A Stunning Small Town, an Underrated Cultural and Natural Paradise

Dear friends, when the melody of "Kangding Love Song" plays, this small town embraced by snow-capped mountains immediately comes to mind. Kangding, as the starting point for traveling in western Sichuan, not only boasts magnificent natural scenery but also hides countless cultural details worth savoring slowly. Please don’t treat Kangding as just a transit stop anymore; its culture and natural landscapes are seriously underestimated. Please set aside at least one day for it!

🚶‍♂️Recommended Citywalk Route
Kangding Love Song Square: You might see locals performing the Guozhuang dance here in the early morning or evening, experiencing Tibetan customs.
Liuliu City: Prayer flags flutter in the wind along the stone-paved streets, Tibetan-style watchtowers blend with modern shops. It’s recommended to take a panoramic photo under the "Liuliu City" archway or explore the alleys to capture the local life.
Anjue Monastery: Located by the Zheduo River, it is the only Gelugpa (Yellow Sect) monastery in Kangding city. Unfortunately, it is currently under renovation and temporarily closed.
Zheduo River Walk: Take a stroll along the Zheduo River at dusk, enjoy the night view of Kangding, and listen to the rushing river.
Kangding Post Office: You can send postcards to friends or family here, buy fridge magnets, various local specialty souvenirs, and get your mail stamped.

🍜Food Recommendations
Yak Hot Pot: How can you come to Kangding without trying an authentic yak hot pot!
Tibetan Yogurt: Find a small shop and have a bowl topped with honey and butter; it’s sweet, sour, rich, and a perfect palate cleanser.
Butter Tea: Be sure to drink it hot; the salty and fragrant taste instantly warms you up.
Tibetan-style Café: Choose a café with a night view, order a cup of sweet tea, listen to "Kangding Love Song," and enjoy the tranquility.

🏨Accommodation Recommendations
It’s recommended to stay near Liuliu City, just downstairs is the center of Kangding Old Town.
⚠Important Tips
Parking: Kangding city is located in a high mountain canyon. The main urban area is small and parking is very difficult. Walking is recommended.
Sun Protection: The sun is strong during summer days, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so carry a jacket.
Shopping: If you want to buy souvenirs like thangka paintings, Tibetan incense, yak leather pendants, jewelry... remember to bargain!
Altitude Sickness: Kangding’s altitude is not very high (over 2400 meters), so altitude sickness is generally unlikely, but it’s good to prepare a few oxygen bottles just in case to prevent headaches and insomnia at night.
Museum: If you have time, visit the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum located in Kangding New Town, over 7 kilometers from the Old Town. It’s free and no reservation is needed. The three floors with six exhibition halls are all worth seeing! From nature to culture, it covers the past and present of Ganzi...

The beauty of Kangding is not in any specific attraction but in the everyday life and atmosphere on its streets and alleys. Slow down, and you will find surprises hidden everywhere in this small town. Save this guide and start your Kangding journey!💕