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2024 Songpan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Today's Weather
Clear -11-5℃
Popular Attractions
Huanglong Scenic Spot
Songpan Ancient City
Mounigou Scenic Area
Zhengyan Chi
Chuanzhusizhen
Huanglong is covered in snow, and the scenery is breathtaking!
Huanglong is covered in snow! The scenery is breathtaking!
First, let's talk about the local delicacies. In Huanglong and Aba Prefecture, you can find yak meat, butter tea, and other delicacies. Yak meat is firm and delicious, whether it's made into dried beef or stewed, it's unforgettable. Butter tea has a rich milky aroma and a strong tea flavor. A sip will warm your body and heart.
There are many attractions to visit, and the first is the Five-Color Pond in Huanglong Scenic Area. After the snow, the Five-Color Pond looks like a fairyland, with colorful water surrounded by snow, creating a stunning view. There's also Huanglong Valley, where you can stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the snow and calcified landscapes on both sides, as if you're in a fairy tale world.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when visiting here. First, the mountain roads are slippery on snowy days, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. Second, the altitude here is high, so you may experience altitude sickness. Prepare altitude sickness medication in advance. Also, keep warm and bring enough thick clothing.
Although I felt cold at first because of the heavy snow and thought it wasn't suitable to go out, I decided to continue up the mountain. I was surprised by the snow scenery along the way, and every step was a beautiful picture. When I reached the Five-Color Pond, I was amazed by the scenery, which was even more beautiful than when the sun was shining. The wonders of nature are truly amazing, and I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, it's so beautiful!" "It's amazing!" "It's unbelievable!" It turns out that this snow was a surprise from nature, and this trip was worth it. The beautiful scenery is a gift from nature, a surprise from Huanglong, and the best gift from Aba Prefecture.
Chengdu to Huanglong and Jiuzhai in 2 hours! Holiday travel guide.
If you're planning a trip around Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Songpan Ancient Town, and the surrounding area are great choices.✌🏻
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Jiuzhaigou is famous for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.🏔️The best time to visit is spring and fall, especially fall, when the red leaves are like fire.🍁The colorful forest is spectacular! It takes a whole day to visit Jiuzhaigou. You can take a sightseeing bus to different attractions and then walk around.
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Huanglong is famous for its spectacular calcified pools, snow-capped mountains, valleys, and primeval forests. The calcified landscape is unique and is known as the "Jade Pool on Earth."♨️It takes half a day to a day to visit Huanglong. You can take the cable car up the mountain and then walk down to see all the attractions.
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Songpan Ancient Town has a long history and is an important post for multi-ethnic exchanges. You can feel the weight and vicissitudes of the ancient city here.🗿The city wall is 6.2 km long and 12.5 m high, all made of blue bricks. There are 7 gates in the ancient city, each with its own unique history and culture. You can walk or take a rickshaw to visit the ancient city. The ancient city is open from 08:30 to 20:00 every day.
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Hotel: Minjiang Star Hotel (Huanglong Jiuzhai High-Speed Railway Station Branch). The transportation is very convenient. The hotel also offers pick-up and drop-off services for those without a car.🚗The rooms are well-equipped, clean, and simple. There is underfloor heating in fall and winter, which is very comfortable. There are also some local delicacies, such as yak soup pot, near the hotel.🔥There is a Chuanzhusi Temple a few hundred meters away. If you're interested, you can go for a walk!
Huanglong Forest is the Paradise
#forest
Huanglong Forest is a key feature of the Huanglong National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Situated at a high altitude, around 3,500 meters above sea level, the forest is a mix of lush vegetation, coniferous trees, and ancient pines. The cool, crisp air and serene environment make it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally more elusive animals like wild goats. Its vibrant greenery provides a striking contrast to the park's famous limestone pools and colorful mineral terraces, creating a diverse landscape for visitors to explore.
As you hike through the forest, you’ll encounter well-maintained trails leading to other attractions in the park, such as the stunning waterfalls and the iconic Huanglong Valley. The forest’s altitude adds a sense of tranquility, though visitors should be mindful of altitude sickness due to the thinner air at this elevation.
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#china #sichuan #huanglong
Great News for Traveller to Jiuzhaiguo
#chinatrip
The Huanglongjiuzhai station, which opened on September 1, is the newest station providing direct access to Jiuzhaigou, along with Songpan station.
Previously, travelers had to take the high-speed train to Zhenjiangguan and then drive 4-5 hours to reach Jiuzhaigou. With this new station, travel time is reduced by about 2 hours, allowing for more time to explore Huanglong National Park.
If tickets to Huanglongjiuzhai are sold out, you can opt to stop at Songpan and take a bus or Didi to either Huanglong National Park or Jiuzhaigou, and of course the major highlight of the journey from Huanglongjiuzhai to Jiuzhaigou is the stunning scenery along the way.
Happy travelling
#nationalpark #jiuzhaigou #china
Beautiful Hiking Trail in Huanglong Valley
#hikingtrails
Hiking in Huanglong National Park offers a unique experience, combining natural beauty with cultural and geological wonders. The main trail through the park stretches about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the entrance to the summit. It takes around 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
The trail is relatively well-maintained, with both paved paths and wooden boardwalks, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Starting from the entrance, you’ll first walk through lush forests, home to various wildlife such as squirrels and birds. As you ascend, you'll encounter stunning terraced pools filled with vibrant blue, green, and yellow mineral-rich water, known as "calcite travertine formations." These pools, including popular spots like Five-Color Pond and Mirror Pond, are some of the most photographed in the park.
