Huanglong, Protected area in Sichuan, China
Huanglong is a protected valley featuring hundreds of travertine pools filled with mineral-rich water arranged across multiple elevations in natural terrace formations. These pools stretch between 3,000 and 4,000 meters high and create a distinctive geological landscape.
The site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage area in 1992 by the Chinese government to protect its natural geological formations and ecological diversity. This recognition made it an internationally protected location.
Local Tibetan communities have shaped the character of this region, and their presence is visible in daily customs and traditions throughout the area. Walking through the settlements nearby, visitors sense how these traditions remain woven into the rhythm of local life.
A cable car service transports visitors to the upper section of the valley, offering an alternative to hiking the steep trails at high elevation. Plan your movement through the area carefully, as the high altitude can be physically demanding.
The mineral deposits in the water create pools colored in yellows, blues, and greens, caused by calcite and specific algae species present in the area. These colored pools form through natural chemical and biological processes that offer visitors a visual surprise.
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