Visiting Huanglong: A Complete Travel Guide - Highlights, How to Get Here & More

Visiting Huanglong: A Complete Travel Guide

Highlights, How to Get Here & More
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

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If Jiuzhaigou is the crown jewel of Sichuan’s natural attractions, then Huanglong is its close cousin with its colorful travertine pools, crystal-clear turquoise water, snow-capped peaks, and dense forests. It is also located close to Jiuzhaigou, so many travelers visit both on a combined two-day trip.

In this guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip: the highlights, how to get here, where to stay, and much more. So without further ado, here is a complete travel guide to Huanglong.

2-Day Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong2-Day Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong

Huanglong Points of Interest Map

Huanglong Points of Interest Map

Where to Stay in Huanglong/Jiuzhaigou?

Since Huanglong is best visited together with Jiuzhaigou as part of a two-day, one-night trip, and there is no accommodation near Huanglong itself, I suggest staying overnight in Jiuzhaigou. If you spend the first day exploring Huanglong, you can take a shuttle bus to Jiuzhaigou, which will drop you off at a bus stop near the hotels. Here are some recommended accommodations in Jiuzhaigou:

8 Best Places to Visit in Huanglong

1. Welcome Pond

Welcome Pond with snowy surroundings

To help with your itinerary, I will list the highlights in the order I encountered them while hiking from the entrance up to the Five Colored Pool so you can see what to expect along the way. If you are taking the cable car, the order will be reversed, and you can follow this list from the end to the beginning instead.

Welcome Pool up close

Right from the start, after hiking through a thick forested area, you will arrive at the Welcome Pond, a collection of beautiful pools with crystal-clear water located around 3,230 meters above sea level. This gives you a glimpse of the stunning scenery to come as you continue hiking upward. There is plenty more to see along the way!

2. Glowing Waterfall

Glowing Waterfall

As you follow the winding boardwalk upward, you will come across the Glowing Waterfall, a stunning cascade where water tumbles down a rocky ledge about 10 meters high and 60 meters wide. It forms dozens of tiered waterfalls that shimmer like silver pearls rolling down, resembling a sparkling curtain of water suspended high above.

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The trail around Glowing Waterfall

Its unique glow is what gives it the name Glowing or Radiance Waterfall, which I think is pretty cool. Behind the waterfall is a steep cliff composed mostly of lung-shaped and sheet-like travertine deposits, golden in color, making the entire waterfall appear even more spectacular. Be sure to stop here and take photos before continuing on.

3. Lotus Terrace Waterfall

Lotus Terrace Waterfall

The Lotus Terrace Waterfall is another beautiful waterfall you will encounter while hiking up the trail. It is located at around 3,240 to 3,270 meters above sea level, spans 167 meters in length, 19 meters in width, and has a vertical drop of 25 meters.

Another waterfall above Lotus Terrace Waterfall

The waterfall reminded me of those often found in Southeast Asia, such as the Sticky Waterfall in Chiang Mai, although here it can be surrounded by snow if you visit in early November, as I did. It is stunning in every season.

4. Bonsai Pond

Bonsai Pond

Located at an altitude of 3,320 meters, you will find Bonsai Pond, another cool spot you can check out while hiking up the Huanglong Scenic Area. The pond embankment follows the contours of the tree roots and the natural terrain, with the embankment connecting seamlessly to the banks and the flowing water, which cascades in layered terraces.

Water flowing off Bonsai Pond

The pond bottom displays a variety of colors, including yellow, white, brown, and gray, while the surface remains crystal clear, like a mirror. Surrounding and within the pond, trees, rocks, flowers, and grasses flourish, with gnarled cypress roots, blooming wildflowers, and a profusion of wild fruits, which would be amazing to see. Unfortunately, I visited in early November, and it had already snowed heavily the day before, so there were no wildflowers for me.

5. Mirror Reflection Pools

More Mirror Ponds in Huanglong

Next, you will find the Mirror Reflection Pool, a smooth and beautiful pool located around 3,400 meters above sea level. The water is so calm and still that it earned the name Mirror Reflection Pool, and you will find a collection of over 180 pools in this area.

Mirror Reflection with a mountain behind it

There is a pavilion that extends over the travertine, where you can rest from the hike and enjoy the stunning Mirror Pools. The water reflects the snowy forest and mountain peaks behind, creating a perfectly symmetrical image, which makes for excellent photo opportunities.