At the higher elevations, particularly near the Huanglong Temple and Golden Sand, you’ll notice cooler temperatures and thinner air, as the park’s highest point is about 3,500 meters above sea level. Many visitors choose to take the cable car to the top and hike down, which helps avoid altitude sickness. However, if you prefer a more challenging hike, starting from the base and trekking up is also an option.
Along the way, you can explore historical and cultural sites, such as ancient Buddhist temples, which add depth to the hike. The entire hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows, especially in the autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold.
Be mindful of the altitude, stay hydrated, and take your time to enjoy both the scenic beauty and the unique ecosystem of Huanglong National Park.
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#china #huanglong #jiuzhaivalley #jiuzhaigou #hikingtrip #nationalpark #valley
Journey to Bashu - Is this like a scene from The Lord of the Rings?
Plane + Car Rental
The cover photo, which looks like a scene from The Lord of the Rings, is the 'Tea Horse Road'. Its economic importance is comparable to the Silk Road. Similar to the Zhuilu Old Trail, it is a narrow passage carved out of the mountain wall.
This journey to Bashu,
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Broadened my horizons, witnessing the beauty of Huanglong and Jiuzhai,
All because of the water; sometimes serene and gentle, sometimes torrential and grand,
Colorful and ingeniously crafted.
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Experienced the hardships of Tibetan life, yet their boldness remains,
The culture of the Qiang people, the exquisite craftsmanship of the Huarenaji,
A feast for the eyes, leaving one in awe!
Developing the Great Northwest greatly balances inland development,
Discovering more world cultural heritage sites, worth seeing with your own eyes and experiencing firsthand!
I just got back from Jiuzhaigou and have some advice to share.
🎉 I just returned from Jiuzhaigou and want to share some truths with everyone. Now that the high-speed rail is open, there are indeed more people, but the scenery is absolutely stunning 😍. Jiuzhaigou on a sunny day is unexpectedly beautiful 📷, you can use the original photos without any filters. September to October is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou, ladies, you must go at least once! Here are some tips I’ve gathered that might help those who haven't visited yet!!!
✅ Travel Itinerary
D1: Chengdu East Station 🚄 take the high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station - Huanglong Scenic Area - Jiuzhaigou Entrance
D2: Full-day deep tour of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
D3: Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong Jiuzhai Station - Chengdu
🏔 Must-see Attractions in Jiuzhaigou
1⃣ Shuzheng Valley: Reed Lake, Bonsai Beach, Shuzheng Lakes, Sparkling Lake, Rhinoceros Lake.
2⃣ Rize Valley: Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake, Panda Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Nuorilang Waterfall.
3⃣ Zechawa Valley: Five-Color Pond, Long Lake.
✅ Attraction Descriptions
Five-Color Pond: Known as the 'Eye of Jiuzhai,' it is a stunning blue.
Nuorilang Waterfall: Gathers water from Rize Valley, with spectacular ice falls in winter.
Shuzheng Lakes: Composed of over 40 lakes, you can see the full view from the observation deck.
Long Lake: The surrounding peaks are snow-covered year-round, and the blue-green lake is even more serene in winter.
Panda Lake: On windless days, you can see the reflection of the entire sky, very spectacular.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall: Like a galaxy descending from the sky, one of the filming locations for 'Journey to the West.'
Reed Lake: A spot that requires a hike, from Shuanglong Lake to Bonsai Beach, there is a blue ribbon in the reeds.
Mirror Lake: A filming location for the movie 'Hero,' as calm as a mirror.
Rhinoceros Lake: The sightseeing bus passes by, sit on the left side for a better view.
Tiger Lake: The distant snow-capped mountains reflect in the blue-green lake.
Arrow Bamboo Lake: Surrounded by arrow bamboo and fir trees, with a small waterfall nearby.
✅ Jiuzhaigou Travel Tips
🔸 There are public restrooms every two to three kilometers within the scenic area, very convenient.
🔸 Be sure to apply sunscreen, the UV rays are strong even without sunlight.
🔸 The altitude of Jiuzhaigou is over 3000 meters, so altitude sickness is usually just a mild headache.
🔸 The beauty of Jiuzhaigou can't be fully captured in photos, so make sure to bring a friend who can take good pictures to capture the stunning scenery.
🔸 When taking the sightseeing bus, sit on the left side for Shuzheng Valley and on the right side for Rize Valley.
🔸 It takes about 6-7 hours to tour the entire scenic area, so it's best to start early to avoid the crowds and long lines for the sightseeing bus.
✅ Recommended Route within the Scenic Area
Morning: Start with Shuzheng Valley, walk along the wooden plank road, highly recommend Reed Lake, which has no parking spot, so you need to walk back 1 kilometer from Bonsai Beach, but it's worth it, different from other lakes, it has its unique beauty.
Noon: Take the bus from Bonsai Beach to Nuorilang Center for lunch and visit Nuorilang Waterfall.
Afternoon: While the crowds head to Shuzheng Valley, we can go to Zechawa Valley's Long Lake and Five-Color Pond. You can view Upper and Lower Seasonal Lakes from the bus, as the hike is long. Then return to Nuorilang Center and transfer to Rize Valley's Primeval Forest. If time is short, you can skip this as you've already seen many similar lakes. Walk from Five Flower Lake to Pearl Shoal Waterfall, then take the bus from Mirror Lake parking lot to the exit, enjoying Mirror Lake along the way.
