Just 3 hours from Chengdu! This "Fairyland on Earth" is even more dreamy than Jiuzhaigou!

📍 Scenic Area Overview Huanglong, located in Songpan County, Sichuan's Aba Prefecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its travertine pools, snow-capped mountains, and pristine forests, earning it the title "Fairyland on Earth." Key attractions include the Five-Color Ponds, Huanglong Temple, and Contending Color Ponds, with elevations ranging from 3,100 to 3,600 meters—altitude sickness precautions are advised. --- 🚗 Transportation Guide ✅ Self-drive: ~6 hours from Chengdu (via Duwen Expressway to Chuanzhusi) ✅ Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Station → Songpan (then take a taxi to the scenic area) ✅ Flight: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (1-hour drive to the scenic area) --- 🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours 💰 Ticket: Peak season ¥170 (Apr-Nov), Off-season ¥60 (Dec-Mar) 🚠 Cable car: Uphill ¥80/Downhill ¥40 (recommend taking the cable car up and walking down) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (last entry at 16:00) --- 🏞️ Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Five-Color Ponds: The highlight of Huanglong, where travertine pools shimmer in blue-green-yellow gradients under sunlight. Best photo time: 10:00-14:00. 2️⃣ Contending Color Ponds: The largest group of colorful pools, resembling a vibrant palette. 3️⃣ Huanglong Ancient Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist temple nestled against snow-capped mountains, ideal for blessings. 4️⃣ Flying Waterfall in Glow: A golden travertine waterfall that sparkles like a galaxy in sunlight. --- 📌 Recommended Routes Leisurely Version (4-5 hours) Cable car up → Walk to Five-Color Ponds → Huanglong Temple → Contending Color Ponds → Hike down (enjoy Welcome Pools and Flying Waterfall along the way) Hiking Version (6-7 hours) Entrance → Welcome Pools → Flying Waterfall → Contending Color Ponds → Huanglong Temple → Five-Color Ponds → Return the same way --- ⚠️ Tips 1️⃣ Altitude sickness: The highest point is 3,576m. Bring oxygen cans (sold onsite) and avoid strenuous activity. 2️⃣ Clothing: Large temperature swings—bring a jacket in summer and a down coat in winter; non-slip hiking shoes are a must. 3️⃣ Weather: Rain gear for monsoon season (Jul-Aug); strong UV protection on sunny days. 4️⃣ Food: No restaurants inside—pack snacks/water. Try yak meat hotpot in Songpan town. --- ✅🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Near the scenic area: Serco International Hotel (10-minute walk to the entrance) - Chuanzhusi Town: Budget-friendly, 30-minute drive to the scenic area - Jiuzhaigou combo trip: Stay near Jiuzhaigou entrance for next-day exploration --- 📸 Photography Tips ✔️ Shoot Five-Color Ponds in the morning for vibrant colors. ✔️ Drone use requires prior approval (many no-fly zones). ✔️ Use low angles to avoid crowds on boardwalks. --- 💡 Pro Tips 🔸 Best season: Sept-Oct (autumn colors + ample water) 🔸 Avoid holidays like National Week for fewer crowds. 🔸 Combine with Jiuzhaigou for a 3-4 day trip for better value. Huanglong is a masterpiece of nature—the dreamy hues of the Five-Color Ponds are worth the journey! Plan ahead and enjoy this visual feast~