# Huanglong National Scenic Area (黄龙国家级风景名胜区)

Jiuzhaigou and Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/huanglong-national-scenic-area
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Peak season ¥170; off-season ¥60; cable car ¥80 up, ¥40 down
- **Time needed:** 1 day
- **Getting there:** Take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子车站) in Chengdu to Songpan County; the ticket costs around ¥109 per person. The Huanglong scenic area is about 40 km from Songpan County, so you can hire a car or take a taxi.
- **Good for:** Hiking & Outdoors, Photography, Nature

## About Huanglong National Scenic Area

Separated from Jiuzhaigou by a single mountain, Huanglong is remarkable for its glistening, smooth travertine rocks. The terraces wind up the gully like a golden dragon coiling its way upward. Within roughly one square kilometre behind Huanglong Temple lies the “golden” core of the scenic area. Less than 100 metres behind the rear temple stands the Dragon King Temple, where the annual Huanglong Temple Fair is held. Behind Huanglong Rear Temple rise the highest pools in the gully, the “Shitazhenhai” (Stone Pagoda Guarding the Sea), also known as the Five-Colour Pools. Visiting Huanglong without seeing these pools would be a great pity.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Apart from Huanglong Gully, the Fujiang River Source area and the Xuelan Peak Cluster and Hongxinyan Peak Cluster require a local guide. Do not go there on your own.
- 2. The area is closed to visitors every year from December to March.
- 3. Huanglong Gully sits at an altitude of 3,100–3,500 metres. The round-trip hike takes at least 3 hours. Visitors with weak constitutions should watch closely for altitude sickness, and take the scenery at a pace your body can handle. Oxygen bags are available for rent locally to help those who are unwell.
- 4. Hygiene at Huanglong is good, and all seat cushions are disposable.
- 5. Tickets are sold on a real-name registration basis.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 374. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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