Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Country
China
Inscribed in
1992
Criterion
(vii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Situated in the north-west of Sichaun Province, the Huanglong valley is made up of snow-capped peaks and the easternmost of all the Chinese glaciers. In addition to its mountain landscape, diverse forest ecosystems can be found, as well as spectacular limestone formations, waterfalls and hot springs. The area also has a population of endangered animals, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Outstanding mountainous scenery combined with spectacular karst formations
Criterion
(vii)
Huanglong is renowned for its beautiful mountainous scenery, with relatively undisturbed and highly diverse forest ecosystems, combined with the more spectacular localised karst formations, such as travertine pools, waterfalls and limestone shoals. Its travertine terraces and lakes are certainly unique in all of Asia, and rate among the three most outstanding examples in the world (World Heritage Committee, 2013). Travertine pools are the largest type of travertine landform and have the most ornamental value in the Huanglong Ravine (Zhang et al. 2012). The five groups of pools distributed in the Huanglong Ravine are notable representatives, as follows: the Colorful Pool group, the Moon Reflecting Pool group, the Charming Pool–Yinfang Pool–Saluo Yingcai Pool group, the Mirror Reflecting Pool–Bonsai Pool group and the Flooding Lake–Guest Welcoming Pool group (Zhou et al., 2024). The highly attractive pool waters vary in colour according to their algal and bacterial content. Several mineral-rich warm geothermal springs occur, and the steep-sided valleys contain many beautiful waterfalls and lakes (MOC, 1991; UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Extensive and diverse forest ecosystems with special plant species and several threatened and endangered animals
The property, which is partly designated as a UNESCO/MAB Biosphere Reserve, combines four floral regions – E. Asia, Himalaya, NH sub-tropical and NH tropical. With increasing altitude, the vegetation changes from mixed forest to sub-alpine coniferous forest, giving way to alpine meadows of shrubs and grasses. Some 100 species of higher plants are of interest for their rarity, endemism or ornamental and medicinal value. There are more than 380 bryophytes, 137 macro-fungi and over 800 vascular plants,64 mammals, 243 birds, 14reptiles and amphibians, 2 fish,788 insects recorded. Notable among the many threatened mammals are the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, Sichuan takin, mainland serow, common goral, and 3 species of deer (MOC, 1991; UNEP-WCMC 2011; State Party of China, 2025).
Chinese terrestrial orchids hotspot
In Huanglong valley one of the richest terrestrial orchid diversity was found: a total of 33 orchid species in 19 genera were found mainly in travertine areas and forest (Huang et al., 2008), all of which were terrestrial orchids, including 4 saprophytic orchids (Peng Li, 2005).
Type locality of Lilium huanglongense
Through morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic analysis, a newly-discovered lily species, Lilium huanglongense, is described in 2025. Currently, there are only three distribution sites within Huanglong Nature Reserve. One of them has completely disappeared due to the debris flow disaster in the summer of 2023. There are less than 30 mature individuals remaining, with a distribution area of only about 0.5 square kilometers (Ting Wang et al., 2025).
Assessment information
The more significant threats are from rapidly increasing visitor numbers and tourism facility development (particularly as it relates to water pollution and garbage management), and from impacts of climate change through increase precipitation and vegetation cover. Indeed, the increase in precipitation seems to lead to an increase in vegetation cover, and after interacting with the garbage left by tourists, it also leads to an increase in the N and P concentrations in the water body, which leads to eutrophication of the colourful pools and hinder the deposition of travertine. Thus tourism remains the principal and an increasing challenge for the management authorities, together with the development and implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Due to the travertine degradation resulting from interactions between natural and anthropogenic factors, the overall current threat level is considered high.
Changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge systems that result in negative impact
(Social disruption and the loss of traditional culture of Indigenous people)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The influx of both domestic and foreign tourists has resulted in substantial loss of traditional values and practices, though there is opportunity to convey local customs to visitors and derive benefit from the sale of locally manufactured handicrafts and souvenirs (WHC/IUCN 1998; SP China 2003; WCMC 2011).
