We chose China.
Friday, July 1, 2011 at 4:06PM Jiuzhaigou National Park lies on the northern border of Sichuan Province on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The park is home to many endangered animal species including the giant panda which we saw in captivity. This part of the world is best known for dozens of stunningly picturesque blue, green and turquoise lakes often crisscrossed by ancient fallen trees. No polarizing filters were used on our hike through the magical forests with views of breathtakingly beautiful reflections and impressive waterfalls. I'd love to go back during winter when waterfalls become solid walls of ice. I cannot imagine anything more spectacular.
Our hotel during this short stay was the atrium-enclosed Jiuzhai Paradise International Convention and Resort Center, a sixty minute drive from the local airport. Best accessed by planes without broken windshields. Longer story.
Yak butter tea, not a favorite. Hikes through local remote villages definitely were.
Next stop, Beijing for a visit to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
This was our second trip to China.
Would I choose it again? Absolutely. So many spectacular spots yet to see.