Huanglong: Step into God's Overturned Palette, a Fantastical Jade Pool Beneath the Snowy Mountains!

### **📍 Address** Huanglong Township, Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province ### **🚗 Transportation** **1. By Air** - **Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH)**: About 50 km from Huanglong Scenic Area, take an airport shuttle or private car (approx. 1.5-hour drive). - **Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU)**: Fly to Chengdu first, then transfer by bus or self-drive (approx. 7-8-hour drive). **2. By Long-Distance Bus** - **From Chengdu**: Direct buses to Huanglong/Jiuzhaigou are available at Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station or Xinnanmen Bus Station (approx. 7-8 hours). - **From Jiuzhaigou**: Direct buses or shared rides to Huanglong (approx. 2-3 hours). **3. Self-Drive/Private Car** - **Route**: Chengdu → Wenchuan → Maoxian → Songpan → Huanglong (total 330 km, approx. 6-7-hour drive). - **Road Conditions**: Mountainous roads; drive cautiously during rainy season; carry snow chains in winter. ### **🎫 Ticket Information** - **Peak Season (Apr 1–Nov 15)**: ¥170/person - **Off-Season (Nov 16–Mar 31)**: ¥60/person - **Cable Car**: Upward ¥80, downward ¥40 (recommend taking it uphill to save energy). ### **🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Five-Color Ponds (Core Scenery of Huanglong)** - **Highlights**: Travertine pools shimmer in blue, green, yellow, and white under sunlight, like a fairyland. - **Best Viewing Time**: 9:00–15:00 (colors are most vibrant in sunlight). **2. Huanglong Ancient Temple** - **Highlights**: A Tibetan Buddhist temple backed by snowy mountains, offering panoramic views of the Five-Color Ponds. **3. Contending Pools** - **Highlights**: Hundreds of travertine pools of varying sizes, colorful and photogenic. **4. Golden Sand Beach** - **Highlights**: Golden travertine flows resembling a golden river under sunlight, breathtakingly majestic. **5. Welcoming Pools** - **Highlights**: The first set of travertine pools upon entering the scenic area, with crystal-clear water reflecting the snowy peaks. ### **📌 Recommended Itineraries** 1. **Leisurely Route (for those with limited stamina or prone to altitude sickness)**: - Take the cable car uphill → Walk to Five-Color Ponds (approx. 40 mins) → Visit Huanglong Ancient Temple → Descend via plank path (approx. 2-3 hours). 2. **Hiking Route (for the physically fit)**: - Hike uphill (approx. 3-4 hours) → Explore Five-Color Ponds → Huanglong Ancient Temple → Contending Pools → Golden Sand Beach → Welcoming Pools → Exit. ### **⚠️ Tips** - **Altitude Sickness**: Huanglong’s elevation is 3,000–3,500 m; prepare with Rhodiola or oxygen bottles and avoid strenuous activity. - **Weather**: Mountain weather is unpredictable; bring windproof jackets, rain gear, and sunscreen (strong UV rays). - **Best Season**: **Sept–Oct** (autumn scenery is stunning, with the most vibrant pool colors). - **Eco-Friendly**: Do not step on the travertine pools to protect the natural landscape. ### **🏨 Budget Accommodation** - **Songpan County**: Affordable and varied options (e.g., **Songpan Plateau Hotel**, ~¥200/night). - **Chuanzhusi Town**: Closer to Huanglong (e.g., **Chuanzhu International Hotel**, ~¥300/night). - **Near the Scenic Area**: Guesthouses near Huanglong Visitor Center, slightly pricier. ### **🍜 Food Recommendations** - **Yak Meat Hotpot** (Songpan specialty, a must-try) - **Butter Tea & Barley Pancakes** (Tibetan flavors) - **Songpan Cured Pork** (local specialty) --- **📸 Travel Tip**: Huanglong is close to Jiuzhaigou; consider a **4–5-day "Huanglong + Jiuzhaigou" tour** to explore two world-class natural heritage sites in one trip!