Recreational Activities
(Rapidly increasing visitor numbers and tourist facility development.)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Visitor numbers have increased dramatically especially since inscription of the property from 70,000 per year in 1990 to more than 800,000 in 2001, and to 2,090,000 in 2011. Due to the 2017 earthquake in nearby Jiuzhaigou, and the closure due COVID 19 pandemic in 2020-2021, there was a short-term decline in visitor numbers (321,600 annual visitors in both 2018 and 2020) (State Party of China 2018 2019, 2023), followed by an increase with over 2.300.000 visitors in both 2022 and 2023. In the peak season in summer, tourist numbers can reach more than 20,000/day (Huanglong official website, 2017). Garbage and water pollution, damage of calcified ponds by treading and interference with orchid pollination are the main pressures and affect not only the other important biodiversity values but also the outstanding scenery for which the property was inscribed (Zhang, 2011; Huang et al., 2019). Some mitigation of impacts has occurred through limiting hotel and other facility development inside the property, improved visitor management and mitigation of impacts from sewage and garbage disposal. In 2017, the management body decided to close down certain areas from tourists (IUCN consultation, 2017). Recent construction e.g. the Xueshanliang Tunnel (between 2012 and 2017), has caused some pollution within the manageable range (Feng, 2018), but since it facilitates the access to the site, more impact from increasing tourists is expected, especially considering the apparent intention to further increase tourism activities in the property (State Party of China, 2023).
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution
(Pollution of waterways)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Previously, untreated waste disposal from residences in particular led to pollution of rivers and lakes. Improved waste disposal and toilet facilities were considered to have lowered the level of threat (WHC/IUCN 1998; SP China 2003), but additional findings (Zhang et al. 2011, Zhang et al., 2012 Zhang et al. 2017, Tang 2018) on increasing phosphate concentration, algae growth and proliferation of anaerobic bacteria indicate that pollution is still a threat to the waterways and travertine system. The increase in visitors, is expected to further exacerbate this threat.
According to a recent study (Zhou et al., 2024) 6 of the 9 colourful pools in the scenic spot (Moon Reflecting Pool, Charming Pools, Yinfang Pools, Saluo Yingcai Pools, Bonsai Pool, and Flooding Lake) have shrunk in the area. The other three pools (Colorful Pool, Mirror Reflecting Pool, and Guest Welcoming Pools) were not reduced under the premise of manual intervention, and the reduction in the swampy area was due to the impact of the change in the trestle road. An increase in precipitation seems to lead to an increase in vegetation cover, and after interacting with the garbage left by tourists, it also leads to an increase in the N and P concentrations in the water body, which will lead to eutrophication of the colourful pools and hinder the deposition of travertine (Zhou et al., 2024). The colourful travertine pools in the Huanglong Ravine are therefore considered currently experiencing a trend towards degradation, in part due to the pollution of waterways.
According to a recent study (Zhou et al., 2024) 6 of the 9 colourful pools in the scenic spot (Moon Reflecting Pool, Charming Pools, Yinfang Pools, Saluo Yingcai Pools, Bonsai Pool, and Flooding Lake) have shrunk in the area. The other three pools (Colorful Pool, Mirror Reflecting Pool, and Guest Welcoming Pools) were not reduced under the premise of manual intervention, and the reduction in the swampy area was due to the impact of the change in the trestle road. An increase in precipitation seems to lead to an increase in vegetation cover, and after interacting with the garbage left by tourists, it also leads to an increase in the N and P concentrations in the water body, which will lead to eutrophication of the colourful pools and hinder the deposition of travertine (Zhou et al., 2024). The colourful travertine pools in the Huanglong Ravine are therefore considered currently experiencing a trend towards degradation, in part due to the pollution of waterways.
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi
(Poaching of wildlife and collecting of plants)
Other targeted species names
Alpine Stream Salamander (Batrachuperus tibetanus), Cypripedium flavum, Cypripedium tibeticum, Fritillaria unibracteata, Saussurea obvallata, Saussurea medusa, Gastrodia elata, Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Weapons and hunting are banned but some poaching of furs and pelts occurs. Collecting of Alpine Stream Salamander (Batrachuperus tibetanus) happens for traditional medicinal purposes (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Some plants and fungus are collected, mainly for traditional medicinal purposes (SP China 2003), also for ornamental purposes, such as Orchidaceae spp. (IUCN consultation, 2020). Increasing job opportunities in the tourism sector contributed to the reduction of residents’ dependency on local natural resources to a certain extent (State Party of China, 2023).
