Sichuan Huanglong Scenic Area: A Super Detailed Travel Guide

With the change of seasons🌈, Huanglong offers unique scenery in every season❄, but my favorite is winter, when snow blankets Huanglong🦋. The jade-colored pools, the interplay of calcified formations and sunlight, and the contrast of white snow and blue water create a winter landscape unique to Huanglong, tranquil and mysterious🌨, like a fairy-tale world of ice and snow.

⭐Best time to visit:
①May-October: The weather is mild and the scenery is at its best, especially in autumn, when the colorful forests complement the colorful pools.
②November-April: Some scenic areas may be closed, but the snow scenery is unique and suitable for visitors who prefer tranquility and snowy landscapes.

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🚥Transportation:
✈️Airplane: Fly from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, then take a bus to Huanglong Scenic Area (approx. 1.5 hrs).
🚌Bus: Take a bus or drive from Chengdu (approx. 7–8 hrs). The scenery along the way is beautiful.
🚗Chartered car/carpool: Suitable for groups, offering flexibility and convenience.

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🏷️Ticket information:
👉🏻Peak season (April–November): Entry ticket: CNY 170, sightseeing bus: CNY 80 (optional).
👉🏻Off-season (December–March): Entry ticket: CNY 60, sightseeing bus not in operation.
👉🏻Discounts: Students, seniors, etc., can enjoy half-price or free tickets.

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📈Tour routes:
🎈Standard route: Walk or take the sightseeing bus from the entrance to Wanglongping, then walk to visit the Five-Color Pool, Huanglong Temple, Zhengyan Pool, and other attractions (approx. 4–6 hrs).
🎈Hiking route: Suitable for visitors in good physical condition (approx. 6–8 hrs). You can enjoy more natural scenery along the way.
🎈Cable car route: Take the cable car uphill and walk downhill to save energy.

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⭐Main attractions:
📍Five-Color Pool: The most famous attraction in Huanglong. The pool water displays various colors due to minerals, resembling a fairyland.
📍Huanglong Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist temple built during the Ming Dynasty with a long history.
📍Zhengyan Pool: Composed of multiple colorful pools, resembling a painter's palette.
📍Golden Sand: Travertine beaches sparkle under the sunlight, creating a magnificent spectacle.

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⚠️Important notes:
- Altitude sickness: Huanglong has a high altitude (above 3,000m). It is recommended to acclimatize in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, and carry oxygen if necessary.
- Clothing: The temperature in the mountains varies greatly. Warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.
- Environmental protection: Littering is prohibited in the scenic area. Please protect the natural environment.
- Sun protection: The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays. Take sun protection measures.

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🛏️Accommodation recommendations:
- Songpan County: Close to Huanglong, with many accommodation options at moderate prices.
- Chuanzhusi Town: Close to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, suitable for visitors traveling to Huanglong the next day.
- Near the scenic area: There are a few hotels and guesthouses, suitable for visitors who want to start their tour early.

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🍚Food recommendations:
🍱Tibetan hot pot: Featuring yak meat, it has a unique flavor.
🍵Butter tea: A traditional Tibetan drink, suitable for drinking in high-altitude areas.
🍺Highland barley wine: A Tibetan specialty wine with a mellow taste.