Huanglong: Step into God's Overturned Palette, a Fantastical Jade Pool Beneath the Snowy Mountains!

### **📍 Address**
Huanglong Township, Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province

### **🚗 Transportation**
**1. By Air**
- **Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH)**: About 50 km from Huanglong Scenic Area, take an airport shuttle or private car (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
- **Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU)**: Fly to Chengdu first, then transfer by bus or self-drive (approx. 7-8-hour drive).

**2. By Long-Distance Bus**
- **From Chengdu**: Direct buses to Huanglong/Jiuzhaigou are available at Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station or Xinnanmen Bus Station (approx. 7-8 hours).
- **From Jiuzhaigou**: Direct buses or shared rides to Huanglong (approx. 2-3 hours).

**3. Self-Drive/Private Car**
- **Route**: Chengdu → Wenchuan → Maoxian → Songpan → Huanglong (total 330 km, approx. 6-7-hour drive).
- **Road Conditions**: Mountainous roads; drive cautiously during rainy season; carry snow chains in winter.

### **🎫 Ticket Information**
- **Peak Season (Apr 1–Nov 15)**: ¥170/person
- **Off-Season (Nov 16–Mar 31)**: ¥60/person
- **Cable Car**: Upward ¥80, downward ¥40 (recommend taking it uphill to save energy).

### **🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions**
**1. Five-Color Ponds (Core Scenery of Huanglong)**
- **Highlights**: Travertine pools shimmer in blue, green, yellow, and white under sunlight, like a fairyland.
- **Best Viewing Time**: 9:00–15:00 (colors are most vibrant in sunlight).

**2. Huanglong Ancient Temple**
- **Highlights**: A Tibetan Buddhist temple backed by snowy mountains, offering panoramic views of the Five-Color Ponds.

**3. Contending Pools**
- **Highlights**: Hundreds of travertine pools of varying sizes, colorful and photogenic.

**4. Golden Sand Beach**
- **Highlights**: Golden travertine flows resembling a golden river under sunlight, breathtakingly majestic.

**5. Welcoming Pools**
- **Highlights**: The first set of travertine pools upon entering the scenic area, with crystal-clear water reflecting the snowy peaks.

### **📌 Recommended Itineraries**
1. **Leisurely Route (for those with limited stamina or prone to altitude sickness)**:
- Take the cable car uphill → Walk to Five-Color Ponds (approx. 40 mins) → Visit Huanglong Ancient Temple → Descend via plank path (approx. 2-3 hours).

2. **Hiking Route (for the physically fit)**:
- Hike uphill (approx. 3-4 hours) → Explore Five-Color Ponds → Huanglong Ancient Temple → Contending Pools → Golden Sand Beach → Welcoming Pools → Exit.

### **⚠️ Tips**
- **Altitude Sickness**: Huanglong’s elevation is 3,000–3,500 m; prepare with Rhodiola or oxygen bottles and avoid strenuous activity.
- **Weather**: Mountain weather is unpredictable; bring windproof jackets, rain gear, and sunscreen (strong UV rays).
- **Best Season**: **Sept–Oct** (autumn scenery is stunning, with the most vibrant pool colors).
- **Eco-Friendly**: Do not step on the travertine pools to protect the natural landscape.

### **🏨 Budget Accommodation**
- **Songpan County**: Affordable and varied options (e.g., **Songpan Plateau Hotel**, ~¥200/night).
- **Chuanzhusi Town**: Closer to Huanglong (e.g., **Chuanzhu International Hotel**, ~¥300/night).
- **Near the Scenic Area**: Guesthouses near Huanglong Visitor Center, slightly pricier.

### **🍜 Food Recommendations**
- **Yak Meat Hotpot** (Songpan specialty, a must-try)
- **Butter Tea & Barley Pancakes** (Tibetan flavors)
- **Songpan Cured Pork** (local specialty)

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**📸 Travel Tip**: Huanglong is close to Jiuzhaigou; consider a **4–5-day "Huanglong + Jiuzhaigou" tour** to explore two world-class natural heritage sites in one trip!