Daocheng Yading Travel Guide

1. Best Travel Time
September-October: Golden season, splendid autumn colors (red grassland, golden poplar forest + snow mountains)
June-August: Summer wildflowers bloom, but it is the rainy season with possible showers; temperature ranges from 10°C to 22°C, with large temperature differences between day and night
April-May: Spring snow melts, fewer tourists, high cost performance
2. Transportation
1. Direct Flight
Direct flights from Chengdu/Chongqing/Xi'an to Daocheng Yading Airport (elevation 4411 meters, the highest civilian airport in the world), about 1.5 hours, but altitude sickness is common and requires prior acclimatization
Airport → Shangri-La Town: Bus about 1.5 hours (recommended to stay here the first night to adapt to the altitude)
2. Self-driving/Charter
Classic route: Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Litang → Daocheng (about 2 days, SUV required, bring snow chains in winter).
Yunnan-Tibet route: Lijiang → Shangri-La → Daocheng, with more pristine scenery.
3. Long-distance Bus
Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station → Daocheng County (about 16 hours, ticket price ¥450), then carpool to Shangri-La Town (1.5 hours).
3. Core Attractions and Routes
Tickets: Peak season (April-November) ¥146/person, sightseeing bus ¥120/person (must buy). Classic 2-day tour
Day 1 Long Route Challenge (Physical Trial)
Route: Visitor Center → Zhaguanbeng (sightseeing bus) → Chonggu Temple → Luorong Pasture (electric car ¥80) → hike to Milk Lake (5km) → Five Color Lake (1km)
Highlights: Luorong Pasture (filming location of "Passing Through Your World"), Milk Lake (emerald-colored lake), Five Color Lake (color-changing sacred lake)
Tips:
Hiking round trip 6-9 hours, altitude 4700 meters, bring enough oxygen bottles and glucose.
Horse riding only one way to Milk Lake (¥300/person, limited supply, book at 7 am).
Day 2 Short Route Leisure (Paradise for the Eyes)
Route: Chonggu Temple → Pearl Lake → Xianuoduoji Viewing Platform
Highlights: Pearl Lake (reflection of Xianuoduoji), Chonggu Temple (Tibetan Buddhism holy site).
Tips: Hiking 2-3 hours, altitude 4100 meters, suitable for those acclimatizing to altitude or with weaker physical strength
4. Accommodation Recommendations
Shangri-La Town (first choice): Elevation 2900 meters, low altitude for easy adaptation, many hotels (¥150-300/night), 10 minutes walk to the scenic area
Yading Village (scenic rooms): Elevation 3900 meters, snow mountain views from the window (¥400+/night), but prone to altitude sickness and requires booking 3 months in advance
Daocheng County (cost-effective): Elevation 3700 meters, cheap accommodation (hostel ¥50/bed), but 1.5 hours by car from the scenic area
5. Precautions
1. Altitude Sickness Prevention
Arrive 1-2 days early in Shangri-La Town to acclimate, avoid washing hair or strenuous exercise on the first day.
Must-have: ibuprofen (for headache), oral glucose solution, oxygen bottles (¥25 in the county vs. ¥60 in the scenic area)
2. Equipment List
Mandatory environmental protection: biodegradable oxygen bottles, garbage weighing bags
Clothing: 3-in-1 waterproof jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, sunscreen (UV index 8), sunglasses