A 9-Hour Ultimate Journey in Daocheng Yading | Every Frame is a Fairyland

“Body in Hell, Eyes in Heaven” - the beauty of Daocheng Yading can only be truly appreciated by experiencing it in person. Today, I'll show you how to make the most of your trip and unlock this earthly paradise in one day.

8:00 AM: Arrive at the entrance of the scenic area, where many eager tourists have already gathered. You can take photos at the entrance (don't worry if it's cloudy in the morning, it will clear up in the afternoon, stay positive).

8:20 AM: Board the sightseeing bus and start the winding mountain journey. As the sky brightens, mist drifts among the mountains like a light veil.

9:20 AM: Arrive at Zhaguanbeng. As soon as you get off the bus, the cold and fresh air hits you, invigorating your senses.

9:35 AM: Walk for 15 minutes to Chonggu Meadow, where the majestic Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain stands tall in the distance. The holy snow peak glistens in the sunlight. Take the electric car to Luorong Pasture.

Around 10:30 AM: Arrive at Luorong Pasture. You can get off at Shengshui Gate on the way to take photos of the snow mountain reflection. After hiking to Luorong Pasture, you can choose to stay there (if you want a challenge, you can try hiking to Gongga Lake). Enjoy the scenery under the snow mountain and take beautiful photos.

12:00 PM: Have lunch at the Luorong Pasture service area. While others are exhausted from climbing and being blown by the wind, you can leisurely enjoy your meal while admiring the snow mountain.

1:00 PM: Take the sightseeing bus back to Zhaguanbeng, then walk for 20 minutes to visit Chonggu Temple, which has a huge snow mountain behind it.

2:20 PM: Hike for over an hour to Xingu Lake, taking breaks along the way. There are many benches to rest on, and you might see cute squirrels and marmots.

3:30 PM: Arrive at Xingu Lake, which only has water in the summer.

4:00 PM: Walk to Pearl Lake, the “Tears of the Snow Mountain.” The clear green lake perfectly reflects the magnificent Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain, like a natural landscape painting. Continue along the boardwalk to the depths of the valley, where the snow mountain is close at hand, towering and awe-inspiring. After the walk, prepare to descend and return to Chonggu Meadow.

5:20 PM: Descend to Chonggu Meadow. The setting sun casts a soft light, making it a perfect time to photograph the stream, meadow, and temple. If you have the energy, you can wait to see the golden mountain at sunset.

For those who don't want to wait for the golden mountain, you can take the sightseeing bus to the scenic area exit at this time.

Summary: Overall, the hiking time is not too long, and you can proceed at a leisurely pace, making it manageable for most people. Even if the weather is not great, it won't significantly affect your experience. PS: The long route in Daocheng is currently closed, so this trip focuses on the short route.

Travel Tips:
Take altitude sickness medication in advance to prevent altitude sickness.
Bring lightweight, high-calorie foods like chocolate and beef jerky.
Wear waterproof and non-slip hiking shoes to handle complex terrain.