Daocheng is stunning, but I honestly don't recommend coming in June because.......

Daocheng In-Depth Travel Guide: Exploring the "Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet" 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Activities Daocheng Yading Core Area Three Holy Mountains: Xiannairi (Guanyin Bodhisattva), Yangmaiyong (Manjushri Bodhisattva), and Xianuoduoji (Vajrapani Bodhisattva) stand side by side as one of the 24 sacred Buddhist sites worldwide. Luorong Pasture is the perfect spot to capture the reflection of Yangmaiyong; in the early morning, the mist creates a fairyland atmosphere. Glacial Lakes: Milk Sea (blue-white gradient), Five Color Sea (fantastical colors), and Pearl Sea (emerald green like a gem) require hiking to reach. The long hiking route (Chonggu Temple → Luorong Pasture → Milk Sea → Five Color Sea) is about 12 km at an altitude of 4,500 meters. It is recommended to enter the park by 7 a.m., and bring oxygen tanks, trekking poles, and anti-slip shoes. Practical Tips: Tickets are valid for 2 days and can be used for either the long route (challenging) or the short route (easy). The short route (Chonggu Temple → Pearl Sea) is only 3 km, suitable for those with altitude sickness or families. Daocheng County Surroundings Daocheng White Pagoda: The only Tibetan Buddhist white pagoda park in the Kangnan area, with a pure white pagoda body and prayer flags fluttering around, making it a classic scene for Tibetan cultural photography. Banghe and Sela: Tens of thousands of green poplar trees turn golden and brilliant in autumn, forming a picturesque landscape with blue skies, white clouds, and winding rivers. Rubuchaka Hot Springs: Natural plateau hot springs with water temperatures reaching 80°C, perfect for relieving hiking fatigue; bring your own swimsuit. Hidden Gem Xingyicuo: The largest lake in Haizi Mountain, revered as a sacred lake by locals, with snow-capped mountains reflected on the surface, ideal for camping and stargazing. Bangpu Monastery: The oldest temple in Daocheng, a sacred site of the Tibetan Buddhist White Sect, housing a self-carved statue of Duzong Qinba, with murals and thangkas of great artistic value. 2. Classic Itinerary Recommendations (5 days 4 nights) Day 1: Chengdu → Xinduqiao → Yuzixi Travel along Provincial Road 434, check out the "Eighteen Bends of the Heavenly Road," and arrive at Yuzixi 360° viewing platform by evening to photograph snowy mountain starry skies. Accommodation: Tibetan-style guesthouse in Xinduqiao, experience yak meat stone-grilled and highland barley wine. Day 2: Xinduqiao → Litang → Shangri-La Town Visit the thousand-household Tibetan village to learn about Ding Zhen’s hometown culture; arrive in Shangri-La Town (altitude 2,900 meters) in the afternoon to acclimate to the plateau environment. Accommodation: Yading Risong Gongbu Crowne Plaza Hotel (5-star), 80% of rooms face the snow mountains. Day 3: Daocheng Yading Long Route Hiking Take a sightseeing bus early to Zhaguanbeng, hike to Luorong Pasture, horseback ride (300 RMB/horse) to She Shen Cliff, then walk to Milk Sea and Five Color Sea. Meals: Bring your own snacks; no restaurants at the summit. Day 4: Daocheng Yading Short Route Tour → Daocheng County Short hike to Pearl Sea, photograph the reflection of Xiannairi, then head to Daocheng County to visit Daocheng White Pagoda and the vast green poplar forest. Accommodation: Daocheng Jinzhu Hotel (4-star), cost-effective with floor heating. Day 5: Daocheng County → Tagong Grassland → Chengdu Pass through Tagong Grassland, enjoy distant views of Yala Snow Mountain, return by evening. 3. Food Recommendations Must-try Specialty Yak Meat Hot Pot: Aishangjun Wild Mushroom Yak Meat Hot Pot (Yading branch) features matsutake and boletus mushrooms paired with yak meat, with a delicious broth. Tibetan Fragrant Pork: Bawa Tibetan Restaurant’s roasted Tibetan fragrant pork has crispy skin and firm meat, best eaten with highland barley cakes. Tujia Wooden Bucket Fish: Baccarat Restaurant’s signature dish, tender fish with rich soup, kept warm in a wooden bucket. Snack Recommendation Butter Tea: Tibetan Cool Hot Pot (Daocheng branch) offers salty butter tea, which paired with tsampa helps relieve altitude sickness. Highland Barley Wine: Waze Township Lam Tea House’s highland barley wine and tsampa cakes, authentic Tibetan flavor. 4. Accommodation Recommendations High-End Choice Yading Risong Gongbu Crowne Plaza Hotel: 5-star standard, built on the mountain, 80% of rooms have snow mountain views, offers Tibetan-style pot dance evenings. Songtsam Yading Mountain Residence: Boutique guesthouse with snow mountain views from the window, offers paid shuttle service. Cost-Effective Choice Daocheng Mama Boutique Courtyard: Located in Shangri-La Town, Tibetan style, provides free oxygen tanks, suitable for families. Daocheng Jinzhu Hotel: 4-star standard, includes floor heating and breakfast, only a 10-minute walk to Daocheng White Pagoda. 5. Pitfall Avoidance Guide and Practical Tips For altitude sickness, take Rhodiola 7 days in advance; after arrival, avoid bathing and strenuous exercise; prepare oral glucose solution and ibuprofen for headache relief. If blood oxygen is below 90%, use oxygen immediately; severe vomiting or unconsciousness requires quick descent. Transportation and Tickets: Self-driving requires an SUV or off-road vehicle; the road from Litang to Daocheng has many bends; bring snow chains during the rainy season. Yading Scenic Area ticket is 266 RMB (including sightseeing bus); a second entry requires an additional 60 RMB for the sightseeing bus. Cultural Taboos: Do not step on prayer flags or knock over mani stones; photography is prohibited inside temples; do not point at Buddha statues. Respect Tibetan customs; do not photograph locals without permission. Conclusion The beauty of Daocheng lies in the purity of its snow mountains and lakes, the mystery of Tibetan culture, and the dialogue with nature during hiking. Bring this guide, avoid the crowds, and measure the purity and shock of the "Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet" with your footsteps!