Jiatu Shiguang Travel Agency High-speed rail is finally available, making it easy to travel to see the colorful pools!
No more long journeys to see the colorful pools! Come and get my Huanglong Jiuzhai Day Tour Guide! 👇
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🕕 At 6:45 in the morning, the high-speed rail🚄 departs on time, and in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, Huanglong Jiuzhai Station is right in front of you! The scenery along the way is picturesque, don't forget to take pictures! 📸
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🚌 After arriving, take a shuttle bus directly to Huanglong Scenic Area, take a cable car🚡 up the mountain, remember to book and purchase sightseeing tickets in advance, only 5,000 tickets are available each day, slow hands no🎟️
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🚶♀️ Don't worry if you don't buy a ticket, walk for 1.5-2 hours, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and you can also reach the colorful pool. Be sure to arrive before 5 pm, or the beautiful scenery will be gone! ⏰
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🚠 When returning, don't forget to check the cable car time, if you miss it, you will have to walk 5km, which will take about 2-2.5 hours.
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🏡 In the evening, stay at Huanglong Nanshan Private Hot Spring Resort, take a private hot spring bath and wash away the fatigue of the day. Then have a delicious yak hot pot, it's simply worth it! 🍲🛁
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🌄 Wake up in the clouds on the second day, visit Songpan Ancient City and feel the weight of history. Then, take the high-speed rail and return home with a full load, ending this perfect short trip! 🏰🚅
A short holiday to Jiuzhaigou is so beautiful that you won't want to go home
Three-day tour of Jiuzhaigou, exploring the fairyland on earth! Beautiful scenery, not to be missed, come and join me on this dreamy journey!
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Route suggestions:
Day 1: Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Garden (formerly Panda Paradise) -> Songpan Ancient City
Visit the adorable giant pandas and experience the harmony between nature and these cute creatures. Then head to Songpan Ancient City to savor the historical charm of the ancient town.
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area -> Five-Color Pond -> Baojing Rock
Delve into Jiuzhaigou to appreciate the beautiful natural scenery. The colorful Five-Color Pond and the unique landforms of Baojing Rock will surely captivate you.
Day 3: Huanglong Scenic Area -> Five-Color Pond -> Huanglong Welcome Pond Viewing Platform
On the trip to Huanglong, the Five-Color Pond will once again amaze you. Don't forget to visit the Welcome Pond Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of Huanglong, ending your wonderful journey.
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Attraction suggestions:
🏞️ Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: Entering here feels like stepping into a fairy-tale ink painting. Lush forests, verdant greenery, and streams meandering through like ribbons. Every step is a beautiful picture, making it hard to leave.
💧 Huanglong Scenic Area: The calcified pools here are crystal clear, like nature's treasures. Deep gorges, towering snow-capped mountains, and cascading waterfalls create endless scenery. Every view is breathtaking, a paradise for photographers.
🐼 Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Garden (formerly Panda Paradise): Want to get up close with adorable giant pandas? This is their ideal habitat. Bamboo groves provide a comfortable home for the pandas. Shaded by green trees and fresh air, it lifts your spirits.
🏰 Songpan Ancient City: This ancient city is old and quiet. Walking among the ancient buildings, you can almost hear the echoes of history. Every brick and tile carries the weight of history and vicissitudes, making you ponder the past.
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🎒 Travel preparations:
👕 Clothing: The temperature difference in Jiuzhaigou in September is large, so it's recommended to bring a lightweight down jacket, fleece, and quick-dry pants. Choose non-slip hiking shoes, and don't forget comfortable and breathable socks.
🎩 Accessories: Essential items include hats, sunglasses for sun protection, and rain gear. To look great in photos, bring sunscreen and lip balm. Choose a lightweight backpack to free your hands.
🪪 Documents: Don't forget your ID card, cash, and credit card or mobile payment. Book tickets online in advance for a more hassle-free trip. If you have special needs, bring the relevant documents.
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For those who love Jiuzhaigou, quickly save this guide to make your trip easier and more enjoyable! 🌈✨
Huanglong Guide
💰Tickets: Full ticket 💵170 yuan, half ticket 💵85 yuan (full-time undergraduate and below students),
Free ticket (elderly, disabled, military personnel, Aba local residents, fresh graduates of middle and high school exams hiking❗️
Valid until August 31, 2024, for residents of Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Shaoxing, Huzhou, Jiaxing, Jinhua, and Taizhou in Zhejiang Province‼️Valid until June 11, 2026),
(❗️From December 16 each year to May 31 of the following year is the off-season for Huanglong Scenic Area, with off-season ticket prices of 60 yuan)
🚗Transportation costs:
🚎Sightseeing bus 💰20 yuan——Operating hours 8:00-17:00, starting from April 22, 2023, limited to 5000 tickets per day❗️Be sure to buy in advance, tickets will be temporarily suspended once sold out, free for children under 6 years old (inclusive)
🚡Cable car up 💰80 yuan, down 💰40 yuan——Cable car operating hours 8:00-17:30, ‼️It is recommended to take the cable car up, as it is all uphill, and walk down
⛰️🏔🗻Recommended route (estimated 3-4 hours, no backtracking, ‼️if you take the cable car down, you can only see the Five-Color Pond)
Cable car up→Take the sightseeing bus→Walk to Huanglong Ancient Temple (Huanglong Rear Temple)→Five-Color Pond→Huanglong Middle Temple→Bonsai Pond→Welcome Color Pond→Scenic Area Gate
📸🌈Five-Color Pond Viewing Platform, don't miss it, climb the stairs for a wide view, take a panoramic photo of the Five-Color Pond, you can't see it all from the walking path below, among all the ponds, the Five-Color Pond is the most representative
👉🏻Summer jacket🧥, winter down jacket, oxygen, power bank, sunglasses, snacks (various snacks and grilled sausages on the way, prices are about twice as expensive, or you can bring your own)
🌊🌊Three points to note when going to Huanglong for a better experience, feeling worth it: ①Choose the wet season; ②There are hundreds of ponds, not just the Five-Color Pond; ③High altitude, buy an uphill cable car + sightseeing bus
Recalling the Ancient Charm of the Borderlands
🗓️Itinerary: A small delight before (or after) heading to Jiuzhai Huanglong.
