Huanglong, Protected area in Sichuan, China
The Huanglong valley contains hundreds of travertine pools with mineral-rich waters that span across multiple elevations, creating a natural terrace formation system.
The Chinese government designated Huanglong as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 for its natural geological formations and ecological diversity.
The region maintains strong connections to Tibetan traditions through its local communities who reside in the Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.
A cable car service transports visitors to the upper section of the valley, offering an alternative to walking the steep trails at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 meters.
The mineral deposits in the water create pools of different colors including yellow, blue, and green, due to the presence of calcite and specific algae species.
Location: Sichuan
Location: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
GPS coordinates: 32.72567,103.83209
Latest update: May 11, 2025 19:41
Hot springs form where geothermal activity or groundwater systems naturally heat water. This collection features such springs across volcanic zones, mountain ranges and remote areas on all continents. Each location has distinct mineral content and temperatures shaped by its underlying geology. In Iceland, the Blue Lagoon offers mineral-rich water in a lava field near Grindavík, while Deildartunguhver in the west produces one of Europe's most powerful hot springs. Pamukkale in Turkey's Denizli region displays terraced limestone pools formed by calcium-rich thermal water. The Széchenyi Baths in Budapest draw water exceeding 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) from nearly 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) below ground. In Wyoming, Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring shows intense colors produced by its size and thermophilic bacteria. Japan hosts numerous onsen, including Takaragawa in Gunma Prefecture along a river and Yubatake in Kusatsu with visible high mineral output. Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is known for macaques that bathe there. In North America, the collection spans Banff Upper Hot Springs in Alberta, Chena Hot Springs in Alaska and smaller sites such as Baker Hot Springs in Utah. Grutas Tolantongo in Hidalgo, Mexico, combines warm pools with river flows in a canyon. New Zealand's geothermal zones appear at Champagne Pool in Waiotapu and Hell's Gate Park near Rotorua.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
53.2 km
Dagu Glacier Gondola
112.4 km
Pearl Shoal Waterfall
49.6 km
Dhe-Tsang Monastery
164.4 km
Beichuan Earthquake Museum
117.1 km
Jianmen Shudao National Park
172.3 km
Bao'en Temple
74.2 km
Taktsang Lhamo Monastery
188.7 km
Annunciation Seminary
166.6 km
Qiqushan Temple
172.2 km
Yingpanshan Site
119.3 km
Gospel Church, Mianyang
166.1 km
Munigou
32.3 km
Huangze Temple
188.3 km
Deyang Confucian Temple
185 km
姜维城遗址
141 km
Kaixi Temple
153.8 km
Ma'an Temple
179.6 km
Yuquan Temple
176.9 km
Baozhusi Dam
168.3 km
Baishuihe Shuiku
139.3 km
Huanglong Biosphere Reserve
39.2 km
Five Flowers Lake
48.6 km
Li Bai Memorial Hall
135.7 km
Songpan North mosque
23.6 km
Renmin Shuiku
153.7 km
Yousuotun mosque
21.2 km
Reviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes