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7. The Mid-Mountain Paradise Route
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This very difficult 5.5-kilometer path provides the ideal mix of accessibility and breathtaking scenery. Starting at the mid-mountain station, the trail winds over varied terrain displaying many facets of Huanglong's splendour. The path climbs gently over tiered ponds with distinctive mineral colours and shapes. Hikers come at the well-known "Dragon's Scales," where hundreds of tiny pools make an amazing pattern over the mountainside. The path comprises many viewing points positioned deliberately to catch sunrise and sunset over the valley. One highlight is the "Rainbow Pool," where mineral deposits produce an always shifting range of hues across the day. The road winds through small wetlands supporting a variety of species and groves of historic trees. Local guides often highlight unusual bird species and go over the careful equilibrium of this mid-elevation environment. For most hikers, this path is reasonable even if it is very difficult thanks to consistent rest places and visible trail signs.
