Sichuan

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Huanglong

The most magnificent karst scenery in the world

Known as the largest, the most complete, and the most unusual karts area in the world, the Huanglong scenic area is a rarely seen geographical attraction, of high value for both sightseeing and scientific research.

Situated at an altitude of 9840 ft (3000m), Huanglong is in fact a calcified gorge which measures 4.4 miles (7km) long and 984 ft (300m) wide. The surface of the huge gorge is covered with many layers of golden scale-like calcsinter (travertine) compound, which shines brightly in sunlight. In the distance water flowing rapidly over the golden surface looks like a gigantic yellow dragon rushing down from the snow-capped mountains. The dragon zigzags through the primitive forest and valleys. The colourful calcified lakes of a variety of sizes on its waist and back constitute the dragon's scales. As a result, the name of this area is Huanglong, which means a yellow dragon in Chinese.

Surrounded by high mountains, this area offers a perfect example of the prevailing geological conditions, and reveals traces of Ice Age occupation as well as geographical features relating to the water source. In addition, in its primitive ecological environment it boasts some very rare species, which offer the possibility of finding hitherto unknown animals and plants.

Huanglong is a unique scenic miracle in the country. Praised as the museum of natural calcification, Huanglong is famous for its grotesque structures, rich colours, primitive surroundings, and abundant species. Its calcsinter section extends as far as two miles (3600m), with the longest part reaching 4265 ft (1300m) and the widest 558 ft (170m). What is more, 3400 colourful lakes are scattered along the length of the gorge. One waterfall, called Zhaga, is as high as 306 ft (93.2m). All these figures make this an outstanding area in the country.

Huanglong Gorge faces the Fujiang River, with the snow-bound Mingshan Mountain in its background. The snowmelt water from the high mountains is mixed with water from underground. Together they make a creek running down the stalactite slopes. In the course of jumping from one slope to another, the creek produces many calcsinter cascades along the way. By contrast, in some places it slows down, blocked by dried branches or huge rocks. Then its calcium carbonate starts to settle, creating a calcsinter dam after a long time has passed. As a result, clusters of colourful ponds appear along the course of the creek.

The thousands of colourful ponds together make a mind-blowing natural picture - a miracle in Huanglong indeed. Situated on the terraced slopes, they are revealed in a number of forms. Some are as big as 11 square feet (1 square meter), while others are as small as a cup, a bowl. The golden pond walls seem like they are made of magnificent yellow jade. In the process of sedimentation carboniferous elements are mingled with organic or inorganic materials, producing a large number of calcific compounds. Changes of scenery and the different angles of the sun make the calcsinter ponds look like an artist's palette. The dried branches mixed with calcsinter look just like stalagmites in the distance.

The Huanglong scenic area is renowned for its rich reserves of fauna and flora. Subtropical evergreen forest, broad-leaved forest, coniferous and broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, and mountainous grassland all grow at different altitudes, from the foot of the Huanglong Valley at 6560 ft (2000m) above sea level to the top at 12,470 ft (3800m) above sea level. Over ten rare species of animals, including the panda and the golden monkey, live in the area. Therefore it is listed as a World Natural Heritage site and World Biological Protection Area by the United Nations.

Location

Huanglong is situated in the Songpan county in the northwest of Sichuan.

Climate

There is a long winter with an annual average temperature of 44.6F (7C). There area receives ample sunshine, however it is foggy in the morning and at night. The rainy season lasts from May to August.

Of Special Interest

Huanglong boasts the biggest, the most complete, and the most grotesque karst scenery in the world.

Main Attractions

Yingbin Pond, Hongxing Rock, Erdaohai Pond, Xuebaoding Mountain, Zhage Waterfall, and Huangdong Temple.

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