Stopover time: 2-3 hours.
💞Recommended reasons: Ancient city walls, architecture, cuisine, natural scenery, and the poignant historical story of peace through marriage.
As the saying goes, 'Plans can't keep up with changes,' visiting Songzhou Ancient City was an unexpected delight. I love the beauty of this place, its simplicity and unpretentiousness, the harmony of the mountain city, and the overflowing local flavor. I love the comfort here, the freedom to wander, the expansive views, and the strong sense of community.
Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou Travel Diary Share
Western Sichuan Trip|Huanglong is beautiful, Jiuzhaigou is even more beautiful! 🥰😍|| Personally, I feel ❗️❗️ Jiuzhaigou is very beautiful, and Huanglong is not bad either. I saw many people say Huanglong is not as beautiful as Jiuzhaigou, but after going there, I realized there wasn't enough time to appreciate it!
🚗 About the itinerary ❗️ We spent three days and two nights visiting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.
🕑 24th
🚄 From Chengdu to Zhenjiangguan
🚌 Then take a direct bus from Zhenjiangguan to Jiuzhaigou (book the direct bus on Ctrip, ⚠️ the bus to Jiuzhaigou is harder to get than the one to Siguniang Mountain, so if you get carsick, take some motion sickness medicine)
🏠 As for accommodation, I think they are all similar, just make sure to stay near the entrance of the valley, close to the scenic area.
🕐 25th
Touring Jiuzhaigou: There are three valleys, and personally, I think the primitive forest and the valley over there are more beautiful, but a friendly reminder ❗️ you can't finish touring it all, just visit the valleys you want to see, the scenery is pretty similar (⚠️ make sure to arrive half an hour before the park opens, we arrived twenty minutes early and there was already a long queue at the entrance)
🌡️👔 It's cold in the morning and evening, and very hot at noon and in the afternoon, so I just brought a jacket to wear.
🍜 The food in the scenic area is all at the Nuorilang Center, I personally think it's a bit expensive and not very tasty.
🕑 26th
🚗 We bought a direct bus from Jiuzhaigou ➡️ Huanglong ➡️ Zhenjiangguan High-Speed Rail Station on Ctrip.
Touring Huanglong time (10:00—14:00), gather at two o'clock to go to the high-speed rail station.
🎫 Remember to buy a sightseeing bus ticket for Huanglong, otherwise, you have to walk up the road to the Five-Color Pond.
👔 Make sure to bring a very thick jacket, Huanglong's altitude is higher than Jiuzhaigou, so it's colder than Jiuzhaigou. If it's cloudy 🌥️ or rainy ☔️, it's especially cold. We checked the weather and it showed sunny, but it was actually cloudy and rainy, so we had to buy thick cloaks at the scenic area entrance for 💰 200 yuan (not worth it at all).
🥰🥰 Compared to Jiuzhaigou, I actually prefer Huanglong, but for photos, Huanglong doesn't produce as good results as Jiuzhaigou ❗️
Jiuzhaigou Food 🍜
Hotpot 🍲: 🍅 Tomato Yak Soup Pot, very delicious, the meat is really a lot and in big chunks, very affordable, about 💰 80 per person.
Tibetan Cuisine: Himalaya Music Tibetan Cuisine Bar, delicious but a bit expensive, about 💰 100 per person, if you buy a group deal, it might be cheaper.
Northwestern Sichuan | Huanglong's Unmissable Colorful Ponds
The most famous attractions in the Huanglong Scenic Area are the Huanglong Temple and the extremely famous calcified colorful ponds. Although May has just passed the dry season and the water has not yet fully filled up, it is still very beautiful ❤️
The entire scenic area is well-equipped. Basically, you take a cable car to the top of the mountain and then walk a flight of stairs to reach Huanglong Temple. Walking slowly and taking photos along the way is not tiring at all. On the way back, you can walk down the mountain, which takes about two hours. If time does not permit, you can also take the scenic area's cable car back the same way.
❄️ It's hard to imagine that in May, the entire mountain area is still covered with snow, making for very photogenic scenes. With a casual snap, it feels like the cold lands of the Northeast. The natural landscape is truly astonishing, and one can only continue to 'click' with their eyes 📷
Have you decided where to go in January?