Geological Events, Severe Weather Events
(Landslides and floods)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
High magnitude/low frequency hazard events such as flooding and land slides occur naturally, but risks to people and buildings have been reduced by installation of control structures (SP China 2003). Management authorities have been cooperating with the Sichuan Mountain Hazard Research Institute to carry out road detours in areas with landslides and floods, strengthen roadsides, excavate road trenches, anti-landslide walls and other measures, also carry out monitor in the rainy season. and prevent forest fire in dry winter (State Party of China, 2023).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Increasing rainfall, surface snowmelt and vegetation cover due to climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Between 2000 to 2022, the atmospheric precipitation in the Huanglong Scenic Area increased from 733 mm to 926 mm and vegetation area coverage in the Huanglong Ravine increased from 95.8 to 96.9% (Zhou et al., 2024). Increased rainfall and surface snowmelt during the rainy season dilute the Ca2+ concentration in water when it merges with underground spring water. Consequently, the travertine deposition rate decreases (Zhang et al. 2012; Huang et al. 2020; Zhou et al., 2024). Increasing vegetation cover affect the deposition of travertine leading to eutrophication of the pools and intensification of surface water leakage (Zhou et al., 2024).
Earthquakes and forest fires, should they happen near the site, could severely affect or even substantially damage the values of the site. Weathering could also further aggravate existing damages. The capacity of the site to cope with these risks needs to be enhanced. Being home to symbolic giant pandas, Huanglong's bamboo thickets bloom periodically, this natural phenomenon was not a big concern when the pandas could move freely, but nowadays with the fragmentation of habitats, there will be a need of further research and monitoring on this.
Fire & Fire Management
(Forest fire)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
With 65.8% of forest coverage and 88.9% of vegetation coverage, the site is substantially full of fuel. Besides the natural reasons such as lightning, human activities plays a big role in causing forest fires e.g. the one of 27 Feburary 2016 in nearby Jiuzhaigou which affected 1.32 acre of oaks and shrubs. The global warming, as well as the expansion of roads, communication lines and other facilities within and outside the site also increase the chance. Enhancement of forest fire risk management capacity at the site is needed (IUCN consultation, 2020).
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Wind erosion)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
An increase in the wind speed in the past 20 years has increased the effect of weathering on travertine (Zhang et al. 2015b). Although the weathering of travertine has not received as much attention as the weathering of other rock types (Zhou et al., 2024), the surface structure of trav¬ertine, which is brittle and noncompacted, will be further damaged, and water leakage will be aggravated. Due to the carbonate composition and the highly porous structure of travertine, adverse effects of weathering may occur rapidly (Akin 2009).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Local people are employed in the staffing of the property (MOC 1991; State Party of China). Between 2002-2009, the property provided about $20 million funding to support community development and education and in return raised awareness of local communities on conservation. A network of community participation in conservation has been established (MAB 2010). According to the last Periodic Report there is a good cooperation with municipal authorities and fair relationships with local communities and the tourism industry. However, there is a limited mechanism ensuring the participatory management of local communities, landowners in the property and buffer zone, and none for the participation of scientific research institutions and women (State Party of China, 2023).
Legal framework
The legal and regulatory framework is considered to be adequate (State Party of China, 2023). As a national park, Huanglong is protected by national and local laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include the Environment Protection Law, Law of China on the Protection of Wildlife, Regulation on National Park in China, Sichuan Provincial Regulation on World Heritage Protection, promulgated in 2004, and Regulation on Implementing Sichuan Provincial Regulation on World Heritage Protection promulgated by Aba Autonomous Prefecture.
