• Huanglong

• Name in Chinese characters: 黄龙
• Name in Pinyin: Huánglóng
• 

  General Overview

  Until the most recent visit, our introduction to this site used to read:

  Huanglong is the under-rated neighbour to Jiuzhaigou, probably because it is smaller and requires more effort to see. That can be a good thing for those who prefer to enjoy nature - how shall we put it? - more naturally.

  That was before:

  

  Fortunately, the cable car has been positioned with good sense, away to the left of the valley such that there is still a walk in but, now, one that it pretty much horizontal and therefore accessible to a wider range of people.

  

  In 1992 the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List

  Attractions For Visitors

  The main attraction is the series of clear pools (technically known as 'travertine' pools) that cascade down for some 7.5 kilometres. These have been formed by mineral deposits over the ages which, being stained with a distinctive yellow, lead to the local name.

  Visitors may also enjoy the two structures within the valley. There is a Chinese Temple at the top and visitors are permitted inside. The Tibetan Temple lower down is older but out of bounds to the general public.

  Every year, from the 13th - 15th of the sixth lunar month, there is a fair at the Huanglong Temple. This fair is thought to have been held since the temple was founded in the Ming Dynasty (with only a few years missed, those being during the anti-religious periods of the last century).

  

  The surrounding peaks are also very impressive and make for an ideal backdrop. The one directly up the valley is the Jade Peak of Xuebaoding, which is the tallest of the Minshan mountain range.

  The protected area around the public site contains a wide range of wildlife. Unfortunately, visitors are unlikely to see the large mammals but should see plenty of colourful and active birds.

  The following China Journey includes the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area:

  Beyond Chengdu: Mountain Splendour

  
  
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• Current Comments

  4 comments so far (post your own)

  Claire
  
  Most visitors focus on the pools, the coloured water and dams, but, yes, anyone with an interest biology could get a bit closer. From memory there were plenty of lichens at the margins, and there is probably plenty of insect life there too

  Posted by China Journeys on Sun 13 May, 2012

  The high concentration of minerals in the water would suggest that the streams are sterile. It would be interesting to view the local flora and fauna to see how they have adapted to this hostile environment.

  Posted by ClaireVM on Thu 10 May, 2012

  Hi Aaron
  
  It is closer to Songpan, so arrange your trip from there. Most hostels in town will arrange a one-day return trip
  
  For those flying in it makes sense to see Huanglong on the arrival day before transferring to Jiuzhaigou for a full day (or days) in the park - presuming you can arrange a vehicle for this efficiency

  Posted by China Journeys on Wed 15 Feb, 2012

  Is it easier to reach Huanglong from Songpan or Jiuzhaigou?

  Posted by Aaron on Wed 15 Feb, 2012

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