Huanglong: An Enchanting Rendezvous with the Fairyland on Earth

Huanglong, a dazzling pearl embedded in Songpan County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, is known as the "Fairyland on Earth" for its picturesque scenery, attracting countless tourists to unveil its mysterious veil. Now, let's embark on this Huanglong journey together 🧳 I. Climate and Clothing Huanglong Scenic Area has a plateau humid climate, with significant seasonal temperature changes and large temperature differences between day and night. The average temperature in spring (March to May) is 9–18°C (48–64°F), with frozen soil and residual snow before April. The average temperature in summer (June to August) is 19–22°C (66–72°F), with cool nights. In autumn (September to November), the temperature is 7–18°C (45–64°F), with large temperature differences between day and night, and frozen soil may appear after late October. Winter (December to February of the following year) is cold, with temperatures mostly around 0°C (32°F). No matter when you go, warm clothing is essential. Down jackets, thermal pants, scarves, hats, and gloves are all good choices 🧣. In addition, because the ultraviolet rays in the plateau area are strong, remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. If you are traveling in summer, you can also bring a light jacket to cope with the coolness of the morning and evening. II. Attraction Check-in 1. Five Color Pool: The iconic attraction of Huanglong, known as the "Fairyland on Earth". The Five Color Pool is 3,900m (12,795 ft) above sea level and is the highest calcified colored pool group in Huanglong. The lake water here shines in the sun, showing colorful colors, like gems inlaid in the mountains, which is very beautiful 💎 2. Huanglong Ancient Temple: Located in Huanglong Valley Scenic Area, it is a temple with a long history of hundreds of years. The temple has a unique architectural style, and enshrines Buddha statues and religious relics. The incense is very strong, exuding a strong religious atmosphere. In Huanglong Ancient Temple, you can feel the perfect integration of Buddhist culture and natural landscape, and you can also overlook the magnificent mountain scenery around. 3. Golden Sand Pavement: Among the similar geological structures discovered in the world, it is the most complete, largest, longest, and most colorful surface calcified beach flow. It is made of calcium carbonate deposits, shining golden light in the sun, as if a golden dragon is winding between the mountains, magnificent 🐉 4. Bonsai Pool: It is composed of a group of staggered pools. The trees, flowers and clear pool water in the pool complement each other, like natural bonsai. These bonsai pools have different shapes, some are small and exquisite, and some are open and atmospheric. Each one is unique, which makes people marvel at the nature's workmanship. III. Recommended Itineraries 1. Relaxing and Effort-saving Tour: Take the cable car up the mountain, and then take the sightseeing bus to the calcified pool. After enjoying the Five Color Pool, take the sightseeing bus and cable car down the mountain. This route is suitable for tourists with weak physical strength or limited time. It can save a lot of physical strength and time, and easily enjoy the essence of Huanglong's attractions. 2. In-depth Experience Tour: Hike up the mountain, admire the beautiful scenery along the way along the scenic boardwalk, passing Yingbin Pool, Feipuliuhui, Xishen Cave, Golden Sand Pavement, Bonsai Pool, Mingjing Daoying Pool, Zhengyan Pool, Huanglong Middle Temple, Huanglong Ancient Temple, and finally reach the Five Color Pool. You can choose to hike or take the cable car down the mountain. This route allows you to fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural landscape of Huanglong, but it requires a certain amount of physical strength and time. 3. Half-way Hiking Tour: Take the cable car up the mountain, then hike to the Five Color Pool. After enjoying the Five Color Pool, hike down the mountain along the downhill boardwalk. You can enjoy the various attractions along the way. This route can save some physical strength and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, which is the choice of most tourists. IV. Recommended Food 1. Yak Meat Hot Pot: When you come to Huanglong, you must taste the local yak meat hot pot. Yak meat is tender and nutritious, and the cooked soup is delicious and fragrant. With a variety of vegetables and seasonings, it is unforgettable 🥘 2. Tibetan Butter Tea: Butter tea is a traditional drink of the Tibetan people, with a strong milky and tea aroma. When visiting Huanglong, drinking a cup of hot butter tea can not only drive away the cold and keep you warm, but also relieve altitude sickness. The taste of butter tea is mellow. You may not be used to it at first, but you will love its unique taste after a few more sips. 3. Mashed Potato Cake: The potatoes are steamed and repeatedly pounded with wooden sticks. The taste is soft, glutinous, and chewy. It can be eaten with chili, sauerkraut and other seasonings. It tastes spicy and delicious. It is a very popular snack. 4. Highland Barley Cake: A pancake made of highland barley flour, with a crispy taste and a light highland barley aroma. Highland barley cake can be eaten directly as a snack, or it can be eaten with butter tea or yogurt. It is a delicious and healthy food. V. Precautions 1. Prevent Altitude Sickness: Huanglong Scenic Area is at a high altitude, and some tourists may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to take preventive measures in advance, such as taking anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance, avoiding strenuous exercise, and maintaining adequate rest. If symptoms of altitude sickness occur, such as headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, etc., stop the activity immediately, rest in place, and seek medical attention in time. There are free oxygen bars along the scenic spot, where you can go to inhale oxygen to relieve discomfort at any time. 2. Keep Warm: As mentioned above, the climate in Huanglong Scenic Area is changeable, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Be sure to bring enough warm clothes to prevent colds. 3. Sun Protection Measures: The ultraviolet rays in the plateau area are strong, which can easily cause sunburn. Be sure to take sun protection measures, apply sunscreen, and wear sunglasses and sun hats. 4. Environmental Protection: The natural landscape of Huanglong Scenic Area is very fragile. Please do not litter during the tour, take care of the plants and trees in the scenic area, and jointly maintain this beautiful natural environment 🌳 5. Arrange Time Reasonably: The scenic area is open from 7:30 to 17:00, and entry to the scenic area is stopped at 16:00. It is recommended to plan your itinerary and time in advance to avoid missing the wonderful attractions of the scenic area. If you choose to take the cable car and sightseeing bus, pay attention to their operating hours and ticket restrictions, and book in advance. 6. Dietary Notes: When you first arrive on the plateau, your diet should be light, avoid eating too much greasy, spicy, and indigestible food, so as not to increase the burden on your stomach. Drink more water, eat more vegetables and fruits, and maintain body moisture and nutritional balance. The beauty of Huanglong is a beauty that shocks the soul. It has both the nature's workmanship and a profound historical and cultural heritage. Stepping on this magical land, you will feel the baptism and shock of your soul. I hope this guide can help you start an unforgettable Huanglong trip and leave good memories 💕