Huanglong Scenic Area

A Rare Natural Wonder in Jiuzhaigou, China

Situated in northwestern of Sichuan Province near the Jiuzhaigou Park, Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is world famous for the colorful lakes, snow-clad mountains, and virgin forest. Taking up more than 154,000 square miles (400,000 square kilometers), Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Songpan County and 76 miles (122 kilometers) away from Pingwu County.

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is composed of two parts, Huanglong and Mouni Valley. Huanglong includes Huanglong Valley, Danyun Gorge, Xuebaoding Peak. Huanglong Valley, situated at the foot of Xuebaoding Peak, acquired its name from Huanglong Temple. Huanglong Valley is made up of snow-capped peaks and the easternmost of all Chinese glaciers, which is the only protected plateau wetland in China. The valley is formed by limestone so that the unique and colorful calc-sinter (that is, calcareous sinter, a freshwater deposit of calcium carbonate) landscape constitutes its main scene. In addition, the valley is home to endangered animals, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.

Mouni Valley is made up of Zhaga Waterfall and Erdaogou Lake. Zhaga Waterfall is the largest calc-sinter waterfall in China. Rising 2 miles (3,270 meters) above sea level, Zhaga Waterfall is just over 300 feet (93.2 meters) high and 115 feet (35 meters) wide. There are lakes and ponds in its upper reaches and an amphitheater river bed in the lower reaches. At the bottom of Zhaga Waterfall, there is a round-shaped stone onto which the waterfall cascades. Passing through a serpentine plank path, a viewing deck appears, which is the best place to appreciate the beauty of Zhaga Waterfall.

Huanglong features more than 3,400 splendid and unique calc-sinter lakes along with local villages and temples. Under the blue sky, the Huanglong area takes on a dynamic and miraculous picturesque beauty.

The Huanglong area is like a green treasure trove which shelters 1,500 kinds of plants and rare animals. Many kinds of plants can be found only in the Huanglong area such as Kingdonia uniflora and Ciraeaster agrestis. There are more than 59 kinds of animals and 155 kinds of birds including giant pandas, golden monkeys, clouded leopard and so on.

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.