The Ultimate Hidden Gem of Western Sichuan! A Complete Hiking Guide to Daocheng Yading – Low on Oxygen but Full of Faith

Daocheng Yading is not an easy journey, but it’s truly a place worth measuring with your footsteps, also known as "The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet"! A double punch of Milk Lake + Five-Color Lake 👊

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**Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Ticket + Sightseeing Bus:** 266 RMB/person
📍 **Address:** Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province
🚌 **Transport Tips:** Direct bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station (12h), but renting a car or carpooling is more flexible.

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🗺️ **Route Planning**
1️⃣ **Short Route:** Chonggu Temple - Pearl Lake
✅ **Chonggu Temple:** Tibetan Buddhism framed by snow-capped mountains 🏔
✅ **Chonggu Meadow:** A filming location for Tibetan movies! The reflection of Yangmaiyong Peak is breathtaking.
✅ **Pearl Lake:** An emerald lake at the foot of Mount Chenrezig, reachable in 1h on foot.
📸 **Tips:** Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds—the lake is bluest in the morning, and fog may roll in by afternoon.

2️⃣ **Long Route:** Luorong Pasture - Milk Lake - Five-Color Lake
✅ **Luorong Pasture:** The "Swiss Town" of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Horse riding costs 300 RMB/person (highly recommended to save energy). Also a filming location for *I Belonged to You*.
✅ **Milk Lake:** The "Blue Tear" at 4,600m! Best light before noon.
✅ **Five-Color Lake:** Summit to witness the color-changing miracle—bring enough oxygen!

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⚠️ **Pitfall Avoidance Guide**
❌ Don’t believe "easy hike" claims! The short route takes 5 hours round-trip, and the long route takes 7-8 hours—it’s physically demanding.
✅ **Must-bring:** Raincoat, trekking poles, hiking boots, and a windproof jacket (detachable inner layer). Tested and practical 🥹
✅ Oxygen tanks cost 80 RMB in the scenic area—buy them in town for 35 RMB/tank. Essential for high-altitude hiking!
✅ Buy the electric cart ticket separately! Avoid bundled purchases.
✅ Some unofficial guides charge ~300 RMB to carry luggage or take shortcuts, but reliability varies—choose carefully.

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👏 **Important Notes**
❌ Horse riding tickets are limited! In peak season, arrive before 6 AM to queue.
✅ The last sightseeing bus departs at 19:00—miss it, and you’ll hike down.
✅ Only Luorong Pasture has simple meals—pack chocolate or self-heating meals.
✅ Avoid washing your hair on the first day at high altitude. If blood oxygen drops below 85% while hiking, descend immediately—don’t push it.

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🍜 **Food Recommendations**
✅ **Matsutake Mushroom Chicken Stew:** A high-altitude delicacy—try *The Tip of the Tongue’s Cured Ribs*.
✅ **Yak Meat Hotpot:** Tibetan-style copper pot—*Ama Kitchen* serves generous portions.
✅ **Butter Tea:** A high-altitude lifesaver! Even better with tsampa (roasted barley flour).

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When you stand in the blue of glacial meltwater, all exhaustion turns into whispers of "worth it!"