["There, there are vast lands, stretching mountain ranges, lush grasslands, clear streams, and pure snow-capped mountains." The British novelist James Hilton described the beauty and magic of Shangri-La in his book "Lost Horizon", and the true soul of Shangri-La lies in the destination of this race—Daocheng Yading.]
The premier high-altitude trail race kicking off the 2016 Skyrunner® series points race[Longteng Yading Skyrun?]will be held on April 30, 2016, in Yading, Sichuan.For this unfamiliar land, many participants may not be well acquainted with the local climate, transportation, accommodation, and dining conditions. Below are some tips for your reference when preparing.
Daocheng Yading—The Last Pure Land on Earth
Daocheng County, with Yading at its core, boasts magnificent landscapes including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, grasslands, and waterfalls.Its scenery maintains a purity that is nearly extinct on Earth, and due to its unique landforms and pristine natural beauty,it is hailed as "The Soul of China’s Shangri-La" and "The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet."
Mount Xianuoduoji is the highest of the three major peaks in the Yading Scenic Area, standing at an elevation of 6,032 meters, majestic and towering into the clouds. The scenery along the way is nothing short of a heavenly realm, with snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, peculiar rocks, and alpine grasslands—every step inspires awe at the wonders of nature.
Milk Lake, also known as Luorongcuo, is a glacial lake shaped like a teardrop, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. With its crystal-clear azure waters and waterfalls cascading down the mountains, it is famed for its delicate beauty and vivid blue hues.
It is also the finish line of this race. Standing in front of Chonggu Temple, with age-old snow-capped mountains in the distance and millennia-old valleys lying behind, it feels like the gateway to heaven, a step closer to the divine realm.
About Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a natural physiological response that occurs when the body adapts to changes caused by high altitude, such as differences in air pressure, lower oxygen levels, and dry air.
The best way to avoid or alleviate altitude sickness isto maintain a positive mindsetwhen facing it; if you lack confidence in handling altitude sickness, you can prepare some medications to help:highland rhodiola, Tylenol, American ginseng lozenges, glucose, etc.In addition to altitude sickness medications, somecold, gastrointestinal, and pain-relief medicationsare also essential, such as: cold tablets, cold granules, Loperamide, compound aspirin, antibiotics, etc.These are also essential, such as cold tablets, cold granules, Loperamide, compound aspirin, antibiotics, etc.
Daocheng Airport is the highest civilian airport in the world,at an altitude of 4,411 meters, so participants flying into Yading need to be especially cautious, as the altitude rises sharply in a short period—over 4,000 meters—posing a significant risk of altitude sickness that must be prepared for in advance;Risonggongbu Hotelat an altitude of2,800 meters, is the starting point of this race.The initial section is relatively flat, followed by a short, steep ascent where the elevation reaches3300meters; the highest point of this raceis at an altitude of4,700 meters, which presents a considerable challenge for participants without high-altitude racing experience. It’s important not to rush during this phase but to stay relaxed and proceed steadily. After that comes themuch-anticipated and incredible downhill section, leading participants toChonggu Monastery at over 4,000 meters above sea level—the triumphant finish line!
Sun Protection
As this area is located at a high altitude with strong ultraviolet rays, it's essential to take proper sun protection measures.
First, chemical protection: apply sunscreen. Choose a product with an SPF of 30+ or higher and that offers hydration. You may also want to carry a sunscreen spray for your body. Specific sunscreen brands vary by personal preference, so no particular brand is recommended here.
Second, physical protection: it is recommended to wear a magic scarf, which can cover most of your face and also block some dust particles.
Cold Protection
According to the weather forecast, temperatures in Yading at the end of April range from -1°C to 18°C. The weather is cold with large temperature variations. Moreover, as the race elevation increases, participants will face even colder conditions. To cope with the severe cold, runners should not only do thorough warm-ups before the race but also pay special attention to staying warm before, during, and after the race.
Pre-race Warm-up
In low temperatures, warming up before the race is very necessary. Some in the running community now believe that pre-race warm-up exercises are far less effective than jogging a few kilometers. This theory may hold for more experienced runners or inrelativelywarmer climates. However, in cold weather, neglecting a proper warm-up before running or the race can indirectly lead to or accelerate sports injuries. About 10 minutes of dynamic warm-up movements to slightly raise your body temperature can not only quickly activate your muscles and boost blood circulation but also help you quickly adapt to high-intensity training and competition.
Warmth During the Race
How can you dress to neither affect your performance nor risk illness or injury due to the cold?
First, choose close-fitting base layers. Most major sportswear brands offer thermal or thicker base layer pants and tops suitable for autumn and winter, which can greatly reduce heat loss. When choosing fabrics, opt for polyester (polyester fiber) materials as they allow sweat to evaporate quickly.
Also, wearing a hat in cold weather is very important. It not only helps ward off the cold but also prevents cold wind from blowing directly onto the top of your head.,to reduce the likelihood of catching a cold or experiencing post-race headaches.
Post-race warmth maintenance
Research shows that many participants do not immediately feel cold right after finishing a race, but as physical activity ceases, body temperature often drops rapidly within 3–5 minutes post-race, which can indirectly lead to hypothermia in some runners during the transition from leaving the venue to heading home. After the race, it is recommended that participants wear thick, warm outerwear prepared beforehand as soon as they finish. Additionally, bring small towels, dry socks, and dry underwear to change into after the race.
