Rediscover Shangri-La: Must-Visit Hidden Photography Spots for Camera Enthusiasts – Bashan’s Stunning Scenery and Even More Beautiful People

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Images by shutterstock.com and Xi Hong Holidays

Want to capture the fairy-tale beauty of Shangri-La? Then you must visit Daocheng Yading. In addition, the latest hidden photography gems favored by photographers include Mount Siguniang, Danba Beauty Valley, and Xinduqiao. You might not have heard of these names, but not visiting them in person would be a lifelong regret.

The Eastern Alps – Mount Siguniang

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If you’ve been to the Alps in Europe, then you can’t miss the Eastern Alps – Mount Siguniang. Located in western Sichuan Province, Mount Siguniang is majestic and towering, with its four connected peaks capped with snow year-round, while the foothills are covered in lush green grass and streams.

The main peak, YaoMei Peak, stands at 6,250 meters above sea level, with three adjacent peaks on its southern side: SanMei Peak (5,355m), ErMei Peak (5,276m), and DaMei Peak (5,025m). It is a popular mountaineering destination in China and a must-visit attraction for admiring the grandeur of the mountains.

Double Bridge Valley is the only scenic route in the Mount Siguniang area where visitors can take a sightseeing bus for the entire journey. The densely packed attractions are a feast for the eyes, including the Bonsai Beach with tree-root-covered terrain, Pearl Beach formed by snowmelt from the mountains, the enchanting Five-Color Mountain, as well as other wonders like Hunter Peak, Sun-Moon Treasure Pool, and glaciers. The ever-changing mountain weather creates dynamic light and shadows, offering stunning views at every moment that captivate countless photographers.

Danba Beauty Valley – Where the Scenery and the People Are Both Beautiful

Danba Beauty Valley is located in Qiongshan Village, about 26 kilometers from Danba County and over 10 kilometers up a valley from Badizhen. Qiongshan Village consists of Qiongshan One, Qiongshan Two, Qiongshan Three…, formed by numerous beautiful Tibetan villages connected together.

Bashan boasts unique geological landforms and was ranked first among China’s six most beautiful villages in the 2005 “China National Geography” beauty contest, showcasing its breathtaking scenery. Photographers love visiting Qiongshan Valley, not only to admire the high mountains and deep valleys, but also to stay there and wait for sunrise or sunset. Due to the high altitude and minimal light pollution, the starry night skies are unforgettable.

In Danba, you can explore the famous ancient Tibetan watchtowers, experience authentic Tibetan culture, and discover many beauties in the area. Though they wear no makeup, their natural and innocent charm radiates beautifully.

Xinduqiao – A Paradise for Photography Enthusiasts

Remember the song “Kangding Love Song” sung by A-Mei Chang? This beloved tune is actually the most representative traditional folk song from the Kangding region of Sichuan. Visiting Kangding allows you to feel the deep emotion in the song and also enjoy its stunning scenery. Among them, Xinduqiao is a photographer’s paradise.

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Xinduqiao, also known as Dong’eluo, is the name of a town rather than a specific scenic spot. It is located at the fork of the northern and southern routes of National Highway 318. With magical lighting, endless grasslands, winding streams, golden poplar trees, undulating mountain ranges, scattered Tibetan villages, and peaceful grazing livestock, it is a picturesque utopia and truly deserves its title as the “Corridor of Photographers.”

Traveling west from Kangding along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, crossing Zheduo Mountain, and heading north after Xinduqiao will take you to Tagong Temple, the center of the scenic area. The beautiful landscapes are spread along both sides of the highway, featuring rivers, grasslands, forests, mountains, temples, Tibetan houses, and rich Tibetan rural charm – all leaving a deep impression.

Daocheng Yading – The Last Shangri-La

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Yading, meaning “Land Facing the Sun” in Tibetan due to its long hours of sunlight, is located in Daocheng, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, at an altitude of 3,900 meters. It is known as the Last Shangri-La. The term “Shangri-La” first appeared in James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon,” which describes the very place of Yading.

Among the three sacred mountains of Yading, the northern peak – Xianuoduoji Mountain, stands at 6,032 meters and means “Goddess of Mercy” in Tibetan. It is the highest of the three sacred peaks, with snow-capped summits year-round. Gazing at the mountains and the earth, the sky and the clouds, the flowing waters and the wildlife, the pristine scenery resembles a fairyland, inspiring you to press the shutter and capture eternal memories.

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Nearby Daocheng also offers must-see sights. About 28 kilometers north of Daocheng County in Sangdui Town, by the roadside, lies an unassuming small pond that turns red with aquatic plants every autumn – the legendary Red Grassland of Daocheng Yading. The vibrant red grass, paired with yellow-green trees, distant mountains, and blue skies, forms a stunningly beautiful landscape.

More Related Information
Recommended Itinerary: Daocheng Yading – Mount Siguniang, Danba Beauty Valley, Sichuan’s Photography Paradise Xinduqiao, the Last Shangri-La, and Kangding Love Song – 8 Days.
Features: Choose early morning flights for aerial transport, explore the most without backtracking, a high-quality trip with no shopping or extra fees, enjoy natural beauty throughout. Starting from ¥32,900/¥35,900.
Xi Hong Holidays: 412-8618 (add 02 for mobile)
Websitewww.besttour.com.tw