"outstanding travertine formations, 3300 cascading terraced pools, hot springs and waterfalls lying beneath the snow-capped Minshan mountain range which carry the easternmost Chinese glacier. Huanlong’s major scenery is concentrated in the 2.2 miles long Huanglong Valley that includes snow-clad peaks and the easternmost glaciers in China. Due to its layered calcium carbonated deposit patterns, the valley resembles a golden dragon winding its way through the virgin forest, stone mountains and glaciers. Along the valley are scattering numerous colorful ponds of different sizes and shapes, which are strewn with gold colored limestone deposit giving a shimmering golden hue to water, so in sunlight, a golden dragon seems to surge forth from the forest. Thus it was named Huanglong Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley)."
How we got there?
From the Jiuzhai airport, it was a 2-hours very bumpy drive up the Minshan Mountain just to get to the Huanglong scenic area. We then transferred to a mini-bus driven by the local Tibetans. Road construction everywhere made the ride hazardous. Because the altitude ranges 1700-5588 meters (5,100 - 16,764 ft) above sea level, many in our tour group experienced altitude problems, despite the fact we were all prepared with canned O2 sprays. At least one person was bus-sick.
The first scenic spot of Huanglong is Yingbin Pond (meaning welcoming quests pond.) Travelers then walk up to the other 6 scenic ponds. The best pond is of course all the way at the top called Shuanwan Pond. It was raining and I was not for the challenge so I stopped at the first pond at the bottom and waited while others in our group pursued the other ponds. The scenery was truly beautiful and I was glad we were able to visit Huanglong. Would I visit again? Probably not.
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