History
Jirisan Mountain (hereinafter referred to as Jirisan) has long been a sacred place of national faith that has been worshipped by Koreans.

Jirisan has long been called one of the three sacred mountains along with Geumgangsan and Hallasan.

Jirisan became Korea's first national park in 1967.

Landscape
Jirisan National Park spreads over 320 km². Numerous peaks are folding out like a screen in the center with the Cheonwangbong (1,915 m), Banyabong (1,732 m), and Nogodan (1,507 m) peaks. Many valleys are situated between the over 20 ridges. Jirisan is the cause for the cultural differences and varieties between regions to its east and west.

Jirisan National Park and the surrounding area are divided into metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian period, igneous rocks of the Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era, and the fourth base layer.

In the middle of the Jirisan area, porphyry granite is distributed, and granite gneiss is distributed around the center.

The attractions where you can observe the geological characteristics of Jirisan National Park in detail are the area between Baemsagol Valley and Piagol Valley, the Cheonwangbong area, and Nogodan area.

Flora & fauna and climate
Continental climate is present in Jirisan National Park with strong winds along the mountain ridges.

With 4,989 flora and fauna inhabiting its grounds, Jirisan is a treasure chest of nature. Various vegetation from warm-temperate forests and temperate central forests to cold forests populate jirisan.

The flagpole species of Jirisan are Asiatic black bear and Korean Winter Hazel. Asiatic black bears used to live throughout Korean territory in the past, but they have become endangered due to hunting and habitat destruction. For them, Jirisan has provided a habitat for bears for the Asiatic Black Bear Ecological Restoration Project since 2004.

According to a survey by the Korean Ministry of Environment in 2011, Jirisan has a total of 7,500 species of life, including 1,500 plants, 122 species of wild birds, 24 species of mammals, 10 species of amphibians, 10 species of reptiles, 42 species of fish, 5,000 species of insects, and other creatures. It is the most diverse wild place in South Korea. Among them, four rare species animal are Asiatic black bear, Yellow-throated marten, otter, and Pteromys volans (a flying squirrel).

Get in
Jirisan is best accessed by car or bus. From Busan many buses depart from Seobu Terminal: two buses daily to, four buses daily (two in the early morning) to , and one every other hour to. From there local buses can take you (almost) to the entrance of the park.

These cities can also be reached from other cities like Jeonju, Gwangju, and Daegu.

By plane
The closest airport to Jirisan is Sacheon Airport.

Sacheon Airport is not directly connected to foreign countries. You can only depart from Gimpo Airport and Jeju Airport in Korea. The average price of a plane ticket is around ₩90,000, and discount sales are frequent for regular seats. It is important to note that there are many days when it is not operated. It is recommended to check the flight schedule before the travel schedule.

The Jungsan-ri Exploration Information Center, the closest starting point to Jirisan Mountain from Sacheon Airport, takes about 50 minutes by car.

If your Korean is good, it is one way to find out the products of Korean travel agencies.

Since a few years ago, some Korean travel agencies have been selling one-day climbing tour packages to Jirisan Mountain via Sacheon Airport. Considering ticket prices and travel costs, which often change the market, such tourism products may be able to travel cheaper than ordinary travel expenses.

However, the schedule or route is fixed, so if you want to travel freely, make your own plans.

By train
The train station that is close to Jirisan and has high convenience is

Gurye-gu Station is located on the west side of Jirisan Mountain, so you can easily get to the starting point of Hwagyesa Temple and Nogodan Route.However, in order to do so, buses and taxis must be used continuously.

The railroad passing through  Gurye-gu Station is a railroad that departs from Seoul, passes through Daejeon and Jeonju, arrives at  Gurye-gu Station, and then heads to Yeosu Expo Station. So other cities are hard to access by train.

Once you arrive at Gurye-gu Station, you can take a bus to Gurye Bus Terminal from the bus stop you can see as soon as you get out. It takes about 10 minutes, and the fare is ₩1,000 ~ ₩1,500.

 * Seoul Station -> Gurye-gu Station (KTX) There are two departures every day at 07:05 and 16:38. Average operating hours are 2 hours and 34 minutes. The price is ₩41,800 for a regular seat.
 * Seoul Station -> Gurye-gu Station (Namdo Marine Train 2521) Departures at 8:06 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It's hard to make a reservation on the Internet for regular seats.
 * Yeongdeungpo Station –> Gurye-gu Station (Mugunghwa Train) Departures every 05:57, 12:08, 14:13, 15:26, 19:25. Average operating hours are 4 hours and 20 minutes. The price is ₩23,200 for a regular seat.
 * Yeongdeungpo Station –> Gurye-gu Station (South Sea Train 2521) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, at 8:19 a.m. It's hard to make a reservation on the Internet for regular seats.
 * Yeongdeungpo Station –> Gurye-gu Station (ITX-Saemaeul) Departures every 08:55 and 16:47 each day. Average operating hours are 3 hours and 50 minutes. The price is ₩34,500 for a regular seat.

By bus
If possible, call ahead or visit any local tourist information to determine the bus schedule for those cities. The return directions behaves similarly.
 * It is located in the southwest of Jirisan. Bus terminals connected here include Seoul Nambu Terminal, Gwangju Terminal, Jeonju Terminal, Daegu Terminal, and Suncheon Terminal. If you depart from the Seoul Nambu Terminal, there are buses almost every 1 to 2 hours between 06:40 and 19:30. It takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The price is ₩27,600.
 * Baekmu-dong Terminal is located in the northeast of Jirisan. The Baekmu-dong Exploration Support Center, the starting point for hiking, is right in front of it, and there are many restaurants and accommodation nearby, making it convenient. This is one of the best starting points to go to Cheonwangbong Peak. There is a bus coming here from the Seoul Nambu Terminal every 19:40 minutes.  It takes about 4 hours and 5 minutes. The price is ₩34,500.  There are many buses coming here from Dong Seoul Terminal. It leaves every two hours.  It takes a long time because there are many other stations that stop in the middle. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. The price is ₩35,000.
 * Only the Dong Seoul Terminal is connected to Nogodan Terminal. It takes about 5 hours. The price is ₩36,200. A bus departing from Dong Seoul Terminal at Gurye Public Bus Terminal shortly before arriving at Nogodan Terminal to receive additional passengers. This is only available on-site issuance, so reservations cannot be made on the Internet.
 * It is a small bus terminal. Intercity buses connected to Jeonju run three times a day. In addition, city buses connected to nearby areas such as Inwol, Unbong, Namwon Station, and Dalgung visit three times a day.
 * In addition, consider any buses going to Hadong, Namwon, Hamyang, Sancheong, or Jinju, wherever your starting point, and take another local bus from there. Buses from the nearby cities usually run pretty regularly, but some routes stop earlier than others. The bus from Hadong for Ssanggyesa leaves at 08:00, 09:15, 12:40, 14:00 and 15:50 and comes back at 09:10, 10:15, 15:00, 16:35, 17:00 and 18:45.

Fees and permits
There can be a fee for visiting the local heritage sites (₩3,500) which are part of the national park, e.g., when coming from Gurye. If you are convincing enough to explain that you are just visiting the national park or just overstrain the entrance post by just speaking English, they might opt for not forcing you to pay this fee.

Get around
Inside Jirisan National Park, a three-way intersection national highway crosses.

The southwest path of three-way intersection is Nogodan-ro, the north path is Jirisan-ro, and the northwest path is Jeongryeongchi-ro.

The name of the road is Nogodan-ro in the southwest of three-way intersection, Jirisan-ro in the north, and Jeongryeongchi-ro in the northwest.

It is about 21 km from the southwest to the north.

There are and  where you can rest in the middle of the road, of which Seongsamjae Rest Area is a good starting point for hiking.

There is also a rest area on Jeongryeongchi-ro.

There is a section with a village around Jirisan-ro, a road in the north, and there is Baemsagol Public Bus Terminal, and Dalgung Valley, one of the tourist attractions of Jirisan.

If you exit by a small road called Wawun-gil near Dalgung Valley, you can get close to Baemsagol Valley.

By car
People usually visit Jirisan Mountain for the purpose of hiking, but this national road is also a drive course where you can enjoy Jirisan quickly. The roads are well organized, but they can be somewhat inconvenient due to height and flexion

The 9 km from Cheongeunsa Temple in the south of Nogodan-ro to Seongsamjae Rest Area is a popular driving course when flowers bloom.

By train
Namwon, one of the cities across Jirisan, is promoting the "Environmentally Friendly Transportation System Project for Mountains." In 2026, Mountain electric trains for tourism will be operated in Jirisan.

See
There are 10 representative natural scenery attractions officially established by Jirisan National Park.

And there are seven temples.
 * Nogodan at Jirisan, Korea 03.JPG
 * . 60 meters high and 3 meters wide. It is the largest waterfall in Jirisan. The hiking course that goes through here is easy. 2.4 km from Ssanggyesa Temple, the road consists of gentle slopes and cool forests, so you can enjoy easy hiking. This place is so cool that it is good to visit in summer.
 * It is a hiking trail between Seseok and Jangteomok. There are many fragrant flowers, and Giamgoeseok (strange rocks and bizarre stones) are covered with colorful moss exist everywhere. When the clouds pass by the peak here, you can feel the mystery of coming to the ancient East. It is a good course with a good view and many grasses and birds.
 * One of the three major valleys in Korea. It starts in the northwest of Cheonwangbong Peak and leads to Imcheon. It is easy to climb from the ground to Yongso or Biseondam, but the way to Cheonwangbong Peak beyond Biseondam is the most difficult hiking course in Jirisan. because this course's slope is 60 to 70 degrees and even slippery. Therefore, it is recommended for beginners to stay and enjoy at below here. The area around Chilseon Valley is rugged. Therefore, the scenery is sharp, so it is good to see, and it is also a place with a primeval forest.
 * Hwaeomsa Tempel Jirisan.jpg
 * . 60 meters high and 3 meters wide. It is the largest waterfall in Jirisan. The hiking course that goes through here is easy. 2.4 km from Ssanggyesa Temple, the road consists of gentle slopes and cool forests, so you can enjoy easy hiking. This place is so cool that it is good to visit in summer.
 * It is a hiking trail between Seseok and Jangteomok. There are many fragrant flowers, and Giamgoeseok (strange rocks and bizarre stones) are covered with colorful moss exist everywhere. When the clouds pass by the peak here, you can feel the mystery of coming to the ancient East. It is a good course with a good view and many grasses and birds.
 * One of the three major valleys in Korea. It starts in the northwest of Cheonwangbong Peak and leads to Imcheon. It is easy to climb from the ground to Yongso or Biseondam, but the way to Cheonwangbong Peak beyond Biseondam is the most difficult hiking course in Jirisan. because this course's slope is 60 to 70 degrees and even slippery. Therefore, it is recommended for beginners to stay and enjoy at below here. The area around Chilseon Valley is rugged. Therefore, the scenery is sharp, so it is good to see, and it is also a place with a primeval forest.
 * Hwaeomsa Tempel Jirisan.jpg
 * Hwaeomsa Tempel Jirisan.jpg
 * Hwaeomsa Tempel Jirisan.jpg
 * Hwaeomsa Tempel Jirisan.jpg

Do
The most scenic hike is the one between Hwaeomsa and Jungsan-ri, about 38 km including Cheonwangbong peak. It can be done in 3 days and 2 nights. Jangteomok, Seseok, Byeoksoryeong and Nogodan shelter are of high standard, only Yeonhacheon shelter is a little older. This track potentially allows for a hike down to Sanggyesa.

