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The Golden Sand Pavement is approximately 1,338 meters from the Fuyuan Bridge. Because the carbonates here have lost the geographical conditions for forming pools, the sloping water waves tumble over a ridge-like slope about 1.3 meters long, forming layers of golden travertine on the bottom of the water. These travertine beaches resemble scales, shimmering in the sunlight and creating another rare spectacle in Huanglong.
Huanglong has a humid and cold climate, with long winters and a short summer, resulting in a continuous spring and autumn. The best time to visit Huanglong is from April to November; the park is closed during the rest of the year due to winter.
September to October is the best time to travel
Peak season: April-November: 170 yuan; low season: November-March: 60 yuan
08:00~17:00
Golden Sand Paving is a unique natural landscape in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is renowned for its vast golden sands that cover the ground, a rare phenomenon in the region. The area is important not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural significance to the Tibetan people, who consider the land sacred.
Golden Sand Paving is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan. The area can be reached by car or taxi from the main city centers of Chengdu or other nearby towns. There are no direct metro or bus lines to the site, so private transportation is recommended.
The Golden Sand Paving area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is more temperate. The area can be colder in the winter months, and snowfall may cover the sands.
The entrance fee for Golden Sand Paving is generally free, as it is an open natural area. However, guided tours or entry to specific nearby cultural sites may require a fee. Tickets for these can be bought on-site or through local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required unless you plan to join a guided tour or visit specific cultural landmarks nearby. It is best to book at least a day in advance during peak tourist seasons.
A visit to Golden Sand Paving typically takes around 2-3 hours to explore, including time for walking around, photography, and enjoying the scenic views. If you plan to visit nearby villages or cultural sites, you may want to allocate more time.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin, with some English-speaking guides in larger groups. Audio guides may be available at certain locations, especially for cultural landmarks nearby.
The best viewpoints for photography are along the edges of the golden sands, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light creates stunning contrasts. The surrounding mountain ranges also provide breathtaking backdrops for photos.
Begin your visit by walking along the golden sand patches and take time for photography. Then, explore the nearby Tibetan villages and visit local temples for a cultural experience. If you have extra time, consider hiking in the surrounding mountains for a more immersive adventure.
Night visits are not typically available. The natural beauty of Golden Sand Paving is best appreciated during the day, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is optimal. No light shows are hosted in this area.
The area can be crowded during national holidays and peak tourist seasons, but weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the entrance. There are also small food vendors and rest areas around the site where visitors can relax. Shops selling local crafts and souvenirs are available nearby.
The Golden Sand Paving area is accessible to most visitors, but some of the walking paths may be challenging for the elderly or disabled. It is advisable to check with local guides regarding the accessibility of specific areas.
Cash is accepted for small purchases, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit card payments may not be as common, so it’s recommended to have cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are a few local Tibetan restaurants and cafes around the area, serving traditional dishes like Tibetan butter tea, tsampa, and yak meat. These eateries offer a great way to experience local cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in the local Tibetan restaurants, though vegan and halal options may be limited in the more remote areas. It's best to check with the restaurant beforehand.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels in the nearby towns or rural areas. For more comfort, visitors can find larger hotels in Chengdu or other cities within the Aba Prefecture. Local Tibetan guesthouses provide an immersive experience for travelers.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local crafts such as Tibetan jewelry, handwoven textiles, and prayer beads. You can also find traditional Tibetan art and handicrafts as keepsakes.
From Golden Sand Paving, taxis or private vehicles are the best options to continue traveling. You can also take buses or rental cars to nearby attractions like Jiuzhaigou Valley or Songpan Ancient Town.
