God's Spilled Paint Palette - Huanglong's Five-Color Ponds

【Introduction】: Prayer flags, Tibetan style, maple leaves, plateaus, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canopies, and alpine lakes are synonymous with Western Sichuan, while the fairyland of Huanglong is known as "God's spilled paint palette." 🏞 Origin of the Name One origin of the name "Huanglong" (Yellow Dragon): Fuyuan Bridge is the dragon's tail, and the Five-Color Ponds are its head, with the ponds shimmering like golden dragon scales. The flowing streams and waterfalls resemble dancing dragon claws, hence the name "Huanglong." Huanglong is famous for its "Four Wonders" – colorful ponds, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and forests – plus streams, ancient temples, and local customs, making it the "Seven Wonders." 🕘【Opening Hours】: Scenic area: 8:00–17:00 (recommended visit duration: 5–6h). Additional notes: Cable car operation times: Uphill 8:00–16:30, downhill 8:00–17:00. Electric cart operation time: 8:00–16:30. 💴【Ticket Prices】: Peak season (Jun 1–Dec 15): Admission: CNY 170/person (students half-price). Off-season (Dec 16–May 31): Admission: CNY 60/person (students half-price). Cable car (year-round): Uphill: CNY 80/person, downhill: CNY 40/person. Electric cart (year-round): CNY 20/person. Special groups enjoy discounts or free admission per national policies (excludes cable car and sightseeing bus tickets). ⛺【Attractions & Activities】: 1. Highlights within the scenic area: 🌈 Five-Color Ponds: Located at the highest point of Huanglong, this is a group of 693 travertine ponds. With emerald-green mountains and the 5,000m-high Min Mountain's main peak, Xuebaoding, towering ahead, the ponds resemble a spilled paint palette—turquoise, aqua, light blue, and more—creating a stunning spectacle. 📸 Photo tip: Under sunlight, the water shifts from Tiffany blue to emerald green. Best shot at the left railing of the viewing platform (morning light). 🏯 Huanglong Temple: The most iconic structure, situated at the end of Huanglong Valley, backed by Yuhuang Peak and facing Maoya Snow Mountain. It overlooks the Fujiang River and serves as a key site for studying Taoist culture and the history of Yu the Great's flood control. 📸 Photo tip: The temple plaque changes color from different angles! Capture the "snow mountain + ancient temple" combo in the square. 🎨 Contending Ponds: The most vibrant and diverse pond group in Huanglong, with golden, emerald, wine-red, and bright orange hues under sunlight. 📸 Photo tip: After 3 PM, the ponds display a "rainbow gradient." Wear white for an ethereal look. 🏜 Golden Sand Covered Ground: The world's top travertine flow in terms of condition, scale, distance, and color richness. 📸 Photo tip: Shoot from the lower plank path of Contending Ponds with the snow mountain backdrop for grandeur, or crouch for a silky water effect. 🌿 Bonsai Ponds: A meticulously arranged group of nearly 100 ponds with yellow, white, brown, and gray bases, adorned with shrubs, willows, and pines. 📸 Photo tip: Sit on the plank path with legs extended for a lush green background. 2. Recommended routes: (1) 【2h hike (downhill) – for good stamina】 Scenic entrance → Uphill cable car → Sightseeing bus → Five-Color Ponds → Huanglong Temple → Huanglong Cave → Yingxian Bridge → Contending Ponds → Mirror Ponds → Bonsai Ponds → Golden Sand Covered Ground → Flying Waterfall → Visitor center. (2) 【No hiking – for moderate stamina】 Scenic entrance → Uphill cable car → Sightseeing bus → Five-Color Ponds → Return same way → Sightseeing bus or walk to cable car station → Pay for downhill cable car (CNY 40). 3. Key tips: (1) Altitude warning: Huanglong's elevation ranges from 3,070m to 3,500m. Take Rhodiola rosea a week in advance to prevent altitude sickness. (2) Avoid strenuous activity; walk slowly. (3) Weather changes rapidly—bring rain gear, a lightweight down jacket, or windbreaker. UV protection is essential. (4) For downhill hiking, wear proper shoes and carry water/snacks. (5) Respect local religious customs (e.g., at Huanglong Temple). 🚌【Transport】: • Flights: Direct flights to Jiuhuang Airport from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Changzhou, Zhengzhou, and Beijing. Take an airport bus or private car (1h) to Huanglong. • Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Station offers buses (4–5h). • High-speed rail: From Chengdu East/South/West stations to Huanglong-Jiuzhai or Songpan Station, then take a shuttle to Huanglong. 👉【Itinerary】: 1. Same-day return: After Huanglong, visit Songpan Ancient Town and take a train back to Chengdu. 2. Overnight stay: Post-Huanglong, stay near Jiuzhaigou (catch the "Eternal Love" show or try Tibetan cuisine) and explore Jiuzhaigou the next day before returning to Chengdu. 🧡【Packing List】: 1. ID card 2. Sunscreen (strong UV) 3. Layered clothing: - Spring/fall: Thick coat or light down jacket. - Summer: Light jacket (thick if sensitive to cold). - Winter: Heavy down jacket. 4. Rhodiola rosea and oxygen canisters.