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Tucked up in Sichuan Province's grand mountains, Huanglong Valley is evidence of the artistic ability of nature. With its exotic scene of vibrant calcite ponds, snow-peaked mountains, and pure woodlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site enthrals guests. With its varied landscape and unusual geological formations, Huanglong presents an unmatched adventure for those who enjoy nature and hiking. Ten amazing hiking paths that highlight the finest of this natural beauty are presented in this guide, each from a different angle of view of China's "Yellow Dragon" valley.
1. The Golden Travertine Trail
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Starting at the southern entrance, Huanglong's trademark hiking path follows the most amazing travertine structures throughout the valley. This 3.5-kilometer boardwalk system leads guests across an amazing display of multi-colored pools, each distinctively stained by various mineral deposits. Starting with the well-known "Flocking Dragons" pools, hundreds of terraced basins create a dragon-scale pattern over the mountainside. You will come upon the fabled Mirror Lake as you go along the wooden walkways; its surface exactly reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Particularly in early hours when the sun's rays creates exquisite reflections on the water's surface, the route features multiple observation platforms deliberately positioned to get the best views of the colourful pools. Expert local guides can provide amazing geological insights into the ongoing process of continuous development of these travertine terraces, which has been occurring on thousands of years. The trail also passes by little shrines and historic prayer flags, evidence of the spiritual importance of this area to nearby Tibetan populations. Though the high altitude calls for careful acclimatisation, the well-maintained boardwalks make this trail accessible to hikers of all ability.
