Not in Switzerland! Western Sichuan in July-August is indescribably beautiful!

A pilgrimage to snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and faith! * **🚗Transportation:** * **🚘Self-drive:** Depart from Chengdu, SUV or off-road vehicle recommended (some rugged sections like Zheduo Mountain, Tagong Grassland) * **🚌Private/Shared Car:** Suitable for those who don't want to drive themselves; local travel agencies can arrange * **🚌Public Transport:** Buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Kangding, Danba, etc., but transfers between attractions are inconvenient * **Essentials:** Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV at high altitude), warm clothing (large day-night temperature differences), common medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, altitude sickness remedies like Rhodiola), camera (stunning scenery) * **⚠️Altitude Sickness:** Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, drink plenty of water, prepare oxygen bottles (available locally) **🚌II. Classic Itinerary (7-10 days)** * **Day 1-2: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao** * Experience Tibetan-Han cultural fusion in Kangding "Love Song City," overlook the city from Paoma Mountain * Distant view of snow-capped mountains from Zheduo Mountain Viewpoint (4,298m altitude) * Xinduqiao "Photographer's Paradise," capture Tibetan houses and pastoral scenery in changing light * **🚌Accommodation:** Tibetan-style guesthouses in Xinduqiao (local experience) * **Day 3-4: Xinduqiao - Tagong Grassland - Danba** * Classic view of Tagong Monastery's golden roof framed by Mount Yala * Horse riding and Tibetan costume photos on Tagong Grassland, chance marmot sightings * Otherworldly terrain at Mo'ersi Park (great for drone shots) * Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village (one of China's most beautiful villages), overnight stay * **Food Recommendations:** Yak meat hotpot, butter tea, barley cakes * **Day 5-6: Danba - Siguniang Mountain - Xiaojin** * Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain (well-developed, easy hiking) * Changping Valley trek (close-up view of Yaomei Peak) * **Hiking Tip:** Choose routes based on fitness level, bring trekking poles * **Day 7-8: Xiaojin - Barkam - Sertar (Optional)** * Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (awe-inspiring red monastic city, requires advance booking) ⚠️* Sky burial ceremony (respect local customs, maintain silence) * **Return:** Sertar - Chengdu (or return directly from Siguniang Mountain) **III. Hidden Gems (For In-Depth Travel)** * **Cuoka Lake:** Fairyland with mirror-like water reflecting snow mountains and temples * **Dangling:** Hiking to Hulu Lake, stunning autumn foliage * **Mosika:** Isolated paradise for marmot interactions * **Yarchen Monastery:** Sacred female monastic island **⚠️IV. Important Notes** * **Respect Beliefs:** No photography inside temples, rotate prayer wheels clockwise * **Environment:** No littering - high-altitude ecology is fragile * **Road Conditions:** Check traffic info before departure (landslides common in rainy season) * **Border Permit:** Required for Sertar/Yarchen (apply at hometown police station) **V. Travel Tips** * Weak signal in some Tibetan areas - download offline maps * Carry cash (some places don't accept mobile payment) * Purchase travel insurance (medical coverage important at high altitude) Western Sichuan's beauty lies along the journey - slow down and feel the serenity beneath snow mountains and the power of faith.