Huanglong, a smaller, version of Jiuzhaigou, some 75km northeast of Songpan, is famed for its mountainous landscapes, colorful pools of limestone formations, diverse forest ecosystems, as well as waterfalls and hot springs. The Huanglong area also has a population of endangered animals, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. Diversity of plants and animals here is high due to its location within four floral regions, its wide altitudinal range and the extensive undisturbed forests. nnThe Huanglong Nature Reserve covers an area of about 700sqkm consisting of two parts - Huanglong and Munigou. Huanglong includes Huanglong Valley, Danyun Gorge, Snow Treasure Peak, while Munigou comprises two scenic spots-the Zhaga Waterfall and the Erdao Lake. Throughout the Huanglong valley are many 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. The temperature difference can easily be felt in the park.
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