Is Huanglong Five-Color Travertine Pools (Huanglong Scenic Area) happening right now?

As of today, in season, building toward peak (~October 10). Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

Huanglong Valley in Sichuan contains thousands of calcite-formed travertine pools, terraces, and waterfalls.

The Five-Color Pools (Wucai Chi) are the valley's highest cluster, where mineral deposits and sunlight create striking blue, green, yellow and gold colors.

The site is a UNESCO natural World Heritage property and is highly seasonal because pool water levels depend on snowmelt and summer rains.

Where to see it

A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.

Viewing spots
Five-Color Pools viewing platform (Wucai Chi, top of Huanglong main valley)
Huanglong Scenic Area Visitor Center (main entrance / parking)

This is the short version

This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.