Huanglong, a smaller, isolated 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. The 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. Huanglong has been noted since ancient times. A pair of small stone pagodas is found in the Yuya ponds at the head of Huanglong Valley. The Songpan County Chronicles recorded that Huanglong's three temples, one behind the other, were built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and attracted a large number of worshipers. The front and middle temples are mostly dilapidated, but the back temple, at the end of Huanglong Ravine, and the Hall of the Goddess of Mercy in the middle temple are well preserved. In the middle of the sixth lunar month each year, a Miaohui (temple fair) at Huanglong attracts local people from the Tibetan, Qiang and Hui ethnic groups. Much of the landscape of Huanglong, notably around Huanglonggou, is important in local Tibetan religion, culture and folklore. There are many legends associated with various natural features in the area. The Huanglong Nature Reserve was enrolled as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 1992.
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