Huanglong Scenic Area

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Attraction Introduction

Huanglong Scenic Area is renowned for its “Four Wonders”: colored ponds, snow mountains, gorges, and forests. Its calc-sinter ponds, the largest calcified landscape in the world, are hailed as a “Fairyland on Earth.” The area boasts over 3,400 calc-sinter ponds, presenting a splendid terraced landscape. With elevations ranging from 3,100 to 5,588 meters, the scenic area is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating snow mountains, gorges, forests, waterfalls, and hot springs.

The essence of Huanglong lies in its unique geological features. For thousands of years, calcium-rich spring water has flowed over the surface, undergoing evaporation and crystallization to form a massive calc-sinter landscape. These ponds exhibit various colors such as gold, emerald green, and deep blue, complemented by the surrounding primordial forests and snowy mountains, creating a distinctive natural spectacle. The area also preserves a complete primitive ecosystem, serving as a habitat for rare animals like the giant panda and golden monkey.

The geological evolution of Huanglong is considered a natural wonder. Approximately 3,000 tons of calcium carbonate are deposited annually, forming a 3.6-kilometer-long calc-sinter stream. This unique geological phenomenon is rare globally, providing valuable insights into the Earth’s evolutionary history. The ecosystem within the scenic area is also remarkable, featuring a complete vertical natural zone spectrum from alpine meadows to primordial forests.

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. Five-Colored Pond
    • The highlight of Huanglong Scenic Area, located at an elevation of 3,576 meters.
    • Composed of 693 calc-sinter ponds of various sizes, stacked in layers.

Spot Introduction

Spectacular Scenery

  • The pond water exhibits various colors such as blue, green, and yellow due to different mineral contents.
  • The best viewing time is from 10 AM to 2 PM when the colors are most vibrant under sufficient sunlight.
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes. Visitors can stop at the observation deck for photos.

2. Wanglong Pavilion

  • Located at the highest point in the central part of the scenic area, it offers the best position to view the panorama of Huanglong.
  • One can overlook the entire calc-sinter pool complex, resembling a golden dragon coiled in the mountains.
  • Multiple viewing platforms surrounding it provide a broad field of vision.
  • Ideal for capturing panoramic photos and time-lapse photography.
  • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes. The stay can be extended appropriately on sunny days.

3. Xishen Cave

  • An integral part of Huanglong Ancient Temple, rich in Buddhist cultural connotations.
  • Inside the cave lies a huge calc-sinter waterfall, with water flowing year-round.
  • Legend has it that bathing here can wash away dirt and sins.
  • Surrounded by a serene environment and lush vegetation.
  • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes to experience the unique cultural atmosphere.

4. Xuebao Tripod

  • The highest peak in the Huanglong scenic area, standing at 5588 meters above sea level, with perpetual snow.
  • One of the main peaks of the Minshan Mountains, exuding a majestic aura.
  • The mountaintop offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and primitive forests.
  • Ideal for photography lovers to capture sunrise over the snowy mountains.
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes, depending on physical strength.

5. Welcome Pond

  • The first large calc-sinter pool complex at the entrance of the scenic area.
  • It spreads out in a fan shape, exuding a magnificent aura.
  • An ideal spot to understand the formation process of calc-sinter landforms.
  • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes.

6. Jinsha Paved Ground

  • A community composed of hundreds of small calc-sinter pools.
  • The golden calc-sinter deposits at the bottom of the pools glitter.
  • Dotted with wildflowers in spring, offering stunning scenery.
  • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes.

Visiting Suggestions

1. Optimal Touring Route

  • Uphill route: Visitor Center → Take the cable car → Wanglong Pavilion → Wucai Pond → Xuebao Tripod.
  • Downhill route: Via Xishen Cave → Jinsha Paved Ground → Welcome Pond → Visitor Center.
  • It is recommended to take the cable car uphill to save energy and walk down to enjoy the scenery.
  • The entire journey takes approximately 4-6 hours, adjustable based on physical strength.

2. Visiting Schedule

  • It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area before 7 AM to avoid large crowds.
  • Focus on visiting the essential attractions like Wucai Pond in the morning.
  • Pay attention to sun protection and rest during noon.
  • Adjust visiting time according to the season, especially grasping the sunlight duration in winter.

3. Practical Tips

  • Precautions for high altitude: Walk slowly and adapt to the high-altitude environment.
  • Photography advice: It is recommended to carry a wide-angle lens and a tripod.
  • Equipment suggestion: Wear hiking boots and bring warm clothing.
  • Physical strength allocation: Arrange rest time reasonably.

景点介绍

交通指南

  1. 外部交通

    • 飞机：从成都双流机场飞往九寨黄龙机场（50分钟），需提前预订机票。
    • 汽车：从成都新南门客运站乘坐汽车前往黄龙景区（7-8小时）。
    • 包车：从成都包车前往黄龙（约7小时），可在途中欣赏风景。
    • 建议选择飞机，以节省时间和体力。

  2. 景区内交通

    • 缆车：单程大约需要10分钟，可以节省2个小时的步行时间。
    • 景区内全程步行约3.5公里。
    • 景区内设有多处休息站，游客可以随时调整行程。
    • 建议购买上行缆车票，下山时步行会更为轻松。

周边美食推荐

  1. 松潘牦牛肉

    • 高原特色美食，营养丰富。
    • 推荐在松潘古城的老字号店铺品尝。
    • 人均消费：60-100元。

  2. 藏式糌粑

    • 藏族传统主食，由青稞制成。
    • 游客可以体验其传统制作工艺。
    • 人均消费：20-30元。

  3. 青稞酒

    • 高原特产，口感温和醇厚。
    • 建议适量品尝，以避免高原反应。
    • 价格范围在30-200元不等。

  4. 野生菌

    • 当地的特色食材，种类丰富。
    • 特别推荐松茸和羊肚菌。
    • 由于季节性较强，需注意食用安全。

特别提醒

  1. 高原安全

    • 景区平均海拔在3000米以上。
    • 建议提前服用预防高原反应的药物。
    • 携带氧气瓶以备不时之需。
    • 如有不适，请及时就医或下山。

  2. 天气防护

    • 日温差大，请准备厚薄适宜的衣物。
    • 防晒措施必不可少。
    • 由于天气多变，请随身携带雨具。
    • 冬季来访时，请注意防滑。

  3. 摄影技巧

    • 早晚的光线最适合摄影。
    • 阴天是拍摄钙池细节的好时机。
    • 建议使用偏振镜来消除水面反光。
    • 注意保护相机免受潮湿影响。

  4. 环保意识

    • 严禁触摸钙华景观。
    • 请勿向池中投掷物品。
    • 保持景区环境整洁。
    • 遵守景区的各项规定。

  5. 其他建议

    • 提前预订门票，旺季时价格较高。
    • 准备现金，部分地方可能无法刷卡。
    • 建议购买旅游保险。
    • 尊重当地的民俗文化。