❄Have you decided where to go in January? ✨
💝People often say that Huanglong is the most beautiful from May to October, but have you seen Huanglong in January? 💝
🏰Huanglong in January is poetic and picturesque, and it is breathtaking. It is like a pure and flawless scroll, slowly unfolding before your eyes. The snow-capped mountains, the crystal-clear icefalls, and the dreamlike colorful pools are all telling the fairy tale of winter.
🕌Walking in the simple and ancient temples of Huanglong Temple, feeling the precipitation of time and the heaviness of history. 💃At the welcoming pool, the mist is lingering, as if the elves between heaven and earth are dancing. 🎨The flying waterfall turns into a beautiful landscape line, decorating Huanglong in winter. 🌲In Huanglonggou, the quiet primitive forest is dressed in silver, and the calcified beach flow is like the palette of the earth, brilliant and mysterious.
❤Come on, find the tranquility and beauty in your heart in this icy and snowy wonderland, and let Huanglong in January become your warmest memory in winter
🌟Recommended attractions🌟
🌈Colorful Pool: The iconic attraction of Huanglong, under the sun, the pool water shows blue, green, yellow, white and other colors, dreamlike.
🏔Huanglong Temple: One of the core attractions of Huanglong Scenic Area, the temple is built on the mountain, and the environment is quiet and solemn.
🌸Welcoming Pool: The pool water is clear and the colorful pools of different shapes are stacked, like blooming flowers.
🌊Flying Waterfall: The spectacular waterfall pours down from the mountains, and the sunlight refracts dazzling water splashes, which is very spectacular.
🏞Huanglonggou: Huanglonggou is the longest ditch in Huanglong Scenic Area, with a total length of about 12 kilometers. The vegetation here is lush, the mountains are stacked, and the streams are gurgling. In Huanglonggou, you can enjoy the spectacular calcified beaches, colorful pools, snow mountains, canyons and other natural landscapes, and feel the magical charm of nature.
🚌Transportation: Depart from Chengdu, take a bus or charter a car to Huanglong.
🏨Accommodation selection: There are many hotels and homestays around Huanglong for you to choose from. You can choose the appropriate accommodation according to your preferences and budget.
⚱Precautions: Due to the high altitude, there may be altitude sickness. Please prepare in advance.
I thought Jiuzhaigou was already very beautiful, until I came here
Perhaps because it's too close to Jiuzhaigou, many people directly overlook this attraction, so it's relatively less popular and the experience is better. I originally thought that Jiuzhaigou was already very beautiful, until I came to Huanglong, which was originally a place I didn't hold much hope for, but it actually gave me a sense of surprise. The Huanglong in late autumn is really a paradise lost in the world.
Tips:
1. It takes about 6 hours to depart from Chengdu, and the road conditions are relatively good, just navigate directly to Huanglong Scenic Area.
2. The water volume is not very large now, but the low mountain area is the autumn color pool, and the high mountain area is the snow color pool. It's nice to experience two seasons in one day.
3. It is recommended to take the cable car up the mountain, and then walk down from the high mountain area, which will be easier.
4. If the weather is good, you can see the main peak of Minshan, Xuebaoding, here.
How to get from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Scenic Area? Detailed guide is here!
How to get from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Scenic Area? Detailed guide is here!
There are three modes of transportation to choose from from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Scenic Area:
1. Charter a car: You can rent a taxi or charter a car to go to Huanglong Scenic Area. This is the most convenient and flexible option, but may be more expensive. It takes about 3 hours from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Scenic Area.
2. Bus: At the Jiuzhaigou Bus Terminal in Jiuzhaigou County (near Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area), you can take a direct bus to Huanglong Scenic Area. Bus frequency may be limited, so it is recommended to know and arrange your itinerary in advance. There are usually many shuttle buses departing between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., making it convenient to enter the Huanglong Scenic Area for sightseeing.
3. Self-driving: It is more convenient for tourists who drive by themselves. Driving from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong, National Highway 544 is in good condition. The journey is about 120 kilometers. Along the way, we pass Jiuzhaigou National Forest Park, Minjiangyuan National Wetland Park, and snow mountains. It can be called China’s Scenic Corridor! There are many viewing and parking spots along the way. On this road, you can walk and play for half a day!
Things to note
1. The distance from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Scenic Area is relatively long, generally taking about 3 hours by car. Before going to Huanglong Scenic Area, it is best to understand the traffic conditions in advance and make a detailed itinerary plan.
2. It usually takes about 3-4 hours to visit Huanglong. In addition, if you want to directly enter the scenic area after arriving at Huanglong Scenic Area, you need to set off before 8 a.m. that day.
3. If you cannot make it to Huanglong Scenic Area on the same day or even if you arrive, you do not have enough time to visit the scenic area, it is recommended to stay in Songpan County or Chuanzhusi Town and enter the scenic area early the next morning. Songpan County is about an hour's drive from Huanglong Scenic Area, and Chuanzhusi Town is about 30 minutes' drive from Huanglong. You can also visit Songzhou Ancient City or Chuanzhu Temple.
4. Huanglong Scenic Area has a high altitude and some people have high altitude sickness. It is recommended to bring a portable oxygen bottle.
