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印象

Huanglong Scenic Guide — After Visiting Huanglong, No Need to See Other Pools

Leaving behind the turquoise waters of Jiuzhaigou, crossing Xuebao Ridge, another natural wonder unfolds in the valleys of Songpan County — Huanglong. If Jiuzhaigou is poetry of water, then Huanglong is a painter’s palette of the earth. Within a 3.6-kilometer calcite canyon, thousands of colorful pools cascade layer upon layer like terraced fields winding down from the heights. From above, it resembles a golden dragon lying beneath snow-capped mountains. The calcite terraces shimmer like gold, dotted with ancient temples, while the pools, snow peaks, canyons, forests, streams, temples, and folk culture form seven wonders in harmony. When sunlight dances on the Five-Color Pool, blues, greens, yellows, and oranges swirl and shift in the water, revealing why 'Heavenly Pool on Earth' is no mere exaggeration. 'After visiting Huanglong, no other pools need be seen' — all your dreams of water converge here into a beauty beyond reality. Seven Wonders: Colorful Pools, Snow Peaks, Canyons, Forests, Calcite Streams, Ancient Temples, Folk Culture; the scenic area's altitude ranges from 2,900 to 3,576 meters, significantly higher than Jiuzhaigou, making altitude sickness risks more concentrated here.

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I. Key Attractions (from summit downward)

Five-Color Pool · The Soul of Huanglong

Located at an elevation of about 3,576 meters, this cluster of 693 colorful pools resembles a spilled paint palette — emerald blue, deep green, pale yellow, vermilion layered one upon another, covering over 20,000 square meters, representing the essence of Huanglong’s calcite landscape. Best lighting for photography occurs between 8–11 a.m.

Chasing Beauty Pool

The second largest cluster of colorful pools in Huanglong, with over 600 pools displaying vibrant, varied hues — each pool uniquely colored.

Golden Sands Spread Across the Ground

A 2,500-meter-long golden calcite stream, the longest of its kind in the world, with a thin layer of flowing water on top that sparkles under sunlight.

Huanglong Ancient Temple

An ancient temple primarily influenced by Taoism, nestled among the colorful pools, adding a touch of human culture to the natural marvel.

Welcome Pool and Waterfall Radiance

The first group of pools encountered upon entering the valley, with clear water ideal for warming up; Waterfall Radiance is a spectacular calcite waterfall where splashing water often creates rainbows.

II. Touring Strategy

The Huanglong scenic area is concentrated along a 3.6-kilometer calcite canyon. The core experience involves 'ascending to the peak, then descending all the way down,' which can be completed in half a day. If combined with nearby attractions such as Muni Valley or Songpan Ancient City, a full day is recommended. We strongly recommend the 'cable car up, walking down' approach — it conserves energy and allows for leisurely appreciation of the pools.

Golden Rule: Cable car ride takes about 10 minutes to reach the summit → walk approximately 40 minutes to the highest point, Five-Color Pool → then descend continuously; walk slowly, take frequent breaks, and avoid running or jumping. Ticket sales cease at 16:30, and cable car service stops boarding at 17:00 — be sure to time your visit accordingly.

Option A · Half-Day Highlights Tour (Main Scenic Area, Recommended)

Ideal for travelers returning the same day from Jiuzhaigou or Chuanzhuusi. Depart early in the morning, take the cable car up, walk down, and complete the core colorful pools in about 4–5 hours.

Time Route / Landmark Method & Notes
09:00 Scenic Entrance → Cable Car Up → Wanglongping Viewing Platform Cable car ride takes about 10 minutes to reach mid-mountain, offering a panoramic view of the entire colorful pool cluster
09:30 Five-Color Pool (near Huanglong Temple) Core destination; spend 40–60 minutes here. Morning light offers optimal conditions for photography and stunning visuals
10:30 Descent: Five-Color Pool → Chasing Beauty Pool → Golden Sands Spread Across the Ground → Basin Landscape Pool → Welcome Pool Entire route via elevated walkways, perfect for walking and taking photos — takes about 2–2.5 hours
13:00 Exit the scenic area, return to Zhangzha Town / transfer to stay in Chuanzhuusi Arrive at the valley exit after descent — convenient for onward travel or overnight accommodation
Physical Note: If you prefer not to walk down, you may also take the cable car both ways and do a short loop walk. However, the downhill walkway offers the best scenery — we recommend descending at least part of the way.

Option B · Full-Day Leisurely Tour (Huanglong + Surroundings)

Suitable for visitors staying in Chuanzhuusi or Songpan with ample time. Spend the morning exploring the main Huanglong scenic area, then connect with nearby attractions in the afternoon for a relaxed pace that helps ease travel fatigue.

Time Route / Landmark Method & Notes
Morning Main Huanglong Scenic Area (cable car up → Five-Color Pool → descent through colorful pools) Same as Option A, taking about 4–5 hours to cover the core highlights
Afternoon Chuanzhu Temple / Songpan Ancient City (Ancient City Wall, Ancient City Gates, Characteristic Streets and Alleys) Approximately 1.5–2 hours: explore the ancient city and taste local specialties such as yak beef jerky
Evening Return to Chuanzhu Temple for accommodation, or proceed to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station for departure to Chengdu the next day Sunsets come early at high altitudes—be mindful of return timing

Tips for Cable Car Use and Altitude Sickness Prevention

  • Method: Take the cable car up and walk down—it’s the most energy-efficient option: about 10 minutes uphill by cable car, then a 40-minute walk to the Five-Colored Pond, followed by a downhill path that minimizes physical exertion.
  • Medication: Start taking Rhodiola (Hongjingtian) 3–5 days in advance; bring ibuprofen and portable oxygen bottles (free oxygen bars available along the route).
  • Pacing: Walk slowly, avoid running or jumping, drink plenty of water, limit alcohol intake; if symptoms worsen, descend immediately and seek medical help.
Emergency Contact: Huanglong Scenic Area: 0837-7249055; if experiencing headache, palpitations, or similar symptoms, use oxygen promptly—do not push through.

III. Ticket Information and Reservations

Ticket Type Peak Season (April 25 – November 30) Off-Season (December 1 – Next Year April 24)
Entrance Ticket (Full Price) 170 ¥ 60 ¥
Upward Cable Car 80 ¥ 80 ¥
Downward Cable Car 40 ¥ 40 ¥

IV. Combined Visit Tips

  • Order: Huanglong is about 100 km from Jiuzhaigou, with a travel time of around 2 hours. It’s recommended to visit Jiuzhaigou first to acclimate to the altitude before going to Huanglong—this significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Equipment: High-altitude areas have large temperature differences between day and night—bring a windproof jacket or lightweight down jacket, high-protection sunscreen, sunglasses, a power bank, and a thermos flask.