Daocheng Yading

Here is a travel guide for Daocheng Yading: Pre-Trip Preparation • Documents: Bring ID cards and discount certificates (e.g., student ID, medical worker certificate). • Clothing: Prepare windbreakers, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, hiking shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, scarves, etc. • Medications: Take Rhodiola rosea one week in advance; prepare ibuprofen, glucose oral solution, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness pills, etc. • Other items: Sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, lip balm, power bank, camera, raincoat or umbrella. Transportation Guide • Flight: About 1.5 hours from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading Airport. Shared taxis are available from the airport to the scenic area, but altitude sickness is common right after landing—choose cautiously. • Bus: 15 hours from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Daocheng. Choose left-side seats for views of Rabbit Ear Mountain. • Self-drive: Chengdu-Ya'an-Kangding-Litang-Daocheng. Road conditions are good, suitable for sedans, but the journey is long—beginners should be cautious. Ticket Information Peak season (April 1–November 30): Entrance ticket ¥146/person, sightseeing bus ¥120/person. Off-season (December 1–March 31): Entrance ticket ¥120/person. Tickets are valid for three days; re-entry requires a half-price sightseeing bus ticket (¥60/person). Itinerary Suggestions • Classic 3-Day Tour: Day 1: Depart from Chengdu to Daocheng. Photograph the sunset at Daocheng White Pagoda in the evening. Stay overnight in Shangri-La Town to acclimatize. Day 2: Long route. Enter before 7 AM, take the sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng, then an electric cart to Luorong Pasture. Hike 5 KM to Milk Lake, then ascend 1 KM to Five-Color Lake (~7 hours total). Day 3: Short route. Easy 3 KM hike to Pearl Lake for reflections of Mount Chenrezig. Return in the afternoon. • In-Depth 5-Day Tour: Days 1–3: Same as the classic tour. Day 4: Explore Kasi Hell Valley—hike through the primitive canyon (guide required). Day 5: Visit Haizi Mountain and Xingyi Lake to photograph ancient glacial stone rivers and plateau lakes. Try Daocheng fritillary chicken before returning to Chengdu. Accommodation Recommendations • Shangri-La Town: Altitude 2,900m, diverse dining options, many lodging choices (e.g., Daocheng Times Yading Hotel). • Yading Village: Inside the scenic area with mountain views, but higher altitude (e.g., Yading Risong Gongbu Crowne Plaza). • Daocheng County: Suitable for self-drive stopovers, with complete facilities. Food Recommendations • Local flavors: Bai Jiale Restaurant (Sichuan and local dishes), Zangku Hotpot (yak hotpot). In Shangri-La Town, try yak meat pies and roasted Tibetan pork ribs at Zhaxi Delei Yak Tibetan Restaurant, or yak beef fried noodles and glutinous rice ball dessert at Loushi Zhang Laozao. Important Notes • High altitude and unpredictable weather—dress warmly, use sunscreen, and prepare for rain. • Stay on designated trails; pets are strictly prohibited. • Follow safety instructions when horseback riding.