It seems many tour operators promoting the region after the suucess of return of condor heros played by Huang xiaoming and Liu yifei,
Is it beautiful place and is it worth the trip?
I went a few years back one summer. My verdict is 'not worth going' if you reason is because your are tempted by the promotional brochures. It was very very crowded - worst than Suntec City during weekends.
This is close to winter time and there is little water to fill the lake compared to during Spring time so you may be quite disappointed by the low water level of the lakes and the trickling flow of waterfalls.
However, my most memorable experience was the food provided by the canteen - it was worst than swill!!
Awesome place. I have been to many many places in China, but so far the most memorable is Jiu Zhai Gou.
If you like great scenery and nature, go Jiu Zhai Gou. If you like shopping, go Shanghai.
p.s. I went during winter, there was snow everywhere. Not many people at all unlike some other seasons.