Huanglong's Five-Color Pond, a palette
It felt like it was going to rain in the morning when I left the house, but it turned out to be sunny at the door, very encouraging The highest altitude Five-Color Pond in Huanglong and Huanglonghou Temple . The altitude of Huanglong's Five-Color Pond is 3900 meters. The Five-Color Pond is the highest point of Huanglong Scenic Area, and some people may experience altitude sickness when they reach this spot. The Five-Color Pond is a group of calcified colorful ponds located at the upper end of Huanglong Scenic Area, with a total of 693 calcified ponds, and is one of the famous attractions. In the gully between the mountains, there are countless calcified colorful ponds. During the deposition process of calcium carbonate, it forms different quality calcified bodies with various organic and inorganic substances. These calcified colorful ponds of different sizes are spread out in a step-like manner, spreading layer by layer. The water is clear and transparent, the color is rich, and it gradually changes from the center to the surroundings, emerald green, light blue, sapphire blue, powder blue, goose yellow, milky white, it's extremely colorful and clear, just like a palette left in the world by heaven.
You WONT believe these CALCIUM POOLS exist😱
Five-colored calcium pools in Sichuan, China😍
Located in the north west part of Sichuan, the Huanglong scenic area is known for its colorful travertine pools formed by calcite deposits.
It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992 because its outstanding travertine formations, limestone formations, and travertine terraces rank top three in the world!
Tourists can visit the site by driving around 400km from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan.
Although, because there are no highways and the roads are quite bumpy, the drive will take around 8 hours.
Despite the adventure to get there, the pools do not disappoint! It was such a breathtaking and unforgettable sight to see.
Songpan Anicent Town
We spent a lovely evening in Songpan and visited the Anicent Town in the morning. You will see the local people selling local goods such as mushrooms and wheat. It is a nice thing to do. If you stay over night in Songpan then definitely visit this little anicent town it's worth it.
#couplestrip#historicculture#roadtrip#summervacation#urbanexplorer
The Ancient City near Huanglong Park
Address - Songpan County, Songzhou Ancient City
Ambiance/Facilities - a shopping street with local food and souvenirs
After visiting Huanglong National Park we spent a night in a nice hotel near the Songzhou Ancient City (Ajimu Guest House).
In the morning we took a 10min walk to the city and were pleased to see diversity in local people. There are many constructions in that old town, but I guess in few months in will look really nice. We bought some fruit from the local people. Many shops were still closed in the morning, but I think you can find there all you need for a very affordable price. It's worth visiting if you are spending a night in Songpan.
#couplestrip#summervacation#urbanexplorer
Ajimu Guest House, Songpan.
We went to see Huanglong National Park and on the way back stayed an evening in this guest house. The staff are really friendly, especially one of the owners called Mike. The guest house has a lovely interior with a nice garden and the river running next to it. A nice selection of cold beers available and great Chinese tea. Rooms are a nice size with good showers. The wooden look around the guest house is lovely.
#bestislandtraveltowns#roadtrip#summervacation
Natural Baths of UNESCO National Park
Getting There - Jiuzhaigou Airport, bus from Chengdu
Attractions - Huanglong Scenic Area, Songpan Ancient Town
Hotels - Ajimu Guest House
This National Park is famous for its colorful lakes, snow-topped mountains, beautiful valleys and virgin forests. We spent the whole afternoon there and I would recommend to spend at least 5-6hrs in here. We took a cable car all the way up to the mountain and then walked down to the exit. There are places to buy water and snacks on the way, but the options are limited and a little pricy, so it's a good idea to bring some snacks with you. We also refilled water bottles with water from the pools, it's really refreshing!
What a wonderful place!
#couplestrip#awesomepic#naturalwonders#roadtrip#summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer
The local Yaochi-Huanglong Scenic Area
Huanglong Scenic Area is known as the four musts of colored pools, snow mountains, canyons and forests. Together with the beaches, ancient temples and folk customs, it is called seven musts.
The richly colored surface travertine landscape is the main landscape of Huanglong Scenic Area, such as the colorful pool, calcified beach pool, contending pool, bonsai pool, and the scenery is especially beautiful, which makes me sink into it.
Huanglong Scenic Area has an average elevation of over 3,000. Friends with high anti-remembers remember to prepare Rhodiola. The entire scenic area is too large, suitable for 1-2 days of play. Wucai and Huanglong Temple are sure to go.
Location Address: The southern section of the Lushan Mountain Range in Songpan County, A Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northern Sichuan Province, which is the transitional zone from the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Sichuan Basin. .
scenic spot tickets: 190 yuan / person in the peak season, 80 yuan / person in the off-season. The cable car goes up 80 yuan / person, down 40 yuan / person.
Opening time of the scenic spot: March 21st - November 14th (peak season) 08
Qinhe Hotel Songpan Recommendation
✨Hotel Highlights
I was attracted to the accommodation because of the ancient architecture.
♨️Amenities
It had all the modern amenities of a standard twin room for a comfortable stay.
🛁Room Environment
The room was tastefully decorated with ancient stacking stone wall architecture and traditional wooden furniture. The room was as the photos shown in the app.
🛎️Hotel Service
Good, warm and pleasant.
💗Guest Experience
I felt so at home that I had to force myself to go out to explore the surrounding. It was just a one-night transit, so I thought it would be good if I could make use of it to explore the surrounding. There was an ancient town street just nearby. The atmosphere was warm and nice, and many things to see. Local goods and produces were displayed in bulk, showing that this could be an important commerce center of networks of ancient roads in the past. There were Chinese lanterns adorning the road with choices of barbeque stalls selling meat on sticks. Perfect for taking a stroll. The weather in autumn is quite cold, since the town is in highland. Proper warm clothing is advised. There is a high speed railway station a few km downtown, so it's convenient to get in and out from Chengdu; I booked ticket to Chengdu through the Trip.com app. #china #travel #thingstodo
Discovering the Enchanting Beauty of Huanglong, Sichuan
#chinatrip
Exploring Huanglong Scenic Area in Sichuan, China, is like stepping into a fairy tale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as “Fairy Land on Earth,” is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including colorful lakes, snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and pristine forests. The name “Huanglong,” meaning “Yellow Dragon,” is derived from the area’s unique travertine formations that resemble a golden dragon winding through the valley.
