Trip Ideas These Terraced Hot Spring Pools in China Spread Over Two Miles and Change Color Every Season By Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Instagram Website Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on April 29, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Karin de Mamiel/Getty Images There is something particularly special about Earth’s natural hot springs. The naturally warm waters often bubble up in mountainous areas where access can be difficult — but travelers who make the journey are often well rewarded. That’s surely the case for the terraced hot spring pools in China’s Huanglong Valley. Getty Images Located in the center of China, north of Chengdu, the pools were naturally created by mineral deposits and snake their way between rugged mountains, earning the nickname “Yellow Dragon.” The destination is part of the Huanglong Scenic Reserve in the Huanglong National Park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getty Images The reserve is home to Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys and Giant Pandas who live in the forests surrounding the pools, and according to Atlas Obscura, the waters themselves contain rare creatures that are known only to China. Between the site’s animal life and colorful waters that change hue with the season, the pools have been nicknamed “Fairy Land on Earth.” The terraced pools start at an ancient temple and stretch for 2.2 scenic miles culminating in the grand finale: the Xishen Cave and Waterfalls. Getty Images Getty Images Entry to the Huanglong Scenic Reserve costs a little over $25 per person during the park’s high season (April 1-November 15) and less than $9 during the off season (November 16-March 31). Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit