Daocheng Yading: A Tibetan paradise beneath the snow-capped mountains, a pilgrimage for the soul

Here is a travel guide to Daocheng Yading: Best time to visit The best time to visit Daocheng Yading is from March to October. Mid to late October is the most beautiful time of autumn, when the colorful forests are in full bloom and the snow-capped mountains are clearly visible. Transportation • By air: Fly to Daocheng Yading Airport, then take a bus or taxi to the scenic area. • By long-distance bus: • There is a direct bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Daocheng Yading Scenic Area at 6:20 am every day, which takes about 16 hours. • There are buses from Kangding Bus Station to Daocheng at 7:00 am and 10:30 am every day, which takes about 9.5 hours. • There are also carpooling services from Litang Old Bus Station to Shangri-La Town. • By car: Driving is a good option, but the road conditions are complex and challenging for drivers. Tickets The ticket price for Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is CNY 266, including the sightseeing bus fare, and is valid for 2 days. Accommodation recommendations • Shangri-La Town: A wide range of accommodation options, moderate prices, and complete facilities. • Yading Village: Located in the scenic area, you can save half-price bus tickets for the second day and get to Luorong Pasture first to grab horse tickets, but the altitude is high (3,900 meters), which can easily cause altitude sickness. • Near the Visitor Center: There are homestays, which are not expensive, but there are fewer dining options. Tour routes • Short route: Passes through Chonggu Monastery and Pearl Lake, about 4 km in total, 2.5 to 3 hours of hiking, suitable for the elderly and children. • Long route: Passes through Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, and Five-Color Lake, about 10 km in total, with an average altitude of about 4,500 meters, 6 to 9 hours of walking, and high physical requirements. Food recommendations Daocheng Yading's specialties include Tibetan-style foods such as Daocheng butter tea, beef and mutton, tsampa, and barley wine. Shopping recommendations Daocheng Yading's specialties include matsutake mushrooms, caterpillar fungus, Tibetan incense, and barley wine. Notes • Altitude sickness: The altitude of Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is high, so be aware of altitude sickness.