Governance arrangements
In 2006, the administrative structure of Huanglong World Heritage Property was established, comprised of more than 20 departments including Nature Protection, Scientific Research, Planning and others. While there is coordination with other administrative bodies involved in the management of the property, this needs to be improved as it seems a limiting factor to management effectiveness (State Party of China, 2023).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Some level of integration exists, especially in regional tourism development. Currently, Huanglong, has multiple designations in addition to its World Heritage status including national nature reserve, national forest park, national scenic and historical area, and biosphere reserve. The management objectives associated with those designations are overlapping to some extent and sometimes conflicting, and it is unclear which set of objectives should be prioritized when conflicts occur (Tian et al., 2019; State Party of China, 2023). The Sichuan WH Mangement Bureau is also working on communication of WH sites in the province. On the 17th October, 2019 NFGA (National Foresty and Grassland Adminstration) published the draft for public comments of Giant Panda National Park Master Plan, part of the site is in the Giant Panda National Park. The extent to which the conservation of the World Heritage values of Huanglong will be integrated into the management framework of the Giant Panda National Park still remains data deficient.
Boundaries
The State Party considers the existing boundaries to be adequate (State Party of China, 2023). As of 2020, the site will be encompassed in the newly formed Giant Panda National Park (Huang et al., 2020). No apparent impacts have been found on the boundaries of the site.
Overlapping international designations
Huanglong became a World Heritage site in 1992 and a MAB Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Regular communication between World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve managers has been reported (State Party of China, 2023). However, the extent of coordination remains unknown.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
No recent Committee decisions or recommendations.
Climate action
No information was found on implementation of climate migration and adaptation strategies by the management authority. This may be of some concern, as impacts of climate change through increasing precipitation and vegetation cover have already affected the property.
Management plan and overall management system
A management plan exists but is reported to be due for revision (State Party of China, 2023). The rising concern after the 2008 earthquake relates to natural disasters and the need for capacity building in Disaster Risk Management.
Law enforcement
While an adequate legal framework exists, deficiencies in implementation have been noted (State Party of China, 2023), corroborated by reports about continued poaching, collecting of plants and fungus as well as water pollution remaining a major threat to the waterways and travertine system (IUCN consultation, 2017; Zhang et al., 2011, Zhang et al. 2011, Zhang et al. 2017, Tang 2018). The large area to patrol and the limited personnel numbers are the limiting factors (State Party of China, 2023). Grazing especially those activities on high-altitude causing water source pollution is prohibited and monitored under joint patrols (IUCN consultation, 2020).
Sustainable finance
The budget is regarded as acceptable, but could further improved (State Party of China, 2023). Municipal funding sources cover around 70% of both running and project costs. Individual visitor charges collected by regional authorities are redistributed to the property administration and cover additional 10% of costs. Commercial activities, international donations and multilateral fundings cover the rest.
Staff capacity, training and development
Human resources partly meet management need (State Party of China, 2023). Limited staff numbers and training opportunities, combined to the large area to manage, are the main challenges. Due to the remote location of the property, external cooperation and assistance is required for most technical work (State Party of China, 2023)
Education and interpretation programmes
The property designed a series of basis education programs under the name of Nature Academy, with programs such as Orchids of Huanglong and Travertine Landscape of Huanglong, which are considered to be adequate, but further enrichment is required (IUCN consultation, 2020; State Party of China, 2023). The presentation and interpretation of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property is considered acceptable but improvements could be made
Tourism and visitation management
According to the most recent Periodic Report submitted by the State Party, the Huanglong Administration has long been committed to developing standardized tourism infrastructure (State Party of China, 2023). Efforts include the installation of ropeways, the implementation of a one-way circular route that guides visitors through the tufa landscape, and the regulation of both high-end hotels and community-operated family accommodations. Additionally, measures have been taken to manage waste and sewage in the region.
The property features a visitor center, a museum, and multilingual guides trained to assist tourists. Currently, only one designated sightseeing area is open to visitors, accessible via a plank road equipped with interpretive signage about the site's flora, fauna, and geological features. The scenic route is clearly marked, and the infrastructure is designed to minimize ecological impact while enhancing the visitor experience. Communication with the public is primarily conducted through the Internet and social media, which are used to disseminate travel information and promote awareness of conservation efforts. The development of soft eco-tourism, e.g. orchids, has also been successfully promoted.
