Huanglong

Our driver picked us up early, no time for breakfast, to take us to Huanglong Scenic Area. And we were there in no time, the dangerous switchback road that we’d read about now replaced by a couple of tunnels through the mountains. Can’t say I was complaining! We headed high into the park by cable car, walked up to the end of the trail (aka boardwalk) at about 3,600 meters and then back down to the valley floor. About 5 miles in total but we were there for five hours, taking our time at that high altitude (and in direct sun on the descent) but not resorting to oxygen canisters, admiring the mountains, the forests and the blue, turquoise, yellow and orange pools that the park is famous for and most of all taking pictures.