A full list of all available routes can be found on the official website.

A very good map is available on the Korean park website.

Here are some easy hiking trails at Jirisan National Park.

Climbing to Nogodan Route

It is a 4.7-km hike from Seongsamjae Rest Area to Nogodan. It takes an hour by one way.

The easiest course to climb Nogodan, one of the three major peaks of Jirisan. In spring and summer, azaleas are full of gentle slopes. You can easily see the beautiful scenery of the alpine region. This course consists of a flat road as a whole, so it is also recommended for beginners of mountain climbing. As you go up to the top, the style of the surrounding natural scenery gradually changes to suit the highlands. Perhaps because of its popularity, it is the route that is suffering from concerns about environmental pollution and damage.

Road to Buril waterfall

It is a 4.8-kilometer hike from Ssanggyesa Temple Visit Support Center to Bulil waterfalls. It takes three hours one way. It is close to the village and the altitude is low in the park, so it is very easy to enter.

An easy course consisting only of gentle slopes and cool forest roads. It is a refreshing course that comes back after enjoying the cool water breeze of Bulil Falls, which arrived through the cool forest. The Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in mid-April, and the Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival in early May, so you can enjoy twice as much if you visit around this time. It is a way to enjoy the beauty of nature whenever you come during the four seasons.

Jungsan-ri (Kalbawi) Route

It is the fastest way from the parking lot in Jungsan-ri to Cheonwangbong Peak, the highest peak of Jirisan. It takes about 5.4 km to hike and four hours on a one-way.

It's easy to start from Jungsan-ri parking lot. It is a representative hiking trail of Jirisan Mountain, where you can visit temples in a spacious 8 hours round trip. You can see a beautiful rocky landscape that is considered a specialty, and if you visit Beopgyesa Temple in the middle of the course, you can see Korea's national treasure and the three-story stone pagoda. It is recommended to start early in the morning to become a leisurely course that conquers and descends from the top.

Buy
There are often small canteen in the mountain cabin and at the starting point of hiking.

That sells instant rice, water, portable butane gas, tissues, head lanterns, gloves, raincoat, crampon, chain crampon, bandages, postcards, batteries, and sleeping bags. Sometimes this is not guaranteed.

Also, the mountain cabin on the mountain does not have enough electricity supply.

So the microwave oven in the cabin is only works 17:00–20:00.

Eat
You have to mostly cater for yourself along the tracks.

Drink

 * Water – Fresh water springs are relatively consistent along the trails. The mountain water is filtered through granite and is safe to drink, according to every Korean voraciously drinking it. Beware that some trail maps mark water springs that do not (or no longer) exist. Have an extra full bottle just in case.
 * Tea – The area, specifically Hadong, is known for green tea. Shops and stores around Jirisan usually sell tea leaves by the bag. If you are a true tea fanatic, come in May for the Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival.

Connect
Mailbox Some evacuation centers, including the Jangteomok evacuation center, have mailboxes in the yard. Staff at the National Park Service, who work in the shelter, regularly deliver letters from the mailbox to the regular post office.

Writing a letter as a souvenir and sending it through the mailbox here is also a tourist factor.

Korea National Park Service

It controls Korea's national parks, including Jirisan Mountain.

If you are willing to visit Jirisan, make sure to check for mountain climbing information and reservations.

Useful contact numbers are as follows:

 * Police, ☏ 112.
 * Fire Department, ☏ 119.

Sleep
Camping and evacuation centers can be booked on the Korea National Park Service site.

Lodging
You also have the option of staying at a mountain shelter (hut). See the following list for options:. Reservations must be made in advance via the park website or through email: yhg2006@knps.or.kr You also need to send the fees in advance; this can be done at any Korean bank. During non-busy periods, two days notice is sufficient. However, the spots fill up fast during holiday weekends, so try to plan ahead. In emergency cases (e.g. if you are a foreigner not proficient in Korean), especially in non-busy periods, shelters can be booked and paid for on site or at the park entrance. This, however, is unofficial. Fees for the shelter are ₩12,000–13,000/adult, depending on time of the year and specific shelter. The person who made the reservation must bring his ID. When there are many visitors, mountain cabin managers allocate rooms by dividing the men and women of the visitors. There is no bed and sleeps on the floor with built-in heating. Due to insufficient electricity supply, the entire building is turned off at 20:00. Except for the staff office.
 * On the mountainThe only place where you can sleep legally on the mountain and in the hiking trail is a mountain cabin (shelter) operated by the National Park Service.

 * Aroun and in the National ParkThe small villages near the park entrances offer various lodging options. You can bet on finding a minbak (room rental) for a somewhat reasonable price.

Camping
There are several campgrounds at various locations. Fees are minimal (₩1,600–2,000/adult) and reservations are not necessary. Consult the park website (see lodging chapter) for specific campground locations.

Backcountry
Camping is forbidden within the boundaries of the national park, except on designated camping grounds. Throughout the park, signs are posted giving warnings of a ₩500,000 penalty for violations. Hike to your heart's content, but laying down to sleep is a risk. For those of you considering sneaking off trail and pitching a tent illegally, be careful about snakes and bears.

Stay safe
Bring appropriate shoes, gear and clothes. In winter the temperature along the ridge can be far below 0 °C and the strong wind adds an additional burden. Crampons can be useful, but considering that also in winter the tracks are very busy, most of it will be cracked up properly by other people's crampons, leaving enough powder to cope easily with proper hiking boots with ankle protection. Most of the huts are heated, but even then it might not be enough for a good night sleep. Consider bringing a good sleeping bag (-2 °C) in winter. There are also blankets available for rent for ₩2,000. Since you will sleep on the floor, you might want to bring a self-inflating mattress.

Sign
There are "multi-purpose location signs" installed throughout the trail. This sign is marked with a unique number.

The unique number describing the current location consists of two letters and four numbers. Under the unique number, the altitude of the current location is written in meter.

It also has the number of the National Park Office managing Jirisan Mountain and the call number of the rescue team (119). If you are in distress, injured or in danger, call here.

If you tell the rescue team the unique number on the multi-purpose location sign, the rescue team will go there.

Don't delay the call for help if you've detected danger when the sudden deterioration of the weather makes it difficult to maneuver, when you're lost, when the sun goes down without reaching a safe place, and so on.

Admission control
Jirisan has control time for mountain climbing. If a violation is detected, a fine of up to ₩500,000 must be paid.

Each control place (mainly the starting point of climbing) can only pass for a certain period of time, and other times are not allowed to pass due to safety considerations.

 * Winter (November to March): Admission time: Ssanggyesa Temple (04:00–12:00), Uishin Village (04:00–12:00), Samjeong Village (04:00–14:00), Baekmu-dong (04:00–14:00), Chusung Village (04:00–13:00), Jungsan-ri (04:00–14:00), Georim (04:00–14:00), Cheonghak-dong (04:00–14:00), evacuation center (04:00–14:00), evacuation center, and evacuation center (04:00–13:00)
 * Summer (April to October): Entrance time: Ssanggyesa Temple (03:00–13:00), Uishin Village (03:00–13:00), Samjeong Village (03:00–15:00), Baekmu-dong (03:00–15:00), Chusung Village (03:00–16:00), Jungsan-ri (03:00–15:00), Georim (03:00–15:00), Cheonghak-dong (03:00–15:00), Samjangso (03:00–14:00), evacuation center, evacuation center (03:00–14:00), evacuation center (03:00–14:00)

In addition, the National Park website orders mountain climbing control in consideration of weather and natural disasters. You can check it on the site, but make sure to refer to the website before hiking.

title: Jirisan National Park


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Jiufen

Jiufen or Jioufen (九份; Jiǔfèn), historically spelled Chiufen, is a small town in Northern Taiwan. It's a must-visit for any Studio Ghibli fans who will find many of its streets familiar from the movie Spirited Away. A long standing rumour suggested that Jiufen was the inspiration for the film, but its director Hayao Miyazaki has firmly denied this.

Understand
Jiufen was a prosperous gold mining town until the digging stopped in the 1950s. It then went into sharp decline. However, its quaint streets, tea houses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean saved it from becoming yet another anonymous mining ghost town. Jiufen is now a popular escape from the capital for those eager to relive scenes from the past. It has provided the setting for several period movies, including Hou Hsiao-hsien's A City of Sadness, which won the Golden Lion award at the 1989 Venice Film Festival.

By train and bus
From Taipei, take the train north to Ruifang. Buses to Jiufen and Jinguashi leave from a stop a little away from the train station exit: turn left on the busy street in front of the train station, cross to the opposite side of the street and keep walking straight ahead for 200 m until you pass a police station. The bus stop heading to Jiufen and Jinguashi is located a little past it. Then take the Keelung bus 788 (every 20-30 minutes, NT$15, 15-minute ride) or bus 1062 to Jiufen. On their return journey the buses use the same number, and stop in front of the train station square. Another option is to take the 856 bus (also known as the Golden Fulong Shuttle Bus). You may purchase a one-day pass (NT$50) for unlimited rides for that day, or pay per trip (adults at NT$15, students at NT$12, and half-price at NT$8 per section). The 856 bus makes stops at a number of tourist attractions including Jiufen, the Gold Museum, and the Golden Waterfall.

From Taipei, take a train to Keelung, then Keelung bus 788 (every 20-30 minutes, NT$30, 45 minute ride) to Jiufen and Jinguashi. This bus passes through Ruifang. In the weekend bus 788 passes by the National Marine Museum of Science and Technology, the end station for the NMMST-Ruifang-Pingxi tourist train line.

Not all buses show the correct route information or have bilingual signs, or are able to adhere to a strict timetable during peak and off-peak hours. On Saturday and Sunday only public buses and cars can enter Jiufen and Jinguashi. Private tour buses, minibuses, vans must park at designated parking lots, which are served by free shuttle buses.

