Daocheng Yading is absolutely stunning, you won’t want to go home after visiting

❄️ Winter in Daocheng Yading | Enter the snow-sealed sacred realm and enjoy the purest ice and snow secret spot in Western Sichuan When the world is gently covered by white snow, Daocheng Yading retreats from the human world, becoming a winter dream only for the brave. If you also long for a "few people, pure scenery" highland winter trip, please keep this super practical winter guide👇 ✈️ How to get there? Choose from three options ✈️ Plane + private car (fastest) Direct flights from Chengdu/Chongqing to Daocheng Yading Airport (elevation 4411m ⚠️ altitude sickness warning!), then about 2 hours by private car to Shangri-La Town (elevation 2900m), which is a golden buffer zone for adapting to the plateau. 🚗 Self-driving the Western Sichuan loop (most freedom) You can check in at Honghaizi, Xinduqiao, Litang, and other places along the way. Snowy mountains and meadows look even more vast and desolate in winter, but be aware that some road sections may be covered with snow and ice, so four-wheel drive + snow chains are recommended. 🧳 Small group tours (most worry-free) 3–5 day small group tours departing from Chengdu, including transportation, accommodation, and tickets, with stops at Siguniang Mountain, Seda, and more, perfect for those who don’t want to plan. 🌨️ Winter exclusive · How to explore the three core scenic spots? 1️⃣ Chonggu Temple · Snowy Buddhist Kingdom Red walls and golden roofs are gently wrapped in thick snow. When the morning light shines, incense rises, as if time stands still here. 📸 Photo tips: Wear a dark Tibetan robe or bright red jacket, stand on the temple steps with the sacred mountain as the background, and the atmosphere will be instantly enhanced! 2️⃣ Pearl Lake (Zhuomalaco) · Mirror-like Sacred Lake In winter, the lake surface is as calm as glass, with the reflection of Mount Xianuoduoji so clear you can count every snow ridge. The trail is gentle and easy to reach with light gear, making it the most winter-friendly viewing route. ✨ Best time: Early morning after fresh snow and clear skies, with dead trees + snowy mountains + icy lake = a natural ink painting. 3️⃣ Milk Lake & Five Color Lake · High-altitude Blue Gems ⚠️ Winter hiking is extremely challenging! Milk Lake (4600m) has a thin layer of ice on the surface, glowing with a deep blue cold light; Five Color Lake (4700m) shows mysterious colors of pale cyan and dark green due to light refraction. ✅ Recommendation: Only for those with good physical fitness and no altitude sickness, and must start before 7:00 AM and descend before 3:00 PM (the park clears visitors). 🧣 Cold weather gear checklist | Warmth is the top priority! Top: Windproof down jacket + fleece liner + thermal underwear (Uniqlo Heattech) Bottom: Fleece-lined softshell pants or hiking pants + thick wool socks Shoes & hats: High-top waterproof hiking boots + anti-slip crampons (must bring!) + Lei Feng hat + scarf + touchscreen waterproof gloves Accessories: Heat packs (stick to waist/back/soles), large capacity thermos (very important for hot water), moisturizer + lip balm (plateau dryness warning!) Others: Trekking poles (save 50% effort), sunglasses (prevent snow blindness), sunscreen SPF50+ (UV rays stronger than summer!) ⚠️ Altitude sickness response guide | Safety first! Prevention: Take Rhodiola one week before departure (follow doctor’s advice), avoid bathing, alcohol, and strenuous exercise on the first day. Symptom treatment: Mild headache/shortness of breath → Drink plenty of warm water + oxygen (oxygen points available in the park, or bring portable oxygen) Severe vomiting/confusion → Descend immediately to lower altitude and contact staff for medical help! 💡 Accommodation advice: Stay in Shangri-La Town (2900m) throughout the trip, enter the valley during the day, return to town at night to rest, greatly reducing high-risk situations. ❄️ Winter exclusive benefits & tips ✅ Fewer people, pure scenery: Few tourists from December to February, easily enjoy “private” viewing! ✅ Ticket discounts: Off-season tickets often drop to 80–120 RMB (original price 146 RMB), with discounts on hotels and private cars, great value! ✅ Photo secrets: Wear bright colors! Red, royal blue, bright yellow stand out in the snow Shoot sunrise on the golden mountain before 8:00 AM, soft light + misty snow Use a polarizing filter to eliminate lake surface reflections for clearer reflections 🌌 Walking into Daocheng Yading in winter is not just travel, but a pilgrimage. When your footprints become the only marks on the snow, at that moment, you will understand— Some scenery is worth braving wind and snow to reach alone.