Last updated on November 18th, 2025
Here is a travel guide blog to help you plan your Daocheng Yading itinerary, including attractions, highlights, travel information, and tips.
Daocheng Yading (Chinese: 稻城亚丁) is a famous tourist destination located in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in the Tibetan Plateau. The region features towering snow-capped peaks, numerous crystal-clear lakes, vibrant meadows, and glaciers, creating extraordinarily stunning natural landscapes.
We visited Daocheng Yading as part of our Western Sichuan Big Tourist Loop trip. We took the trekking route to the mountainous peak, and it was a breathtaking experience. Each location felt like a scene from a fairy tale. We’ve included our Daocheng Yading itinerary, which we hope will be useful for anyone planning their visit.
This Daocheng Yading travel guide blog will share all the information you need to plan your trip to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, the “last pure land on Earth” or “Shangri-La”.
How To Get to Daocheng Yading Scenic Area
When planning your trip to Daocheng Yading, the first question to consider is where to begin. The nearest city to the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is Daocheng itself. You will need to reach Daocheng by flight or overland route. From Daocheng, you can easily find a driver who will take you to the entrance of the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area for RMB 50 per person.
Getting to Daocheng by Flight
By Flight: Limited domestic flights can get you to Daocheng Yading Airport, which offers direct connections from several major cities, including Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. Situated at an elevation of 4,411 meters above sea level, Daocheng Yading Airport is the world’s highest civilian airport.
Check for Flights from Trip.com
Once you land, you will need to take a car from the airport to reach the Yading Nature Reserve, located approximately 130 kilometers away. Although flying may seem like the quickest way to get to Daocheng Yading, it is not the recommended option because the high altitude upon landing can lead to altitude sickness.
Getting to Daocheng by Overland Route
By Overland Route: Daocheng Yading is located in Sichuan, but it is also close to the Yunnan border. You can start your itinerary from either Sichuan or Yunnan.
Most travelers prefer to begin their journey in Chengdu, which is an excellent starting point if your focus is on the western part of Sichuan. The nearest airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) (成都天府国际机场) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) (成都双流国际机场), has frequent connections to many major international destinations. Additionally, Chengdu is a key railway hub, with high-speed trains linking it to Xi’an, Shanghai, and Beijing, even though the distances are quite vast.
Daocheng Travel Guide Tips: We recommend booking your flights or trains through Trip.com.
From Chengdu to Daocheng, you have several transportation options, including taking a bus, hiring a private driver, or joining a tour.
Begin journey from Chengdu, driving through Kangding (康定) and to the town of Shangri-La before reaching the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. This route offers a scenic yet lengthy drive, taking approximately 12 hours to travel from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading. Your body will take time to acclimate to the high altitude.
Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve: Highlights and Attractions
Daocheng Yading, or Yading Nature Reserve is known as Yading National Park in Western Sichuan, China. This nature reserve area is considered the holy land of the Tibetan people. The natural reserve area is renowned for its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, vast grasslands, and vibrant forests. Here are the highlights and main attractions you will see during your Daocheng Yading itinerary hiking trip.
Three Sacred Mountains
The most significant attraction in Yading Nature Reserve is the three snow-capped sacred mountains: Mount Jambeyang, Mount Chanadorje, and Mount Shenrezig. These mountains not only enhance the natural beauty of the reserve but also play a vital role in its cultural and religious heritage.
- Mount Xiannairi (仙乃日): The highest peak at 6,032 meters. The best views can be found at Pearl Lake and an observation deck near Yading Village and Chonggu Temple area.
- Mount Yangmaiyong (央迈勇): The main peak stands at 5,958 meters. The best viewing spot is at Luorong Cattle Farm and Milk Lake area.
- Mount Xianuoduoji (夏诺多吉): The third peak, also at 5,958 meters is located to the east. The ideal viewing spot is at Luorong Pasture and Chonggu Monastery area.
Three Holy Lakes
The three holy lakes in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve are Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, and Pearl Lake. These beautiful lakes reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a stunning landscape.
- Milk Lake (牛奶海): The largest and most famous of the three sacred lakes, offering breathtaking views surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains.
- Five-Color Lake (五色海): The highest-altitude attraction accessible to visitors within Yading Nature Reserve. When sunlight hits the lake, its waters display five distinct colors.
- Pearl Lake: The lowest-altitude lake among the three sacred lakes, it provides magnificent views of the snow-capped Mount Xiannairi.
Luorong Pasture (洛绒牧场) is surrounded by the Three Mountains of God, with the Gongga River flowing through it and cabins scattered across the landscape. This is the best location for viewing the three holy mountains.
Gongga Chonggu Monastery (贡嘎冲古寺) is a Tibetan Buddhist temple that was originally built 800 years ago during the Yuan Dynasty. Although visitors are not allowed inside the temple, they can admire its stunning exterior against a beautiful backdrop.