By bus
From Taipei, take the Highway Bus (Coach) 1062 (90 minutes, NT$102) operated by Keelung bus, from Songshan station (MRT Songshan Exit 2). Make sure to have the exact fare or an Easycard. There are great views of the valleys below on the left-hand side of the bus as it ascends from Ruifang to Jiufen. On days when the bus is likely to be crowded, the bus will fill up there and may not accept other passengers from the first stops.

In lieu of queueing in Songshan, also, consider taking the same bus from the first stop in MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing (Exit 2). Meanwhile, there might have maxi cabs soliciting for car-pooling with a premium of NT$200+/person; however, please note these ride-share services are illegal since not have hire permits, and may not have the necessary protection since the insurance would very likely be invalid in such circumstances.

Alternatively, the New Taipei City Bus 965 (65~90 minutes, NT$90) would rather be the choice for those who stay in West Taipei, operated by Taipei Bus Co., also runs an entire premium coach fleet. The route briefly stops at MRT Fuzhong (Exit 1) and NTPC Banqiao Bus Terminal (Platform 2)/ MRT Banqiao (Exit 2) in Banqiao; and Wanhua Railway Station, MRT Ximen (Exit 2, 150m walk) and MRT Beimen (Exit 2) in the old midtown (Chengzhong) for the downtown area, then dashing across the motorway to reach Ruifang, Jiufen and Jinguashi. The route map is also available here.

Get around
The town of Jiufen is built into the side of the hills slightly inland from the Pacific Ocean coastline. The main area of interest to visitors are the town's historic commercial district which is covered by two pedestrian streets: Jishan Street (基山街), Qingbian road which runs along the ridge line and Shuqi Street (豎崎路), actually steep steps which run up and down the slope of the hill. The area is small enough to cover on foot.

Eat
There are numerous things to eat in Jiufen. Fishball soup, yuyuan (taro balls), dumplings served hot or cold with sweet red beans, nuts and mochi are all widely available. The sheer number of restaurants can be a little overwhelming though.

Drink
Jiufen boasts numerous teahouses that offer great views over the Pacific Ocean.

Sleep
The town does not have any hotels, but there are several small guest houses that are identifiable by characters "住宿" ("lodging"). Most tourists, however, stay in Taipei or Keelung and just visit Jiufen for a day trip.

Go next

 * Jinguashi - Former gold mining town, now a mountains-meets-ocean picturesque get-away. See the Gold Museum (NT$80), the Crown Prince's Chalet, and other sights. Or follow numerous hiking trails. Take the Jiufen bus (NT$50) to the end of the line, then take another bus (NT$21) from in front of the pavilion next to the 7-Eleven at the Jishan Street entrance. You can also take bus 856 (adults at NT$15, students at NT$12, and half-price at NT$8 per section) from Jiufen to different attractions in Jinguashi.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Jiufen


text:
Jiujiang

Jiujang (Jiǔjiāng 九江; Nine Rivers) is a famous city in Jiangnan with a history of more than 2200 years. It was one of China's three major tea cities and four major rice cities.Changjiang, Beijing-Kowloon Railway is the intersection of two major economic development zones. It is one of the first five cities in China to open up along the Yangtze River to the outside world.

By rail
Jiujiang sits on the Beijing-Kowloon Railway line.

Trains coming and going from other directions include: K726 - Kunming (Yunnan) - Harbin (Heilongjiang) (01:13)

K1664 - Yingtan (Jiangxi) - Kashgar (Xinjiang) (23:55)

K754 - Shanghai - Pingdingshan (Henan) (23:23)

K724 - Kunming (Yunnan) - Nantong (Jiangsu)

Z296 - Ganzhou (Jiangxi) - Baotou (Inner Mongolia) (23:40)

Z308 - Xiamen (Fujian) - Beijing west  (00:54)

K134 - Shenzhen west (Guangdong) - Lanzhou (Gansu) (00:33)

Climate

 * Jiujiang City is a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, mild climate, abundant light, abundant heat and abundant precipitation.The average annual temperature is 16~17°C; the annual rainfall is 1300~1600mm, of which more than 40% is concentrated in the second quarter; the annual frost-free period is 239~266 days, and the annual average fog day is less than 16 days.

Talk

 * Jiangxi dialect generally refers to the Chinese dialects distributed in Jiangxi Province, excluding the dialects distributed under the minority languages in Jiangxi Province. Gan dialect area is distributed in the areas around Poyang Lake, central, west and northwest Jiangxi, and most areas of eastern Jiangxi and northeast Jiangxi also belong to Gan dialect area. Gan dialect area and population account for two-thirds of the province, there are 61 counties and cities. Ganzhou City, Shicheng county, Ningdu County, Xingguo County, Yudu County, Ruijin County, Huichang County and other counties also have towns and villages using Gan dialect. Hakka dialect is concentrated in the south of Jiangxi, and in the Tonggu area of northwest Jiangxi, Hakka dialect is also spoken.

See

 * Stone Bell Hill，Stone Bell Hill, known as "China's first mountain of ancient strange sounds",is located in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, Hukou County, the old city,the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake intersection.Stone Bell Hill 61.8 meters above sea level, relative height of about 40 meters,an area of 0.2 square kilometers.It is named after the mountains, rocks, water and stone fight each other, striking the sound of a bell.
 * Lushan， Lushan, also known as Kuangshan, Kuanglu, is located in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, Lushan City.Wuyuan Poyang Lake, south of Nanchang Teng Wangge, west of Beijing-Kowloon Railway, north of the Yangtze River,standing on the middle and lower plains of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake,about 25 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide.An oval, typically barricaded mountain.庐山.jpg
 * Nanshan Park， Nanshan Park The total land area of the park is 69.12 hectares,of which 47.71 hectares are built in the west side of the mountain,7.55 hectares are built in the center square of the mountain,cultural and leisure square, civic service center, cultural exhibition center and music fountain.
 * Boyang Lake (PoYangHu), Located in Jiujiang, Nanchang and Shangrao,it is the largest freshwater lake in China and the second largest lake in China,after Qinghai Lake.Boyang Lake plays a huge role in regulating the water level of the Yangtze River,conserving water sources,improving the local climate and maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding areas.

Buy

 * 鄱阳湖候鸟 (11540326233).jpg
 * 鄱阳湖候鸟 (11540326233).jpg
 * 鄱阳湖候鸟 (11540326233).jpg
 * 鄱阳湖候鸟 (11540326233).jpg

Eat

 * Osmanthus tea cake is a traditional Han nationality spot in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province.Osmanthus tea cake is golden yellow, thin as paper, with "small and fine, thin and crisp, crisp and sweet, fragrant and beautiful" characteristics.

Connect

 * Fire alarm number 119
 * Police phone number 110
 * Emergency hotline 120

Go next
Nanchang

jingdezheng

Pingxiang (Jiangxi)

Xinyu

Ganzhou

title: Jiujiang


text:
Jiuquan

Jiuquan (酒泉; Jiǔquán) is a city in Gansu Province, best known as the home of China's human spaceflight program.

Understand
Subei Mongol Autonomous County is administered as part of Jiuquan.

By plane
The nearest airport is Jiayuguan International Airport in Jiayuguan.

By train
There are two railway stations in Jiuquan:

By bus

Some possible destinations:
 * Xining - night bus, takes 11 hours
 * Jiayuguan - local bus, takes 20 minutes

Go next

 * Dunhuang
 * Guazhou
 * Jiayuguan
 * Zhangye

title: Jiuquan


text:
Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve

Jiuzhaigou (Chinese: 九寨沟 Jiǔzhàigōu, Tibetan: གཟི་རྩ་སྡེ་དགུ།) is a nature reserve in the north of Sichuan province in southwestern China. It is officially known as Jiuzhai Valley in English. It is known as the habitat of giant pandas and for its many multi-level waterfalls and colorful lakes. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

After closing for two years due to a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2017, the park reopened to visitors in late 2019.

Understand
Jiuzhai Valley (Jiuzhaigou) is a major feature of the Sichuan Scenic Area, 350 km north of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Jiuzhaigou is at the northeastern end of this scenic area in the Min Shan mountains. It is part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. The main scenic area stretches 80 km (50 mi) long in the form of a letter Y comprising of three main valleys - Shuzheng, Rize and Zechawa covering 720 km² (278 mi²) and offering stunning views of lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. The name means "Valley of Nine Villages", derived from the 9 ancient Tibetan villages that call it home. Today, 7 of those 9 villages are still inhabited by ethnic Tibetans, while the remaining 2 have been abandoned. Its highest point is 4,700 m (15,420 ft) above sea level, with the main sightseeing areas between 1,980 m and 3,100 m (6,500-10,170 ft).

History
The remote region was inhabited by various Tibetan and Qiang peoples for centuries, having been part of Kham province of the former Tibetan Empire, but was not officially discovered by the government until 1972. Extensive logging took place until 1979, when the Chinese government banned such activities. The area was made into a national park in 1982. An Administration Bureau was established and the site was opened to tourism in 1984. Layout of facilities and regulations were completed in 1987. The site was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

The desire to balance environmental protection and mass tourism has become an increasingly acute challenge for park management. Exploitation of natural resources for financial gain in the form of mass tourism is the utmost priority.

Landscape, geology and hydrology

Jiuzhaigou's landscape is made up of high-altitude karsts shaped by glacial, hydrological and tectonic activity. It lies on major fault lines on the diverging belt between the Tibetan Plateau and the Yangtze Plate, and earthquakes have also shaped the landscape. The rock strata is mostly made up of carbonate rocks such dolomite and tufa, as well as some sandstone and shales.

The valley includes the catchment area of three gullies (which due to their large size are often called valleys themselves), and is one of the sources of the Jialing River, part of the Yangtze River system. The area covering 720 km² (278 mi²) of the Minshan mountains provides the catchment for the water system of Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou's best-known feature is its dozens of blue, green and turquoise-colored lakes. Originating in glacial activity, they were dammed by rockfalls and other natural phenomena, then solidified by processes of carbonate deposition (travertine). Jiuzhaigou's water has a high concentration of calcium carbonate, making it so clear that the bottom is often visible even at high depths. The lakes vary in color and aspect according to their depths, residues, and surroundings.

Flora and fauna
The park is the natural habitat for two of China’s most treasured endangered species – the Giant Panda and the Sichuan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (金丝猴). However, due to the park's size and the number of tourists, the chances of seeing them are slim. About 20 pandas reportedly live within the boundaries of the park. There is probably higher chance of seeing them in Zaru Valley, the valley dedicated to eco-tourism. In the main valleys you are more likely to see other creatures including birds (140 species have been recorded here), insects and fish.

