Huanglong Scenic Area Travel Guide

Huanglong Scenic Area is located in Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. As a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it's renowned for its unique travertine landscapes and is hailed as the "Fairyland on Earth." Here's a comprehensive travel guide: Overview - Opening Hours: Main scenic area opens at 7:30; Mounigou (including Zhaga Waterfall and Erdaohai areas) opens at 8:00; Red Army Long March Monument Park opens at 8:30 with last admission at 16:30. The cable car operates from 7:30 (ticket sales end at 16:30), with last uphill ride at 17:00 and last downhill ride at 17:30. Sightseeing buses run from 7:30 to 17:00. - Ticket Prices: Peak season (June 1-December 15) ¥170/person; Off-season (December 16-May 31) ¥60/person (discounted tickets ¥30). Transportation - High-speed Rail: From Chengdu East Station to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station or Songpan Station. Bus fare from Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station to scenic area: ¥28 (50min); from Songpan Station: ¥33 (70min). - Coach: Chengdu Chadianzi Station offers daily buses to Songpan at 7:30, 9:30, 11:30. Transfer available to scenic area. Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong buses depart Jiuzhaigou Bus Station at 7:40 (return at 15:30), fare ¥47. - Self-drive: Scenic route from Chengdu via Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Maoxian, Songpan. - Flight: Direct flights to Jiuhuang Airport from Chengdu, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc. Recommended Routes - Classic Route: Visitor Center Plaza → Welcome Pools → Flying Waterfall → Lotus Terrace Waterfall → Body-Washing Cave → Golden Sand Beach → Bonsai Pools → Mirror Pool → Suoluo Colorful Pools → Contending Color Pools → Huanglong Ancient Temple → Five-Color Pool (return same way or alternative paths). - Easy Route: Cable car up → Electric sightseeing car to Five-Color Pool → Enjoy scenery → Hike down (saves energy). Must-See Attractions - Five-Color Pool: Iconic multi-hued pools resembling gemstones. - Huanglong Ancient Temple: Unique Buddhist-Taoist fusion temple with annual festival on lunar June 15. - Welcome Pools: First travertine pools with crystal-clear waters. - Golden Sand Beach: Longest golden travertine flow. - Contending Color Pools: 658 vibrantly colored pools with diverse formations. Local Cuisine - Tibetan Staples: Butter tea, tsampa, yak meat, dairy products. - Specialties: Potato cakes, butter bread, pickled vegetable noodles, hand-grabbed mutton, yak meat products. Accommodation Options near scenic area include Sercha International Hotel. Hotels/guesthouses in Songpan or Chuanzhusi Town offer varied prices and local experiences. Important Notes High altitude (3,000m at base, 3,500m at Five-Color Pool) may cause altitude sickness. Consider taking rhodiola supplements beforehand, maintain regular routine, eat light. Bring oxygen cans, ibuprofen, glucose oral solution.