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Chengdu Tour of
Huanglong
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The “World Wonder” and “Fairy Land on Earth” are names enjoyed
by the the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area, which is well known for
its colorful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest.
It was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1992.
The Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is located in
Songpan County, in the northwest part of Sichuan Province and
encompasses the Huanglong and Muni Valley. Huanglong's major scenery
is concentrated in the 3.6-kilometer (2.2 miles) long Huanglong
Valley that includes snow-clad peaks and the easternmost glaciers in
China. Due to its layered calcium carbonated deposit patterns, the
valley resembles a golden dragon winding its way through the virgin
forest, stone mountains and glaciers. Along the valley are
scattering numerous colorful ponds of different sizes and shapes,
which are strewn with gold colored limestone deposit giving a
shimmering golden hue to water, so in sunlight, a golden dragon
seems to surge forth from the forest. Thus it was named 'Huanglong
Valley' (Yellow Dragon Valley).
The Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is famed for its
outstanding travertine (calcium carbonate) formations. With the
virgin forest as its backdrop, the travertine scenery holds colorful
ponds, beaches, lakes, springs, waterfalls, caves, etc. The
travertine formations scenery is No.1 in China.
Upon entering the scenic area, a group of exquisite, crystal clear
ponds will immediately catch your eyes with their unparalleled and
esthetic charm. These are the Yingbin (welcoming guests) Colored
Ponds. In spring, the luxuriant trees, blooming flowers, butterflies
and birdsong enhance their glamour even more. From the ponds, you
can see the interwoven reflection of trees, mountains, clouds and
sky, which is a veritable feast to the eyes. Along the valley, you
will see many attractions including Feipuliuhui (glowing waterfall),
Xishen (washing body) Cave, Penjing (miniascape) Ponds, Huanglong
(Yellow Dragon) Temple, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Cave, Shitazhenhai
and Zhuanhua (whirling flower) Pond, etc. In the Huanglong (Yellow
Dragon) Cave, there are three sitting Buddha figures whose bodies
are encrusted with calc-sinter crystals. In winter, ice forest,
bamboo shoots and waterfalls, etc, form a magical icy scene.
Shitazhenhai is the most beautiful attraction in Huanglong. The
calcium carbonate deposits give a myriad of different hues to the
water, which is truly breath-taking. Zhuanhua Pond is crystal clear
and the spring water never stops welling up. If you throw flowers or
leaves into the pond, they will swirl rhythmically with flow of the
water.
Holding the primary area of virgin forest in Huanglong Scenic and
Historic Interest Area, the Muni Valley comprises Erdao Lake and
Zhaga Waterfall which is the biggest calcified waterfall in all
China. Located in the northern part of Muni Valley, Erdao Lake is
the largest in the area and around the lake are many underground
limestone caves which connect Erdao Lake with other lakes in the
area. The color of Erdao Lake varies with the seasons, harmoniously
complementing the lake with its surrounding of colored limestone.
When standing by the lake, it seems very tranquil and calm; this
belies a strong undercurrent that is very active. Erdao Lake holds
attractions such as Swan Lake, Baihua Lake, etc. Beside the Baihua
Lake, there is a mysterious cave which embraces wonderful and
magnificent naturally-formed stalactites. Zhaga Waterfall scenic
spot stretches for about 5 kilometers (3 miles), where water flows
around trees and trees grow in water and this scenic spot boasts
many attractions. At the bottom of Zhaga Waterfall, there is a
round-shaped stone onto which the waterfall cascades. In the
sunlight, the spattering water is like jade, exhibiting wonderful
colors. This is the Jianyu Tai (spattering jade platform).Guhuashi
(ancient fossils) is the place where a number of prehistoric,
fossilized animals, plants and fish are well preserved and remain
intact. Feicui (Emerald) Spring is one of the ten most famous
springs in China due to its water's medicinal value, and many have
recovered from stomach sickness and arthritis after drinking or
bathing in its water. The local population considers Feicui spring
divine and allows nobody to cause damage.
The Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area gained its fame for
its magical landscape of limestone formations, as well as the forest
ecosystems and animals on the brink of extinction, such as the giant
panda and Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.
Tour Chengdu
with Great Wall Adventure Club, the best
Chengdu
tour agent to help
you with your hotel booking and transfers.
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