Quanhua Beach: The "Jade Pool" of Gongga and the Calcified Wonderland of the Yulin Valley

1.The Crystal: Palace at the Foot of the Snow Mountain

Located in the Yulin Street territory of Kangding City, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Quanhua Beach (also known as Yulin Palace Quanhua Beach or Gongga Quanhua Beach) is a hidden geological gem often hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Calcified Color Pool." Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 to 4,000 meters, this site presents a dreamlike landscape where geology and water create a natural masterpiece. Unlike the crowded boardwalks of similar famous sites, Quanhua Beach retains a primitive, wild beauty. Springs rich in calcium carbonate bubble up from the ground, flowing over the river valley to form layers of white calcified terraces and colorful pools. The water changes hues from azure to emerald green, creating a stunning visual contrast against the backdrop of the majestic Gongga Snow Mountain (Mount Gongga) and the deep blue highland sky. It is a place where the earth seems to be paved with jade and white marble, offering a visual feast that rivals the famous Huanglong but with a more secluded and authentic atmosphere,.

A Geothermal and Geological Wonder

2.The formation of Quanhua: Beach is a natural epic connecting the Ice Age to the present. Geologists view it as one of the youngest calcified landscapes in Southwest China, formed over thousands of years by glacial meltwater from Gongga Mountain carrying minerals that deposit on the valley floor. The site is not just cold water; it is alive with geothermal activity. The spring water maintains a temperature of around 40-60 degrees Celsius year-round, creating natural hot spring pools along the beach. Visitors can see steam rising from the water, adding a mystical aura to the landscape. The calcified deposits take on various shapes, resembling corals or frozen waves, recording the climatic changes of the plateau like tree rings. This unique combination of cold glacial backdrops and warm mineral springs makes it a rare geological wonder,.

The Mirror of the King of Shu Mountains

For photographers, Quanhua Beach is a paradise offering one of the best vantage points for the "East Slope" of Gongga Mountain. On clear days, the main peak of Gongga, the "King of Shu Mountains," is perfectly reflected in the crystal-clear, multi-colored pools, creating a mesmerizing composition of "Mountain in the Water." The interplay of light and shadow, especially during sunrise or after rain, turns the valley into a "Golden Mountain" spectacle. In summer, the beach is dotted with wild alpine flowers and pink rhododendrons, while in winter, the calcified pools freeze into a crystalline "Crystal Palace," offering a completely different but equally breathtaking aesthetic.

A Sacred Healing Sanctuary

Culturally, Quanhua Beach is deeply embedded in the local Tibetan belief system. The springs are revered as "Holy Water" bestowed by the mountain gods. Legend has it that the springs are the tears of the Gongga deity, possessing healing powers. For centuries, caravans on the Tea Horse Road would stop here to rest and heal their horses in the warm waters. Today, it remains a site of spiritual significance where local Tibetans perform circumambulation and offer "Khata" (scarves) to pray for health and good fortune. Visitors can experience this tradition by soaking their feet in the designated hot spring pools, feeling the soothing warmth while gazing at the snowy peaks, a practice believed to cleanse both body and soul,.