Aden

Introducing Aden

Yading Scenic Area is located in Riwa Township, 83km outside Daocheng County. You can share a car from Daocheng to Yading, which takes about 2 hours.

Due to its unique geographical environment and natural climate, it has formed a unique landform and natural landscape, making it one of the most intact natural ecosystems in my country. It is praised by international friends as "the last pure land on the blue planet."

Climate and best time to travel

April to May is the flower season. Rhododendrons are in full bloom along the way to Daocheng Yading. Rhododendrons are in full bloom in the mountains along the way to Daocheng Yading.

September to October is the best season of the year in Daocheng. Daocheng in autumn is dazzling and colorful. The red grassland and the yellow poplar forest outside Daocheng are a sea of ​​colors, which complement the blue sky and white clouds.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

1. Chonggu Meadow – Chonggu Temple – Pearl Sea – Xiannairi

This route is a relatively easy one, suitable for the first day from Daocheng to Yading. Including the drive to the scenic spots, the total driving time is 5 hours . You can go there after having lunch in the town.

Chonggu Meadow

Chonggu Meadow is a natural bonsai consisting of grasslands, forests and streams. Yaks graze here every day, competing with the yellow grassland for beauty.

Chonggu Temple

Currently, only a few broken walls remain, which have a certain beauty of incompleteness.

Pearl Sea

About half an hour's walk from Chonggu Temple leads to Pearl Lake, a prime spot for photographing the sun's reflection and sunset. Its shimmering turquoise waters are particularly beautiful in autumn, with reflections of the surrounding trees.

Xiannairi

While walking this route, you will find that Xiannairi is always in front of you. The snow on the mountain never melts all year round, blending with the white clouds and is particularly dazzling under the sun.

2. Luorong Cow Farm - Yangmaiyong - Milk Lake - Five-Colored Lake

This is the most treacherous route in the Yading Scenic Area. To reach the Five-Colored Lake, you have to climb two mountains, and the mountain road is mostly muddy and gravel. If you complete the entire route, you will reach Luolong Ranch by 9:30 . From Chonggu Meadow to Luolong Ranch, you need to take an electric car, and the ticket price is 50 yuan one way and 80 yuan round trip.

Luolong Cattle Farm

Luorong Ranch, situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters and surrounded by three sacred mountains, is the perfect spot for viewing snow-capped mountains. The Gongga River weaves through the pastures, while gurgling streams through the forests complement the ranch's wooden houses, creating a pristine and beautiful scene.

Yang Maiyong

After turning a corner, you can see the full view of Yangmaiyong. Yangmaiyong is smaller than Xiannairi and appears soft and .

Milk Sea

After about a three-hour hike, you'll reach Milk Lake. Nestled in a valley at the foot of Yangmaiyong, Milk Lake is a waterdrop-shaped ancient glacial lake. During peak season, the water is crystal clear and azure.

Five-Colored Sea (freezing period from December to May)

After reaching Milk Lake, you'll need to cross another mountain to reach Five-Color Lake. Located between Xiannairi and Yangmaiyong, at an altitude of 4,600 meters, Five-Color Lake is circular in shape. The glacial valley descends to the lakeshore, showcasing a mystical array of colors. It's a renowned sacred lake in Tibet.

Tickets

The adult ticket is 270 yuan, and the discounted ticket is 200 yuan, which includes a sightseeing bus fare of 120 yuan (you must take a bus from the entrance of the scenic area to the scenic spot).

You can book tickets for the Yading Scenic Area online or on-site. It is recommended to book tickets online during peak season.

The ticket is valid for three days, but if you stay in the town after leaving the scenic spot, you need to inform the ticket seller in advance before buying the ticket and pay an additional 60 yuan for the sightseeing bus fee when you re-enter the scenic spot.

Attraction opening hours

The Yading Scenic Area is open from 7:00 to 18:30 every day.

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Most Popular FAQs for Aden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Aden, also known as the "Shangri-La" of Sichuan, is a spiritual site for Tibetan Buddhists. It is famous for its untouched natural beauty and the rich Tibetan culture, being home to sacred monasteries and unique Tibetan villages. The area has become a significant pilgrimage site for those practicing Tibetan Buddhism.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Aden is located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. It is accessible by taxi from the nearby town of Daocheng or by long-distance bus from Chengdu. Visitors typically need to travel by road as there are no direct metro or rail services.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Aden is open year-round, with the best times to visit being from May to October, when the weather is more pleasant. The high-altitude winter months can be very cold, and snow can make access difficult.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee to Aden varies depending on the area you wish to explore, but it typically costs around ¥120–¥200 for access to the scenic spots. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via local travel agencies in advance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It’s not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but during peak travel seasons (summer and holidays), booking at least 1-2 days in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours and accommodations in the area.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Aden, including trekking, visiting monasteries, and experiencing the local culture, 2-3 days are recommended. For a more relaxed visit, 1-2 days could suffice.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see highlights include the holy Mt. Gongga, the pristine lakes, and Tibetan monasteries like the Yala Snow Mountain Monastery. The stunning meadows, valleys, and alpine forest areas are perfect for hiking and photography.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available during peak seasons. Audio guides can also be rented at certain locations, though these are mostly in Chinese.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the high-altitude lakes, Mt. Gongga, and panoramic views of the alpine meadows. The Tibetan monasteries set against the mountainous backdrop also make for stunning photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with a visit to the Yala Snow Mountain Monastery, followed by a trek to the nearby alpine lakes. Then, take a scenic route through the meadows and valleys, ending with a hike or horse ride up to the best viewpoints of Mt. Gongga.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not common in Aden due to the remote location and lack of infrastructure. However, there are special cultural and pilgrimage tours available during certain festivals and seasons.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Aden can get crowded during the summer months and public holidays. The least crowded times are in the early spring or late autumn (October–November), as well as weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and water are available in key tourist areas. Rest areas are provided along trekking routes. Shops selling local handicrafts and Tibetan goods are also present in some areas.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The high altitude and rough terrain make Aden challenging for elderly and disabled visitors. Children may find the trek difficult, though some easier routes are available. It’s important to check with tour operators for accessible options.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is still the preferred method of payment in Aden, though mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are increasingly accepted in more developed areas. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major towns.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are small Tibetan restaurants and local eateries offering traditional food, such as yak meat, Tibetan noodles, and butter tea. Dining options are limited but authentic in the nearby towns and villages.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, though limited. Halal food is harder to find in this region, but some restaurants may offer suitable alternatives depending on local demand.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations near Aden include guesthouses, Tibetan-style lodges, and some mid-range hotels. Staying in Daocheng or the nearby town of Riwa offers more options for comfortable accommodations.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, Mt. Gongga, and the Yala Snow Mountain. These can easily be combined in a multi-day trip for those interested in more trekking and natural sights.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in Aden and nearby towns sell traditional Tibetan items, such as woolen goods, yak leather products, and handcrafted jewelry. Local art, prayer beads, and Tibetan tea are also popular souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

The best transportation options are to take a bus or taxi back to Daocheng or Riwa. For longer trips, buses or flights from Daocheng to Chengdu are available, making it easy to continue your journey to other parts of Sichuan or Tibet.