The Last Shangri-La - Yading, Daocheng

**Location** Yading, Daocheng is located in Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It lies in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in the middle section of the Hengduan Mountains. With an average elevation of about 3,700 meters, it is known as the "Last Shangri-La." **Natural Scenery** 1. **Three Sacred Mountains** - **Chenresig (Xiannairi)** (6,032m): The incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the highest peak in Yading. - **Jampelyang (Yangmaiyong)** (5,958m): The incarnation of Manjushri, with a steep and imposing shape. - **Chana Dorje (Xiahuaduoji)** (5,958m): The incarnation of Vajrapani, shaped like a pyramid. 2. **Pearl Lake (Zhenzhuhai)** - Located at the foot of Chenresig, the lake has crystal-clear water reflecting the snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque scene. 3. **Five-Color Lake (Wusehai)** - At an altitude of 4,600 meters, the lake's water displays a kaleidoscope of colors due to the interplay of light and minerals. 4. **Milk Lake (Niunaihai)** - At an altitude of 4,500 meters, the lake's water appears milky white, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. 5. **Luorong Cattle Farm (Luorong Niuchang)** - The main pasture in Yading, featuring vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and forests. **Best Time to Visit** 1. **Spring (April-June)** - Wildflowers bloom in abundance, and the climate is mild. 2. **Autumn (September-October)** - The autumn scenery is enchanting, the weather is stable, and it's the best season for photography. **Recommended Routes** 1. **Short Route** - Yading Village → Chonggu Temple → Pearl Lake → Yading Village. 2. **Long Route** - Yading Village → Chonggu Temple → Luorong Cattle Farm → Milk Lake → Five-Color Lake → Yading Village. **Transportation Guide** 1. **By Air** - Fly from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading Airport, then take a bus to the scenic area. 2. **By Car** - Drive from Chengdu, passing through Kangding and Xinduqiao, which takes about 2–3 days. 3. **Public Transportation** - Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Daocheng, then transfer to a bus to Yading. **Accommodation Recommendations** 1. **Yading Village** - There are many guesthouses and hotels, suitable for hikers. 2. **Shangri-La Town** - Offers better accommodation options, suitable for travelers susceptible to altitude sickness. **Food Recommendations** 1. **Tsampa** - A traditional Tibetan staple food made from roasted barley flour. 2. **Butter Tea** - A common Tibetan beverage that wards off cold and warms the body. 3. **Yak Meat** - A local specialty known for its delicious flavor. **Travel Tips** 1. **Altitude Sickness** - Yading is located at a high altitude. It is recommended to acclimatize in advance and prepare anti-altitude sickness medication. 2. **Equipment Recommendations** - Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and trekking poles. 3. **Environmental Awareness** - The scenic area has a fragile ecosystem. Please do not litter and protect the environment.