Upon arriving at Huanglong, the first thing that strikes you is the vibrant palette of colors. The Five Color Ponds, a series of terraced, mineral-rich pools, shimmer in shades of turquoise, green, yellow, and blue. These ponds are a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture their surreal beauty against the backdrop of towering mountains.
The journey through Huanglong is made easy by well-maintained wooden boardwalks that guide visitors through the park’s highlights. One of the most memorable sights is the Marvelous Flying Waterfall, where water cascades over golden limestone, creating a mesmerizing display. The Mirror Ponds, true to their name, reflect the surrounding scenery with crystal clarity, adding to the park’s magical atmosphere.
Songpan, a hidden gem near Chengdu!
My Songpan trip 🧳
I saw a lot of complaints about Songpan online before I left, which made me hesitate, but I decided to go and see for myself 👀.
I took the high-speed train from Chengdu East, and soon arrived at Songpan Station, which was very convenient 🚄. There was an official car waiting outside the station, which charged per person at a reasonable price, and took me directly to the scenic area. The driver introduced the local situation, which made me feel at ease, so I didn't have to pay attention to the carpooling 🚌.
When I arrived at the scenic area, I first saw the Haizi Group. It had just snowed, and the trees around the Haizi were covered in silver, with the snow reflected in the Haizi, and the Haizi reflecting the blue sky and snow-capped mountains, like a painting 😍. Walking along the boardwalk, it was quiet all around, and I could only hear the sound of footsteps and the occasional sound of snow falling, as if I had entered an uninhabited world of ice and snow, which was very interesting ❄️. There were not many people, so I could enjoy the scenery slowly, which was very comfortable 😌.
Walking further into the forest, there was a small path with beautiful snow scenery on both sides, and snow hanging on the branches. When the wind blew, the snow fell, like a fairyland 🌈. Along the way, I could see small lakes in the forest, with thin ice on the surface, and the sun shining brightly, which was quite dreamy ☀️. Breathing in the fresh air, I felt happy and forgot all my worries 🤗.
After visiting the scenic area, I was hungry, so I went to the ancient city to find something to eat, and ordered yak hot pot at a small shop frequented by locals 🥘. The pot was full of ingredients, with fresh and juicy yak meat, paired with fresh vegetables, cooked in the soup, and dipped in a special sauce, which was very satisfying 🥳, and I didn't even feel the cold outside.
After eating, it was still early, so I strolled around the ancient city to experience the local atmosphere 🤝. When it was time, I took a taxi to the high-speed train station and took the high-speed train home 🚄.
This trip to Songpan was worth it, with beautiful scenery, convenient transportation, delicious food, and friendly and enthusiastic locals, which made me feel warm inside, and I felt it was a treasure land, and I hope it will always be good 💕.
If you're looking for a fun and unique place, don't miss Songpan 😎.
A day trip from Chengdu to Songpan, a fairyland of snow.
🎀 "Songpan, a fairyland so beautiful it takes my breath away!" 🎀
Because it had just snowed, the entire forest and lake were covered in snow. ❄️ There were very few tourists, and as I walked along the road to Erdao Lake, the world was silent, and I felt like I was the only person in the world. 👀 Only the occasional bird call reminded me that this was not a fairyland... 😱
🚄 Here's the itinerary ⬇️
11:11 Depart from Chengdu East, 13:03 Arrive at Songpan Station. After leaving the station, take the green bus 🚌, CNY 40/person. The driver will take you to two scenic spots in Munigou and wait for you the whole time!
1️⃣ Zhaga Waterfall
The first scenic spot is the waterfall, but it is now the dry season, so the scenery is average. 😕 The driver gave us 1 hour to visit, so we just took a look and returned to the car, heading straight to the next scenic spot!
2️⃣ Erdao Lake
This is the highlight!!! There are many beautiful lakes in the forest. 😤 Although there is not much water in the lake now, the snow scenery is really unique. ❄️
There are many lakes of different sizes along the way, such as Emerald Lake, Lianli Lake, Toudao Lake, and Erdao Lake. You must walk to the last Erdao Lake! It is the largest, with the greenest and bluest water and the most beautiful scenery! It can only be described as stunning!!! Many people didn't make it to the end and missed the whole world. 😭
The whole mountain road is ethereal and quiet, and you can completely relax and cleanse your mind. It is so stress-relieving and healing...
3️⃣ Return to Songpan Ancient City
On the return trip, the driver will take everyone back to the ancient city, where you can choose a highly rated beef hot pot restaurant. CNY 200 for a large pot of yak meat, with so many vegetables that they overflow. Eating a steaming hot pot in the snow is a blissful experience. 🥰
🚄 Songpan Station 21:20 - 22:55
After leisurely eating and wandering around the ancient city until 8:30, you can take a taxi to the high-speed rail station and go home. There is plenty of time. 😁
Overall, Songpan is just perfect... There are not many tourists, the planning is perfect, the transportation is convenient, the official bus route is very reasonable, and all the locals and drivers are very enthusiastic and simple. There are no sellers who rip you off, and the scenic area explicitly prohibits the sale of goods. All goods are basically the same price, and you can see that the government has done a good job of planning, just to present a better appearance to tourists. 👏
If you are tired of Jiuzhaigou and Western Sichuan, you must visit Songpan!! It is the best experience in the entire northwest of Sichuan!!! 😎
Beautiful Yaochi.
