Huanglong, the "Pool of the Fairies"

Colorful pools, snowy mountains, temples, hot springs... every shot is a masterpiece! But high-altitude travel can be tricky, so I've compiled this comprehensive guide 📝 to help you save money, avoid pitfalls, and explore the "Oriental Conch Mountain"! 👇 🌟 【Must-See Attractions in Huanglong】 1⃣ Five-Color Pool 🌈 Huanglong's star attraction! The water in the calcified pools changes with the light, displaying shades of blue, green, gold, and red, like an overturned artist's palette! It's best to arrive before 9am, when there are fewer crowds and the light is perfect for photos 📸 (remember to bring a wide-angle lens!). 2⃣ Huanglong Ancient Temple 🏯 A Ming Dynasty temple nestled beneath the snow-capped mountains, its red walls and golden roof complement the colorful pools, creating an incredibly zen atmosphere! The prayer wheels at the entrance are said to be very effective ✨, and wearing Tibetan clothing for photos is stunning~ 3⃣ Xuebaoding ❄ The 5588-meter "Sacred Mountain of Western Sichuan," a paradise for hikers! When shrouded in clouds and mist, it resembles a fairyland. Those with good stamina can challenge themselves to reach the viewing platform and overlook the entire Huanglong Valley! 4⃣ Munigou Erdaohai 💧 A hidden gem! A string of emerald-colored lakes nestled in the forest, which don't freeze in winter ❌, offering stunning scenery with few crowds! On the way, check out the Zhaga Waterfall, where the roaring water is truly impressive~ 🚗 【Transportation Guide】 ✈ Plane: Chengdu Shuangliu/Tianfu Airport → Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport (1 hr), then a 1.5 hr chartered car ride to the scenic area (off-season airfare is cheaper!). 🚌 Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station → Songpan County (6 hrs, 💰200+), then a taxi to the scenic area (30 mins). 🚗 Self-drive: From Chengdu, take the Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Expressway, the journey is about 7 hrs. The road conditions are good, but there are many curves, so it's not recommended for novice drivers! 🏡 【Accommodation Recommendations】 💰 Luxury: Hotels within the Huanglong Scenic Area (such as Huanglong Resort), offering stunning snow mountain views from your window, and great value at 500+/night during the off-season! 🏡 Budget-friendly: Tibetan homestays in Songpan County, around 100+ per person, where you can experience roasted potatoes cooked in a fire pit and Tibetan folk songs and dances 💃~ ⛺ Adventure: Camping at Nuanshan River, with stargazing tents and bonfires, perfect for admiring the Milky Way at night! 🍜 【Food List】 🔥 Tibetan Hot Pot: Yak beef and wild mushrooms, incredibly delicious! We recommend "Yinxiang Gelao" Farmhouse, all-you-can-eat for around 60 per person~ 🍵 Butter Tea and Barley Cakes: The perfect remedy for altitude sickness! The slightly salty, milky flavor is very comforting~ 🌶 Sour and Spicy Noodles and Potato Pancakes: Must-try street food in the scenic area, deliciously spicy! ⚠ 【Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】 ✅ Must-bring: Sunscreen (UV rays are very strong!), oxygen tanks (altitude of 3500+ can cause altitude sickness), warm clothing (large temperature difference between day and night). ❌ Avoid: Restaurants in the scenic area are expensive and not very good, so bring your own snacks! Many of the silver ornaments sold in the shops are fake, so be careful when buying! 📅 Best time to visit: April-October (when the colorful pools are at their most beautiful), but the winter snow scenery is also unique~ 💖 【Route Recommendations】 📅 One-day trip: Huanglong Temple → Five-Color Pool → Xuebaoding → Hot Spring Foot Bath (20,000 steps, wear comfortable shoes!). 📅 Two-day trip: Day 1 Huanglong main scenic area, Day 2 Munigou + Tibetan village experience (best choice for an in-depth tour!). 💬 Final thoughts: The beauty of Huanglong needs to be experienced with a peaceful heart, don't just focus on taking photos! Please protect the environment and take your trash with you~