Huanglong Scenic Area
Huanglong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and “Fairy Land on Earth,” is a 700 km² wonderland of tiered travertine pools, snow-capped peaks, and virgin forests in Sichuan’s Minshan Mountains. Revered for its otherworldly calcium-carbonate formations—including 3,400 multicolored pools—the valley earns its name (“Yellow Dragon”) from a golden-hued travertine ridge snaking through the landscape. At 3,900m above sea level, it’s one of the world’s highest alpine wetlands.
Historical Overview
Inhabited by Qiang and Tibetan communities for centuries, Huanglong became a nature reserve in 1982 and a UNESCO site in 1992. Its isolation preserved Tibetan Buddhist sites like Huanglong Temple (built in 1368). Post-2017 earthquake restoration (¥220 million invested) rebuilt boardwalks and stabilized slopes, reopening 95% of trails in 2021. The valley’s ecosystems now support 2,100 species, including the endangered Snub-Nosed Monkey.
Structural Layout
The valley spans three zones:Yulongfoo Trace (Entrance Zone): A 3.6km path with interpretive signs and a gondola station.
Travertine Pool Zone: 3.5km of cascading pools, including the iconic Five-Color Pond.
Primordial Forest Zone: 4.1km of ancient cypress forests and alpine meadows.
Key structures include:Huanglong Temple: A 14th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
Five-Color Pond Observation Deck: A wheelchair-accessible platform overlooking 693 pools.
Xishen Cave: A 20m-deep limestone cave with stalactites.
Major Attractions
Five-Color Pond: A 3,600m² pool system with algae-dyed hues (gold, green, blue).
Golden Sand Pavilion: A Ming Dynasty watchtower with valley views.
Disputed Sword Pool: Legend says a god dropped his sword here, creating a 12m-deep sinkhole.
Moon Waterfall: A 40m-wide travertine cascade resembling a crescent moon.
Bamboo Lane: A 1.5km path through arrow bamboo groves (home to pandas).
Snow Treasure Mountain: A 5,588m peak reflected in the ponds at dawn.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Gondola → Five-Color Pond → Huanglong Temple → Disputed Sword Pool → Gondola Exit
Highlights: Iconic pools, temple visits, and gondola views.
- Extended Route (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Bamboo Lane → Moon Waterfall → Xishen Cave → Primordial Forest → Five-Color Pond
Highlights: Wildlife spotting, forest bathing, and ancient caves.
- Photography Route (Full Day):
Sunrise at Five-Color Pond → Golden Sand Pavilion → Moon Waterfall → Sunset at Snow Treasure Viewpoint
Highlights: Golden-hour lighting and reflection photography.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Huanglong’s official website or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the Gondola Station (8:00 AM–4:00 PM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (June–September): ¥170 (adults), ¥85 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (October–May): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
High-speed train: Chengdu East → Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou Station (about 1.5 hours by train) → Huanglong (about 1 hour by shuttle bus)
Long-distance bus: 8–9 hours
Self-driving: About 6 hours
Best Time & Tips
Peak Season: Mid-October (fall colors) and May–June (wildflowers).
Avoid Crowds: Enter by 8:00 AM; post-2 PM crowds thin.
- Essentials:
Oxygen cans (altitude sickness is common).
Waterproof hiking boots (pool edges can be slippery).
Binoculars for golden eagles and blue sheep.
Prohibited Items: Drones, smoking, and touching the travertine formations.
Huanglong Scenic Area Scenic Spots Guide
