Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area

siTuaTEd in the northwestern part of Sichuan Province， Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is renowned for its beautiful mountainous scenery， with relatively undisturbed and highly diverse forest ecosystems.

The major scenery is concentrated in the 3.6 km 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 a scattering of numerous colorful ponds of different shapes and sizes， which are strewn with gold colored limestone deposits giving a shimmering golden hue to water. In sunlight， a golden dragon seems to surge forth from the forest. Thus it was named “Huanglong Valley，” literally meaning yellow dragon valley.

Upon entering the scenic area， a group of exquisite， crystal clear ponds will immediately catch the visitors 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. Shitazhenhai is the most beautiful attraction of the whole scenic area. The calcium carbonate deposits give a myriad of different hues to the water， which is truly breath-taking.

Huanglong is also home to a number of endangered plants and animals， including the giant panda and Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.