A golden dragon of turquoise terraced pools threading through snow-capped peaks
Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Valley in Sichuan Province is one of China's most spectacular natural landscapes — 3.6km of calcium carbonate terraced pools in shades of turquoise, emerald, and gold, with the Minshan mountain range rising above 5,000m around them. The valley floor looks like a golden dragon has left a trail of jewelled pools. A UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with neighbouring Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong sits at 3,000–3,600m altitude, which keeps crowds smaller than its famous neighbour and the air noticeably thinner. Best visited in autumn (September–October) when the surrounding fore…
Huanglong's travertine pools were formed by calcium-carbonate-rich springs flowing over millions of years, depositing mineral dams that created the terraced pools. The valley has been sacred to both Tibetan Buddhists and the local Qiang minority for centuries — the Yellow Dragon Temple at the upper end of the valley dates to the Ming dynasty and is the site of an annual temple fair. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. A cable car was added in 2002 to manage visitor numbers and protect the fragile travertine surfaces.