Huang Long - Jiuzhaigou - Panda

In the northwest part of Sichuan province, China, there is a wonderland of beauty, called Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) is located in the southern part of the Minshan mountain range on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. This area is known for its colorful pools formed by calcite deposits, especially in Huanglonggou (Yellow Dragon Gully), as well as diverse forest ecosystems, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and hot springs. Huanglong was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. Jiuzhaigou (Valley of Nine Fortified Villages) is about 100 km away from Huanglong, a nature reserve and national park. It is known for its multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The area of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou is home to many endangered species including the giant panda (living fossils), red panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. Bamboo is the main diet for giant pandas. There are a significant number of pandas living in captivity in the area for travelers to visit.