There are many ways to explore Daocheng Yading, and if you include the surrounding areas, you could easily spend over ten or twenty days exploring. Below is a share of the classic local routes and some practical information about Daocheng Yading.
Geographical Concept
Daocheng and Yading are the names of two different places. Daocheng is a county town in the southern part of Garzê Prefecture, Sichuan Province, while Yading is located in Riwa Township under Daocheng County. What most tourists refer to as “Daocheng-Yading” actually meansYading Scenic Area, and frequently mentioned spots in travel guides such as “Xianuoduoji,” “Yangmai’yong,” “Luorong Pasture,” “Milk Lake,” and “Five Color Lake” all belong to Yading Scenic Area.
Introduction to Major Attractions
Banghe and Selha
Banghe is situated between Sangdui Village and Selha Village. The journey from Banghe to Selha features highland pastoral scenery composed of rivers, barley fields, woods, villages, and temples—an absolutely stunning sight and a great spot for photography.
Chonggu Monastery
Chonggu Monastery is located at the foot of Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain and is now a ruin, with only broken walls remaining. It is about 1.5kilometers from Chonggu Monastery to Pearl Lake and about2.5kilometers to Luorong Pasture, both accessible only via winding mountain paths.
Pearl Lake
Pearl Lake is formed by the melting snow of Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain. The lake water is emerald green and clear. In spring, azaleas bloom vibrantly along the lakeshore, while autumn paints the surroundings in layers of colorful foliage, almost transporting you into a world of kaleidoscopic beauty.
Luorong Pasture
Luorong Pasture is a high-altitude grazing land used by nearby villagers. The pastoral scenery blends perfectly with Tibetan-style houses and temples, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Luorong Pasture is also the essential route to Milk Lake. Though the two are not far apart, the winding paths are difficult to walk, and even on horseback, it takes about1.5hour to get there.
Milk Lake and Five Color Lake
Milk Lake is the first of Yading’s three sacred lakes and is named for the white color around its shores. Five Color Lake lies above Milk Lake, nestled in the mountains. To see it, you need to climb a steep ridge from Five Color Lake and walk about a hundred meters upward. Though not large, the lake is truly astonishing.
Xianuoduoji, Yangmai’yong, and Sharnduo
These are the three sacred mountains of the Yading Nature Reserve, arranged in a triangular formation. Xianuoduoji is the highest of the three, with snow-covered peaks year-round. The ridge leading up from Milk Lake toward Five Color Lake is also an excellent vantage point for viewing Xianuoduoji.
Roubuchaka Hot Springs
Roubuchaka Hot Springs are located about 3kilometers southeast of Daocheng County. The hot spring water here is clear and odorless. The soaking area consists of a row of wooden cabins with open roofs; each small cabin can accommodate2people sitting side by side. Close the door for a relatively private space, so swimsuits are optional.
Price:10--20yuan per/person
Access: Walk from the post office toward the primary school, and you’ll see the signpost. It’s about3kilometers southeast of the county town, and you can get there on foot or by bike./Biking is also an option.
Recommended Route:
D1 Rent a bicycle and ride to Sangdui Village. Along the way, visit the Red Grassland, Banghe, and Selha Village. Spend the evening soaking in the hot springs at Rübuche Village before returning to Daocheng for the night.
D2 Go to Longlongba in the morning, find accommodation, then hike or ride a horse to Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake. Return to Longlongba for the night.
D3 Set off on horseback in the morning, enter the “Shangri-La” via Gongga Silver Valley, then proceed to Luorong Ranch. Hike to Five-Color Lake and Milk Lake. From Milk Lake, circle around Xiannairi Mountain and descend back to Luorong Ranch. Then rent a horse back to Longlongba. You may choose to return to Daocheng the same day or stay another night and head back the next day.
Those with good stamina can hike, but if you’re concerned about physical strain, you can also ride a horse. Although some paths differ from the hiking trails, the scenery along the way is equally stunning.
