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. . 🚥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. . 🏷️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. . 📈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. . ⭐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. . ⚠️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. . 🛏️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. . 🍚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.