COUNTRY China - North-West Sichuan Province

NAME Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area

IUCN MANAGEMENT CATEGORY

III (Natural Monument)

Natural World Heritage Site - Criterion iii

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL PROVINCE 2.39.12 (Szechuan Highlands)

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION Lies in Songpan County, north-west Sichuan Province, in the southern part of Min Shan Range, approximately 150km north-north-west of the provincial capital of Chengdu. Divided into two distinct sites: the Huanglong subdivision, north-east of the town of Songpan, which represents the entire Fujiang Gully catchment area above the village of Shijiabao; and the Mouni Gully subdivision, 15km south-west of Songpan, which includes the catchments of Zhaga and Erdaohai gullies. 32°37'-32°54'N, 103°37'-104°8'E (Huanglong), and 32°30'-32°42N, 103°25'-103°32'E (Mouni Gully).

DATE AND HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT Large parts of the area have received protection for hundreds of thousands of years, either because of their inaccessibility or because of their important position in local culture and the Tibetan religion. The site was listed as a state scenic district in 1982; the Sichuan provincial government gave the entire site legal protection in January 1987. The central and second class conservation zone was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992. The Mouni Gully separate subdivision to the west is not part of the World Heritage site.

AREA 70,000ha. The Huanglong subdivision is 60,000ha, 58,000ha of which is protection zone. The Mouni Gully subdivision is 10,000ha, 6,000ha of which is protection zone. There are a number of other protected areas in the region including Wanglang Nature Reserve (27,700ha) to the northeast, and Juizhaigou Nature Reserve and Scenic Area (60,000ha and 72,000ha) to the north.

LAND TENURE State

ALTITUDE Ranges from 1,700m (Shanzidong or Fan Cave) to 5,588m (Xuebaoding or Snow Mountain Peak).

PHYSICAL FEATURES Geologically, the Huanglong subdivision falls within the Qinling-Kunlun latitudinal tectonic zone and the Snow Mountain Great Fault, while the Mouni Gully subdivision incorporates the Minjiang River Fault and the Zhaga Mountain Fault. Tectonic activity, in the form of earthquakes, is fairly frequent. The site lies in the southern part of the Min Shan, a mountain range leading from the east of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau down to the Sichuan Basin. The relief is predominantly precipitous, a particularly spectacular example being where the Fujiang River flows through the Danyun Gorge. Above the tree-linethere are extensive areas of precipitous mountain scenery, snow-covered for much of the year. Xuebaoding, or Snow Mountain Peak, is permanently snow-covered and bears the easternmost glacier in China. The rock strata comprise: Palaeozoic deposits which are largely carbonate and are over 4,000m thick; Mesozoic deposits at least 1,000m thick with a variety of sedimentary rocks in a cataclastic sedimentation; and the most recent Cenozoic deposits consisting of alluvial gravels, glacial moraines and carbonate sediments.

Of perhaps the greatest interest, geologically, is the extensive calcite deposition that has taken place, notably along the 3.6km Huanglonggou (Yellow Dragon Gully) where there are several extensive areas of travertine pools. Algae and bacteria proliferate in a number of these pools, giving a wide range of colours from orange and yellow to green and blue. Other karst features include long limestone shoals, notably Liujinshan (the glazed Golden Fan) and Jinshatan (the Golden Sand Beach), in Huanglonggou. These are extensive slopes of active limestone deposition, covered entirely by a thin layer of flowing water. Jinshatan is 40-125m wide and 1300m long. Six small caves and grottos are listed in MoC (1991), some water filled, others containing attractive calcite deposits. There are almost certainly others.

The Huanglong subdivision contains the main tributaries leading into the upper waters of the Fujiang River, which has its source at the Snow Mountain Ridge. Water flow varies throughout the year, with peak flows during the flood season from May to July. There are a number of low-temperature hot springs rising from deep groundwater.

