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Huanglong Nature Reserve

Local legend claims this area is the manifestation of a yellow dragon after its victory over a demon. In fact, Huanglong got its color from the terraced land, where water, containing rich Calcium Carbonate, flows down from the higher part of the mountain.  After millions of years of geograph...

Local legend claims this area is the manifestation of a yellow dragon after its victory over a demon. In fact, Huanglong got its color from the terraced land, where water, containing rich Calcium Carbonate, flows down from the higher part of the mountain.  After millions of years of geographical sedimentation and natural oxidation, various types of sedimentary rocks are formed under the water, and from afar, looks like a yellow dragon lying in water. Hence, its name “Huanglong – Yellow Dragon”.
Huanglong, a smaller, isolated version of Jiuzhaigou, is famed for its mountainous landscapes, colorful pools of limestone formations, diverse forest ecosystems, as well as waterf alls and hot springs. The Huanglong area also has a population of endangered animals, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.
Unlike Jiuzhaigou, the Huanglong valley is filled with fascinating limestone formations formed by the water that constantly flows from the melting snow of the surrounding mountains. Xuebaoding, the main peak of the snow-capped Minshan, rising 5,588m above sea level, is covered in snow all year-round.  As the attitude here is high (at around 4,000 meters), we will take a cable car and take short walks around the park to conserve energy.

Wuhou Shrine

The Wuhou Temple actually features three main sections. The Temple of the Han Dynasty Emperor Zhao Lie, the Wuhou Shrine dedicated to the 50 heroes of the Shu Kingdom, and the Temple of the Three Righteous Men. From the main gate you cross through a courtyard, and then reach another courtyar...

The Wuhou Temple actually features three main sections. The Temple of the Han Dynasty Emperor Zhao Lie, the Wuhou Shrine dedicated to the 50 heroes of the Shu Kingdom, and the Temple of the Three Righteous Men. From the main gate you cross through a courtyard, and then reach another courtyard featuring the 50 heroes of the Shu Kingdom. The 50 heroes are displayed behind glass around the four sides of the courtyard. The seated figures have long hair and traditionally long beards or goatees, and are adorned with colorful robes. Two main figures regarded as the Shu Kingdom's most prominent heroes are featured across the courtyard with larger statues. Liu Bei (161-223 AD), formerly known as Xuande from Hebei province, was the general credited with establishing the kingdom. His strategist and later the kingdom's Prime Minister, Zhu Ge Liang (181-234 AD), is next to him. Mention either of these names to a Chengdu local and they will be very pleased and even impressed that a foreigner possesses such knowledge.

The Wuhou Temple park is actually quite large. Take an entire afternoon or morning to wander around the park and get the most out of the Y60 admission price. The park's vegetation is extremely well-kept and simply gorgeous to look at. The park maintains Bonsai, Peach, Pine, and Bamboo trees just to name a few. There is a turtle pond, a goldfish pond, and of course a few teahouses. Bring a book, some snacks, or some playing cards and bask in the fresh scents of the seemingly endless gardens. 

Directions: The Wuhou Temple is located on Wuhouci Dajie. It is a main street and the temple's large red walls are hard to miss. Take the southbound no. 1 bus from the city center. After you cross the river, just hop off when you see the unmistakable red walls.