Live Your Best Lives
A 51-day self-driving autumn tour of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan in 2020, divided into 10 chapters:
(1) - Zhijiang Maotai Town, Chishui Luzhou Zigong.
(2)--Chengdu Dujiangyan Chapter
(3)--Wenchuan Lixian Ma'erkang Jinchuan Danba Xinduqiao Chapter
(4)--Xinduqiao Yajiang Litang Daocheng Chapter
This is (5)--Daocheng Yading Chapter
(6)--Shangri-La Lijiang Chapter
(7)--Jianchuan Chapter
(8)--Dali Weishan Chuxiong Kunming Dongchuan Chapter
(9)--Panzhou Qianxinan Ziyun Duyun Chapter
(10)--Qiandongnan Fuzhou Quzhou Chapter
This self-driving tour lasted 51 days from October 9 to November 28, covering a distance of 8,780 kilometers. Departing from Shanghai, we'll pass through Quzhou, Zhejiang; Zhuzhou, Jiangxi; Zhijiang, Hunan; Maotai Town and Chishui, Guizhou; Luzhou, Zigong, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Lixian, Ma'erkang, Jinchuan, Danba, Xinduqiao, Litang, and Daocheng, Sichuan; Shangri-La, Lijiang, Jianchuan, Shaxi, Dali, Weishan, Chuxiong, Kunming, and Dongchuan, Yunnan; Panzhou, Qianxinan, Ziyun, Duyun, and Qiandongnan, Guizhou; Loudi, Hunan; Fuzhou, Jiangxi; and Quzhou, Zhejiang, before returning to Shanghai. Day 19, October 27th: Daocheng and Yading long-distance tour. We originally planned to stay in Yading Village today, but considering altitude sickness, we'd rather stay in Shangri-La Town and take two more scenic bus trips. Stayed two more days.
Information collected:
Relevant altitude data:
Shangri-La Town 2,900 meters, Visitor Center 2,980 meters, Yading Village 3,900 meters, Zhaguanbeng 3,800 meters, Chonggu Temple 3,880 meters, Luorong Cattle Farm 4,100 meters, Gongga Lake 4,200 meters, Qujiuzhaga 4,300 meters, Milk Lake 4,600 meters, Five-Color Lake 4,700 meters. Pearl Lake 4,080 meters.
Many people learned about Daocheng Yading after watching the movie "Passing by Your World." Daocheng is the county seat, while Yading is a scenic area within Daocheng, about an hour's drive from the county seat. The entrance to the Yading scenic area is located in Shangri-La Town (formerly Riwa Township), a few kilometers from the town center.
Main elements: Snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, grasslands, and rock piles—it practically embodies all the most beautiful elements of the snowy plateau.
This area boasts mountains, lakes, and grasslands, each adorned with a dazzling array of colors in autumn. At its highest point, the pristine snow-capped mountains reach the heavens, while below, a vibrant jungle and, at its lowest point, amber-like lakes offer a truly captivating sight.
In autumn, Yading transforms the landscape into a vibrant canvas, ablaze with color. The vibrant reds and yellows are breathtaking and awe-inspiring!
It takes a day and a half to fully explore the scenic area. There are two types of tours: the long and short.
The short route ends at Zhuoma Lacuo (Pearl Lake).
The long route ends at the Five-Colored Lake and the Milk Lake.
Specifics:
The Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. Due to the required climbing, altitude sickness can be quite severe.
The ticket price is 270 yuan (including a 150 yuan entrance fee and a 120 yuan round-trip bus ticket).
There is a Yading Village within the scenic area where you can stay. The distance from the scenic area entrance to Yading Village (3,900 meters) is 20 kilometers, about 45 minutes, and the bus stop is about 10 minutes longer. If you live outside the scenic area, you'll need to buy a half-price ticket for 60 yuan the next day. A short half-day itinerary: 3 hours. Scenic area entrance (0:50 AM) → Zhaguanbeng (scenic area bus stop, 3,800 meters above sea level) – a 20-minute walk → Chonggu Temple (3,900 meters above sea level) – a 1.5-kilometer hike → Zhuoma Lacuo (Pearl Lake, 4,080 meters above sea level) – to the foot of Xiannairi. The round trip takes about 3 hours, so bring only water and an oxygen tank. At the foot of Xiannairi Snow Mountain, Pearl Lake, with towering trees and snow-capped mountains reflected in its water, offers a picturesque view.
