Seda F Academy | The Secret Realm of the Human Red Lotus, Travel Guide

On the plateau of western Sichuan, there is a mysterious place covered with crimson monk houses. When the sunlight shines down, every inch of land glows with the light of faith. This is Seda F Academy, a city of faith that countless people dream of visiting, a spiritual destination that you must visit in your lifetime. To help you easily embark on this soul-stirring journey, I have meticulously compiled this ultra-detailed guide to help you deeply appreciate the charm of Seda. 📸【Top Photo Spots】 1️⃣ West Viewing Platform of the Mandala: This is the perfect spot to capture panoramic views of the classic red houses and the golden sunrise over the mountains. When the first rays of morning sunlight pierce through the clouds and shine on the densely packed red houses, the scene is so beautiful it leaves you speechless. You will definitely capture photos that will go viral on social media. 2️⃣ Path behind the Sutra Hall: Want to take photos with fewer people and a strong sense of depth? This is your treasure spot. Walking along the winding path, surrounded by silence and countless red houses, every shot is filled with atmosphere. 3️⃣ Night View Spot: Boardwalk on the east side of the Mandala. Every night at 19:30, when the lights gradually turn on, the entire Buddhist academy is illuminated like a starry sky, with twinkling lights resembling a galaxy falling to the earth. It is the best spot for night photography. 🌟Outfit Suggestions: Wear a white or dark blue long dress, paired with an ethnic-style shawl to instantly blend into the sacred atmosphere. Adding a red scarf not only protects against the plateau's cold winds but also serves as a perfect accessory for stunning photos. 🙏【Pilgrimage Experience Checklist】 ▪️ At 7:00 AM, while the world is still asleep, wake up to the sound of chanting at F Academy. Let the chanting penetrate the mist and reach the depths of your soul, starting a soul-stirring spiritual journey. ▪️ Circumambulate the Mandala 108 times: This is a deep dialogue with faith. Remember to walk clockwise, with each circle carrying prayers for life, feeling the power of faith in the repetition. ▪️ Get a string of cinnabar F beads at the Sutra Distribution Center: Each bead contains blessings and prayers. Bring this gift from the F country home, keeping faith close to you. ▪️ Observe the debate: From 14:00 to 16:00, quietly sit at the debate ground and watch the monks engage in intense debates on F Dharma. Experience the profoundness of F Dharma through their intellectual exchanges. ⚠️【Plateau Survival Guide】 ✅ Must-bring items: Oxygen tank (cheaper to buy in the county, can be a lifesaver in critical moments), SPF50+ high SPF sunscreen (the plateau's UV rays are very strong, so sun protection is essential), wool hat (the plateau is very windy, so warmth and wind protection are necessary). ✅ Accommodation Recommendations: ▫️ Inside F Academy: LA Guesthouse, with an excellent location offering stunning views of the red houses from the window, making you feel like you are in a Buddhist painting. However, it is very popular, so remember to book a month in advance! ▫️ Comfortable choice in the county: Seda Washu Grand Hotel, which offers oxygen rooms that are a lifesaver for those affected by altitude sickness, allowing you to rest comfortably. ✅ Food Recommendations: ▫️ Nun's Kitchen Vegetarian Restaurant: Be sure to try the potato buns here. The unique texture and surprising taste will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. ▫️ Must-try at the county's Tibetan restaurant: Butter tea + yak meat cover. The rich and mellow butter tea paired with tender and juicy yak meat is full of Tibetan flavor, satisfying your taste buds. 🔞【Taboos】 × No photography at the sky burial platform: Sky burial is a sacred and solemn custom of the Tibetan people, usually held from 13:00 to 15:00. Please maintain a sense of reverence and respect local cultural traditions. × Do not point at Buddha statues or touch young lamas' heads: This is a sign of respect for faith, avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings due to unfamiliarity with customs. × Remove hats and shoes inside the main hall: Enter the main hall with a pious heart, do not step over or sit on scriptures, and follow these taboos to better appreciate the solemnity and sanctity of Buddhist culture. 📅【Best Seasons】 June to August: The mountains are covered with blooming green velvet poppies, adding a fresh touch to the red F country, turning the entire Seda into a colorful fairy tale world. October to November: The interweaving of red leaves and white snow creates a stunning visual impact, showcasing a different beauty of Seda. ❄️ Winter temperatures can drop to -20°C, so travel with caution. However, if you are lucky enough to see Seda after snow, the entire F Academy is covered in silver, with the strong contrast of red and white creating a dreamlike beauty, making you feel like you are in a fairyland, an unforgettable visual feast. 🌌 When night falls, thousands of red houses light up one by one in the twilight. At that moment, you will deeply understand that this journey across mountains and rivers, all the fatigue and hardships have turned into inner touch and shock, worth remembering for a lifetime. Pack your bags and head to the city of faith in your heart to meet a better version of yourself!