Hi, guys! This isn’t a clickbait article, I really almost died when I was at the magnificent, breathtaking Huanglong Scenic Area.
This week, I want to take you to… China! Yup, the cover photo above was taken in the Huanglong Scenic Area, located in Chengdu, Southwest China.
It was a spontaneous trip back in 2023. The day after I returned from Japan, I went to China right away 😆
It was because another solo female traveller was on the group tour for that specific date. So, I quickly signed up to avoid paying a single supplement fee for the room, hehe!
China has many stunning natural views, such as Huanglong, where you can walk comfortably while pampering your eyes with magnificent snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, travertine pools, etc.
But… if you want to go to Huanglong in October, beware. The breathtaking views may take your breath away – literally! That’s why I almost died 😥
Huanglong Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Huanglong Scenic Area or Huanglong (“dragon” in Chinese) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the breathtaking views, this place is home to some endangered plants and animals.
If you’re not a fan of cold weather, you can come in September. It’s the peak season, but you can enjoy colourful autumn leaves and crystal-clear blue lakes.
Wow, what a combination for your IG posts!
As for me, I went to Huanglong in early October. Most of the trees were already yellow or bald, and the weather was very cold. Traces of snow were everywhere, but it wasn’t snowing.
That was perfect! I have a love-hate relationship with snow. I wanted to experience snow, but I don’t like it since I wouldn’t be able to take photos with my Canon DSLR.
As I’m not a professional photographer, I don’t want to spend a lot of money on camera accessories or winter care. Plus, wearing a winter jacket is uncomfortable!
When I was there in early October, Huanglong Scenic Area felt like Katy Pery’s song: it was HOT AND COLD! It was sunny and hot, yet you still had to wear your winter jacket because it was cold.
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Although I wore my anti-UV hat, it was still very sunny. Maybe because Huanglong was around 3,500 meters above sea level, so the sun is closer = hot? 🤔
However, since the weather was cold, the waterfalls and lakes in Huanglong were frozen. You could see the frozen stream, as if Elsa was there… It was very beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
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A Healing Walk with Magnificent Views in Huanglong, China
There was a super long and broad wooden pathway for travellers in Huanglong Scenic Area. Along the path, you can walk slowly and enjoy nature’s best views.
I love exploring Huanglong, China! Although there were endless staircases and many people, the pathway was very spacious and comfortable to walk on.
Walking alone surrounded by lush forests, rivers and ponds… It was a really nice, healing walk. If only I could do it every weekend!
According to some research, walking under the sun and blending in with nature will make you happy, overcome stress, and have a more positive outlook on life ☀️🌿🏔️
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Am I There Yet? Catching My Breath in Huanglong, China
Alright, maybe some of you are curious how long you have to walk in Huanglong. The Huanglong Scenic Area is around 10km 👀
But don’t worry! There are many ways to explore this UNESCO Heritage Site.
First option: walk 5km to the Five Colour Pond + 5km return (total 10km walk).
My group tour chose a win-win solution: we took a cable car (around 5-8 minutes) up to the mountain + walked 2km to the Five Colour Pond + walked 5km to the bus parking area to go home.
So, if you do this, in total it will be a 7km walk.
For those with knee pain or who don’t want to walk a lot, you may choose the 3rd option: cable car + walk 2km to the Five Colour Pond + take the same cable car to return.
However, you’ll miss A LOT of wonderful views if you do this!
Before our trip, we were suggested to drink a traditional Tibetan supplement to avoid altitude sickness. I saw some travellers using a portable oxygen can to help them breathe.
I thought I would never need that. I was wrong.
My tour leader also reminded us to walk slowly, not to jump or felt too excited as there was less oxygen in Huanglong Scenic Area.
There were not enough trees in Huanglong Scenic Area, plus during winter many trees have become bald = no leaves = lesser O2 😵😵😵
At first, I was super excited. I could feel my heart pounding and a bit of shortness of breath, but I was fine.
Before walking 2km to the Five Colour Pond, I had some snacks and drank warm water. I didn’t know that after that I had to walk for another 5km.
That turned out to be my lunch… (the group tour had a late lunch on that day)
What if you’re hungry? Or need to go to the toilet?
Don’t worry, there were a few small stalls or a restaurant on your 5km way to the exit. You can also find some toilets along the way.
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Since we had to meet at the bus station at a certain time, I didn’t dare to order food in a restaurant (there was only 1 restaurant) because I was worried I wouldn’t reach the meeting point on time.
Alas, I was also stubborn. I walked past some stalls that sold snacks, dragged my feet and kept thinking, “Am I there yet?”
There were times when I thought of myself, “I’m dying… If I die here, maybe it’s not that bad. Huanglong is such a beautiful place, like a paradise…”
“Stairs again… how many stairs to go?” as my breath shorten. I was hungry and started to feel dizzy.
Then, I saw some people who carried heavy stuff. It turned out to be water or snacks for their stalls. So I told myself, “They have even more burden than me… Keep going, Clara!”.
And finally, I saw some people from my Huanglong group tour!
“Is the exit nearby?” I asked one auntie.
“Yes, it’s just 500 meters!” she answered.
How could she sound so healthy and happy? That 500 meters felt like double or triple. I had a big smile on my face when I saw the exit gate.
But oh sh*t, there’s another set of stairs to climb to go to the bus station 😂😂😂
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On our way to the bus station, there were many stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. But I just wanted to sit down and sleep. I couldn’t wait to return to the hotel.
Luckily, I sat in the front row (so my tour leader, Kayla, could give me an English translation). Kayla noticed that my face was very pale and my lips were blue.
“I think you need oxygen!” she said.
My local Chinese tour guide then helped me with the portable oxygen can. I inhaled the oxygen a few times and then went to sleep. When I woke up, I felt so much better!
“Now I can see colour on your face and lips,” said Kayla in relief.
Thank God I didn’t faint or die in Huanglong Scenic Area. Who would help me? I didn’t want to be in the headlines the next day 😅😅😅
So friends, here are my top tips for you who want to visit Huanglong, China:
- Eat more during breakfast, because you’ll walk a lot
- Pack some snacks (i.e. eggs, buns, breads, protein bars, bananas)
- Bring a tumbler for hot water (there are water refill stations)
- Bring a portable oxygen can
- Bring a hand cream and gloves
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Don’t jump, run, or speak too much
Okay, that’s the end of our Huanglong Scenic Area, China trip! I hope you enjoy reading my blog post. Feel free to give me feedback 😊😊😊
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