Source:

01-13-2006 16:32

Named after a region in Slovenia, karst refers to a geographic feature made up of porous limestone. Karst formations are usually cracked by deep fissures and sinkholes, with underground caves and streams. Scattered throughout the world, karst formations attract geologists and tourists alike.

Huanglong Valley was listed as a world natural heritage site in 1992, in recognition of its spectacular and unique colored travertine ponds. Water flows from the summit of the nearby Minshan Mountain Ridge, and the valley at its base is home to a lively forest ecosystem. For centuries, the area's serenity and diversity has made it the place where Chinese and Tibetan religions converged.

Simply by word of mouth, the fame of Huanglong valley's beauty quickly spread, and it became one of China's first World Natural Heritage sites in 1992. Water eroded the limestone over thousands of years, slowly creating this unique landscape decorated with colored karst formations. Such formations are rare, and Huanglong has the largest and most brilliantly coloured travertine pond in the world.

Huanglong valley was formed over millions of years. For geologists, that process is an absorbing episode in the earth's history. But for the local people that have lived here for centuries, the valley tells a different story. Ever since the ancient town of Songpan was founded here in the 14th century, local Tibetans have made their livelihoods in Huanglong. The valley has witnessed their forest treks, hard work grazing cattle and their pilgrimages to the holy mountain that overlooks the valley.

The most exciting thing about Huanglong is perhaps that it is continually growing and changing. With a longer history than many other World Natural Heritage sites in China, the Huanglong Valley has a landscape that is active and unpredictable. What will it be like in the future? Will it display even more dazzling colors? As the reputation of Huanglong spreads throughout the world, this quiet valley has attracted increasing numbers of visitors. Geologists come to study the formations and tourists are eager to see the beauty and mystery of the valley for themselves, following in the footsteps of local pilgrims.

 

Editor:Wang Ping