When my Chinese colleague showed me the satellite remote sensing map in our Colorado office, the mysterious rippling landscape at 32°N made me think it was a newly discovered geyser area in Yellowstone – until he revealed the answer: “It's Huanglong in Sichuan Province, which has the most complete open-air calcareous depositional system in the world.
As a geologist who has studied karst landscapes for 15 years, I immediately applied for a research visa. This time, the goal was clear: to find out how this calcified kingdom at an altitude of 3,145 meters on the golden tourism route at 30°N latitude could simultaneously achieve ecological protection and tourist carrying capacity.
Chapter 1: 48 Hours of Extreme Survey Records
▌ Day 1: Decoding the Chemical Equation of Calcification Pools
7:00 AM Wearing Garmin Fenix7 to record blood oxygen data and start profile sampling from the Welcome Pool:
Color variable: blue-green = calcium carbonate (CaCO3) purity >95% + water depth of 1.2 m + sunlight angle of 32°
Texture code:
Dragon scale pattern: seasonal algal proliferation cycle
Terraced: 0.3 mm per year calcification deposition rate
Fracture zone: stress residue from the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake
▌ Unexpected discovery: pH 6.8 was detected in the Scramble Pool with a ThermoFisher water quality meter – more suitable for microbial survival than the Mammoth Hot Springs (pH 6.0), which may explain the superb vitality of the red algae at the bottom of the pool.
▌ Day 2: Survival Challenge in a Glacial Canyon
Elevation plummets to 5,588 meters atop Snowbowl, where my Black Diamond ice axe cuts sampling holes in the remains of a Quaternary glacier. My guide, Zahi, hands me a portable oxygen concentrator, “The air here is 18% less oxygenated than Pikes Peak, but our yak team has carried heavier research equipment.”
A Science Travel Guide for Adventurers
📌 Must See Three Geological Wonders
The golden sands paving the way for the world's longest Calcified Beach
World's longest calcified beach (1,300 meters)
Best time to observe: AM 9:00-10:30 (sunlight penetrating the mist creates a golden refraction)
U.S. Reference: 1/50th scale of Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Colorful Pools
A natural sample for mineral concentration gradient experiments
Photographic parameters: f/8 aperture + CPL filter to eliminate water reflection
Huanglong Ancient Temple
How does a Ming Dynasty building resist earthquake magnitude 8? The secret lies in the energy-absorbing structure of the calcified rock layers of the foundation
Hidden Function: Self-service Oxygen Stake in the corner of the temple wall (pay $2/10 min by scanning code)
⚠️ Highland Survival Protocol
Heart rate control formula: target value ≤ (180 – age) x 0.7
Loss of Temperature Prevention:
Base Layer: Smartwool Merino 250 Primer
Heating Blackout: carbon fiber heated knee pads for scenic rentals ($8/day)
Emergency Response Program:
Send GPS coordinates to first aid station (WeChat location is 3 seconds faster than WhatsApp)
Prioritize a Huawei watch with ECG capability to monitor AF risk
🚁 In-depth experience program
① Scientific research special route
Permit: Apply through “Chengdu Institute of Mountain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences” (submission of research plan required)
Privilege: enter the closed conservation area and collect samples of undisclosed extremophiles.
② Cultural Decoding Tour
Qiang medicinal bath experience: altitude acclimatization training (herbs containing Rhodiola rosea × saffron synergistic formula)
Huanglong Mineral Lip Balm” DIY workshop: making natural lip balm with calcified pool sediment + beeswax
③ Extreme Photography Tours
Equipment Requirements: At least 200mm telephoto to capture the golden monkey colony.
Exclusive camera position: Huanglong Back Mountain Cliff Viewing Platform (need to sign a waiver agreement)
Sustainable Travel Checklist
Carbon Footprint Offset: Ticket includes $0.5 donation to the Calcified Layer Restoration Fund.
Zero Waste Practices:
Use biodegradable sampling bags (free at scenic spots)
Participate in the “Carry 1 kilogram of garbage down the mountain and exchange it for a postcard” activity.
Community Support: Priority to stay in B&Bs operated by Tibetan women's cooperatives.