Despite all the lakes in the park, Jiuzhaigou is amazingly free of mosquitoes.

Nearly 300 km² (115 mi²) of the core scenic area is covered by virgin mixed forests. The flora changes greatly with altitude. In the lower regions of the valley, grasses and reeds abound. These are quickly replaced by bamboo forests which in turn give way to deciduous trees and conifers at the upper end of the valley. Beyond them the rocky slopes and snow-capped peaks of the Min Shan range dominate the view.

Climate
The scenic area of the park is at a height of between 2,000 and 3,000 m (6,562-9,843 ft). In summer the winds blow predominantly from the south and in the winter from the north. The summer months are most pleasant time to visit the park. Umbrellas and wet weather clothing as well as sun protection and hats are highly recommended as the weather at these altitudes can be fickle.

By road
The main departure points for a visit to Jiuzhaigou are Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi'an. Although Jiuzhaigou is only around 350km from Mianyang, and 460 km from Chengdu (as the crow flies), the journey takes between 8 and 11 hours due to the winding mountain roads through some spectacular scenery along the valleys of the Fu or Min rivers. Many tour companies break the journey into two components with overnight stops either at Mianyang or Maoxian.

The bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou can take 7-11 hours.

If the area has experienced heavy rain, the mountain road to Jiuzhaigou may be closed. This can mean that there may be a delay as traffic backs up to wait for the road to reopen. In extreme cases, the road may not reopen at all, meaning that the bus and its passengers will have to spend the night in Dujiangyan, trying again in the morning. If you are travelling during these conditions, you may have to be very flexible with your itinerary.

From Mianyang an early morning start gets you to Jiuzhaigou township in time for dinner and the Tibetan cultural show (¥120-320). The route initially follows the deep valley of the Fu river then over Longmen shan (Dragon gate mountain) to Qingchuan and Wenxian before reaching Jiuzhaigou County Town nestled in the valley of the Baishui river. The mountain and river views make even the journey a worth while tourist experience.

Public Bus services are available from the Xinnanmen and Chadianzi bus stations in Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, with 2 or 3 departures from each station daily depending on demand. Ticket price is approximately ¥110-145.

There are daily buses to the park from Songpan, and Huanglongsi National Park.

Taxi: if there are a few people, it may make sense to charter a taxi. Fares of ¥600-700 to Langmusi have been reported. It is also reportedly possible to take a taxi from Chengdu for around ¥1200, which is probably cheaper than flying for 3 people and much more comfortable than a bus.

By train
High speed trains run from Chengdudong (east) railway station to Zhengjianguan in about 1.5 hours. From Zhenjianguan railway station, it takes another 3 hours by bus to reach Jiuzhaigou.

The high speed railway line will eventually be extended to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station (former Chuanzhongsi Railway Station) shortening the subsequent bus trip to 2 hours.

By plane
Flights between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Huanglong airport are available on Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, South China Airways and China Eastern. As of 2013 direct flights are also available from Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Hangzhou on various airlines. Jiuhuang airport is about a 1.5-hour drive from the park entrance. This can be done by taxi or mini-bus. Taxis charge a fixed rate of ¥260 during the day, and ¥360 at night. The airport shuttle bus costs ¥50 per person, with a counter right after the baggage reclaim, but stops running around 18:00. Minimum number of passengers for the bus is 10, but if there are at least 4 passengers turning up at the same time, they might pool all of them into a single taxi for the price of the shuttle bus.

Most visitors access Juizhaigou by road.

Fees and permits

The Jiuzhaigou Administration centre contains the Ticket Office.

The park is open May 1 – November 15: 07:00-19:00, and November 16 – April 30: 08:00-18:00.

Peak season is from April 1 to November 15, and off-peak is from November 16 to March 31.

Entrance ticket (Sep 2022):
 * Adult: Peak ¥220, off-peak ¥80
 * 60 to 69 year olds: Peak ¥110, off-peak ¥40
 * Over 70 year olds: free
 * Student (school or undergraduate) with ID and Handicapped: peak ¥110, off-peak ¥40
 * Children under 6 years old or under 1.2 m: free

Second day ticket:
 * During the off-peak season the second day ticket costs ¥20 if purchased on the first day.

One-day bus ticket: Bus tickets are not mandatory. Many people choose to buy one as it is over 30 km from the entrance to the top of the park. There is a sign inside the park saying that if you then decide you want to buy a bus ticket inside you have to pay ¥140.
 * Peak ¥90, off-peak ¥80, children under 6 years old or under 1.2 m free. Children must get a free ticket from the ticket office.

It takes around three hours to walk from the park entrance to Nurilong waterfalls if you are fit and healthy. Two days in the park, one day on the bus to see the upper parts and one to walk to the lower parts is a good compromise if you have the time.

In the dry season (February) many of the wooden trails in the park are closed and marked as fire hazards. It is possible to walk on the roads in the park although there are some signs saying this also isn't allowed. The only other option is to bus around the park.

Get around
There are plenty of taxis in Jiuzhaigou. There are also mini-buses (they really are minivans) to the most popular tourist destinations in the Jiuzhaigou region. Car rentals are also available and range from ¥500-900 per day.

Perhaps the easiest way to get around without a tour guide is using one of the "self service travel websites" that are really popular with young Chinese tourists who are not looking to travel with a tour group. Unfortunately for people who cannot search the web using Chinese characters (pinyin does not work very well) these sites are near impossible to find. On these sites you can buy tickets to local cultural events, arrange for pick up service, rent cars, arrange for tour guides, and finding Tibetan local host families for a cultural experience. However, they are extremely hard to find with names that are usually just strings of letters and numbers like cq966.com. The mentioned website is actually ran by locals attached to Chang Qing (长青) hotel - one of the two hotels (other is the Sheraton) with the most credibility among tour guides within Jiuzhaigou proper. You can email these websites in English or contact them through MSN and they will be able to respond. Most local hotels are also good sources for advice on how to get around Jiuzhaigou but only a few speak languages other than Tibetan and Chinese

Inside the park
For environmental protection reasons, no personal transport, not even bicycles, are permitted within the park. However, with a bus pass you can take a bus to all of the sites within the park. Your pass gives you access to an efficient hop-on hop-off bus transport system. Every few minutes a bus will come to a site to pick up passengers. The buses are frequent and sometimes crowded during the peak season, running from early morning until the park closes. Don’t miss the last bus or you must walk out! When entering the park you will be herded effectively and politely into one of the many queues waiting for transport. Once in the system you are a free to move within the park and see whatever you want. An effective way to use the system is to take the bus to the head of Rize valley and walk back towards the entrance and Administration building. Walking is a great option in the park, as wooden-plank trails wind through the lakes and forests. It is best to combine walking with taking the bus as the park is quite large and you won't be able to cover enough ground on foot. The park officials herd people out from the upper parts of the park well before the official closure time (from about 16:30).

Around the local area
Public buses run from the centre of the town to Chengdu, Huanglong, Chadianzi, Jiangyou and Songpan. For up-to-date bus schedules and travel options from Jiuzhaigou the best place to check is the Jiuzhaigou official website

From Chengdu the public bus costs between ¥110-145 and takes around 10-13 hours.

See and do

Jiuzhaigou is all about seeing! The colours of its lakes, trees and mountains are breathtaking and defy adequate description. The altitude changes within the valley to create continual variations of flora, which give each lake and waterfall a unique quality.

Although Jiuzhaigou is a great place to visit at any time of the year Spring and autumn are best. Winter provides many magnificent sights with frozen lakes and waterfalls, but the day temperatures are very low and accessibility by road is neither easy nor guarantee-able. Summers can be slightly crowded with beautiful sunshine in the early parts and it often rains in July and August. The fresh air and lack of humidity make it a great break from the city. Autumn is, in many opinions, the pick of the seasons. From late September through October to early November the colour contrasts of red and gold leaves set against the greys of the Bamboo forest and the dark greens of the conifers provide the perfect backdrop to the blue, cyan and vivid greens lakes.

Jiuzhaigou has some 114 Lakes and waterfalls. Here are a selection of scenic locations to visit:

 * Long Lake is at the head of the Zechawa valley. At an altitude of 3,060 m (10,039 ft) this is the biggest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou. The lake has a surface area of approximately 30 km² (12 mi) and an average depth of 44 m (144 ft). On clear days its dark wooded hillsides and blue waters are viewed against the backdrop of the 5,000 m (16,404 ft) snow capped Min Shan mountains. This lake has no major inflow and receives its water from underground sources. The local Tibetans have their own name for this lake, which translates, to “The Lake that never dries out.” Take the bus to the Long Lake and Jade Colored Pool because it is too far to walk to.
 * Five Color Pool also known as the Jade pool, is a small lake of 5,600 m² (60,000 sq ft) at an altitude of 2,995 m (9,826 ft) and with an average depth of 6.6 m (21.5 ft). It is fed by underground streams from Long lake. Although small this lake must be rated as having one of the most varied and intense colour ranges of Jiuzhaigou and should not be missed.  The lake systems in the lower parts of Zechawa valley are seasonal and are often dry in summer. Walkways are provided from Long Lake to a bus pickup point just passed the lower seasonal lake.