6. Zhengyan Pool

Orange and Green Zhengyan Pool

As you continue up the mountain, you will come across the Zhengyan Pools, a collection of over 658 colorful pools situated at an altitude of 3,454 meters. It is the second-largest pool cluster in Huanglong Valley and one of my favorites, with its stunning orange-colored travertine contrasting perfectly against the snowy forest and mountains in the background. Be sure to stop here and take photos before continuing!

7. Middle Temple

Middle Temple to the side

After about two hours of hiking, you should arrive at the Middle Temple, an inaccessible temple that also serves as a rest stop. You can take a break here, as there are many seating areas and a few shops selling snacks to keep you going. Since it is so close to Huanglong Temple, the next stop, I suggest you push through this rest stop and rest at Huanglong Temple for a better view of the place.

8. Huanglong Temple

People walking from Huanglong Temple

From Middle Temple, you can continue for another 15 minutes to reach the Huanglong Temple, a larger rest stop located just before the Five Colored Pool. It offers a much better view of the surrounding mountains compared to Middle Temple.

The entrance to Huanglong Temple

Huanglong Temple was first built during the Ming Dynasty and is affiliated with the Bon tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Its architecture is both simple and majestic, and the statues inside the hall are exquisitely crafted, displaying the unique cultural blend of Tibetan and Han religious influences often found in this part of China.

The courtyard of Huanglong Temple

Unlike the Middle Temple, you can actually go inside it and see its beautiful courtyard and Buddha images and statues. It is not often you see a Chinese temple being surrounded by snowy landscape, so be sure to spend some time and explore the temple.

9. Five-Colored Pond

Five-Colored Pond from afar

From the temple, it is only a few minutes' walk to the Five-Colored Pond, arguably the most beautiful attraction in Huanglong Scenic Park. The pool sits high in the valley at about 3,576 meters above sea level and is considered the largest and highest outdoor travertine pond cluster in the world. It is also one of the most surreal sights in China, a place that made me wonder, "How is this even real?"

Five-Colored Pond up close

This pond cluster covers around 21,000 square meters and consists of 693 small, interconnected ponds. In sunlight, the water transforms into a dazzling palette of blue, green, purple, and yellow, which is how the pond got its name. Even without sunlight, the colors remain vivid and vibrant, making it hard to believe your eyes, especially when set against the black-and-white snowy landscape as I witnessed.

Five Colored Pond colors up close

The visual effect of all these pools together is truly surreal. As you follow the boardwalk, it winds up the mountainside with several observation decks, allowing you to view the ponds from above. From this perspective, they resemble a field of jade or gemstones scattered across the mountainside.

Five-Colored Pond seen from an elevated walkway

If you visit, try to go between late morning and early afternoon, when the sun is high and the light makes the colors of the ponds pop even more. Also consider spending at least an hour at the site and walking along the boardwalks and viewing from different angles to really appreciate how the colors shift and glow under varying light conditions.

Me taking a selfie with Five-Colored Pond

This pond is truly a sight to behold and makes the visit to Huanglong completely worthwhile. After you are done, you can either hike back the same way, which should take about two hours, or take the electric shuttle near Huanglong Temple to the Upper Cable Car Station.

Me taking the cable car down from Huanglong

From there, you can buy a ticket and ride the cable car down. The ride should take no more than 30 minutes, which is very convenient and saves time, giving you plenty of time to catch the bus to Jiuzhaigou or the railway station.

Things to Know Before Visiting China

  • Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
  • Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
  • Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
  • Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
  • Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
  • Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
  • Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
  • Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.

When to Visit Huanglong?

Snow capped mountain in Huanglong

The best time to visit Huanglong is in autumn, especially from September to early November. At this time, the weather is generally cool and dry, and the colorful travertine pools and autumn foliage combine to create magical scenery. It is also one of the most crowded times of the year because the scenery is at its absolute best during this season, so be sure to prepare yourself mentally.

Summer (roughly June to August) can also be a good option if you want lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, and a respite from lowland heat. The water levels are high, and the day temperatures remain cool, though it can be rainy, and trails may become slippery.

Spring (April-May) offers a quieter, less-crowded experience and some early blooms, but many of the ponds may have lower water levels, so the full "palette" effect may be less striking.