The Mouri Gully subdivision consists of two parallel small gullies, Zhaga and Erdaohai. There are two important areas of hot springs in this site: Feicui Kuang-quan (Jadeite Mineral Spring, which has a discharge of 0.58 l/sec, at a temperature of 9.5-9.8°C; and the springs in Zhuzhuhu (Pearl Boiling Lake) at 21°C which bubble into a 400 sq. m pool. The waters of both springs have high mineral contents and are said to have important medicinal properties. Mouni Gully also contains a number of very attractive lakes, and the Zhaga Waterfall. This fall is 93m high, 35m wide and is stepped, with a series of calcareous, semicircular travertine pools at its base.

CLIMATE Conditions are cool-temperate: damp and cold in the high mountains, and cool and dry in the river valleys. Mean annual temperature at Fuyan Bridge, at the mouth of Huanglonggou (3,160m above sea level), is 3°C, ranging from -24.7°C to 30.6°C. Annual precipitation at this site is 715.4mm, while for the entire area it is given as 758.9mm. Over 70% of precipitation falls between May and September.

VEGETATION Huanglong is situated at the transition zone between the eastern damp forest zone and the mountainous coniferous woods/meadow grassland and shrub zone of Qing-Zang Plateau. It lies close to the intersection of four floral regions: Eastern Asia, Himalaya, and the subtropical and tropical zones of the northern hemisphere. About 65.8% of the site is forest covered, with much of the remainder being above the tree-line. Some land appears to be under cultivation and pasture, although the extent is uncertain.

From 1,700m to 2,300m, there is a belt of mixed forest dominated by Chinese hemlock Tsuga chinensis, Chinese or dragon spruce Picea asperata and three species of maple Acer yui, A. erianthum and A. davidii. Between 2,300m and 3,600m, the forest is largely coniferous and subalpine in character, dominated by spruces P. asperata, P. purpurea and P. wilsonii; firs, Abies recurvata and A. faxoniance; larch Larix potaninii and birches Betulaplatyphylla and B. utilis. Between 3,600m and 4,200m, the forest gives way to alpine meadows dominated by shrubs and grasses including Sibiraea spp., Lonicera hispida, Salix spp., Kobresia macracantha, Festuca ovina, Polygonum spp., Anaphalis lactea and Leontopodium dedekensii. From 4,200m to 4,800m, vegetation is more sparse, but includes shrubs such as Saussurea medusa, Rhodiola spp., Soroseris gillii and Saxifraga tangutica. Above 4,800m, there is permanent snow and ice. Some 16 species of rhododendron have been recorded from the site.

Apart from the characteristic species mentioned above, MoC (1991) contains a list of 101 higher plant species of interest for their rarity, endemism, and ornamental and medicinal value. These include a number species that are internationally threatened: Kingdonia uniflora (R), Eucommia ulmoides (R), Larix mastersiana (E), Euptelea pleiospermum (R), Pterostylax psilophylla (V), Magnolia officinalis (V), Picea brachtyla (V), Tsuga chinensis (V), Dipteronia sinensis (R) and Pteroceltis tagarinowii (R) (WCMC, 1991). The list includes 16 species of rhododendron. Two important food plants of the giant panda are present, namely Fargesia denudata and F. scabrida.

FAUNA Diversity is high due to the site's location within four floral regions, its wide altitudinal range, and the extensive undisturbed forests. MoC (1991) states that there are 59 mammals (six orders and 18 families); 155 birds (12 orders and 29 families); five reptiles (two orders and three families); five amphibians (two orders and four families) and two fish species. A large number of the species listed are threatened at the national and international level (IUCN, 1990). Mammals include such notable species as giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca (E), golden snub-nosed monkey Pygathrix roxellanae roxellanae (V), brown bear Ursus arctos, Asiatic black bear Selenarctos thibetanus (V), leopard Panthera pardus, Pallas' cat Felis manul, Asiatic wild dog Cuon alpinus (V), lesser panda Ailurus fulgens (V), Szechwan takin Budorcas taxicolor thibetana (K), mainland serow Capricornis sumatraensis (I), common goral Nemorhaedus goral, argali Ovis ammon and three species of deer. A preliminary list of birds is given in MoC (1991) which includes five species of pheasant, notably Chinese monal Lophophorus lhuysii (E) and a number of waterfowl species.