Long-Day Tour Itinerary: 8-6 hours
Scenic area entrance (0:50 AM) → Zhaguanbeng (scenic area bus terminal, 3,800 meters above sea level) – 20 minutes walk to Chonggu Temple, then take a scenic bus (80 yuan/person round-trip, 6.7 kilometers) → Luorong Cow Farm (4,100 meters above sea level) → Horseback riding or 3.5 kilometers on foot (horseback riding costs 300 yuan per person, and those over 80 kg are not allowed) → Qujiuzhaga and Sheshen Cliff (4,300 meters) (a steep hike of about 2 kilometers, a high-energy activity) → Milk Lake (4,600 meters) or Five-Color Lake (4,700 meters, 500 meters apart) for stunning views of two snow-capped mountains (Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji) flanking two lakes. The long route takes approximately 7 hours and is quite tiring. Remember to bring supplies, including two oxygen tanks per person and plenty of water. High-calorie foods and hot water are recommended. Luorong Ranch is perhaps the most relaxing part of Yading. It boasts rivers and wetlands, flowers and green grass, and the vibrant, vibrant forest scenery of spring and autumn. The Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji Snow Mountains unfold before your eyes, a breathtaking sight. A round-trip electric car ride from Chonggu Temple costs 80 yuan and takes 20 minutes, saving you considerable time. If you're fit enough, a one-way trip is worth exploring the scenic forest scenery of this section of the canyon. Yading means "sunny land" in Tibetan, and the main attraction is its three snow-capped peaks: the northern peak, Xiannairi, meaning "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva," stands at 6,032 meters, the highest peak in Daocheng. The southern peak, Yangmaiyong, meaning "Manjusri Bodhisattva," stands at 5,958 meters. The eastern peak, Xianuoduoji, meaning "Vajrapani Bodhisattva," stands at 5,958 meters. These three peaks form a "品" (Chinese character for "品") shape, surrounded by a forest of other peaks, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Magnificent and sacred snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, vibrant forests, and crystal-clear blue lakes—nearly all the beauty of the snowy plateau converges here, leaving one mesmerized. Like the devout Tibetans, the best way to experience the scenery of Yading is to circumambulate the mountain on foot. Due to its high altitude—2,900 meters (at the mouth of the Gongga River) to 6,032 meters (at Xiannairi Peak)—and covering an area of 1,344 square kilometers, the entire hike requires considerable stamina. Consider it a spiritual journey, a test of experience, and a pilgrimage.
Some recommend staying in Yading Village. (There's an 80-kilometer winding road from the scenic area entrance to the scenic spot.) In the evening, you can even watch the sun rise over the Golden Mountain. But make sure you're not prone to altitude sickness.
When climbing at high altitude, any extra luggage is a burden, so minimize your load! Small luggage lockers are conveniently available at the Zhaguanbeng service area for a fee.
Travel is a spiritual practice, and only through enduring hardships can one achieve true enlightenment.
Today was a blast!
Entrance fee + shuttle bus: 266 yuan.
Woke up at 6:30 and left for the scenic area at 7:30. We parked in the scenic area parking lot for 20 yuan. We returned to the hotel at 7:30 PM.
People who have been to the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area say it's like "heaven for the eyes, hell for the body." This is mainly due to the high altitude, with three kilometers of steep dirt steps just to see the two lakes. From a cost-effective perspective, it's not really worth it. Reading other people's travelogues has left me feeling a bit uneasy.
