One-Day Tour of Huanglong

As a travel enthusiast who checks in at numerous hidden gem destinations every year, Huanglong, this "Heavenly Pool on Earth," has been treasured in my heart for many years. Recently, I finally took advantage of the new high-speed rail and embarked on a spontaneous healing trip. Here are some fresh, practical tips and effortless ways to enjoy it, shared for friends planning to visit! 🚄 New Transportation Option: Fast and Stable I used to think the trip to Huanglong was long and bumpy, but now with the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station directly to "Huanglong Jiuzhai Station," it takes less than 2 hours. The train cars are spacious and bright, and before you know it, you’ve arrived—maximizing your experience! After exiting the station, you can seamlessly transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, which takes about half an hour to reach the park entrance. The whole journey is as smooth as silk. 🧳 Luggage Storage: Location is Key The first thing to do upon arrival at the scenic area is to lighten your load! I strongly recommend storing your luggage at the "Huanglong Visitor Center" (free of charge!). It’s easy to find: facing the ticket hall, it’s on the right. Follow the "Luggage Storage" signs to a cozy little wooden cabin where staff will register your items and give you a claim ticket—super convenient. Just note that it closes at 6 PM, so plan accordingly. If you plan to take the cable car up and down the mountain, you can also pay 30 yuan to store your luggage directly at the cable car entrance for added convenience. We also discovered a "hidden option": outside the park at the Seruo Hotel or a small supermarket, luggage storage costs 10 yuan per item and offers great value. After storing your luggage, buy your ticket and hop on the free shuttle bus straight to the cable car station to start your cloud journey. 🏔️ Highlights of the Tour: I Want Both Ease and Beauty The beauty of Huanglong lies in its thousands of cascading, colorful calcified pools that look like a painter’s palette spilled onto the earth. This time, we chose the classic "lazy essential route": 1. Take the cable car up the mountain: Skip the long climb and enjoy the view of the forest changing colors from the cable car, lifting your spirits. 2. Shuttle bus transfer: After the cable car, switch to the shuttle bus (round trip is worth it) that takes you close to the core area. 3. Easy walk to the Five-Color Pool: Stroll about 800 meters along a gentle boardwalk. When the most dazzling jewel of the "Heavenly Pool on Earth"—the Five-Color Pool—comes into view, all your anticipation turns into amazement. The pool’s water changes colors with the light and angle, blending emerald, amber, and Tiffany blue into an unreal beauty. 4. Leisurely walk down the mountain, enjoying the scenery: Starting from the Five-Color Pool, follow the relaxed trail downhill. One stunning calcite landscape after another unfolds: the ancient Huanglong Temple, terraced bonsai pools, golden sands shining like gold, and the majestic Lotus Platform Waterfall... Every step is a scenic delight, and you won’t feel tired—only that your eyes aren’t enough to take it all in. We took our time, snapped plenty of photos, and spent about 4 hours in total—relaxed yet fully immersed in the core beauty. If you have the stamina, you can also choose to hike up or walk the entire route for a closer connection with the mountains and waters. ✨ Travel Tips · This is a high-altitude area, so move slowly and pay attention to warmth and sun protection. · The park’s facilities are well-developed with gentle boardwalks, but it still tests your stamina, so choose a route that suits you best. · Bring a power bank because you won’t be able to stop taking photos. The beauty of Huanglong is pure and striking. When sunlight shines on the Five-Color Pool and it sparkles with flowing colors, you’ll feel every effort to get here was worth it. This fairyland of the Heavenly Pool awaits your personal discovery!