Huanglong National Park is located in Songpan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, quietly lying on the southern slope of the Min Mountains, just over 100 kilometers from the magical land of Jiuzhaigou. After enduring the passage of time and a millennium of sedimentation, Huanglong National Park resembles a giant dragon clad in golden armor, stretching 3.6 kilometers and showcasing unique charm beneath the snow-capped peak of Min Mountains. The valley is adorned with milky-yellow carbonate calcium deposits, featuring three main types of karst landscapes: travertine pools, travertine terraces, and travertine waterfalls. These pools, terraces, and waterfalls cascade from top to bottom, resembling a yellow dragon.
The lake water here is crystal clear, like a vast mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees, creating breathtaking scenery. When you arrive at the Huanglong Yaochi, you will be amazed by the unique landforms. The travertine formations at the lake’s bottom create various basin shapes, like artworks on display. Under the sunlight, these travertine deposits exhibit a kaleidoscope of colors, making you feel as if you have entered a fairy tale world. In addition to the stunning lake and unique landforms, Huanglong Yaochi is also an ecological treasure trove. It is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Here, you might see playful golden monkeys frolicking in the forest and enjoy the sight of a diverse array of blooming flowers.
Main Attractions in Huanglong National Park
Huanglong Wucai Pool
The Huanglong Wucai Pool
Huanglong Wucai Pool, a treasure of the Huanglong Scenic Area, showcases the marvelous artistry of nature. Under the sunlight, the pool's waters display a spectacular array of colors. Emerald green, sapphire blue, pale yellow like amber, orange resembling ruby, and red akin to blooming cherry blossoms blend together in a stunning visual display. These colors reflect and interplay in the pool's waters, creating a dreamlike and breathtaking scene. The Huanglong Wucai Pool appears as a magical painting, drawing countless visitors who come to admire its natural beauty and wonder. Each hue radiates its own unique charm, transporting visitors to a mysterious fairy-tale world and allowing them to escape the mundane world, immersing themselves in this tranquil and enchanting landscape.
Huanglong Temple
The Huanglong Temple
Huanglong Temple, situated at the heart of Huanglong Scenic Area, is a treasure trove steeped in rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. The temple's architecture boasts a distinctive style, exuding grandeur and solemnity that seem to resonate with divine energies from the cosmos. Stepping into Huanglong Temple feels like transcending time and entering into the ancient and mystical realm of cultural heritage. Here, visitors can listen to monks chanting Buddhist scriptures, experiencing a cleansing and peaceful effect on the soul, and savoring the mysterious charm of Tibetan Buddhism. Huanglong Temple serves not only as a religious sanctuary but also as a spiritual haven, where amidst these ancient halls, one can find inner tranquility and serenity, gaining solace and enlightenment for the soul.
Huanglong Creek Valley
The Huanglong Creek Valley
Huanglong Creek Valley, a tranquil and enchanting gorge within Huanglong Scenic Area, offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. The creek flows gently, its clear waters shimmering like a mirror running through the gorge. Strolling along the valley trail, immersed in the surroundings, one can admire the breathtaking scenery on both sides of the gorge. Amidst the green mountains and waters, the valley suddenly opens up, with verdant trees casting shadows over the rippling waters, as if stepping into a fresh and beautiful painting. The gentle breeze caresses the face, bringing a sense of tranquility and joy. Walking through Huanglong Creek Valley, embraced by nature, one can feel the peace and freshness, experiencing the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture. This is an ideal place for exploration, relaxation, and meditation, where one can fully enjoy the harmony and beauty of body, mind, and soul.
The Huanglong Waterfall Group
The Huanglong Waterfall Group
The Huanglong Waterfall Group within the Huanglong Scenic Area is a concentrated showcase of natural wonders, with the most striking feature being the cascading waterfalls. High atop the mountains, the waterfalls plummet down like the Milky Way, with the rushing waters creating a stunning and awe-inspiring spectacle that seems like a charging sea of cavalry. Standing by the waterfalls, one is enveloped in a mist of water, as if walking in clouds, with the continuous roar of water enveloping the senses. Every cascade of the waterfalls possesses its own unique charm and tale, reminiscent of natural artworks that highlight the exquisite interplay between water and rock. These waterfalls are not only highlights of the scenic area but also draw countless visitors who come to marvel at the exquisite beauty of nature's craftsmanship. Here, one can feel the power and mystery of nature, and appreciate the vibrant and unbridled nature of life, offering an immersive visual and spiritual journey.
Best Time Travel to Huanglong
Summer and autumn are the best times to visit Huanglong National Park, as the water volume is abundant and the scenery is most enchanting during these seasons. In summer, the weather is pleasantly cool, with lush greenery providing shade, making it the perfect time to escape the heat and cool off. Strolling through the gorge, feeling the cool creek water on your face, and admiring the verdant forests, you'll feel like you're in a fresh paradise. In autumn, the leaves turn a riot of colors, creating a picturesque and poetic landscape, especially with the unique charm of the multicolored ponds that appear dreamlike in the fall. During this time, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural wonders, experiencing the tranquility and beauty of autumn. Therefore, choosing to visit Huanglong Scenic Area in summer and autumn allows you to appreciate the most magnificent and captivating scenery, and fully embrace the magical charm of nature.
Summer in Huanglong Autumn in Huanglong
Travel Information
Huanglong National Park's summer opening hours are from 8:00 to 18:00, with the last entry at 16:30.
Tickets: 170 yuan, uphill cable car 80 yuan, electric bus 20 yuan. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially the electric bus tickets. Advance purchase is available 2 days prior, with a daily limit of 5000 tickets. The daily number of visitors entering the scenic area is around 20,000.
Notes for Visitors
Safety Concerns: During your visit, prioritize safety by adhering to park regulations and local customs. Exercise caution, especially in mountainous areas and near waterfalls.
Environmental Conservation: Please maintain cleanliness within the scenic area by properly disposing of trash. Respect natural surroundings and cultural heritage; refrain from vandalism or defacement.
Time Management: Huanglong Scenic Area is extensive; plan your itinerary in advance to fully experience key attractions and performances.
Booking Considerations: July is peak tourist season; it's advisable to book accommodations and transportation early to avoid availability issues.
Altitude Sickness Prevention: Huanglong is located at a high altitude; visitors should be mindful of altitude sickness. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and acclimatize gradually to reduce discomfort.
Attire Recommendations: Due to varied terrain, wear comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking and hiking.