Despite these initiatives, tourism remains a significant management challenge (WHC/IUCN 1998; WCMC 2011; State Party of China, 2023). Although a visitor management strategy is in place to regulate tourism activities and their associated impacts, shortcomings in its implementation persist. It is concerning the intention to further promote tourism, primarily for economic gain, e.g. by opening additional areas of the World Heritage site to visitors (State Party of China, 2023). Given the ongoing difficulties in managing the rapidly increasing number of tourists, such expansion poses potential risks to the site's ecological integrity.
The property features a visitor center, a museum, and multilingual guides trained to assist tourists. Currently, only one designated sightseeing area is open to visitors, accessible via a plank road equipped with interpretive signage about the site's flora, fauna, and geological features. The scenic route is clearly marked, and the infrastructure is designed to minimize ecological impact while enhancing the visitor experience. Communication with the public is primarily conducted through the Internet and social media, which are used to disseminate travel information and promote awareness of conservation efforts. The development of soft eco-tourism, e.g. orchids, has also been successfully promoted.
Despite these initiatives, tourism remains a significant management challenge (WHC/IUCN 1998; WCMC 2011; State Party of China, 2023). Although a visitor management strategy is in place to regulate tourism activities and their associated impacts, shortcomings in its implementation persist. It is concerning the intention to further promote tourism, primarily for economic gain, e.g. by opening additional areas of the World Heritage site to visitors (State Party of China, 2023). Given the ongoing difficulties in managing the rapidly increasing number of tourists, such expansion poses potential risks to the site's ecological integrity.
Sustainable use
There is limited data available about the sustainable use of natural resources in the property. However, concerns have been raised in the past about some continued poaching, water pollution and reduction of surface water flow (Zhang, 2015), while grazing are better controlled comparing with previous years, and cleaning-up of algae as well as repairing of trenches and holes on travertine pools are periodically implemented (IUCN consultation, 2020).
Monitoring
Water quality, and weather records are regularly measured and the status of wildlife populations is monitored over long term intervals (State Party of China, 2023). Effectiveness of tourism management is also regularly monitored through the UNESCO Tourism Management Assessment Tool (State Party of China, 2023). The monitoring program needs expanding (WHC/IUCN 1998; State Party of China, 2003). Camera traps are being applied since 2013, but biodiversity monitoring needs to be more systematic.
Research
Research facilities exist in the property and there is good collaborative research with national and international collaborators (WHC/IUCN 1998; State Party of China, 2023).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
There is little information on the effectiveness of protection in addressing threats in the buffer zone and surrounding land. It appears that there is only low-level involvement or collaboration by the management authorities beyond the property (State Party of China, 2023).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Overall, the management is reported as being effective (IUCN consultation, 2024). However, deficiencies in implementation have been observed due to limited staff and capacity building, as well as limited coordination between administrative bodies (State Party of China, 2023). It is of some concern the intention to further promote tourism in the area, considering its impact on the property and the challenges in management faced by the administration.
In general, the protection and management are assessed as of some concern, despite a number of aspects of the management being mostly effective. The greatest challenge requiring vigilance and active intervention is that relating to on-going tourism development and the rising concern of natural disaster risks. More professional training and employment of technically qualified staff are required for this and other management operations. Consideration should be given to revising the management plan and to strengthening the capability to enforce legal and regulatory provisions. Low-level involvement or collaboration by the management authorities beyond the property remain a limiting factor to the effectiveness of the property’s management. Protection and management of biodiversity is still relatively weak compared to other protected areas in the region but some improvements are taking place especially on monitoring of wildlife. It remains unclear whether the establishment of the Giant Panda National Park, which encompasses at least part of the site as of 2020, which aims to standardize conservation across the wider region has brought benefits towards the conservation of the site's World Heritage values, although this remains to be seen.
Good practice examples
Orchids within the Huanglong World Heritage Site are classified as endangered species. The successful conservation of such sensitive species is a strong indicator of the site's overall ecological health and the effectiveness of its protection and management strategies. Recognizing their ecological significance and public appeal, the site administration has identified orchid eco-tourism, cloning, and propagation as a flagship scientific research initiative (State Party of China, 2023; Prener et al., 2003).
