Snow-covered Daocheng! 5-Day Winter Secret Realm In-depth Travel Guide

After the snow, Daocheng Yading is covered in silver, resembling a fairy tale world, with every scene exuding unique charm. Below is a detailed 5-day itinerary starting from Chengdu, passing through Zheduo Mountain, Yuzixi, Daocheng Yading, and other attractions.

D1: Chengdu — Zheduo Mountain — Rainbow Road — Yuzixi — Xinduqiao
1 Highlights
Zheduo Mountain: After the snow, Zheduo Mountain’s peaks are covered in white snow, with mist swirling around, like a fairyland. From the viewing platform, you can overlook the panoramic snow-capped mountains and see prayer flags fluttering in the wind and snow. Every shot is a stunning landscape.
Rainbow Road: This road is named for its brightly colored surface resembling a rainbow. After snow, the snowy scenery on both sides contrasts with the colorful road surface, creating a unique visual effect, perfect for stopping to take photos.
Yuzixi: This is an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the snow mountains. On clear days after snow, you can clearly see the sunset over Gongga Snow Mountain, Siguniang Mountain, and other snow-capped peaks. The golden sunlight shining on the snow mountains is spectacular.
2 Dining
For dinner, try the local yak meat hotpot in Xinduqiao. The steaming hotpot dispels the day’s cold, with tender and nutritious yak meat. You can also try butter tea, which helps alleviate altitude sickness and adapt to the plateau climate.

D2: Xinduqiao — Kazila Mountain — Letong Ancient Town — Riwa Town
1 Highlights
Kazila Mountain: After snow, Kazila Mountain offers a broad view where endless snowfields meet the blue sky, like being in a white ocean. Here you can witness the “four seasons in one day” phenomenon, as the changing light at different times reveals different beautiful scenes of the snow mountains.
Letong Ancient Town: This is a Tibetan-style ancient town. After snow, the Tibetan architecture is covered with a layer of white snow, simple and peaceful. Walking through the streets, you can feel the strong Tibetan cultural atmosphere and visit the local museum to learn about the history and culture.
2 Dining
For lunch, enjoy local Tibetan-style fried rice, noodles, and other simple meals in towns along the way. For dinner in Riwa Town, try stone pot chicken, with tender chicken and rich broth, paired with local mushrooms for a delicious taste.

D3: Riwa Town — Daocheng Yading Day Tour — Daocheng County
1 Highlights
Daocheng Yading Scenic Area: Snow-covered Daocheng Yading is the highlight of this trip. Chonggu Temple is surrounded by snow, peaceful and sacred, with a view of Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain in front of the temple; Luorong Pasture is all white, with yaks leisurely grazing, creating a harmonious picture; Milk Lake and Five Color Lake, enhanced by snow and ice, show purer blue and green colors, like gems embedded in the snow mountains. However, the route to Milk Lake and Five Color Lake is difficult, and conditions worsen after snow. Visitors with poor physical condition or altitude sickness should proceed with caution.
2 Dining
Dining options inside the scenic area are limited and expensive. It is recommended to prepare some easy-to-carry food and hot water in advance, such as bread, chocolate, and thermos bottles. For dinner in Daocheng County, try local Tibetan pork and barley cakes.

D4: Daocheng County — White Pagoda — Gunong Village — Balangshengdu — Bamei
1 Highlights
Daocheng White Pagoda: After snow, the White Pagoda looks even whiter and more sacred against the snow. It is one of Daocheng’s iconic buildings, where you can feel a strong religious atmosphere and pray around the pagoda.
Gunong Village: This is a quiet Tibetan village. After snow, the houses and trees are covered in white snow, like a paradise. You can visit villagers’ homes to experience Tibetan daily life and taste special foods like butter tea and tsampa.
Balangshengdu: Another excellent spot to view Gongga Snow Mountain. On clear days after snow, you can clearly see the full view of Gongga Snow Mountain, where the snow on the mountain and grassland blend beautifully.
2 Dining
For lunch, enjoy fresh and simple local farmhouse dishes in Gunong Village or towns along the way. For dinner in Bamei Town, try local beef and lamb dishes such as hand-pulled lamb and roasted lamb ribs.

D5: Bamei / Danba — Siguniang Mountain・Shuangqiaogou — Wolong — Chengdu
1 Highlights
Siguniang Mountain・Shuangqiaogou: After snow, Shuangqiaogou is dressed in white, with snow mountains, forests, and lakes all covered in snow. The valley has many attractions such as Budala Peak, Nianyu Dam, and Pearl Beach, each with unique snowy charm. You can take sightseeing buses between spots to enjoy the snow mountain and lake views or hike in designated areas to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature after snow.
2 Dining
For lunch, try local specialties like roasted whole lamb and wild mushroom soup at restaurants inside Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area. For dinner, on the way back to Chengdu or after arrival, enjoy Chengdu’s hotpot, skewers, and other delicacies to conclude this pleasant snow-covered Daocheng Yading trip.

Snow Travel Tips

Warm Protection: Temperatures in Daocheng Yading and surrounding areas are low after snow, often below 0°C during the day and even colder at night. Be sure to bring enough warm clothing such as down jackets, windbreakers, thermal underwear, scarves, gloves, and snow boots. Also, take sun protection measures as UV rays are strong after snow; wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen.

Altitude Sickness: Daocheng Yading and surrounding areas are at high altitudes, with some spots above 4000 meters. The air is thinner after snow, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Take preventive medicine like Rhodiola before departure, avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, maintain a good mindset, and drink plenty of hot water. If severe symptoms like intense headache, difficulty breathing, or vomiting occur, seek medical help or move to lower altitudes promptly.

Road Conditions: Snow complicates road conditions. Check weather and road information before departure to avoid closed or poor road sections. Follow traffic rules, drive cautiously, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Scenic Area Information: Before visiting Daocheng Yading, Siguniang Mountain, and other scenic spots, check opening hours, ticket reservation methods, and snow-related travel precautions to avoid disruptions due to closures or access restrictions.

Safety First: Follow scenic area rules, do not leave designated routes, and avoid staying or taking photos in dangerous areas. Snow-covered boardwalks and mountain paths may be icy; walk carefully to prevent slips and injuries.