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In the mystic and majestic West China, the Qingzang Plateau has been affectionately called the "ridge of the world," originating the headstream of the Yangtze River and Yellow River. To its east is Mingshan Mountain. The very source of the national spirit, it nurtures Chinese people generation by generation. According to the centuries old oriental Chinese-Indian culture, the Qingzang Plateau is believed to be the platform to the Paradise, where Huanglong, in the east of the plateau, is the first step towards Heaven.

Huanglong sits at 102°8′-104°5′E and 32°5′－30°9′N, which is about 400km from Chengdu and about 60km from Jiuhuang Airport. It comprises the Core Scenery of Huanglong, peripheral spots of Danyunxia, Hongxingyan, Xuebaoding, Munigou, as well as the ancient town of Songpan. Covering a total area of 1,340 square km.

Huanglong is best known for its "five wonders", namely, colored ponds, beach flows, Snow Mountains, and fascinating canyons and forests. The spectacular travertine flows zigzag their ways through virgin forests, much like a gold giant dragon. Over 3,000 colored ponds are clustered, with jade like crystal water running down the over lapping terraces, pouring into eight pond groups. They present a fantastic and miraculous picture like golden scales of a giant dragon. Hence Huanglong is affectionately called the "Sacred Wonderland and Earthly Abode of Fairy Mother Goddess."

The altitude of the entrance of Huanglong scenery is 3199m, and the highest place, Wucaichi(multi-colored ponds) is almost 3600m. However, no matter which way you choose you have to drive cross a mountain Xueshanliangzi, which is 4200m high, where you can see Xuebaoding, the highest peak of Mingshan mountain range.

Since its high altitude, take care of altitude sickness. More details are given in travel health.