 * Grass Lake at 2,910 m (9,547 ft) is the highest lake in the Rize Valley. The valley here is narrow and steep. The lake was formed as a result of an ancient mudflow about 10,000 years ago and travertine sedimentation. The lake is shallow with large evergreen grassy beds.
 * At an elevation of 2,905 m (9,530 ft) Swan Lake is surrounded by high rocky cliffs that drop vertically into the lake. The lake takes is name from large numbers of migratory swans that visit it each year.
 * Arrow Bamboo Lake is the first of the deep lakes. Set at an altitude of 2,680 m (8,793 ft) and 6 m (20 ft) deep it has a surface area of 170,000 m² (1,830,000 sq ft). An unusual characteristic of this lake is that it never freezes even when the Panda Lake 100 m (328 ft) lower is completely covered in snow and ice. The lake is surrounded by Bamboo groves and together with the Panda Lake.
 * Panda Lake has an average depth of 14 m (46 ft) and as its name implies is in the heart of panda country. This 90,000 m² (969,000 sq ft) lake at 2,590 m (8,500 ft) altitude is surrounded by bamboo forests and a mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland. This vivid green lake becomes a feast of colour in the autumn. The lake is home to many small and curious Songpan Naked Carp that gather in large numbers when a leaf or pebble falls into the lake. The fish are protected and must not be fed by visitors.
 * Water exits Panda Lake via the spectacular  Panda Falls. These narrow falls have a drop height of 120 m (393 ft) and cascade down to the “Five Flower Lake” over a series of travertine terraces. A well-maintained wooden walkway allows visitors to descend beside the falls providing a unique way of seeing the spectacle.
 * Five Flower Lake at 2,472 m (8,110 ft) and just 5 m (54 ft) deep is referred to as the soul of Jiuzhaigou. Its shallow cyan coloured waters provide the visitor with an outstanding display of is bottom sediments containing trees, bushes, and leaves in great array. Its waters drain via the peacock riverbed, claimed locally to be the shortest and most beautiful river in the world, to one of Jiuzhaigou’s most appealing waterfalls. The “Pearl Shoal Falls”
 * Pearl Shoal and Pearl Shoal Falls are best viewed by taking the walkway. This takes visitors across the “Golden Bell Lake” and “Pearl Shoal” down the left side of the falls then across the base of the Falls to “Mirror Lake”. The shallow waters rush over the 160-m (525 ft) wide travertine shelf called” Pearl Shoal” creating a noisy bubbling cascade which from a distance looks like a shawl of pearls draped across the hillside. The falls have a drop height of 21 m (69 ft) and are 162 m (532 ft) wide providing a spectacular display.
 * Mirror Lake is so named because of its ability to reflect the images of the surrounding mountains and forests. The lake at an altitude of 2,410 m (7,907 ft) is in a sheltered section of the valley running east west which produces its glassy reflective surface.The Lake was featured in the Zhang Yimou movie Hero.  The outflow of “Mirror Lake” is through the “Rize Gully” a travertine ramp of small ponds and natural bonsai trees and bushes that lead directly to one of the great sights of Jiuzhaigou. The Nuorilang waterfall.

 * The Nuorilang Falls are situated, at an altitude of 2,365 m (7,760 ft), at the junction of the Zechawa, Rize and Shuzheng valleys. Best viewed from the Shuzheng valley road the 250-m (820 ft) wide veil of water flows out of the thick shrubs and bushes of Rize Gully to drop 24 m (79 ft) into a small ravine below the road.
 * Rhinoceros Lake at 2,315 m (7,696 ft) and with a surface area of some 200,000 m² (2,153,000 sq ft) is the largest lake in the Shuzheng valley, and also the deepest with an average depth of 12 m (39 ft). The lake derives its name from a legend that tells of a monk from Tibet riding a rhinoceros. When the monk came to this lake he was so entranced with the local scenery that he accidentally rode his rhinoceros directly into the lake.
 * Shuzheng Village bedecked with prayer flags, is one of the nine Tibetan villages that give Jiuzhaigou its name. Situated above the Shuzheng Lakes it is easily accessed from the roadway. Here you can visit a traditional Tibetan home and drink “Yak Butter tea“. The steep main street is lined with shops selling trinkets, Tibetan artifacts and souvenirs.

 * Shuzheng Lakes and waterfalls are at 2,215 m (7,268 ft) the lowest series of lakes in Jiuzhaigou; Spread across the valley this series of small lakes and waterfalls cascade down the lower valley and drain directly into Baishui Jiang.

The last three features are the Sleeping Dragon Lake, Reed Lake and Bonsai beach. Sleeping Dragon Lake contains a large travertine shelf that extends across the floor of the lake. Locals say it looks like a sleeping dragon and that the head and tail seem to move as the wind ripples the lake surface.

To make the most out of your one day in the valley, buy the ticket at 07:00 and take the bus up the right fork to Primeval Forest. Walk the trail around the forest then walk the forest path down to Swan Lake. It is advisable then to bus down to Arrow Bamboo Lake and then walk all the way down to Nuorilang. Have your lunch and bus up the left fork to Long Lake and walk down to Five Colour Pool. Subsequently, bus down to Nuorilang and walk till the Bonsai beach before taking the bus to the entrance.

Buy

There are lots of Tibetan trinkets sold as souvenirs. There is a shop next to the entrance which sells a good collection of postcards and reading materials about the park itself.

Eat
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Park in China does not mean it is fully decked out for non-Chinese visitors. There is a centrally located, sort of a HQ area with a restaurant serving buffet lunch. Typically Chinese stir-fry dishes. At the entrance, there is a Chinese fast food outlet serving fried chicken, and vendors selling ramen and other types of instant noodles.

As the local residents are predominantly ethnic Tibetans, Tibetan cuisine is widely available in the villages. Look out for Tibetan specialities such as butter tea and yak meat.

A one-day stock of muesli bars and a flask of tea or coffee would help, especially if you plan to take in all the heavenly sights on foot, through the wooden planked pathways. In autumn and spring, the temperature is suitable for resting along the wooden plank path while having a nice warm drink while you wait for the lighting to be just right for your next photo shoot.

 * The food and drink in the reserve is very expensive (dish of rice about ¥30, noodles ¥15, small bottle of water ¥5) so it's a good idea to obtain supplies in the shops outside before you enter.

Drink
There are many areas to drink. You will find one of the best local Tibetan tradition is to drink Tibetan butter tea. There is a surprising amount of bars available on bian bian jie (边边街) which is one of the most famous cobblestone roads in China.

Sleep

Despite whatever they tell you, lodging in the park is illegal.

Lodging
There are no hotels or commercial accommodation within the park. It used to be possible to stay at the home of a local villager for a small fee. The authorities however do not approve of the practice and as such it is not recommended.

There are now a number of 5-star, 4-star and 3-star hotels and cheap hostels just outside the park.

The price for a 5-star hotel such as the Jiuzhaigou Xilaideng International (Sheraton) is from ¥600-1,000.

For 4-star hotels like Chang Qing binguan (长青宾馆), the Geshang hotel, the Chinese Travel hotel, and the Golden Harbour Hotel room prices are from ¥400-900.

A 3-star hotel such as the Xing Long binguan (鑫隆宾馆), Qianhe Hotel, is from ¥300-800.

A lot of the hotels have different level "rooms" within the hotel which are priced accordingly. Thus you see a great deal of price ranges within the same hotel.

Prices vary according to the season and booking in advance is essential.

There is one authentic homestay (others are "Tibetan themed" often outside owned) run by a local family a 15 mins drive from the park entrance. They do not have a website but they can be contacted by emailing jiuzhaicooking@gmail.com@undefined. There are also two hostels in the immediate area.

There are a number of cheap hostels to the west of the park entrance. You should be able to get dorm rooms for around ¥35 and double bedrooms for ¥100.

Angelie Hotel in Peng Fend Village, about 15 minutes from the park entrance is recommended (Wi-Fi, hot water, nice English-speaking staff, tours, car sharing).

Uncle Jiang's family house, Peng Feng Village, Jiuzhaigou Park Entrance. They have free pick-up and offer packed lunches (sandwiches) for ¥20.

Using the local travel websites will allow you to purchase price for cheaper, kind of how the aggregate websites will allow you to get a room for cheaper. However, they are pretty hard to find unless you search with Chinese characters.

There is lodging in the villages along the street outside the park entrance. For budget travelers the best option is the Jiutong Bingguan (九通兵官) next to the bus station. Touts crowd around arriving buses and can lead you to alternative budget options.

Camping
Hiking and camping are available within the Zaru Valley of the national park. Zaru Valley has an amazing 40% of all the plant species in the whole of China and if you are to see any of the wildlife of the national park, this represents the best chance. The main hike is a 3-day hike, following the pilgrimage of the local Bebbo Tibetan Buddhists around the 4,500-m (14,764-ft) Zhayizha Ga Mountain.

Stay safe
The highest tourist destinations reach heights above 3,100 m (10,170 ft) and altitude sickness is a possibility.

In the winter months the park is extremely cold and it is necessary to dress warmly. In the bright winter sunshine, though you can strip down to a t-shirt, but in the shade you'll need to layer up again.

Chinese tourists dread standing in line and there is a lot of pushing and shoving getting on and off buses. Make sure you don't get pushed in front of an oncoming bus. Crowded trails can also be dangerous and if you walk on the edge of a path it is likely a shoulder or elbow with push you off. To really enjoy your time in the park you should walk on the trails on the opposite side of the lakes from the roads. These trails have considerable less tourists and you can really experience the serenity of the national park there.

English is not widely spoken in Jiuzhaigou.

Go next
Every day buses go to Songpan at 07:20 and take two hours, Chengdu (10 hours) and Huanglong National Park. Bus times vary from time to time. It is best to keep an eye on the Jiuzhaigou website for up-to-date times.

title: Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve


text:
Jixi

Jixi (鸡西; Jīxī) is a city in Heilongjiang Province in China.

By plane
You can fly in from Shanghai, Qingdao, Beijing and Harbin.

By train
Trains from Harbin take 8-11 hours and cost ¥38-215.

By bus
Buses from Harbin take about 6 hours.

See

 * Khanka Lake
 * Ussuri River
 * Zhenbao Island, Location of a border incident between China and the Soviet Union

Go next

 * Vladivostok

title: Jixi


text:
Joal-Fadiouth

Joal-Fadiouth is a city in the Cap Vert-Thies region on the western coast of Senegal.

Understand
Joal-Fadiout rests on the Petite Cote 35 km south of Mbour. The largest artisanal fishing port in West Africa resides here and provides a spectacular sight for the way fishing was done before modern machinery. While the city is usually referred to as just Joal, Fadiout is a unique and special part of the city. It is an island made primarily of sea shells and is home to most of the local Sereers and Catholics. Lastly, Joal-Fadiout is home to Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, in whom the city takes much pride.

Climate
The tourist season starts in November and goes until around April as the weather during that time is dry and pleasant. From May to October, the weather is typically hotter and once the rains start in July, very humid. Because Joal is on the coast, there is usually a pleasant breeze all the time which makes Joal cooler than most places in Senegal.

Get in
When departing from Dakar with your own vehicle, taking the route national from Dakar to Mbour, then from Mbour to Joal is very straight forward and on good roads.

Using public transport, from Dakar, the best way is taking a sept-places in garage pompiere for 2,100 CFA straight to Joal. If leaving from Mbour, the sept-places ride will cost 750 CFA. Luggage is not included with the price and will need to be haggled for. Usually large and heavy bags will cost 500-750 CFA each from Dakar to Joal.

Get around
Joal is a long town that hugs the coast. Walking the width of the town takes no more than 10-15 minutes while walking from end to end would take around an hour. The main road in Joal is where everything can be found and taxis called "klandos" can be flagged down on the road and taken anywhere along that road for 100 CFA. The klando route is the fishing port to Fadiout on the main road. If one would like to go to a special destination, most klando drivers are more than happy to negotiate a price to go there.

