HuangLong and JiuZhaiGou, Sichuan - Heaven on Earth (Part I) 2007
by Kelvin Khor
I have wanted to visit these places since few years ago since I first saw an introductory documentary. I was stunted by the surreal color of the water and dazzling colorful autumn leaves. They were awarded as a World Heritage in 1992 by UNESCO. However, I find it hard to allocate my personal time while splitting my available holidays between my family in Malaysia and full time job in China. My opportunity came when company that I work for had chosen HuangLong and JiuZhaiGou as 2007 annual trip. And best of all, the timing was just right, in mid autumn when leaves change color.
Since this was a company tour with lot of colleagues and limited freedom; I figured I would not have my leisure to take photo. So I left my tripod at home (and regretted about it later). Equipment I packed were Canon 1DMK2, 17-40 F4L, 24-105 F4L IS, CPL filter and Epson P5000.
On the way flying from Chendu to HuangLong Airport, I saw the mountains were covered with snow. I could not resist myself from taking couple of shots.
Altitude of HuangLong Airport is 3400m. At this height, it is enough to cause high altitude-sickness for most people due to lack of oxygen. And don’t ever take high altitude-sickness likely. It can cause serious headache, breathlessness, vomiting, fatigue and sleepless. There are ways that can avoid or lessen the effect of this sickness, including taking medicine. I did not want medication but instead followed couple of tips that I learnt and successfully avoided high altitude-sickness. Below tips were what I practiced:
Refrain from strenuous activities in first day or two. E.g.; run, jump, yell and etc.
Drink more water but not in one big gulp. Drink more frequent at slow paste.
Avoid alcohol.
The highest point from airport to HuangLong scenic spot was 4000m. The road leading to HuangLong scenic spot cut through series of mountains and was very curvy. The scene was great as entire mountain regions were blanketed with white snow. I had to walk slowly instead of my usual running when I saw this scenery.
The main attraction of HuangLong is the open air travertine landscape which is 3.6Km long and fall over 400m in height. HuangLong has the world largest travertine bank, highland travertine ponds and travertine waterfall. It shaped likes a sleeping dragon lying in the valley. The meaning of HuangLong in Chinese is “Yellow Dragon”.
There are two ways to go up to the top of mountain; either by cable car or hike. I recommend taking cable car up and walk down. Note that in high altitude (altitude here is around 3500m to 3800m), you get tire much easily. So, don’t try your luck especially when you have your heavy gears with you.
For photography, I suggest you spend a day up here (bring your own food and drink). As for me, I had only 3 hours :( . So, I just had to make the best out of given situation.
To me the best time to visit is middle of Oct to end of Oct. The leaves have started to change color and snow has fallen. Unfortunately, visiting at this time also means you have to squeeze with thousands and thousands of other visitors in the narrow paths. Not mentioning temperature that day was zero degree Celsius. I could cope with the cold but not the amount of people. I simply could not enjoy myself and focus on photographing this beautiful dragon.
Don’t forget to bring your circular polarizer filter (CPL). You cannot avoid taking pictures of waterfalls and colorful ponds. You need CPL to cut of reflection. Without CPL, a lot of my photos would have been ruined by reflection of sky.
The sun faded early at this time of year. By 5pm you would not see much sunlight. Well, that day was heavy overcast and snowing anyway. Without light, the dazzling color of HuangLong was muted.
More pictures of HuangLong can be found HERE
