Daocheng Yading Travel Guide: The Last Shangri-La

Located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Daocheng Yading is hailed as "the last pure land on the blue planet." With magnificent landscapes including snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and forests, it's a paradise for photography enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Yading Scenic Area (Three Sacred Mountains)
- Xiannairi (6,032m): Resembles a giant Buddha, the highest of the three sacred mountains
- Yangmaiyong (5,958m): Pyramid-shaped snow peak, the most elegant
- Xianuoduojie (5,958m): Majestic and unique in shape

2. Pearl Lake
- Alpine lake at the foot of Xiannairi with emerald green waters
- Best photography time: 7-9 AM

3. Milk Lake
- Ancient glacial lake at 4,600m with milky white waters
- 3-4 hours hike required, beware of altitude sickness

4. Five-Color Lake
- Magical lake that reflects five colors under sunlight
- About 30 minutes walk from Milk Lake

5. Luorong Pasture
- Filming location for "I Belonged to You"
- Covered with wildflowers in summer and golden grass in autumn

Local Cuisine Recommendations

1. Tibetan Food
- Butter tea: 15-20 CNY/pot, helps with altitude sickness
- Yak meat hotpot: 80-100 CNY/person, delicious meat
- Tsampa (barley cake): 5-10 CNY/piece, best with butter tea

2. Sichuan Dishes
- Chicken stew with matsutake mushrooms: Seasonal delicacy, 150-200 CNY/serving
- Tibetan pork: Firm texture, 60-80 CNY/serving

3. Specialty Drinks
- Yak yogurt: 10-15 CNY/bowl, sweet and sour
- Barley wine: 20-30 CNY/pot, low alcohol content

Budget Accommodation Guide

1. Shangri-La Town (Riwa Township)
- Hostels: 50-80 CNY/bed
- Guesthouses: 100-150 CNY/standard room

2. Yading Village
- Tibetan homestays: 150-200 CNY/room
- Dormitories: 60-80 CNY/bed

3. Daocheng County Town
- Budget hotels: 120-180 CNY/standard room
- Family inns: 80-120 CNY/room

Practical Travel Tips

1. Best Seasons
- May-October: Pleasant climate, most beautiful scenery
- September-October: Stunning autumn colors, golden period for photography

2. Transportation
- Flight: Direct from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading Airport (1 hour)
- Bus: From Chengdu Xinnanmen Station (2-day journey)
- Self-drive: About 12 hours from Chengdu

3. Essentials
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (extreme UV radiation)
- Oxygen canister (20-30 CNY/can)
- Windbreaker (large temperature difference between day and night)

4. Cost Reference
- Entrance fee: 146 CNY (peak season)/120 CNY (off-season)
- Sightseeing bus: 120 CNY (round trip)
- Electric cart: 80 CNY (round trip to Luorong Pasture)

Special Reminders

1. Altitude sickness: Acclimatize 1-2 days in advance, avoid strenuous exercise
2. Environmental protection: No smoking in scenic area, take trash with you
3. Accommodation conditions: Limited facilities in Yading Village, bring toiletries
4. Weather changes: Mountain weather is unpredictable, bring rain gear

Daocheng Yading is a place that captures hearts and minds, where every snow-capped mountain and each lake exudes primitive and mysterious charm. Whether you're a hiker seeking challenges or a traveler searching for inner peace, you'll find your own moving experience here.

Pack your bags and embark on a soul-cleansing pilgrimage! In this pure land, you'll encounter nature at its most pristine and discover your truest self.