To visit Huanglong Scenic Area, take an 8-minute cable car ride, then a 6-minute electric car ride to the bottom of the Five-Color Pond, and climb the stairs for about half an hour to reach the Five-Color Pond. It is recommended to walk down the mountain, where you can see Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Zhenyan Pond, Saluo Yingcai Pond, Mingjing Reflection Pond, Golden Sand Paving, Washing Cave, Lotus Terrace Waterfall, and Welcome Pond. The surface travertine landscape is spectacular with its unique structure and rich colors. The whole journey takes about 4–5 hours.
6-day autumn trip to Maoxian, Danba, and Jiuzhaigou.
Hey guys! 6-day trip to Maoxian, Danba, and Jiuzhaigou, enjoy the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan, here is a super detailed guide, save it now!
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🏞️Itinerary:
D1: Depart from Shanghai -> Transfer at Guangyuan -> Arrive at Jiuzhaigou, start your nature trip!
D2: Visit Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area -> Visit Nuorilang Waterfall, feel the magnificence and mystery of nature.
D3: Explore Huanglong Scenic Area -> Pass by Diexi Haizi -> Finally visit Songpan Ancient City, experience the history and culture.
D4: Visit China Ancient Qiang City -> Dujiangyan Scenic Area -> Stroll along Jinli Ancient Street, enjoy the charm and food of the ancient city.
D5: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding -> Sanxingdui Museum, feel the charm of the national treasure and the ancient Shu civilization.
D6: Depart from Guangyuan -> Return to Shanghai, end your pleasant trip to Sichuan!
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Attraction recommendations:
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Provincial Highway 301, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Opening hours: All day
Duration: 1-2 days
Jiuzhaigou, a fairy-tale ink painting, has beautiful scenery with lush forests and streams, every place is a masterpiece of nature, making people linger.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: No. 1375, Xiongmao Avenue, Waibei, Chenghua District, Chengdu
Opening hours: All day
Duration: 3-5 hours
Want to see the cute national treasure giant pandas up close? Then you must not miss the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the giant pandas here are so cute that you can't help but want to stay with them all the time.
Dujiangyan Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Gongyuan Road, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu
Opening hours: All day
Duration: 2-4 hours
Dujiangyan, a well-preserved ancient water conservancy project, has not only profound cultural heritage, but also unique natural scenery, it is a treasure of the world scenic spots, worth savoring.
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🎒 Travel checklist:
👚 Clothing: Windbreaker, thermal underwear, thick socks, to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains.
👟 Shoes: Non-slip hiking shoes, more stable on mountain roads, protect your ankles from injury.
🎩 Accessories: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, strong ultraviolet rays on the plateau, you need to protect yourself.
💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aid, just in case.
📷 Photography: Camera, spare battery, how can you miss the beautiful scenery?
🪪 Documents: ID card, cash, when you go out, you need to carry these with you.
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🎉Walk through the style of Maoxian, feel the charm of Danba, and then indulge in the fairyland of Jiuzhaigou, more wonderful things are waiting for you to explore! Don't forget to follow me! 🎉
Huanglong is worth visiting!
🚶♂️[Hiking Tips]: The hiking route in Huanglong Scenic Area is very important. Unlike the conventional route, it is recommended to hike down the mountain and take the cable car up the mountain. Because Huanglong is at a high altitude, with the highest point of Wucai Pond at 3,576 meters above sea level, hiking up the mountain will be very exhausting, while hiking down the mountain is relatively easy. 🏞️
🕒[Time Planning]: To not miss the beautiful scenery of Wucai Pond, it is recommended to arrive at Wucai Pond by 2:30 pm at the latest, because after 3 pm, the sunlight decreases, and the beauty of the pond will be greatly reduced. 🌞
🧥[Clothing Guide]: The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so it is recommended to wear breathable and easy-to-open jackets or functional outdoor clothing to cope with sweating and sun protection during hiking. 🌤️
📸[Photography and Drones]: Drones are allowed in Huanglong Scenic Area, and you can capture beautiful moments of people and ponds. Remember to bring your camera, especially for Wucai Pond and the ponds below, to enjoy the shimmering water waves up close. 📷
🐿️[Close to Nature]: Friends with good physical fitness can try hiking the whole way, and have the opportunity to get close to chipmunks, squirrels, and birds along the way, and feel the charm of the primeval forest. 🌲
🏰[Ancient Temple Experience]: Don't miss the ancient temple at the top, go inside and take a few deep breaths of incense, feel the tranquility and comfort, and relieve the discomfort caused by the plateau. 🕊️
🌈[Summary]: Huanglong Scenic Area is worth visiting, especially for tourists in Jiuzhaigou. Arrange your itinerary reasonably, choose the right hiking route, wear appropriate clothing, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Huanglong. 🏔️
📌[Tips]: Enter the valley early, preferably early in the morning, to avoid the peak crowd and enjoy a quieter travel experience. 🚀
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