Best Travel Time:4~5Month,9~10Month
Ticket Prices:Yading Scenic Area:150yuan per person, sightseeing bus/people, sightseeing bus120yuan per person; shuttle bus from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Ranch/people; battery car from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture50yuan one-way,/one way,80yuan round-trip; horse riding from Luorong Ranch to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, round-trip about/round trip; horseback riding round trip from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake takes about300yuan per person/Person
Transportation
Airplane:
Daocheng Yading Airport has flights to and from Chengdu. The flight from Chengdu to Daocheng takes only65minutes, making it very fast.
From the airport to Daocheng, you can take the airport shuttle bus, which takes about1hours. Similarly, from Daocheng to the airport, the bus usually stops at Daocheng Airport Hotel in the county town, with departure times based on flight schedules.
Long-distance Bus:
There are direct buses from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading, departing every morning10:00The journey takes2days, with the1day covering about8hours of driving to Kangding. You will need to arrange your own accommodation in Kangding. On the2day, depart from Kangding around6AM, and drive for approximately14hours to reach the Daocheng County bus station.
These two segments can also be purchased separately — first from Chengdu to Kangding, then from Kangding to Daocheng. This option is better suited for travelers who want to explore Kangding and its surrounding areas.
Private car or shared ride:
Hiring a private car from Kangding costs about200yuan per/person
Hiring a private car from Litang costs about60yuan per/person,400yuan per/vehicle.
Whether you hire a private car or join a shared ride, make sure to check the condition of the vehicle and the driver’s experience. Also confirm with the driver whether you’ll need to change vehicles in Litang. Changing cars not only delays the trip but may also lead to unexpected additional charges — be sure to clarify this in advance.
Self-driving:
Southern route: Chengdu--Ya’an Expressway--Erlang Mountain--Luding--Kangding--Xinduqiao--Yajiang--Litang--Daocheng
Northbound Route: Chengdu--Chengdu–Dujiangyan Expressway--Dujiangyan--Yingxiu--Wolong--Balang Mountain--Xiaojin--Danba--Bamei--Tagong--Xinduqiao--Ya’an--Litang--Daocheng
If you have enough time, consider taking different routes for the outbound and return journeys to enjoy varied scenery.
Notes:
1.There is a large temperature difference between day and night on the plateau. Be sure to prepare for the cold in the mornings and evenings. Before entering Daocheng, pack warm sweaters, thick coats, waterproof and rain-resistant clothing, gloves, scarves, as well as warm and durable travel or hiking shoes.Even in summer, a thick coat is necessary..
2.Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong on the plateau. It’s best to wear a sun hat and sunglasses during outdoor activities to protect your skin and eyes from burns. The traditional Tibetan “doctor’s hat” can shield you from both sun and snow/rain.
3.Most people experience some degree of altitude sickness upon first arriving on the plateau, which is normal. Symptoms usually gradually lessen or disappear. Taking supplements such as inosine, multivitamins, and cod liver oil can help combat the high-altitude, oxygen-poor, and dry climate. Soaking and drinking locally grown Rhodiola rosea has a more noticeable effect. However, those with serious heart, lung conditions, or high blood pressure should avoid traveling to high-altitude areas.
4.Be cautious during outdoor activities and it’s best to travel with companions. Do not randomly pick or consume wild fruits or mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning.
5.Power supply in towns is generally stable, but in the Yading Scenic Area, which relies on small-scale hydropower, voltage can be unstable. It is recommended not to charge electrical devices there as it may damage them, so make sure to fully charge devices before heading up the mountain.
6.When hiking in the Yading Scenic Area, if locals offer to carry your backpack for you, be aware that it is not free. Always ask about the price in advance, and if you really need assistance, agree on the cost beforehand.
7.Please follow all regulations within the protected area, and respect local ethnic, religious beliefs, and customs.Making fires or setting up tent camps is not allowed in the scenic area, and killing any wildlife is strictly prohibited.
8.Friends traveling to Daocheng are expected to exercise strict self-discipline.,In Daocheng, apart from leaving your footprints and preserving the beautiful environment for future visitors, please do not leave anything else behind.
Spring is coming to Daocheng Yading. We hope this travel guide can offer some helpful tips for fellow travelers planning to go there~