See
In Joal there are a couple very interesting things to see. First, upon entering Joal, there is the artisanal fishing port which is a magnificent sight during the mornings and evenings when most boats bring in their catches. The organized chaos makes for an interesting visit along with the ability to purchase different types of fresh fish. The best hours to visit are around 09:00 and 18:00 when fishermen are coming back.

Another sight is the house where Leopold Senghor grew up in. As Senghor is revered for being the first president who set a tone for stability, it is a great visit to make. The house contains a bit of history as to what Joal was like during the colonial times and a family history of the Senghor family.

Fadiout is the main attraction in Joal where tour operators in Senegal stop on their circuits. It is recommended to take a tour as the guides are professional, but it can be done alone. First off it has a large, well built bridge leading to the city and another to their cemetery. The island itself is build primarily on sea shells from years and years of harvesting. The cemetery also is covered in sea shells and is a unique visit as Muslims and Christians are buried near each other which is a rare occurrence in the world. Fadiout also has some granaries that are kept between the cemetery and the city that is now unused, but is now a World Heritage site.

Lastly, just outside of Joal, towards Palmarin, is the grand baobab that is rumored to be the biggest in Senegal. It's quite large and can even be crawled inside though watch out for the bats.

Eat and drink
There are many places to eat in Joal from street sandwiches and rice shacks to hotel restaurants. Most local places can be found walking down the main road in Joal where there will be a “Resto” or “Fastfood” sign painted on the place. For places to eat that are well equipped and frequented more often by tourists are:

Tel: +221 77.437.72.73
 * Le Finio This restaurant is inside the hotel which is near the bridge that leads to Fadiout on the southside of town. It is frequented most often by visiting tourists and makes great food. A normal meal will cost around 3,000 CFA not including drinks. Tel: +221 33.957.61.12
 * Diam Rekk Part of the hotel and located right behind the Total gas station on the southern part of town, it's one of the best places to eat. It is frequented the most by educated locals due to its great environment and non-tourist prices plus their hamburgers and schwarma’s are excellent. A meal here can cost around 1,000 to 2,000 CFA depending on what one orders. Tel: +221 33.957.61.30
 * Le Murex on Fadiout next to the bridge that leads to the cemetery. It’s one of the local favorites for the Sereers. A meal will usually cost 2,500 CFA for fish or pork and 3,000 CFA for chicken plates.
 * La Taverne du Pecheur Another great restaurant in Joal, this one is right next to the bridge leading to Fadiout, overlooking the mangroves and Fadiout. It’s a tourist favorite and is the only place that offers pizza’s which can even be delivered anywhere in Joal –Fadiout or Mbodiene for an additional fee. It has a charming atmosphere, great food and has the largest menu in Joal. Meals here will run around 3,000 CFA for their main plates and 3,700 CFA for pizzas. Tel: +221 33.957.68.43

Sleep

 * Le Thiouraye This small lodge is placed in a quieter, older part of town right across from the mangroves. The place has 3 available rooms with bathrooms thatcome with fans or can be upgraded to air conditioning. A small eating area situated right next to the mangroves is a perfect place for those who would like to spend some relaxed time next to nature. A shop can also be opened to browse some artisanal goods, allowing one to skip the hassles of street vendors. Breakfast, lunch and/or dinner can be added to the room for an additional fee. For those who are on a budget or want a place a less western, this is the place. Rooms start at: single 10,000 CFA, double - 15,000 CFA, triple - 20,000 CFA. Meals are around 3,000 CFA per person. E-mail: layethiouraye@hotmail.fr. Tel : +221 33.958.29.46 or +221 77.515.60.64
 * Le Paletuvier The only hotel on Fadiout makes this place hard to beat for those that want to experience Fadiout. This place is on the edge of the island facing the mangroves making for a pleasant place on the shell island. There are a variety of services available with their restaurant, bar and tours of the mangroves with even a lunch included if needed. Each room comes with fans and breakfast and additional meals can be added to the room. This place is perfect for those who want to experience Fadiout and enjoy the hospitality of the Sereers. Rooms start at 7,500 CFA per person. Meals cost around 3,000 CFA. Mangrove tour: 10,000 CFA for 1 to 4 people without lunch. Tel: +221 33.957.62.05
 * Diam Rekk The Diam Rekk or “Peace Only”, is a great place to eat and spend the night. It’s a local favorite and also a place for ex-patriots who come through the area as the bar and restaurant is excellent. Rooms are available with fans or A/C and bathrooms come standard. The hotel is situated towards the southern part of town but near the street so for those who want to wander around, town, this is a good spot. Rooms, up to 2 people, start at 12,500 CFA with fans, or 20,000 CFA with A/C.  Meals cost 1,000 to 2,000 CFA. Tel: +221 33.957.61.30
 * Le Finio This hotel is near the bridge that goes across to Fadiout. This place is popular for tourists who come through Joal and is a great place to eat or have a drink. There are many rooms available that come with bathrooms and fans. They have several amenities available for tourists and even a small conference area for a quick meeting. The staff is professional, friendly and is well acquainted with tourists. The Agence de Tourism for guided tours of Fadiout is right next door so if Fadiout is your main interest, le Finio is a great hotel to choose. Rooms start at: small – 6,500 CFA per person, large – 9,500 CFA per person. Meals cost around 2,800 CFA. Tel: +221 33.957.61.12
 * Joal Lodge This trendy lodge is fantastic for travelers wanting a smaller but well kept place to stay. It has single, double and quadruple rooms available with A/C and bathrooms being standard. Along with a restaurant, there is a small pool area on the ground floor and a sun bathing deck on top of the restaurant that also has a shower to cool off if the sun is too hot. The hotel is designed spectacularly with white sea shells to walk on instead of dirt. As a bonus, breakfast comes with the room and additional meals can be added if need be. This lodge is perfect for those who want to spend leisurely days at a small hotel in Joal, next to the beach. Rooms start at: single: 20,000 CFA, double: 25,000 CFA, quadruple: 35,000 CFA E-mail: joallodge@gmail.com. Tel: +221 33.954.82.48 or +221 77.590.79.09
 * Hotel de la Plage  on the quieter southern side of town right on the beach, this hotel has great rooms, a pool, bar and a restaurant. There are several room combinations that can hold 2-5 people comfortably and private bathrooms. Fans and breakfast are also included and it’s possible to add additional meals. For beach walkers, walking south along the beach is clean and hassle free. Peaceful, relaxing and comfortable are three words that can describe this place. Rooms start at: double 25,000 CFA, triple 28,000 CFA, suite: 42,000 CFA. E-mail: reservation@hoteldelaplagejoal.com Tel : +221 33.957.66.77 Fax : +221 33.957.66.78
 * Laguna Beach Club This 4-star beachside resort is outside of Joal, near the small town of Mbodiene. It is full modern resort with most amenities one could expect from a western facility. They offer tours going into Joal-Fadiout along with visiting interesting areas nearby. Whether an all inclusive vacation resort is the goal or to hold a seminar outside of Dakar while needing projectors, internet and TVs, this would be the choice. To reserve a room or inquire about pricing, one can e-mail Laguna Beach directly or through their website. E-mail: laguna@orange.sn. Tel: +221 33.957.88.11 or +221 33.957.88.02 Fax +221 33.957.88.21

Respect
The Senegalese are a very friendly and hospitable group of people. In order to continue receiving their hospital, please follow the actions listed below.

 * Always greet and ask how their day is going.
 * Never use your left hand to shake hands or give something to someone. By doing so, you would be showing a lack of respect towards the locals.
 * Never tell a Senegalese that he/she is lying even if they are.
 * Always ask for permission before taking pictures of the locals.

As a tourist, you will be asked by many people to give out money, and even if you want to, please do not give out money! By giving the locals money, you would be making the locals dependent on foreign aid instead of them working for themselves for their own livelihood. The reason the locals in Senegal always ask tourists for money is because the tourists had done so in the past. In order to break the cycle, tourists should stop giving out money.

If you really want to donate something to the community, please go to the local schools and give school supplies to the principal who will then distribute the supplies appropriately.

Go next
If heading south towards the Gambia, sept-place leave Joal's garage regularly to Mbour for CFA 750. Mbour's garage is decently sized and offers plenty of direct connections, including to "Banjul". These actually only go to the border at Karang. After crossing on foot you must take a Gambian shared taxi from the border to the ferry terminal in Barra (50 dalasi) and then the ferry across to Banjul (25 dalasi). Be very careful when changing your CFA/euros at the border, they may quote you a very good rate but then give you large amounts of 50-dalasi notes. With the way they count them out you can very easily find yourself short-changed significantly!

title: Joal-Fadiouth


text:
Joanópolis

Joanópolis is a city in the Campinas Region of São Paulo state.

Do

 * Hang-gliding
 * Hiking - The surrounding area has many nature trails for hiking.

Go next

 * Piracaia

title: Joanópolis


text:
João Pessoa

João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, is a city on the northeast coast of Brazil.

Understand
Joao Pessoa is, for its sheer size, an undiscovered paradise: There are few foreigners and lots to do.

History
João Pessoa is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, dating back to 1585. From 1634 to 1654 it was controlled by the Dutch.

Orientation
The city center grids out on a hill between a lake (lagoa) and the river. 7 km to the east, along Presidente Epitácio Pessoa, are the beaches of Tambaú (to the left as you hit the beach) and Cabo Branco (to the right), where most of the tourist infrastructure is found. The landmark and point of reference here is the Tropical Hotel Tambaú and the feirinha (handicraft market) in front of it. Further north are the less attractive Manaíra, and then the pleasant but rather deserted Bessa. The beachfront avenue has several names: Avenida Cabo Branco, Avenida Almirante Tamandaré and Avenida João Mauricio.

By plane
The airport is 25 km out of town. Uber takes you to the city center for around R$25 (May 2021). The price of a local taxi is negotiable.

For international flights or a lower air fare you may also want to consider flying to the airports of Recife, Natal or Maceió. From there you can take an intercity bus or shared ride with Blablacar to João Pessoa. The taxi price from the Recife airport is negotiable.

By bus
From Recife, Campina Grande and Natal you can take the intercity bus or Blablacar. From Campina Grande the only bus company which offers this route is Real Bus.

From Praia de Pipa there are only Blablacar rides.

João Pessoa's long-distance bus station is in spot in the center. To get to the beach of Tambaú, cross the road and enter the urban bus terminal to catch number 507, 510, 511 or 513 "Tambaú" or "CABO BRANCO" R$4 (May 2021).

Get around
Uber and 99 Taxi are available.