The "Huanglong Mountain Orchid Conservation Research" project, supported by annual funding of 200,000 to 500,000 Yuan, aims to safeguard rare and endangered plant species through artificial conservation techniques. By focusing on flagship species such as orchids—which depend on stable, undisturbed ecosystems—this initiative contributes directly to the protection and enhancement of the property's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
In recent years, Huanglong has hosted three international orchid conservation conferences, attracting domestic and international nature enthusiasts to participate in scientific expeditions during the orchid flowering season. The initiative has led to the publication of more than ten scientific papers, demonstrating significant progress in orchid research. Artificial propagation—particularly of Cypripedium species—has been successfully carried out in laboratories, with many cultivated specimens now growing in the Huanglong Scientific Research Nursery. Further efforts in hybridization and breeding have yielded new orchid varieties, enhancing both conservation and research opportunities. Beyond orchid conservation, the cloning technologies developed through this program have also been applied to economic crops such as blueberries, offering alternative income sources for local communities.
This integration of biodiversity conservation and community development exemplifies a holistic and sustainable approach to heritage site management.
The "Huanglong Mountain Orchid Conservation Research" project, supported by annual funding of 200,000 to 500,000 Yuan, aims to safeguard rare and endangered plant species through artificial conservation techniques. By focusing on flagship species such as orchids—which depend on stable, undisturbed ecosystems—this initiative contributes directly to the protection and enhancement of the property's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
In recent years, Huanglong has hosted three international orchid conservation conferences, attracting domestic and international nature enthusiasts to participate in scientific expeditions during the orchid flowering season. The initiative has led to the publication of more than ten scientific papers, demonstrating significant progress in orchid research. Artificial propagation—particularly of Cypripedium species—has been successfully carried out in laboratories, with many cultivated specimens now growing in the Huanglong Scientific Research Nursery. Further efforts in hybridization and breeding have yielded new orchid varieties, enhancing both conservation and research opportunities. Beyond orchid conservation, the cloning technologies developed through this program have also been applied to economic crops such as blueberries, offering alternative income sources for local communities.
This integration of biodiversity conservation and community development exemplifies a holistic and sustainable approach to heritage site management.
Outstanding mountainous scenery combined with spectacular karst formations
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The outstanding scenic and aesthetic values and attributes of the property and the overall state of the natural landscape and ecosystems remain essentially intact and of low concern. However, climate change, increasing vegetation cover and tourism activities are affecting the travertine pools of the property. According to a recent study (Zhou et al., 2024) 6 of the 9 colourful pools in the scenic spot (Moon Reflecting Pool, Charming Pools, Yinfang Pools, Saluo Yingcai Pools, Bonsai Pool, and Flooding Lake) have shrunk in the area. The other three pools (Colorful Pool, Mirror Reflecting Pool, and Guest Welcoming Pools) were not reduced under the premise of manual intervention, and the reduction in the swampy area was due to the impact of the change in the trestle road. An increase in precipitation seems to lead to an increase in vegetation cover, and after interacting with the garbage left by tourists, it also leads to an increase in the N and P concentrations in the water body, which will lead to eutrophication of the colourful pools and hinder the deposition of travertine (Zhou et al., 2024). The colourful travertine pools in the Huanglong Ravine are therefore considered currently experiencing a trend towards degradation.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
The outstanding scenic and aesthetic values and attributes of the property and the overall state of the natural landscape and ecosystems remain essentially intact. However, the colourful travertine pools are experiencing degradation due to the combined effects of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. Careful monitoring and judicious management intervention are required, however, especially with regard to tourism development and water pollution which, if unchecked, could have serious consequences for the many sensitive and vulnerable natural elements in the outstanding landscapes and wetlands of the property. Proactive management actions addressing the combined effects of climate change and tourist driven pollution are critical to ensure the preservation of the property's OUV, as demonstrated by the successful intervention for the three travertine pools which remained intact.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Low Concern
Stable
Forest ecosystems appear largely intact and continue to provide excellent habitat for the numerous species of threatened and endangered biota. However, biodiversity values and attributes of the property remain insufficiently assessed, and management of the property has been focusing on tourism rather than biodiversity protection. A baseline survey of biodiversity was done pre-2016, and an Implementation Plan for Protection was created in late-2017, with part of the site merging into the Giant Panda National Park, enhancement on protection and management of biodiversity is expected.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Tourism development has transformed the local and regional economy.
