The Yellow Dragon Temple Scenic Area is a valley
in the north of Sichuan province. The valley area is about 8km long
and can be explored on foot in half a day by walking along the wooden
plank path over bridges and along the river through the heart of
the valley.
Surrounded by mountains reaching towards 5,000
meters, this alpine valley has unique scenery. The slopes are home
to rare wildlife and are covered with luxuriant forests and climbing
figs. Most fantastic of all are the hundreds of lakes and pools,
which appear to be a variety of different colors as the light refracts
though the minerals and algae within their waters. These magical
pools and lakes have inspired names such as "Flying Waterfall
of Radiance Pool" and "Vying for Gorgeousness Colored
Pool".
At the end of the valley lies Yellow Dragon Temple
(huanglong si) which was built in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644AD).
Originally the building consisted of three temples, front, middle
and rear, but only the rear still stands. Behind the temple the
Fu River gushes from Danyun Gorge like a galloping horse, forming
a multitude of waterfalls.
