The northwestern Sichuan Plateau is noted for its picturesque natural beauty. One of its best scenic areas is Jiuzhaigou, or Jiuzhai Valley, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Eulogized as a world of magical fairytales, Jiuzhai Valley has for years enchanted tourists with its mountains and luxuriant forests, colorful lakes, gushing waterfalls and abundant wildlife. In 1992, it was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.[China.org.cn]