Last night, when planning today's long trip, given the mild altitude sickness I'd experienced the previous two days, after considering both necessity and feasibility, I decided not to tackle the final two kilometers and instead walk to Qujiuzhaga, at 4,300 meters. Before arriving, I vowed: Since I'm already here, there's no reason not to climb. It would be a wasted trip. But after arriving, I no longer think so. At high altitude, walking on gently sloping, flat roads is fine, but taking stairs immediately makes me pant, my lips turn black, and my head hurts. Many things are suspect unless you're there, until the situation strikes, until it's your own business. Today's plan is to take the scenic shuttle bus for 50 minutes, get off at Zhaguanbeng, hike 500 meters (20 minutes) to Chonggu Temple, then take an electric car for another 20 minutes to Luolong Cow Farm. From there, the first 3 kilometers of the hike are mostly gently sloping, from 4,100 to 4,300 meters. Our plan was to only reach 4,300 meters. Upon arrival, I looked up at the tall stairs and was daunted! I hadn't wanted to climb any further. But I was feeling pretty good at the time, so I decided to give it a try and get down if I couldn't. I climbed slowly, step by step, taking a few breaks to catch my breath. I ate food, chocolate, red dates, and longan to replenish my energy, drank sips of hot water, and without a single breath of oxygen (I didn't even have an oxygen tank), I was still standing at 12:20, perched on the summit of a snowy mountain at 4,600 meters, gazing at the "Milk Sea." At 1:18 PM, I reached the "Five-Colored Sea," at 4,700 meters. The mountain was windy and cold, but I felt increasingly relaxed. My legs and back weren't sore, and my mind was clear. Seeing the young men using oxygen and the young women carried up by the Khampa men, I was impressed. I can do it! I CAN. The scenery is truly stunning, captivating and unbearable to leave. It's definitely worth seeing! My phone counted 27,400 steps today. After getting off the scenic shuttle bus, walk 500 meters from Zhaguanbeng to Chonggu Temple for 20 minutes: src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/01032120008bqdkke961F_W_671_0_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" />
From the Chonggu Temple intersection, you can see the Xiannairi Snow Mountain to the right:
Buy an electric bus ticket from Chonggu Meadow to Luolong Cattle Farm:
Take an electric car from Chonggu Meadow to Luolong Cattle Farm. Luorong Cattle Farm is 4,100 meters above sea level.
Walking from Luorong Cow Farm (4100 meters) to Gongga Lake (4200 meters above sea level):
Walk from Gongga Lake (4200 meters) to Qujiu Zhaduo, which is 4300 meters.
Milk Sea is 4600 meters above sea level:
The one on the right is the way we came. Going up on the left leads to the Five-Colored Sea:
Look back at the Milky Sea:
A reproduced photo, with the Milk Sea on the left and the Five-Colored Sea on the right:
The Five-Colored Sea is at an altitude of 4,700 meters:
The wind is very strong on the mountain. Standing by the lake, you can see the color of the water changing with the movement of the clouds and the strength of the wind.
This is another unknown lake, near the Five-Colored Sea:
Reluctantly walking back:
To the right is the Milk Lake, 1 km away; to the left is the return to Luolong Cattle Farm, 3 km away:
The altitude is slightly lower, and the color of the grass is richer:
People riding horses from Luolong Niuchang to Qujiu Zhaga:
In fact, this section is basically a slowly ascending "flat road". However, this is another kind of travel experience, and it can also save energy.
Return to Luorong Cattle Farm and take the electric car back to Chonggu Grassland:
Walk from Chonggu Meadow to Zhaguubeng, and take the scenic bus to the entrance of the scenic spot.
Day 20, October 28, short-term tour, staying in Shangri-La Town, 9:05--17:00
The tickets purchased yesterday are valid, and an additional half-ticket for Jingjiao Bus is 60 yuan.
Today, we got off the Jingjiao bus at Zhaguubeng (3,800 meters above sea level), walked to Chonggu Temple (3,900 meters above sea level), and then walked 1,500 meters to the Pearl Sea and Xiannairi Mountain (4,080 meters above sea level).
When we returned to Chonggu Temple, it was still early, so we walked around Chonggu Meadow.
At 15:28, take the scenic bus from the mountain to go down the mountain.
Compared with yesterday, today is a "drizzle" and "a trivial matter", very relaxing. 9:05--17:00, finish work early.
This time I came to Daocheng Yading at the right time. It’s just that there was a little less blue sky on the first day.
Daocheng Yading is worth coming!
This is my 46th travelogue. If you like it, please like it!
Hope it helps tourists.
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