A Millennium-Old Cultural Extravaganza on the Snowy Plateau

Every midsummer, the ancient Huanglong Temple Fair comes alive at Sichuan's Huanglong Scenic Area - renowned as the "Fairy Pool on Earth." This unique celebration blending Tibetan-Qiang culture with breathtaking natural wonders has become the most captivating cultural landmark of Western Sichuan's highlands.  

Historical Origins

Rooted in ancient Tibetan Buddhist rituals, the fair dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Legend says the immortal Huanglong achieved enlightenment here, inspiring local Tibetans to hold annual ceremonies every 6th day of the 6th lunar month. In 2010, it was inscribed on Sichuan's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.  

Highlights 

1. Sacred Rituals: At 3,588m-high Huanglong Ancient Temple, lamas conduct solemn scripture-chanting ceremonies amid swirling juniper smoke and fluttering prayer flags.  

2. Cultural Performances:  

   - Tibetan Guozhuang dance: Hundreds dancing in concentric circles  

   - Qiang polyphonic folk songs: Ethereal harmonies echoing through valleys  

   - Sichuan face-changing: Breathtaking traditional artistry  

3. Alpine Market:  

   - Local flavors: Freshly churned butter tea, yak jerky, matsutake chicken stew  

   - Handicrafts: Exquisite thangka paintings, Tibetan silverware, Qiang embroidery  

4. Nature-Culture Fusion: While enjoying the fair, visitors can admire world-class travertine landscapes, where the multicolored pools create dreamlike reflections alongside cultural activities.  

This summer, Huanglong offers more than UNESCO-listed landscapes - it's a living portal to thousand-year-old traditions, where nature and culture, past and present beautifully converge for an unforgettable experience.