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China travel and tour destination Huanglong

China Destination Guide - Huanglong 黄龙

Huanglong is loosely translated as "Yellow Dragon" and in this case refers to the tail of a dragon slithering down a mountainside - a depiction of all the colours you can see in the numerous streams, waterfalls and pools which cover this mountainside. It is not the easiest or cheapest of places to visit being far from just about everywhere but is a unique natural site and worth adding on to any trip focused on Sichuan province.

➤ TCTC Tip: Huanglong is always visited in conjunction with the much larger Jiuzhaigou park.

What there is to see at Huanglong:

From the park entrance, which is as far as vehicles can get, it is a 7.5km walk up to the furthest pools but these happen to be the most spectacular so it is best to head straight up there and then, as time allows, make a slow descent back to the park gates.
At the furthest pools is a small temple in honour of the dragon the valley is named after.
In July there is an annual temple fair held here which is interesting to see but does attract the crowds. It attracts large numbers of traders from the Qiang minority.

Best time to visit Huanglong

April and May as well as September and October are the best months but the summer is also good. Winter can be difficult due to heavy snows blocking the mountain roads.

Best reason to visit Huanglong

Huanglong is a unique place and the pools and waterfalls are unlike any you are likely to have seen elsewhere.

Our last word on Huanglong

Well worth the time and expense to get here Huanglong should be considered as an add-on to any trip that also visits the provincial capital of Chengdu. Almost always booked in conjunction with Jiuzhaigou.