No estimates have been made of the numbers of giant panda within the site, although MoF/WWF (1989) includes a distribution map which shows that pandas are found at four to five distinct locations within the site. Such a population is not especially large, but it is important, not least because of its close proximity to other more important areas, notably Wanglang and Juizhaigou nature reserves. The existence of large, interconnected reserves is also of great importance for the continued survival of golden snub-nosed monkey, which also requires large areas of undisturbed habitat (MacKinnon, 1986).

CULTURAL HERITAGE Much of the landscape, notably around Huanglonggou, is important in local Tibetan religion, culture and folklore. A pair of small stone pagodas is found in the Yuya or Jade-bathing ponds at the head of Huanglonggou. These are said to date from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and to mark the burial place of Cheng Shichang, grandson of the founder of the Tang Dynasty, Cheng Yaoji. Nearby are Huanglong Temple, and the ruins of a much older temple, which attract large numbers of pilgrims at the annual fair, and Huanglong cave, said to have been inhabited for some time by a Taoist hermit who plays a major role in local folklore. The Xishen Pubu, or Body Washing Waterfall, is said to have healing properties for those who bathe in its waters, and is traditionally supposed tocure infertility. There are many other legends and stories associated with various natural physical features in the area.

LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION The human population within the site numbers approximately 600 in Huanglong Town, which lies close to the centre of the main Huanglong subdivision. There are also some staff at Seercuo, a Tibetan village with some Han residents, near the mouth of Huanglonggou. The local Tibetan people graze their livestock and cultivate some parts of the site, in the vicinity of Huanglong Town, with seasonal grazing in high pastures. As mentioned, the town of Songpan separates the main Huanglong subdivision from the Mouri gully subdivision. This town is the seat of the County government, it is a walled town, and serves the county and the Scenic Area as an accommodation and service centre. The nearby countryside, outside the Scenic Area, is good agricultural land, with Tibetan villages and much new building evident (Thorsell and Lucas, in litt., 1992). In contrast, the areas to the north and east of the Huanglong subdivision, including the panda reserves, are places of lower human populations and more pristine landscape.

VISITORS AND VISITOR FACILITIES Songpan County gives high priority to tourism. The access road to Chengdu is being upgraded and this has reduced coach travel time from 12 to ten hours. In spite of the distance tourist numbers visiting Huanglonggou are increasing dramatically, from 50,000 in 1989 to 70,000 in 1990 to 160,000 in 1991. This is mostly domestic tourism, with only a few foreign visitors. Songpan town can accommodate 4,000 visitors, and new hotels are under construction. A new hotel has been built in a fairly traditional Tibetan style close to the mouth of Huanglong at Seercuo, alongside the ticket office to the gully, this has 300 beds - in 1991 it had only 30% occupancy, but was overfull during peak season (July/September). Most visitors come in coach tours which last up to a week and also include a visit to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Thorsell and Lucas, in litt., 1992). Snowfalls may block the road from Songpan Town in January, February and Early March. Wooden walkways and pathways have been built around Huanglonggou. In total, 10km of roads and bridges have been built for tourists in the mountainous areas, along with other facilities such as pavilions, toilets and litter bins.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND FACILITIES There are currently no facilities within the site. Some work has been undertaken on the ecology in the nearby panda reserves (MoF/WWF, 1989). The management plan for the site states that the "growth of scientific knowledge" should be encouraged, and the area now has its own ecologist.

CONSERVATION VALUE The most important feature of the site are the outstanding karst formations, the most notable being the travertine falls and limestone shoals in Huanglonggou, a valley set between high hills and snowy mountains in a protected environment.

