Stretching over 72000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of more than 4800 m, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. Its superb landscapes are particularly interesting for their series of narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular waterfalls. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin.