2007-08-30

--Intro:
Huanglong is to the southwest of Jiuzhaigou Valley, also located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous prefecture in southwestern China. Thus they share some similar folk bearings and pure natural sceneries. However if you want to explore the extraordinary example of the best preserved and largest karst landscape in the world, don't miss this place.

--Major scenic attraction:
-Huanglong Valley:
It is the place where Huanglong's major scenery is concentrated. Huang Long means "Golden Dragon" in Chinese. The main attraction of the valley is a pale yellow calcareous deposit that reflects a golden color in the sunlight in the water that flows down from the slopes, creating the image of a huge golden dragon flying down the snow mountain. When water flows into two separate streams, it turns into more colorful lakes and waterfalls, forming a ladder-shaped lake group. The water is crystal clear.

Surrounding the valley are numerous scattered colorful ponds called Yingbin Ponds, presenting a charming background for the golden dragon.
It will take at least 3 hours to take a whole trip back and forth on feet. To save energy, it is recommended that you take the cable car up to the valley and get down on feet.

--Admission Fee to Huanglong Scenic area: $25
--Recommended duration for a visit: one day;
--The area's opening hour: 9:10 to 16:40

--Weather:
The average temperature in Huanglong scenic area is around 7 C all year round. You can rent an overcoat there if you want to save space for your luggage.

--How to get there:
Usually tourists will include Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong in their itineraries. It is recommended to travel to Jiuzhaigou first and go to Huanglong on their way back to Chengdu. There are direct tourist buses from Jiuzhaigou Valley to Huanglong, which takes two hours at a cost of 20 RMB.

--Tips:
1. On the way to the Huanglong scenic area, you can rent a set of oxygen tubes used to refresh and adjust yourself to the high altitude environment from any of its oxygen stations.
2. May to August is its rainy seaon. Water-proof clothes are needed.
3. The mountain is not open to tourists from December to the next March. It may limit your travel experience.
4. Better hire some local tour guides for safety concerns if you want to go to some other wonderful but less explored scenic zones within the Huanglong scenic area.
5. Oxygen bags can be rented.

Photo resource: http://www.sc.xinhuanet.com
                         http://jiuzhaigou.mjjq.com/