See
The centre of João Pessoa is worth a day's stroll for its historic buildings, a growing number of which are being restored. There are numerous signs indicating the tourist trail:
 * One of nicest churches in all of Brazil, the Igreja do São Francisco, built from 1589 to 1779, is on the north end of the city center. Its mixture of architectural styles is a fascinating reflection of the colonial empires at the time: the walls of the exterior courtyard, done in Portuguese azulejo tiling, are topped by curiously oriental-looking lion statues, while the church itself is a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, and French styles and the dome shows influence from Goa. The ceiling features a 40-m-wide mural, and the interior is inhabited by lots of bats.
 * Uphill from the railway station is the old main square with its massive former post office, the Teatro Santa Rosa and the Policia Militar headquarters.
 * Pretty much on top of the city is Praça João Pessoa, with its government buildings.
 * Tribunal de Justiça
 * Ponto de Cem réis
 * Estação Ciência
 * Jardim Botânico (Botanic Garden)
 * Ponta do Seixas is the easternmost mainland point in the Americas (only a part of Greenland is further east), at 34°47'38" west longitude and 7°09'28" south latitude. There is a monument to mark the spot, as well as an odd lighthouse designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and it has a sweeping view of the Atlantic. Ponta do Seixas is south of Cabo Branco beach, and accessible by city bus.
 * Estação Ciência
 * Jardim Botânico (Botanic Garden)
 * Ponta do Seixas is the easternmost mainland point in the Americas (only a part of Greenland is further east), at 34°47'38" west longitude and 7°09'28" south latitude. There is a monument to mark the spot, as well as an odd lighthouse designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and it has a sweeping view of the Atlantic. Ponta do Seixas is south of Cabo Branco beach, and accessible by city bus.

Do

 * João Pessoa is blessed with one of the most attractive urban beaches of Brazil: Tambaú and its continuation Cabo Branco to the south. Large stretches are virtually deserted, and you can walk all the way to Ponta das Seixas.
 * From the north end of the Cabo Branco beach, there are a number of boats that will take you out to Picãozinho (a reef with good snorkelling) or Areia Vermelha (a sandy patch offshore) for about R$ 25. Both destinations depend on low tide, so hours vary greatly. Drinks and snacks are sold on the boats.

Buy
In Tambaú there are several handicraft spots, notably the feirinha and some stall up Rua Sen Rui Carneiro. The biggest one is "MAP" (Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano), with 128 stores selling all about handicraft stuff.

Eat
For a quick bite, there are several hamburger stands around the lagoon.

 * Natural, Rua Rodrigues de Aquino 177. Good health food and a nice setting as well.
 * Bahamas Restaurant on the beach in Tambaú.
 * Mundial Lanches, in front of Hotel Tropical, Tambaú. Hot dogs and other quickies.
 * Mundial Lanches, in front of Hotel Tropical, Tambaú. Hot dogs and other quickies.

Drink
The densest concentration of nightlife is just behind the feirinha in Tambaú:
 * Jacarés Bar, is one of several shacks on the riverfront where weekend sunsets are accompanied with Ravel's Bolero live on a saxophone.
 * Parque Solón de Lucena is the official name of the greenery surrounding the Lagoa. Many shacks serve drinks and snacks at rock-bottom prices. Quite a party on Sundays.
 * Parque Solón de Lucena is the official name of the greenery surrounding the Lagoa. Many shacks serve drinks and snacks at rock-bottom prices. Quite a party on Sundays.

Daytime drinking is in any of the string of shacks along the beach promenade of Tambaú and Cabo Branco. A couple of these have their specialties:

Sleep
The 5-km beachfront of Cabo Branco and Tambaú is dotted with hotels of all kinds, although rock-bottom budget options are few. Off-peak discount can reach 40%. Bargain hard.

Mid-range

 * Hotel Aurora, Praça João Pessoa, 51 – Centro. Good location.

Splurge

 * Hardman Praia Hotel
 * Ouro Branco Hotel
 * Ibis

Stay safe
Although Joao Pessoa maybe considered a safe place to visit, especially in the coast bit, even in the most wealthy places (including Cabo Branco, Manaira, Tambau, Altiplano Cabo Branco, Aeroclube, Bessa, Intermares, Jardim Luna) you should not carry ostentatiously expensive watches, camcorders, iPods/iPads, or fancy mobiles, because you could get robbed even during day time. The Brazilian government advises tourists and locals not to resist, to avoid violence.

During the evening you can walk along the coast of Cabo Branco safely, but avoid dark places and make sure there are people around you. If you need to go home, get a taxi. If you go by feet even in a short distance off the coast (to the centre) it's very dangerous, especially if there is no one else in the road.

Tourists should avoid using the bus. It's not safe because it's the favourite transport to thugs, muggers and thieves and they consider tourists "easy" targets and can easily recognise someone from abroad. Many buses are robbed every month in Joao Pessoa. Usually the bad guy enters the bus like anyone else and when nobody expects, he announces the assault. The robber go one by one collecting their belongings and them leaves the bus. When the police arrives it's even more dangerous because passengers can become hostages so the mugger can leave the bus without being caught.

Don't walk around with lots of money in your pocket. Cash machines or ATMs are everywhere (prefer the ones inside shopping centres) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. But don't walk around without any money: you may need something to give to the bad guys in case you are mugged. Not having money to give a mugger can be dangerous as they may get angry and resort to violence. You could buy a small frontal unisex pouch locally called a "capanga" (which literally means "bodyguard"), normally used to carry your wallet, checks, money and car keys. There you put some money and possibly a very cheap mobile phone inside. In case of a robbery the capanga can be handed over.

If you hire/rent a car, park it in the coast. Avoid parking off the coast area and don't leave anything in the car, including the front part of your stereo. Carry it with you if you can or at least hide it inside the glove compartment. Also, before parking your car, always check to see if there is any unusual behavior (maybe in a motorbike staring at you or changing his way unexpectedly to follow you or hiding close to the dustbin/dumpster). If there is, go somewhere else and come back again in a few minutes so you can make sure it's safer.

Do not go to the Shopping Manaira by foot. The safest way is by taxi so you can go straight to the main gate. It's only safe to go by car during day time and if there is no queuing at the car park entrance. If you must go by car, go through the car park entry in front of Pague Menos Chemist/Pharmacy/Drugstore (closest entry to Retao de Manaira). There have been muggings and thefts.

Should you find yourself being mugged, the normal advice applies:

Don't resist or do anything to aggravate the muggers. Try not to stare in their faces as they might think you are memorising their appearance. Eyes to the ground is probably your best bet. Let them take anything they want (keep your arms limp). Afterwards, leave the scene quickly but calmly (don't run in panic screaming for the police). If possible, and not more dangerous, don't leave in the same direction that the muggers went.

Stay healthy
As elsewhere in Brazil, some beaches in João Pessoa are not suitable for bathing, and conditions can change from day to day. On the day of your visit, check the latest weekly beach quality report (in Portuguese, relatório de qualidade das praias) of the state's Environment Department (SUDEMA).

Cope

 * Internet at the Centro Turístico Tambau, R$ 3/hour. At the ice cream bar Pigelatti, R$ 5/hour. Next to Pousada Gameleira, R$ 2/hour.
 * Internet at the Centro Turístico Tambau, R$ 3/hour. At the ice cream bar Pigelatti, R$ 5/hour. Next to Pousada Gameleira, R$ 2/hour.

Go next
All of these places have hostels:
 * Tambaba is famed as the first regulated nudism beach in northeastern Brazil. 40 km to the south on Highway PB-008.
 * Praia de Pipa
 * Natal
 * Recife
 * Olinda
 * Porto de Galinhas

title: João Pessoa


text:
Jodhpur

Jodhpur (Hindi: जोधपुर) is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the Sun City as the sun shines (bright and hot) almost every day of the year.

Understand
Jodhpur is a historic city and the origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana.

The city was built as the new capital of the state of Marwar to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are hence also commonly called as Marwaris.

Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, because most houses in the old city are painted in shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri due to the many Brahmins that live there.

The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, a booming handicrafts industry, combine to make this historic city worth a visit.

Get in
Jodhpur is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities and towns in the country.

By train
Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Rail network. It is well connected by direct trains from all metros and major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patiala, Chandigarh, Kalka, Jammu, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

The popular Mandor Express leaves Delhi at 8:45PM and arrived in Jodhpur at 8AM the next morning (₹1,000 in AC2). Jodhpur is connected to Mumbai by daily train Suryanagari express which departs from Jodhpur at 6:45PM hours and from Bandra Terminus (Mumbai) at 1:30PM and takes 17 hours.

From Jodhpur to Agra Fort: train number 2803. Sleeper AC 3 tiers ₹500. Departure at 8PM, and arrival at 6:30AM.

The taxi stand and auto-rickshaw stand are near the exit of the railway station.

The advance reservation office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00 and on Sunday until 13:45. Foreigners can also buy Indrail passes in USD and reserve tickets at the International Tourist Bureau; this counter is located at the advance reservation office. You can also book your tickets online at IRCTC, the official booking site on the internet, from 12:30AM-11:30PM.

By taxi
Private taxi companies are available and easily found online.

By bus
Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private luxury buses which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as Ahmedabad and Delhi.

By bus
Local government-run bus services are readily available from bus stops at every single landmark for transportation. However, some people consider public transport in Jodhpur to be chaotic and only for those on a shoestring budget.

By taxi
Taxis ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis.
 * Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city.
 * Autorickshaw taxis are common in the city. But they don't use meters, so agree on a price before sitting in these taxis.
 * Ola and Uber operate in the city, apart from the old town.

By car, bicycle and motorcycle
The narrow lanes of the inner walled city of Jodhpur are best traversed by cars, but can also be explored by bicycle or motorcycle/scooter. There are many car rental companies available.

Other

 * Tongas - horse-driven carriages.

See

The name "Fort" belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja's palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day. Highlights within the palace include:

 * Chamunda Mataji Temple. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha's favourite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.
 * Moti Mahal. (Pearl Hall). Pearl-coloured inside and decorated with coloured glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen.
 * Phool Mahal. (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
 * Sheesh Mahal. (Mirror Hall). Just what the name says.
 * Zenana Deodi. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.

A number of people are employed here and there to add flavour by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they'll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted to howdahs (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry and the inevitable Turban Gallery.

Entry for foreigners is ₹600, and includes an excellent audio guide, or ₹400 for foreign students. ₹100 photography fee.

Entry to the fort is free each year on its birthday (about the 12 May), and is not as crowded as you would think.

Historical sites

 * View of ghanta ghar jodhpur.jpg
 * View of ghanta ghar jodhpur.jpg
 * View of ghanta ghar jodhpur.jpg

Do

 * Hike the wall around the city.
 * Visit the fort.
 * Wander around the market near the clock tower.
 * Wander around the market near the clock tower.

