Area
Huanglong Scenic Area
Colorful Pools in the Heart of the Tibetan Plateau
Calcite terraced pondsHigh-altitude sceneryTibetan-Qiang cultureMountain biodiversity
Best Time to Visit:June to October for open access; July–August for peak wildflowers. Winter closes most trails.
Asia/Shanghai
CNY
Tibetan, Mandarin
About Huanglong Scenic Area
Stretching 7.5 kilometres through old-growth forest at elevations up to 3,600 m, Huanglong Scenic Area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Thousands of calcium carbonate pools cascade down the valley like a golden dragon — the literal meaning of the name. Snow-capped Xuebaoding Peak looms at the head of the valley, and Tibetan and Qiang minority villages dot the surrounding mountains.
Highlights
1
Colourful Pools
2
Xuebaoding Peak views
3
UNESCO World Heritage
4
Tibetan cultural villages
5
Huanglong Temple festival
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Cold alpine climate; temperatures range from -8 °C in winter to 18 °C in summer. Snow can fall any month at altitude. July–August brings afternoon thunderstorms.
Getting There
Fly to Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport (JZH), 40 km away. Buses and taxis connect to the valley entrance. From Chengdu, drive about 7 hours via Mao County.
Practical Tips
Altitude sickness is common — ascend gradually and carry medication
Wear warm layers even in summer
A cable car provides access for those unable to hike the full trail
Sunrise visits offer the most vivid pool colours
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
June to October for open access; July–August for peak wildflowers. Winter closes most trails.
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Currency
CNY
Language
Tibetan, Mandarin