Entrance Ticket to Daocheng Yading Scenic Area
Daocheng Yading Scenic Area (稻城亚丁景区) is a renowned national 5A tourist attraction located in southern Daocheng County, Sichuan Province. An entrance fee with a separate fee for the mandatory sightseeing bus is required to access the nature preserve area. The entrance ticket is valid for 2 days. Travelers can purchase the ticket at the Scenic Area’s ticket office.
Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Entrance Fee:
Peak season (Apr – Nov): RMB 150 entrance ticket + RMB 120 for sightseeing bus
Low season (Dec – Mar): RMB 120 entrance ticket + RMB 120 for sightseeing bus
Opening hours:
Peak season (Apr – Nov): 7:00 to 19:00
Low season (Dec – Mar): 8:30 to 17:00
Note: Please always double-check the park’s opening hours for your hiking day at the Visitor Center.
Daocheng Yading Travel Guide Tips: In the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, there are two sections of sightseeing buses available. The first section runs from the Entrance to the Zhaguanbeng (扎灌崩), and a round-trip ticket costs RMB 120. This ticket is essential to purchase.
The second section operates from Chonggu Monastery (冲古寺) to Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场), covering a distance of 6.7 kilometers. A one-way ticket costs RMB 50, while a round-trip ticket is RMB 80. The second section is optional, depending on your fitness level, but purchasing it is recommended to save time and energy during your visit.
How Many Days for Daocheng Yading itinerary
We visited Daocheng Yading as part of a week-long trip through the Western Sichuan Big Tourist Loop, traveling overland from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading. Depending on your starting point, you may experience significant effects from the altitude. For the trip, you will need at least five days for the road journey and two days for Daocheng.
Our main agenda was to trek to the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. The trek into the Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve will require at least one full day. There are both short and long routes that you can consider for your Daocheng Yading itinerary. While both routes can be combined into one long day, it is advisable to plan for two days to make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Some individuals may choose to focus solely on the Long Route, depending on their physical fitness level.
Where To Stay in Daocheng Yading
When choosing where to stay in Daocheng Yading, you have two options: Shangri-La Town or Yading Village, which is located within the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area.
Shangri-La Town (香格里拉镇) is just a 10-minute drive from the Daocheng Yading Tourist Centre, making it a popular choice for many travelers. Most visitors opt to stay overnight in Shangri-La Town and head to Daocheng Yading early the next morning.
The primary advantage of staying in Shangri-La Town is its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of food options available. The town is relatively small, allowing you to easily explore on foot. It’s important to note that this is not the same Shangri-La as the one in Yunnan.
Recommended Shangri-La Town Accommodation: Daocheng Yading Chujian Art Hotel and Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel.
On the other hand, Yading Village (亚丁村) is located within the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. Travelers will need to take a sightseeing bus into the scenic area and disembark at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd bus stops, depending on the location of their hotel.
Recommended Yading Accommodation: Zenvew Yading
The main advantage of staying within the scenic area is that you won’t have to wake up as early to explore, as you are already in the midst of the attractions. However, the altitude in Yading is much higher at around 4,000 meters above sea level, compared to Shangri-La Town, which is at an altitude of 2,900 meters. The air in Yading is considerably thinner, and visitors may experience difficulties sleeping or suffer from altitude sickness.
Stayed: Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel
After careful consideration, we decided to stay at the Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel. The hotel’s location was ideal, just about a 10-minute drive from the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. This is by far the most satisfying hotel I’ve experienced in western Sichuan. The hospitality was exceptional!
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed, and the front desk staff patiently explained the best itinerary and shared recommendations for hiking trips. The room was impeccably clean, and the service at this hotel was outstanding. I would highly recommend it for anyone planning to stay in Daocheng Yading.
Check for room availability and the best rate for Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel.
Plan Your Daocheng Yading Itinerary Hiking Route
There are two main trekking routes to explore the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area: Short Route and Long Route. It is doable to complete both 2 routes within one day. Your choice of route will depend on your available time, energy level, and readiness for high altitudes. Choose the route that best fits your Daocheng Yading itinerary plan!
Short Route (4km and allocated 2-3 hours for round trip, light):
- Chonggu Monastery (冲古寺) – Pearl Lake – Xiannairi viewpoint
- Altitude: range from 3800m to 4100m
Long Route (11km and allocated 5-7 hours for round trip, strenuous):
- Chonggu Meadow – Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) – Milk Lake (牛奶海) – Five Color Lake (五色海)
- Altitude: range from 3800m to 4700m
Begin Daocheng Yading itinerary trekking journey at the entrance by taking an electric sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng (扎灌崩), the starting point for many classic trekking routes in the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. The bus ride takes approximately one hour.
From Zhaguanbeng, walk to Chonggu Monastery to start the short route.
Short Route: Chonggu Monastery – Pearl Lake – Xiannairi viewpoint
From Zhaguanbeng, walk to Chonggu Monastery to start the short route.
