Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Tour: Huanglong Scenic Area
This morning, we will take you to Chengdu East Railway Station to take the high-speed train to Huanglongjiuzhai Station (journey time about 1.5-3 hours). Our local driver will meet you at the exit of Huanglongjiuzhai Station and take you to visit Huanglong Scenic Area. (PS: Huanglongjiuzhai Station is about 26 kilometers from Huanglong Scenic Area, about 30 minutes by car; it is about 90 kilometers from Jiuzhaigou, about 1.5 hours by car.)
Huanglong Scenic Area is famous for its unique surface travertine landscapes, majestic snow mountains and valleys, pristine forests and meadows, and rich animal and plant resources. It is known as "Jade Pool on Earth," "Fairyland Huanglong," and "World Wonder," and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1992. In addition, the karst landforms in Huanglong Scenic Area are very rare, forming breathtakingly beautiful travertine pool groups in brilliant colors such as blue, green, orange, yellow, and white. Arranged layer upon layer, they resemble terraced fields carefully carved by nature. Seen from a distance, they look like a golden giant dragon stretching across the valley and coiling atop the snow mountains, inspiring endless imagination.
Recommended route for today: Take the cable car to the mountaintop viewing platform (overlooking the entire Huanglong Scenic Area) -> walk downhill (about 3-4 hours on foot, along the way you can see Huanglong Ancient Temple, Five-Color Pool, Mirror Reflection Pool, Welcome Pool, waterfalls, and other travertine pool and cave landscapes, appreciating the beauty of Huanglong's nature and culture).
Recommended Sights in Huanglong Scenic Area
1. Five-Color Pool: At an altitude of about 3,576 meters, this is the essence of Huanglong Scenic Area. It consists of 693 travertine colored pools of different sizes, shapes, and colors. The water is clear and displays rich colors under sunlight, like nature's palette. Surrounded by green mountains, the scenery is magnificent. In the early morning or evening, you can capture the most beautiful light and shadow effects of the Five-Color Pool.
2. Huanglong Ancient Temple: First built in the Ming Dynasty, it is said to have been built to commemorate Huanglong Zhenren, who helped Yu the Great control floods. It is a Taoist temple with a long history and flourishing incense. You can burn incense and pray for blessings, and learn about the legend of Huanglong Zhenren and Taoist culture.
3. Mirror Reflection Pool: Its unique mirror-like reflections and colored pool scenery make it one of the must-see sights in Huanglong Scenic Area. You can photograph the reflections in the colored pools and capture the stunning moments of sky, clouds, snow peaks, and dense forests.
After sightseeing, you will leave Huanglong Scenic Area and take a car for about 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou, check into your hotel, and rest.
Tips for Huanglong Scenic Area
1. The altitude of Huanglong Scenic Area is higher than that of Jiuzhaigou, with the core area at 3,200 to 3,600 meters. Some tourists may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise, keep walking slowly, and prepare oxygen bottles or use the oxygen stations in the scenic area.
2. The Huanglong cable car may be closed in winter (usually from November to March of the following year) due to weather conditions. The specific time is subject to the scenic area's announcements.
🍽️ Meals not included
🏨 Jiuzhaigou