Buy

The city's main shopping area is Nai Sadak, lined mostly with sari and shoe shops and leading into Sardar Market, a bustling Indian market with a riot of sights, sounds and smells. The clocktower in the centre is a useful orientation point. Best try different shops by yourself, as rickshaw drivers and other locals will do their best to direct you into certain shops where they can earn a commission for sales; you can expect to get better prices if the shopkeepers do not have to pay a percentage to these other guys. And be prepared to spend a good hour or more in a shop chatting with the very friendly owners over a cup of masala chai. This is the true highlight of Rajasthani hospitality. You will find Rajasthan (and especially Jodhpur) to be full of amiable and kind people who will be quick to offer you chai as a symbol of genuine hospitality first and foremost (not at all significant of an attempt to coerce you to buy). It is not uncommon for them to turn their shop upside down to show you all of their goods, as many are quite proud of their business. Popular souvenirs include: There are numerous shops around town:
 * Bandhej sarees and dress material
 * Handicrafts these are handmade (made to look like old antiques), the handicraft industry is a booming industry in this city.
 * Mojris or Jootis. Shoes with a pointed front, a must-have accessory if you plan on dressing like a Rajput Maharaja.
 * Spices and tea Expect to pay ₹100-150 for each 200 g packet of spices or 150 g packet of tea. Among the highlights are the various masala mixes: different one for vegetables, rice, meat, fish, etc.; individual spices: especially cardamom, vanilla, and saffron; tea: including the cinnamon-infused Kashmiri Khawa, masala mix to add to Assam/Darjeeling, and ginger tea. Be sure to stop in various different shops as each store has their own recipe for mixing their own blend.
 * Textiles Far better prices here for rugs, scarves, duvet covers, etc. than buying in Delhi. Scarves are the top sales item with prices varying from ₹50 to ₹3,000 depending on the material (pashmina, silk, Kashmir, blends, etc.)
 * National Handloom, Nai Sadak (and ten other outlets around the city). A four-story shop easily identified by their logo of a gloriously mustachioed and turbaned man, the jumble of items inside is authentically Indian, but prices are cheap, clearly marked and hassle-free. The fourth story houses handicrafts and art, with most of the rest devoted to clothes.
 * Nitisha, Located at Rai ka bagh, Near Rajmata School. The store does ready-made garments for both men and women, silver and semi precious stone jewellery, cushions, bedsheets and bed covers, fragrances, gift items, souvenirs, candles, gift packing material, show pieces and handicrafts, gift packaging accessories. All prices are clearly marked on the items and thus there is no chance of quoting high prices.
 * National Handloom, Nai Sadak (and ten other outlets around the city). A four-story shop easily identified by their logo of a gloriously mustachioed and turbaned man, the jumble of items inside is authentically Indian, but prices are cheap, clearly marked and hassle-free. The fourth story houses handicrafts and art, with most of the rest devoted to clothes.
 * Nitisha, Located at Rai ka bagh, Near Rajmata School. The store does ready-made garments for both men and women, silver and semi precious stone jewellery, cushions, bedsheets and bed covers, fragrances, gift items, souvenirs, candles, gift packing material, show pieces and handicrafts, gift packaging accessories. All prices are clearly marked on the items and thus there is no chance of quoting high prices.
 * Nitisha, Located at Rai ka bagh, Near Rajmata School. The store does ready-made garments for both men and women, silver and semi precious stone jewellery, cushions, bedsheets and bed covers, fragrances, gift items, souvenirs, candles, gift packing material, show pieces and handicrafts, gift packaging accessories. All prices are clearly marked on the items and thus there is no chance of quoting high prices.

Eat
Restaurants as you find them elsewhere are somewhat hard to find in Jodhpur, except for around the tourist areas such as in front of the Fort. Otherwise, especially for lunch it's stand-up street food such as samosas.

Rajasthani delicacies include:
 * Mirchi Vada, Samosa and Pyaaj (Onion) Kii Kachori. These are famous Jodhupuri delicacies and here is the best place to eat this, Raju Namkeens (Manak Chowk), the Arora Namkeens, Surya, Janta, Pokar and many more.
 * Makhaniya Lassi — lassi (yoghurt drink) spiced up with cardamom and butter. Best place to have this is at the Mishrilal within the clock tower (Ask anyone there for directions.)
 * Mawa Kachori. Best place to have the same is at Chele Ki Dukaan (Jayanti Lal), Loharo ka Baas, Old City Area. Pokar sweets or Janta Sweets at Nai Sarak.
 * Panchkuta, Dal Bati Churma and Gatte ka saag. Best place to eat the same is at Bhati Restaurant behind sojati gate and Shandar restaurant opposite MG Hospital.
 * Kabuli, a rice speciality. Try at Pokar Sweets on Chopasani Road, Near Shanichar ji ka than on Saturdays.

Budget

 * Cafe Mehran, Meherangarh Fort. Simple but pleasant cafe in the fort itself, with a range of tourist favorites from pizza to burgers as well as Indian thalis. ₹60-140.
 * Gypsy, Sardarpura - fast food restaurant, quite crowded often but the food is delicious. Rajasthani thali (served upstairs) is one of the best in the city and quite cheap. Thali is ₹ 350 excluding service tax. Popular with locals.
 * Omelette Shop, (aka Garib Hotel), just outside the gates to the main square. Confusion has arisen after being listed in Lonely Planet as others shops are now claiming to be the ‘real’ Omelette Shop. 5 minutes away is another popular place, Vicky, whose omelettes are identical except for the noticeable increase in the amount of ginger. There is no place to sit, so don't come here expecting to relax with your omelette.
 * Shahi Samosas, Nai Sarak (left side just before main gate to Sardar Market). Easily spotted thanks to the never ending queue, their samosas and kachoris are made in front of your eyes with generous amounts of stuffing. ₹6-8.
 * Vijay Restaurant, Near Achalnath Shiv Temple (Aada Bazaar). Serves delicious chakki ki Sabzi, Kabuli, mouth watering signature lassi and other delicacies of Jodhpur, popular among Jodhpur locals and worth every single penny
 * Cafe Blue Restaurant, Killi Khana Chowk, Inside Clock Tower, Serves authentic Coffee varieties like Cappuccino, Americano and latte.Popular among locals and offers creative artistic ambience with paintings made with coffee.Great combination of coffee and coffee art.
 * Vijay Restaurant, Near Achalnath Shiv Temple (Aada Bazaar). Serves delicious chakki ki Sabzi, Kabuli, mouth watering signature lassi and other delicacies of Jodhpur, popular among Jodhpur locals and worth every single penny
 * Cafe Blue Restaurant, Killi Khana Chowk, Inside Clock Tower, Serves authentic Coffee varieties like Cappuccino, Americano and latte.Popular among locals and offers creative artistic ambience with paintings made with coffee.Great combination of coffee and coffee art.

Mid-range

 * Bal Samand, Balasamand Lake Palace. Outdoor dining as well as indoor dining in peaceful surroundings. Typical North Indian food. Alcoholic drinks also served. A perfect place for a quiet evening with family and friends.
 * Chilly and Garlic, Residency Rd. A nice and cozy garden restaurant. Its a small place but good service and wonderful for family outing.
 * Mehran Terrace, Meherangarh Fort. Candlelit dining with an exquisite view of the city. Thalis are ₹300-400. Book ahead.
 * On the rocks, Ratnada, a nice place with outdoor dining. It has a separate bar and good ambiance. Great food but service is quite slow.They are more inclined towards foreigners and not so much to Indians.

Drink

 * On the Rocks at Ajit Bhawan
 * Geoffrey's at Park Plaza

Connect

 * Area code: The telephone area code is 0291. If you are dialing into a Jodhpur number from outside India dial +91 291 xxxxxxx; if you are dialing into a Jodhpur number long distance from anywhere in India, prefix the area code by a 0, i.e. dial 0291 xxxxxxx; in Jodhpur just dial the 7 digit number xxxxxxx.
 * Pincode: The pincode of Jodhpur is 342001
 * WiFi: Wifi is easy to find in the tourist areas of town, perhaps more so than in other parts of India. Many restaurants and guesthouses offer it, alternatively there are multiple Internet shops that also provide Wi-Fi.
 * Google Maps: the application is quite reliable about the streets and routes of Jodhpur. Incase needed the same can also be used when in need.

Stay safe
This is a comparatively safe city, however it is advisable not to venture out late in the night alone. Only take advice on directions, travel and other things from the concierge desks at the hotel where you are staying or from some other reliable and trustworthy people. Local district administration is extremely helpful, so they too may be contacted in case the need arises.

While travelling in trains or buses, avoid any snacks offered by seemingly well meaning strangers. There have been some incidents where tourists or even locals have been drugged and robbed after consuming narcotic-laced biscuits or tea. Though the incidents of rape or sexual assault are far and few in between, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes in public places since hooligans are known to harass women. Wearing a hijab or having a male companion will avoid this.

The following numbers can be dialed from any mobile or fixed line phone.
 * Police - 100
 * Fire - 101
 * Ambulance - 102, (+91-240)-2473301, (+91-240)-2473302

Beware of touts selling rail tickets or promising reservations on trains. It is a criminal offence to buy and sell tickets except from recognized agents or the reservation offices.

Go next
You can see the neighbouring tourist destinations of Osiyan temples, Ranakpur Jain temples, Nathdwara temple, Bikaner and Deshnok, Ajmer and Pushkar, the desert city of Jaisalmer, the hill station Mount Abu, the city of lakes Udaipur or the pink city Jaipur
 * Jaisalmer - government busses to Jaisalmer run every hour from about 4:30AM to 5:30PM
 * Luni fort - about 40 km outside Jodhpur - now converted to a heritage hotel
 * Osiyan - about 60 km - Jain temples as well as Kali temples.
 * Ajmer - An ancient town, 288 km from Udaipur, famous among the spiritual and religious sects for the shrine of Khwaja Ajmer Sheriff, and the only Brahma temples by the banks of Lake Pushkar.
 * Ranakpur - Ranakpur is widely known for its magnificent marble Jain temple devoted to Lord Adinath and is a "must see", between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Easily accessed by road, Ranakpur is around 100 km north of Udaipur. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple. The temple, with its distinctive domes, rises from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there are 1008 heads of snakes and numerous tails over the head of Lord ParsvaNatha. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. The temple is designed as chaumukha—with four faces. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Jain Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos.
 * Mount Abu - A popular tourist hill station 185 km from Udaipur. highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 m above sea level. Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples especially the Dilwara Temples.

title: Jodhpur