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Huanglong International Dark Sky Park

The Milky Way Rising Above Xueshanliang Boardwalk. Photo taken by Sun Jiapeng, Huanglong National Scenic Area Administration.

About

Huanglong International Dark Sky Park is located within the Huanglong National Scenic Area in Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Positioned at the intersection of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, the area features a striking natural landscape of alpine forests, travertine terraces, glaciers, and ancient temples. The park’s core dark sky zone, Xueshanliang, is located at elevations ranging from 3,900 to 4,000 meters and offers remarkably pristine night skies, entirely free from artificial light interference.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Giant Panda National Park system, Huanglong is ecologically rich, providing habitat for nationally protected species such as the giant panda, Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, and numerous high-altitude plant species. It also holds deep cultural significance, with Tibetan communities and historic Buddhist monasteries closely tied to the region’s identity.

To preserve its night skies, Huanglong has implemented a comprehensive Lighting Management Plan and completed a full lighting inventory. All lighting within the core scenic and buffer zones has been retrofitted or included in a phased dark-sky improvement plan. Artificial lighting in nearby hotels and villages is strictly controlled through curfews, shielding standards, and ongoing outreach.

The park hosts a range of astronomy-related public programs, including stargazing nights, meteor shower viewings, and night-sky photography workshops. Seasonal access to the dark sky core is available from June to October, with guided night routes and safety measures in place. Huanglong continues to lead nationally in dark sky protection, combining ecological preservation with cultural interpretation and sustainable tourism.

Designated

2025

Category

International Dark Sky Park

Address

PPPQ+JFJ, Songpan County,
Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture,
Sichuan, China, 623301
Google Maps

Contact

Tel: +86 (837) 724 9958
[email protected]

Tel: +86 (837) 724 9646
[email protected]

Dan Oakley
Policy and Destination Senior Manager, DarkSky International
+44 780 357 0818
[email protected]

Land area

7.29 km²

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports

Website

www.huanglong.com

Weather

Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies in Huanglong National Scenic Area (32.746° N, 103.749° E). Don’t forget to plan your trip during the new moon and after astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!