Winter brings snow-covered landscapes, which can be potentially beautiful if you enjoy snow and solitude, but keep in mind that many pools may be frozen or drained and access (including shuttle or cable-car) can be limited or closed, so it’s riskier.

Avoid visiting during Chinese New Year (variable Jan-Feb) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7) as Huanglong will get extremely packed during these long holidays. The same goes for most tourist destinations in China. Avoid these periods like the plague!

How to Get to Huanglong?

Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station

By Train: One of the most popular ways to get to Huanglong is to take a high-speed train from Chengdu. You can take a train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, which takes about two hours. Be sure to book your train tickets together with your Jiuzhaigou entrance ticket at least three days in advance if you are planning to go to Jiuzhaigou as well, as both sell out very quickly. You do not want to secure your park ticket but then find that the trains are fully booked, leaving you without a way to get there and back.

A crowded escalator at Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station

Once you arrive at Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can walk to the parking lot on the right-hand side from the exit where there will be bus drivers asking you where you want to go. Tell them you want to go to Huanglong and they will direct you to the right bus. The bus should take about 30 minutes and cost 26 CNY. You can buy it from the bus driver or from here under "Shared transfer shuttle bus at Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station".

Parking lot where you can take the bus from Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station

You will be dropped off at the entrance to the park, and you can either begin hiking or take the shuttle bus to get to the cable car up to Huanglong Scenic Area.

Most people visit Huanglong together with Jiuzhaigou, usually spending one night in Jiuzhaigou since the two are not far apart. You can explore Jiuzhaigou on the first day and Huanglong the next, or the other way around. No matter which one you choose to visit first, I recommend taking the earliest train from Chengdu at 6:15 AM so that you arrive by 8:30 AM and have a full day to explore the park. You can book the 6:15 AM train here.

By Bus: Before the high-speed train, you used to have to take the grueling 8 - 10 hour bus ride from Chengdu to visit Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. Well, you can still do it today if you are looking to save a bit of money and have time to spare. The buses depart from Chadianzi Bus Station and take around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Make sure when you buy your ticket that the bus goes to Songpan, not Jiuzhaigou, if you want to start in Huanglong. Once you arrive in Songpan, you can take a taxi for another hour to get to Huanglong. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it, but at least you know you have the option.

By Shuttle Service from Jiuzhaigou: If you decide to explore Jiuzhaigou on the first day and want to get to Huanglong from there, you can book a shuttle service here under "Jiuzhaigou- Huanglong Attraction Shared Transfer". It costs around 8 USD per person one-way, with departures from 7 AM to 1 PM almost every hour, usually from Moon Bay Parking Lot. Once you book, the travel agency will send you the exact pickup location and vehicle license plate via WeChat, so keep an eye out for the message.

Getting from Huanglong back to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station: To return to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can take the same shuttle service, which you can book here under “Shared transfer shuttle bus at Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station”. The fare is around 26 CNY, so make sure you select the correct option. You can also take a carpool taxi from the scenic area entrance, where drivers wait to fill up their vehicles. This usually costs about 30 CNY per person.

How to Get Around Huanglong?

Huanglong Entrance

By Hiking: This is the best way to get around Huanglong. You can reach every highlight in the park on foot, which is quite rare for such a large scenic area. If you have the time or do not want to wait in line for the cable car, which can have queues of up to 2.5 hours, I highly recommend hiking instead.

You will likely arrive at the top around the same time, and you will have already seen all the beautiful sights along the way. You can take the cable car down if you prefer, as there is usually no queue at the top. The trailhead is located here and you can begin hiking immediately after you arrive. It should take about 2.5 hours before you arrive at the Five-Colored Pool.

By Cable Car: This is what most visitors choose to do at Huanglong, as the cable car takes you almost all the way to the top. From the upper station, it is only a short and mostly flat walk of a few kilometers to reach the Five Colored Pool, the end point of the hike. From there, you can walk back down on foot, which is much easier than climbing up.

Long queue to Huanglong Cable Car

The downside is that the cable car has limited capacity, and with the large number of visitors each day, it becomes congested very quickly, even right at opening time. The queue can stretch up to 2.5 hours before you can get on. When I passed the station around 2 PM on my way down, the line was still just as long, if not longer, than it was in the morning. If you are able, do yourself a favor, and just hike up. Take it slow, and eventually, you will arrive at the same time as if you were to wait in line!

