Located in Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and a World Biosphere Reserve. The total area of the scenic area is approximately 1,340 square kilometers, with a core area of 700 square kilometers. Situated at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, it is characterized by the "Seven Wonders": colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, canyons, forests, rapids, ancient temples, and folk customs. It boasts rare travertine terrace landscapes in the world and is the only well-preserved plateau wetland in China.
History and Culture
Mythological Legends
The name "Huanglong" (Yellow Dragon) originates from legends related to Dayu's flood control. It is said that a Qiang tribal leader helped Dayu control floods and transformed into a yellow dragon to carry boats and dredge the Minjiang River, eventually staying to practice cultivation at Xuebaoding (Snow Treasure Peak). Later generations built Huanglong Temple in memory of him. Another legend claims that a Taoist immortal named Huanglong cultivated immortality here. The Songpan County Annals record: "Huanglong Temple... is said to be where Immortal Huanglong practiced Taoism." The temple consists of three parts (Front Temple, Middle Temple, and Rear Temple), with halls and pavilions facing each other.
Religious and Ethnic Culture
The scenic area is a settlement for multiple ethnic groups, mainly Tibetans and Qiang people, preserving primitive religious beliefs and unique folk customs. Xuebaoding is regarded as a sacred mountain by Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups, called "Dongri" in Tibetan and "Duru" in Qiang. Religious activities such as mountain-circling festivals are held annually. Huanglong Temple is an important place where Tibetan Buddhism and local religions blend, and it preserves religious relics since the Qing Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Huanglong Valley
As the core scenic area, it stretches about 3.6 kilometers and features over 3,400 travertine colorful pools. Notable sites include the "Golden Sand Paved Ground" travertine rapids, the "Body Washing Cave" travertine waterfall, and the "Five-Color Pools" alpine travertine pool group. The pool water changes colors such as blue, green, and purple with light, earning it the reputation of "Fairyland Yaochi (Jade Pool)."
Muni Gully
Composed of Zhaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake, Zhaga Waterfall is 93.2 meters high and 35 meters wide, the tallest travertine waterfall in China. Erdao Lake is characterized by alpine lakes (haizi), with the largest Swan Lake covering about 1.2 square kilometers. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by dense forests.
Snow Treasure Peak (Xuebaoding)
The main peak of the Minshan Mountains, it stands at 5,588 meters above sea level and is a renowned mountaineering destination in Sichuan. The summit is snow-covered year-round with well-developed glaciers, while the mountain foot features alpine meadows and glacial lakes such as Round Lake and Square Lake.
Cuisine
Butter Tea
A traditional Tibetan beverage made by mixing butter, brick tea, and salt, it provides warmth and refreshment, essential for local breakfasts.
Hand-Grabbed Meat
A Qiang specialty, fresh yak or mutton is boiled in clear water and eaten with salt or chili powder, featuring tender meat and original flavors.
Tsampa
A staple food in Tibetan areas, roasted highland barley is ground into powder and mixed with butter tea or highland barley wine to form a dough. It is easy to carry and store, a traditional food for herders.
Recommended Surrounding Cuisine
In Songpan County, you can taste Tibetan hotpot (yak meat broth), sauerkraut noodle blocks (made from highland barley flour), and potato ciba (deep-fried mashed potatoes with honey), which blend Sichuan flavors and ethnic characteristics.
Admission Fees
Peak Season (April 1 – November 15): 170 CNY/person
Off-Season (November 16 – March 31 of the following year): 60 CNY/person
Note: Muni Gully is separately ticketed: Zhaga Waterfall 70 CNY/person, Erdao Lake 70 CNY/person; sightseeing buses and cable cars are charged additionally (upward 80 CNY, downward 40 CNY).
Opening Hours
Peak Season (April 1 – November 15): 08:00–18:00
Off-Season (November 16 – March 31 of the following year): 08:30–17:00
Note: The Xuebaoding area is at high altitude, with some roads closed in winter. It is recommended to consult the scenic area in advance.
Tour Routes
One-Day Tour Route: Scenic Entrance → Take a sightseeing bus to the cable car lower station → Ride the cable car (or walk) to Wanglongping → Walk through Golden Sand Paved Ground → Body Washing Cave → Ancient Huanglong Temple → Five-Color Pools → Return by the same route or walk down the mountain
Two-Day Tour Route: Day 1: Visit the core area of Huanglong Valley; Day 2: Go to Muni Gully, visit Zhaga Waterfall in the morning and Erdao Lake in the afternoon
Transportation
- By Air: About 1 hour's drive from Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport, with direct buses from the airport to the scenic area (fare approx. 22 CNY)
- By Bus: Daily buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Songpan County (fare approx. 100–150 CNY, 6–8 hours). From Songpan County to the scenic area, it takes about 1 hour by bus (15 CNY/person) or carpooling (50 CNY/car)
- By Car: Chengdu → Dujiangyan → Wenchuan → Maoxian → Songpan → Huanglong (about 350 km, 5–6 hours drive, with attention to high-altitude mountain road safety)
Must-See Attractions
- Five-Color Pools: At 3,900 meters above sea level, the highest point in Huanglong Valley, over 340 travertine pools are arranged in terraces, colorful under sunlight, known as the "Eyes of Huanglong"
- Golden Sand Paved Ground: A 1,300-meter-long and 40–120-meter-wide travertine rapid, with golden travertine flowing like golden sand, the world's largest travertine collapse wall
- Zhaga Waterfall: The core attraction of Muni Gully, a layered travertine waterfall with thunderous water flow and a drop of 93 meters
Tour Tips
- Large temperature difference between day and night at high altitudes; prepare warm clothes like down jackets and scarves
- Strong UV rays; bring sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, and sun hats
- Walk slowly, avoid strenuous exercise, and take Rhodiola in advance to prevent altitude sickness
- Few dining options in the scenic area; carry portable foods like chocolate and energy bars
- Respect local religious customs; remove hats when entering temples and no photography is allowed
Notes
- High altitude (3,000–4,000 meters) in the scenic area; those with hypertension or heart disease should exercise caution
- Icy roads in winter; wear non-slip shoes and note that some roads may be closed
- No smoking or littering in the scenic area to protect the plateau ecosystem
- Follow guides or staff instructions; do not enter unopened areas without permission
- Check the weather forecast in advance; avoid visiting during rainy days (risk of mudslides)