Sichuan · Daocheng Yading, the Last Shangri-La!

Attraction: Sichuan · Daocheng Yading Hidden deep within the folds of the earth lies a secret realm guarded by snow-capped mountains, sacred lakes, and grasslands—Daocheng Yading. Known as the "Last Shangri-La," this place is not only a sacred site for backpackers but also the inspiration for countless Chinese-style films and fantasy dramas. The snow mountains stand majestically like temples, the lakes are as blue as stars fallen to earth, and every step feels like walking through a flowing oriental landscape painting. If you have seen Yading in autumn, you will surely believe: there really are immortals who have left their brushstrokes in the human world. 📍 Check-in Spot Introduction: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Location: Southern part of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Opening Hours: Open year-round (Peak season 7:00–18:00 | Off-season 8:00–17:30) Ticket Price: Mountain entry fee ¥146 (includes sightseeing bus) Tickets available at the visitor center outside the scenic area, advance booking recommended Best Seasons: September–October (stunning autumn colors), May–June (rhododendron bloom) ✅ Three Must-Visit Core Attractions: The Three Sacred Mountains: Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji Known as the "Three Protectors" and incarnations of Bodhisattvas in the hearts of Tibetans Experience the awe of faith and nature blending by viewing from afar or hiking around Yangmaiyong (Manjushri Bodhisattva) is praised as the "most beautiful snow mountain profile" Milk Lake (Erongcuo) At about 4600 meters altitude, a milky blue alpine lake nestled in the embrace of snow mountains A one-way hike of about 3 hours with rocky steep slopes, physically challenging but rewarding When sunlight falls, the lake surface shimmers like silk Five Color Lake (Danzengcuo) Above 4700 meters altitude, on clear days the lake displays multiple colors including blue, green, gold, and white Known as the "Lake that Connects to Heaven," it is a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists 🌟 Special Experience Recommendations: Light hike at Luorong Pasture: moderate altitude, meadows like carpets, snow mountains reflected before your eyes, perfect for photos and rest View Xiannairi’s reflection at Pearl Lake: visit early morning when the lake is mirror-like, capturing the classic "sacred mountain reflected in water" scene Stay overnight in Shangri-La Town: a town rich in Tibetan style, great for stargazing at night, away from city noise 🚗 How to Get There? By plane: Fly to Daocheng Yading Airport (one of the world’s highest civilian airports at 4411 meters) About 1 hour by car from the airport to the scenic area By land: From Chengdu, self-drive or take a bus via Kangding and Litang, about 2 days total Recommended to travel in segments to acclimate to altitude 🌿 Warm Tips: ⚠️ High-altitude area, prepare in advance for altitude sickness (bring oxygen bottles, Rhodiola) 🧥 Large temperature difference between day and night, bring windproof and warm clothing (down jacket + shell jacket) 📸 Drones are prohibited in the scenic area, please comply with regulations 🍱 Limited dining options in the area, recommend bringing energy snacks and a thermos 🙏 Respect local beliefs, do not cross prayer flags or touch mani stone piles 💬 Closing Words: You say the scenery is as beautiful as a painting? But some places are the very source of the painting. Daocheng Yading, Not everyone can reach the end, But as long as you look up at that snowy peak, Your heart has already arrived at the pure land.