Biodiversity is very high and includes a number of threatened mammals.

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT The Sichuan Provincial Commission for Construction assumes overall responsibility for the supervision and guidance of the preservation, development and management of the district, although it does not carry out on-the-ground administration and management. The Songpan County Government has established, under its administration, a Bureau for the Administration of the Huanglong Scenic District. This Administration has five divisions covering general administration, public relations and scenery protection, finance and construction, staff education and training, and themanagement of the scenic district. The latter department, the Department for the Management of the Huanglong Scenic District, has a number of subdivisions including forest protection, fire patrol and prevention (which sends out patrols night and day), environment preservation (responsible for sanitation and pollution control), and a police substation. A squad of armed police has also been posted in the area to enhance security. There is an administration building in Seercuo Village near the mouth of Huanglonggou.

A general plan for Huanglong Scenic District has been drawn up, based on a principle of "Preservation First", with restrictions laid down on the nature and extent of construction, conversion of forest to agriculture and mining. All are forbidden without permission. MoC (1991) lists a number of other prohibitions, restrictions and proposals, including measures to control tourist and pilgrim numbers during peak times, and to improve staff training and take on better qualified personnel. A protection zone covers the majority of the area in both subdivisions, where stricter regulations are enforced. One point in the management plan proposes the construction of a small (500kw) hydroelectric facility within the site to enable the local inhabitants to use electricity in place of firewood. This is planned about 3km downstream from the hotel at Seercuo. Feasibility studies are underway (1992) into the building of an airfield and heliport in Songpan County near the Red Army Monument and the junction of the roads to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong (Thorsell and Lucas, in litt., 1992).

Under a cooperation agreement between the United States National Park Service (USNPS) Western Regional Office and Sichuan Province, the site was visited, along with Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, for approximately one week by USNPS officers. Also in 1988 an agreement of friendship was signed between Huanglong National Scenic Area and Yellowstone National Park in the USA, although there was no evidence of any follow-up to this in 1992 (Thorsell and Lucas, in litt., 1992).

MANAGEMENT CONSTRAINTS Potential problems include fire, pollution, and forest clearance for agriculture and for firewood. As tourist numbers increase, threats from pollution, possibly erosion and the development of infrastructural facilities will increase. The management plan does include provisions to cater for these problems, and existing developments in Huanglonggou are designed to control visitor use effectively.

STAFF 50 full-time and 95 part-time, plus ten road maintenance staff (undated information).

BUDGET Average Yen 4,500,000 annually, including construction, maintenance and salaries (undated information).

LOCAL ADDRESSES

Bureau for the Adminstration of the Huanglong Scenic District, Songpan County, Sichuan Province

REFERENCES

Anon. (1986). The Spectacle of Huanglong. China Pictorial and the Huanglong Administrative Bureau, Sichuan Province, China. 102 pp.

IUCN (1990). 1990 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 228 pp.

MacKinnon, K. (1986). Survey to determine the status and conservation needs of the snub-nosed monkey in Sichuan Province, China. WWF Project Report. Unpublished. 23 pp.

MoC (1991). World Heritage Convention, Natural Heritage: China. Huanglong Valley. Proposals for World Heritage Nomination prepared by the Ministry of Construction. 100 pp.

MoF (1989). The habitats of Giant Panda, Wolong, Tangjiahe, Wanglang Nature Reserves. Ministry of Forestry. Unpublished report. 24 pp.

MoF/WWF (1989). Nature conservation management plan for the giant panda and its habitat, Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi Provinces, The People's Republic of China. Joint Report of the Ministry of Forestry, Beijing, China and WWF-World Wide Fund for Nature, Gland, Switzerland. 157 pp.

WCMC (1991). World Conservation Monitoring Centre: Status report as of 21 November 1991, Plants of China. Unpublished list. 110 pp.

Wenhua, L. and Xianying, Z. (1989). China's nature reserves. Foreign Languages Press, Beijing. 191 pp.

DATE March 1992