If you insist on taking the cable car, you can catch the free shuttle bus from this bus stop to the lower station and buy the ticket from there. It should cost about 80 CNY per person going up and 40 CNY per person coming down. From the upper cable car station, you can either walk about 20 minutes or take an e-shuttle for 15 CNY, and it will take you to the trailhead where you can begin the rest of the hike to Five-Colored Pool. After you are done, you can make your way down on foot to see the remaining attractions.

How to Avoid Crowds in Huanglong?

Empty hiking path in Huanglong

Crowds in Huanglong are as bad as in Jiuzhaigou, which is already next level, even for China's standards. I have never been to a nature place that is this crowded before; it was absolutely mind-boggling to see! And although crowds in Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are a constant struggle, there is a way you can minimize them and make your trip more enjoyable.

The one thing that helped me was avoiding the cable car on the way up. Because it has limited capacity and the number of visitors is so high, it becomes congested very quickly, even right at opening time. The queue can stretch up to 2.5 hours before you can board. When I passed the station around 2 PM on my way down, the line was still just as long, if not longer, than it had been in the morning.

If you are able, do yourself a favor and hike up instead. Take it slow and you will likely reach the top around the same time you would have if you had waited in line. Once you are done exploring, you can take the cable car down. It is a bit of an effort, but you will spend more time enjoying the park rather than standing in line for 2 to 3 hours.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee?

Cable Car Station Entrance

Huanglong usually opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the main season. During the off-season (winter months), hours may be shorter and parts of the valley are sometimes closed, so it’s a good idea to check ahead if you visit between December and March.

For entrance fees, during the peak season (generally from early April through mid‑November), the admission cost is 170 CNY per person. In the off‑season, the fee drops to 60 CNY per person. If you plan on hiking up, you can book it in advance here, and all you have to do is scan the passport at the gate, and you will be on the trail up Huanglong in no time.

To take the cable car up, you will need to buy a ticket that includes the cable car at its service center. The service center is accessible from the park entrance via a free shuttle bus, which you can catch here. The cable car ride up costs 80 CNY, and the ride down costs 40 CNY, in addition to the standard park entrance fee of 170 CNY. Once you arrive at the upper station, you can either walk about 20 minutes or take a quick electric shuttle service for 15 CNY per person to take you to the trailhead to Five-Colored Pool.

How Difficult is the Walk in Huanglong?

Trail up to Huanglong

If you hike up, the trail is not very steep but it is long, taking almost 2.5 hours from the entrance to the Five Colored Pool one-way without resting, and it includes quite a few stairs. The trail is also located high up, at about 3,100 to 3,600 meters, so you will likely feel the effects of altitude, such as shortness of breath or dizziness. Be sure to pace yourself if you start feeling out of breath.

If you take the cable car, the hike becomes much easier, since the steepest sections of the mountainside are already bypassed. From the Upper Cable Car Station, the trail has only a slight incline and is much gentler than the earlier sections. It should take about 30 minutes to reach the Five Colored Pool.

How Many Days to Stay in Huanglong?

Me sitting by the lake in Jiuzhaigou

Visiting Huanglong typically takes around five hours to reach the top, see all the highlights, and make your way back down, whether you hike or wait in line for the cable car. I hiked up around 10 AM and returned via the cable car by 2:30 PM.

Most people will be visiting Huanglong together with Jiuzhaigou, which is not too far apart, and so you are going to need to spend at least one night in Jiuzhaigou as there is no accommodation around Huanglong, so 2 days in total. You can start your journey from Chengdu at 6:15 AM, the earliest train, and depending on which one you start first, you should arrive in either Huanglong or Jiuzhaigou between 8:15 AM and 10:15 AM respectively. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Huanglong/Jiuzhaigou before spending the night in Jiuzhaigou.

The next morning, you can catch the bus to Jiuzhaigou/Huanglong and spend the day exploring its beautiful scenic area before returning to Chengdu by train. You could take a train around 6 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Huanglong before leaving. Just be sure to book your train early, as trains from Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station to Chengdu between 4 PM and 9 PM sell out quickly.

Exploring Jiuzhaigou: A Complete Travel GuideExploring Jiuzhaigou: A Complete Travel Guide

What to Pack for Huanglong?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Huanglong, China:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
  • Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
  • Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
  • Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau

Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here is a collection of articles that you might find useful:

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