
Huanglong Biosphere Reserve is located in the middle section of the Minshan Mountains in Sichuan Province, with elevations ranging from 1,700 to 5,588 meters. Covering an area about half the size of Hong Kong, it was designated by UNESCO in 2000.

Along the ancient glacial U-shaped valley, stretching from an altitude of 3,578 meters down to about 2,200 meters, layers of yellow to brownish calcium carbonate deposits cascade like a soaring golden dragon—hence the name "Huanglong," meaning "Yellow Dragon."
Huanglong boasts the world's highest travertine formations. Within the narrow valley, over 3,000 vibrant pools cascade like a natural palette, while the world's longest travertine flow sparkles under the sun, offering outstanding global value for sightseeing, conservation, and research.

The reserve is rich in vegetation and wildlife, hosting over 2,700 species of higher plants, 393 species of large fungi, 78 species of mammals, and 297 species of birds. Rare plants such as the dove tree and yew thrive here, while giant pandas, Sichuan golden monkeys, and Sichuan takins roam freely through the forests.
Huanglong Biosphere Reserve, with its unique landscapes and diverse ecosystems, stands as a model for highland wetland conservation in China. Celebrated for its beauty and global scientific value, it is both a key research hub and an exceptional eco-tourism destination.