Tourist numbers have been continuously increasing in Huanglong til August 2017, the number already reached over 1 million. After the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake a significant decrease of tourists occurs but a further increase is expected. Water pollution and solid waste littering is the biggest pressure, which has reduced the value to tourist resources (IUCN consultation, 2017), some management decisions are taken to control the waterway pollution and conserve the travertine system (IUCN consultation, 2020).
History and tradition
Being part of the Long March of the Red Army before WWII, Huanglong holds its cultural and spiritual values.
The authorities constructed a Red Army monument in Yuanbao Mt. of Chuanzhusi township, located nearby the entrance of site, promoting its red tourism (tourism of revolution), and a reconstruction was done in recent years.
Existence of the World Heritage property has been extremely beneficial to the local community through employment, cash income, and the opportunity to promote and maintain the local culture and traditional practices. This has improved the socio-economic well-being of the local people and provided an outlet for expression of their culture. The regional economy has flourished in response to tourism development. Outstanding natural values and attributes of the property have benefited from improved protection, conservation and management based on high standards of the World Heritage Convention.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Sun Yat-sen University, Hebei University, Southwest Forestry University, Yibin University, and the Aquatic Research Institute of Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences | Comprehensive Scientific Investigation Project of Huanglong Nature Reserve | |
| 2 | Huanglong Nature Reserve | - Preparation Project of Sichuan Field Scientific Observation and Research Station for the Alpine Karst Ecosystem in the Xuebaoding Basin. - Algae Treatment in Huanglong. - Smart Huanglong Scenic Area Project. - Conservation of Lilium huanglongense. - Resource Monitoring Project. | |
| 3 | Huanglong Nature Reserve, Chengdu Hydrological Center (Huadi Company) of the Sichuan Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources | Research Project on the Characteristics of Water Circulation and Landscape Conservation Technology in Huanglong National Geological Park |
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
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| 2 |
D. Tian, Y. Xie, A.D. Barnosky, F. Wei. (2019). Defining the balance point between conservation and development. Conserv. Biol., 33, pp. 231-238
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| 3 |
Feng Wensheng, et al. 2018. Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Environmental Pollution Degree of Scenic Spots due to Tunnel Construction, Environmental Engineering v.36; No. 235.01: 173-177+182.
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| 4 |
Gu J, Fan X (2009) Assessment of travertine evolution in Jiuzhaighou- Huanglong area using grey system model. 566–573
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| 5 |
Huang H, Song T, Yan D, An D, Min S, Dang Z, Dai Q (2020) Study on the spatial variation characteristics of hydrochemistry in the sur¬face water system of Huanglong Ravine,Sichuan Province. Indus¬trial Minerals Process 49(08):43–47. https://doi.org/10.16283/j. cnki.hgkwyjg.2020.08.011(in Chinese with English Abstract)
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| 6 |
Huang, B. Q., Sun, Y. N., Yu, X. H., Luo, Y. B., Hutchings, M. J., & Tang, S. Y. (2009). Impact of proximity to a pathway on orchid pollination success in Huanglong National Park, South-West China. Biological conservation, 142(4), 701-708.
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| 7 |
Huang, BQ., Yang, XQ., Yu, FH. et al. Surprisingly high orchid diversity in travertine and forest areas in the Huanglong valley, China, and implications for conservation. Biodivers Conserv 17, 2773–2786 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-007-9291-2
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| 8 |
Huang, Q., Fei, Y., Yang, H., Gu, X., & Songer, M. (2020). Giant Panda National Park, a step towards streamlining protected areas and cohesive conservation management in China. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e00947.
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| 9 |
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area Official Website, (n.d.) Available at: http://www.huanglong.com. Accessed March 2020.
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| 10 |
IUCN 1992. World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation,Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China). In: IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 1992, IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. [online] Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/638/documents/ Accessed 25 November 2020.
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