Must-See! Daocheng Yading Travel Tips and Hidden Gems

Ultimate Daocheng Yading Guide: Encounter the Beauty of Paradise Daocheng Yading, known as "the last pure land on the blue planet," combines magnificent snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, and unique Tibetan customs, resembling a fairyland on earth, attracting countless travelers to explore. Get this super practical guide to easily start your dream trip. I. Best Time to Visit - Autumn (late September - late October): The mountains are covered with red leaves and golden meadows, and the snow-capped mountains and lakes complement each other. Whether you are creating photography or walking in it, you can get the ultimate experience. - Spring (May - June): Rhododendrons bloom in the valley, the climate is pleasant, and there are relatively few tourists, so you can leisurely enjoy the quiet time. - Summer and Winter: There is frequent rainfall in summer, so be alert to geological disasters; the snow scene in winter is charming, but the risk of altitude sickness increases, and some roads will be closed. If it is not necessary, be cautious when traveling. II. Transportation Guide - Plane: Fly directly to Daocheng Yading Airport (4,411 meters above sea level, the world's highest civilian airport), and then take a 2-hour bus to Shangri-La Town. - Self-driving/Chartered Car: Starting from Chengdu, drive along National Highway 318, passing through Kangding, Xinduqiao, Litang and other places. The whole journey takes about 2 days, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan along the way. - Bus: Take the daily bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station, which takes 16 hours to reach Daocheng County directly, and then transfer to the scenic spot. III. Core Attractions - Yading Scenic Area: - Sacred Mountains and Holy Lakes: Xiannairi (enjoy the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in Pearl Lake), Yangmaiyong (look at the "incarnation of Manjushri" in Luorong Pasture), and Xia Nuoduo Ji (the "Vajra Hand" in the shape of a pyramid). - Hiking Route: Short line (Chonggu Temple - Pearl Lake, 1.5 hours of easy walk); Long line (Luorong Pasture - Milk Lake - Five Color Lake, 5km hike, challenge the beautiful scenery of the plateau). - Must-Visit Spots: Luorong Pasture (the filming location of "I Belonged to You"), Chonggu Temple (overlooking the canyon and feeling the Tibetan charm). - Surrounding Attractions: Haizi Mountain (ancient glacial relics, giant stone lakes intertwined, showing the beauty of desolation); Red Grassland (limited to autumn, the scarlet wetland next to the county town contrasts with the highland barley fields). IV. 3-Day Classic Route - Day 1: Arrive at Daocheng County (3,700 meters above sea level), adapt to the plateau environment, and stay in the county town. - Day 2: Visit Yading Short Line (Chonggu Temple, Pearl Lake), and stay in the low-altitude Shangri-La Town in the evening (2,900 meters, the first choice for preventing altitude sickness). - Day 3: Challenge the long line, hike to Milk Lake and Five Color Lake, and visit Haizi Mountain on the way back, stay overnight and return. V. Pre-Trip Information - Accommodation: If you are looking for a low altitude, you can choose the well-equipped Shangri-La Town; if you want to watch the stars, stay in Yading Village in the scenic area (3,900 meters above sea level, you need to adapt to altitude sickness). - Prevent Altitude Sickness: Prepare oxygen cylinders and Rhodiola in advance, and avoid strenuous exercise; wear hiking shoes and carry hiking poles when hiking, and wear light and warm clothes. - Cost: Ticket + sightseeing bus is CNY 266 (valid for 2 days), the round-trip battery car to Luorong Pasture is CNY 80, and horse riding needs to be booked in advance (CNY 300 - 500/person). - Environmental Protection: Do not step on prayer flags or Mani piles, and take away garbage; drones need to be reported in advance. VI. Tibetan Cuisine Try the warming yak hot pot, the salty butter tea with zanba, the nutritious matsutake stewed chicken, and sip a little highland barley wine to feel the unique charm of Tibet in the daily life of fireworks. The beauty of Daocheng Yading is hidden in the persistence of each climb and the shock of looking up at the snow-capped mountains. Pack your bags and measure this pure land with your footsteps, and let your heart be intoxicated in this place closest to the sky.