In addition, the registration information has reminded everyone to bring mandatory items such as a whistle and an emergency blanket, as well as recommended items like a running outfit, a 1-liter water container, a lightweight windproof jacket, and extra nutrition (energy gels, energy bars, etc.). Be sure to prepare these items properly as well. It’s essential to correctly understand the physical demands of long-distance, high-altitude trail running. While consistently training to improve physical fitness and basic capabilities, you mustexercisewithin your limits and stay highly alert to any abnormal physical symptoms.
Transportation
Step 1: Your location — Daocheng Yading Airport
Taking Chengdu as an example,since trains cannot go directly there and require detours through cities like Lijiang, the journey takes at least 42 hours,The nearest train station to Daocheng Yading is Leshan Railway Station, which is 848 kilometers away. Driving from Chengdu to Yading takes over 17 hours. The bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Daocheng Yadingdepartspromptly at 10:00 a.m. every day, with the entire trip taking about 2 days and roughly 22 hours of travel time. Therefore,due to the high time cost of trains and buses, flying to Daocheng is recommended.
The airports currently offering flights to Daocheng include:Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Kunming, Xi'an, Luzhou, and Kangding.
Participants can choose a suitable flight from their nearest departure city to arrive at Daocheng Yading Airport.
Step 2: Daocheng Yading Airport — Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County
Taking Risonggongbu Hotel in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County as an example, it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Daocheng Airport, or about 3 hours to take the airport shuttle bus to Shangri-La Town.
Step 3: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County — Your Hotel
The starting point of this Ridge RunLongdeng Yading Skyrun™ is set in the center of Shangri-La Town, Yading. You may book a nearby hotel for convenience on the day of the race.
Accommodation and dining
Yading offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from guesthouses to five-star hotels. After finalizing arrangements with local hotel owners, we will provide participants with some great value service packages. Since the race coincides closely with the May Day holiday, the scenic area will be quite crowded, so please book your hotel as early as possible.
Daocheng Yading Risonggongbu Hotel (five-star hotel)
Phone: 0836-5725888 Fax: 028-85317419
Address: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi, Sichuan, China
Daocheng Yading Yizhan Hotel (four-star hotel)
Phone: 0836-5721999 Fax: 028-85317419
Address: Xianggelila Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi, Sichuan, China
Daocheng Daojia Tourism Hotel (3-star hotel)
Phone: 0836-5728333 Fax: 0836-5725123
Address: Section 2, Yading Road, Jinchu Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi, Sichuan, China
In addition, you can also book hotels on some reputable travel service websites. The starting point of this Shanshuang Yading Skyrun?is located in the center of Shangri-La Town, Yading. When booking your hotel online, please make sure to confirm the address and choose one that is not too far from the race venue to avoid delays on the following day.
Travel
Find transportation and accommodation arrangements too troublesome? The following products from Tuniu Travel can solve the transportation and lodging issues runners will face. Various trivial matters can be resolved all at once.For contestants who want to saveenergyand focus on preparing for the race, as well as running enthusiasts who want to experience travel, you might consider booking directly through Tuniu.
Daocheng Yading 3-Day Tour with Round-trip Flights
[Reference No.:5849390] Hotels available; Explore the dreamlike Shangri-La, collection of popular hotels
Registration link:http://www.tuniu.com/tours/5849390
<Daocheng Yading 4-Day Tour with Round-trip Flights>
[Reference No.:5849397]Hotels available; Explore the dreamlike Shangri-La, collection of popular hotels
Registration link:http://www.tuniu.com/tours/5849397
<Daocheng Yading Independent Travel>
[Reference No.:5849421]Hotels available; minimum 1 night booking, optional local transportation add-ons, does not include major transportation
Registration linkhttp://www.tuniu.com/tours/5849421
<Daocheng Yading 3-Day Local Tour>
[Reference No.:5671315]The Most Beautiful Daocheng – A Piece of Pure Land, does not include major transportation
Registration link:http://www.tuniu.com/tours/5671315
<Daocheng Yading 4-Day Tour>
[Reference No.:5713342]The Most Beautiful Daocheng – A Piece of Pure Land, does not include major transportation
Registration link:http://www.tuniu.com/tours/5713342
<Local transportation service in Daocheng Yading>
[Number:5849547]Private car transfer services to/from designated locations, airport transfers, hotel to scenic spot transfers—options available
Registration link:http://www.tuniu.com/tours/5849547
China’s First SKYRUNNER® Skyrunning World Series Event
—— Longten Yading Skyrun®
Event Date: April 30, 2016 (Saturday)
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Course Distance: 29 kilometers Registration Fee: 750 RMB
10-kilometer (Experience Race) Registration Fee: 368 RMB
Total Elevation: 2300 meters cumulative elevation gain
Time Limit: 11 hours
Starting Point: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng Yading
Finish Point: Chonggu Temple
Registration Deadline: April 25, 2016
Registration Address:http://cmt.race.myrunners.com/
Official Website:http://www.cnmtntrails.com/zh-hans/yading-skyrun/
Note:Experience RaceCan only be registered for via the “Migu Running”APP
Quickly scan the QR code below to download the Migu RunningAPP and register. We look forward to your participation~~