The short route begins at Chonggu Monastery (冲古寺) and leads to Pearl Lake. This gentle path offers a round trip that takes about 2 to 3 hours, making it suitable for visitors who are adjusting to the altitude. The trail to Pearl Lake is relatively easy, and some travelers will use this route to adjust the altitude.
Surrounding the lake, there is a viewing platform where you can sit and enjoy the view of the Chenrezig, also known as Xiannairi.
Depending on your Daocheng Yading itinerary and fitness level, we didn’t take this route.
Long Route: Chonggu Meadow – Luorong Pasture – Milk Lake – Five Color Lake
Plan for a round trip on the Daocheng Yading Long Route, which will take between 5 to 7 hours depending on your pace. The long route stretches from Luorong Pasture (洛绒牧场) to Milk Lake (牛奶海) and Five Colour Lake (五色海) with about 11km round trip. This high-altitude hike requires stamina and control due to its steep inclines and thin air.
If you choose to take this route, it’s important to enter Daocheng Yading as early as possible. The staff begins to clear the area around Milk Lake and Five Color Lake by approximately 3 PM to ensure that everyone can catch the last sightseeing bus out of the scenic area.
From Chonggu Monastery, we transferred to the Luorong Pasture via an electric sightseeing bus, which takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a 2-hour hike for this section, with an elevation gain of about 200 meters.
The trail from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake is initially easy and flat. The mountain scenery at Luorong Pasture is so picturesque that it is excellent for photography.There is a horse riding service available at Luorong Pasture, which can take you about 1.7 km into the journey toward these lakes.
Next, the trail gradually transitions to an uphill path, culminating in a steep, short incline as you approach the mountain route toward Milk Lake. The trek upward was just as breathtaking.
Take your time to enjoy the walk. With the thin air and high altitude, we slowed down and stopped a few times to take breaks during the ascent. It was truly exhausting!
The hardest part isn’t just the steepness of the path but also dealing with your breathing and the effects of altitude sickness. It’s important to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude conditions.
Once you overcome these two challenges, you will be rewarded with a truly amazing view of Daocheng Yading.
Finally, we reached Milk Lake!
I never expected the scene to be so magnificent and unforgettable. Words can’t fully describe the joy of being there. It’s some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen!
Both the Milk Lake and Five Color Lake are located close together, with only a 0.3 km distance between them. From Milk Lake to Five Colour Lake, there is an extremely steep 800m upwards that leads you to the highest point on the trail at Five Colour Lake.
Once you see Milk Lake and the Five-Color Lake, all the effort feels worth it.
We spent a little more time just sitting around at the Lake. The views were stunning.
Coming down was easier, but it was crowded with people making their way up. The return hike takes us about 2 hours, about one hour less than our hike up.
Lastly, from Luorong Pasture, you can choose to either take the tram or walk back to Chonggu Meadow.
Final Daocheng Yading Travel Guide Tips
Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is a stunning destination for travel and trekking. However, due to its high altitude, it may not be suitable for children and elderly individuals. Here are some travel tips to help you plan your hiking trip.
Preparation for High Altitude: Some visitors may experience altitude sickness because of the elevated terrain in Yading. It is recommended to arrive at least one day early to acclimate. You can stay in Shangri-La Town or Yading Village.
We recommended the Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel for its clean and comfortable accommodations.
Starting Your Daocheng Yading Itinerary: Begin your day by heading to the entrance early from your nearby hotel. This will give you plenty of time to explore the area. The drive from Shangri-La Town to the Daocheng Yading car park takes about 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the entrance. Remember to allocate some time for purchasing tickets.
Entering the Scenic Area: To access the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, you will need to take an hour-long electric sightseeing bus ride, as private cars are not allowed within the park.
Exploration Time: The Yading Nature Reserve is quite expansive, requiring about 1 to 2 days to explore fully. Expect rigorous hiking and breathtaking alpine scenery. Be mindful of the high altitude and practice deep breathing to enhance oxygen intake.
Packing Essentials: Bring water and snacks with you. Due to limited food options in the reserve, it’s advisable to carry high-energy snacks like chocolate and nuts, along with enough water.
Sun Protection: At high altitudes, the sun’s rays are much stronger, making you more susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Final Thought: A Trip To Daocheng Yading
Overall, Daocheng Yading Scenic Area rewards those who are willing to brave its remote location and high elevation with some of China’s most breathtaking natural scenery. The journey to reach this stunning destination can be quite long, but rewarding.
If you are inspired by its beauty and plan to visit Daocheng Yading, it’s essential to prepare carefully before your trip. Be mindful of the altitude, avoid overestimating your capabilities, and choose your route wisely to make the most of your experience in Daocheng Yading. The challenging hike is strenuous, but the stunning beauty of the location makes it all worthwhile. Lastly, enjoy your trip to Daocheng Yading!
For more travel inspiration, please feel free to continue reading below Sichuan travel blog posts:
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- Trip to Leshan Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
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- Where To Stay in Chengdu: Best Areas and Hotels
Western Sichuan Tourist Loop to Mount Siguniang, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and more:
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- Mount Siguniang Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
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