Last updated on December 30th, 2025
Sharing some essential information for planning a visit to the Western Sichuan Large Tourist Loop with a 5-day Kangding, Yading, and Danba itinerary. My hiking trip to Daocheng Yading Scenic Area!
Western Sichuan (Chinese: 川西) in the Ganze area of Sichuan Province is renowned for its snow-capped mountain peaks, expansive grasslands, surreal highland landscapes, and pristine lakes that are perfect for hiking. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in Tibetan culture by visiting local Tibetan towns.
Traveling in Sichuan can be both convenient and enjoyable. However, its remote location makes it more challenging to reach compared to popular Sichuan destinations like Dujiangyan, Jiuzhaigou. Therefore, planning ahead is essential to make the most of your vacation.
During my recent trip to China, I had an incredible experience exploring Western Sichuan, captivated by the region’s stunning natural beauty. I had visited popular destinations like Mount Siguniang, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong, and it was very memorable. This Western Sichuan Kangding, Yading, Danba itinerary focuses primarily on a hiking trip to Daocheng Yading, which includes stops in Kangding, Yading, Danba, and other attractions along the journey.
In this travel guide blog, I will provide some of the essential information you need to plan a Western Sichuan Large Tourist Loop itinerary. We will share what to do and see, where to stay, and other practical details to help you prepare for your journey. So, without further ado, let’s explore Kangding, Yading, and Danba together with this comprehensive travel guide!
Pre-Trip Essential: What You Need To Know
First of all, this Kangding, Yading, Danba itinerary for the Western Sichuan Large Tourist Loop is designed for a self-guided driving trip. While it is possible to use public transportation, such as long-distance buses, this option is cheaper but not recommended for large groups due to the long travel times. We suggest arranging a private self-guided tour like ours or joining an organized tour.
We are a group of four people primarily aiming to hike in Daocheng Yading. This itinerary focuses on our hiking adventure in Daocheng Yading and includes stops in Kangding, Yading, Danba, and other attractions along the way. The attractions listed above are part of the route we followed, but there is another side to Western Sichuan that you might consider visiting, such as Jiuzhaigou and Mount Siguniang, which are much more famous. Be sure to explore your options before making a final decision on your route.
For more ideas, check out our 7-Day Sichuan Itinerary that includes Mount Siguniang, Bepenggou, Dagu Glacier, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong Scenic Area.
Planning for 5 Days Kangding, Yading, Danba itinerary
We recently went on a 5-day trip to the Ganze area of Western Sichuan, with Daocheng Yading as our main destination. During our journey, we visited several places, including Kangding, Yading, Danba, and various attractions along the way.
Here’s our itinerary for the Western Sichuan Large Tourist Loop:
- Arrived at Chengdu. Explore Around the City
- Day 1: Chengdu – Kangding – Mt. Zheduo – Xinduqiao
- Day 2: Xinduqiao – Shangri-la Town
- Day 3: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area (Full Day Hike)
- Day 4: Shangri-la Town – Danba (Option Scenic Stops: Bowa Mountain, Yala Snow Mountain, Moshi Park)
- Day 5: Danba – Siguniang – Chengdu
Note that this Kangding, Yading, Danba itinerary primarily focuses on the hiking trip to Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. There are plenty of hiking spots in Kading, Daocheng, and Danba in Sichuan. You can flexibly adjust your itinerary based on your physical level.
Arrived at Chengdu. Explore Around the City
Again, Chengdu is an excellent starting point for any itinerary in Sichuan. As the main transportation hub and a popular tourist destination, the city offers extensive travel options.
There are numerous exciting activities to enjoy in this vibrant city, such as taking a cultural city walk, visiting the adorable giant pandas, and savoring delicious Sichuan spicy hotpot. If time allows, consider spending a few extra days exploring Chengdu. Alternatively, you might plan your itinerary to include a Chengdu city tour after returning from other locations in Sichuan.
Check out our Chengdu itinerary for inspiration on things to do in the city.
We enjoyed a wonderful hotpot dinner and had a great rest before kick-starting our Western Sichuan itinerary the next day.
When visiting Chengdu, we recommend staying on ChunXi Road or in Kuanzhai Valley for easy navigation. Here are a few recommendations if you are looking for accommodation in Chengdu:
- Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li is conveniently located near the vibrant Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, two of the city’s most favored spots for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Ibis Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road is within walking distance of Cheng Xi Lu and IFS, making it easy to explore the area.
- Nostalgia Hotel KuanZhai Alley ChengDu – The location is conveniently within walking distance of KuanZhai Valley and People’s Park.
Day 1: Chengdu – Kangding – Mt. Zheduo – Xinduqiao
On Day 1 of our Western Sichuan itinerary, we departed early in the morning from Chengdu and made our way to Kangding (康定), ultimately ending our journey in Xinduqiao (新都桥) for the day.
The entire trip took about 7 hours of driving.
Midway through our journey, we stopped at Mountain Zheduo, a high-altitude checkpoint that stands at an elevation of 4,298 meters. The road to Xinduqiao is quite winding, with a zigzag path that stretches for 30 kilometers.
Zheduo Mountain (折多山, Zheduo Shan) is a renowned high-altitude mountain pass located in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the most popular spots to check in at along the iconic National Highway Route 318 in Western Sichuan.
At the lookout point, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
If you’re able to handle the altitude, I recommend taking the short climb. There is a walkway that leads up to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. On a clear day, you’ll see snow-capped peaks in the distance, making the effort worthwhile.
After stopping at Mt Zheduo, we continue our journey to Xhinduqiao town.
At the end of the day, we spent our first night in Xinduqiao to acclimatize to the altitude before continuing our journey the following day.
Day 1 Western Sichuan Itinerary: Kangding (康定) – Mt. Zheduo (折多山) – Xinduqiao (新都桥)
- Traveling Time: Chengdu to Xinduqiao: 5.5 hours (without counting stop point)
- Admission Fee: Zheduo Mountain (折多山) Free!
Stay: ZanmPhu Lodge Kangding Xinduqiao
Where to Stay: ZanmPhu Lodge in the Xinduqiao Town Area
ZanmPhu Lodge 梵心 夜空酒店 (康定市新都桥店) is a newly designed hotel that features a beautiful and clean aesthetic. The rooms are slightly small, but the beds are very comfortable, allowing for a great night’s sleep.
The location is convenient, as it is situated in Xinduqiao town and next to the main road, with a spacious parking lot available. The service exceeded our expectations, and the staff was very enthusiastic and helpful. Although we only stayed for one night, our experience was very positive.
Check for room availability – ZanmPhu Zodge.
Day 2: Xinduqiao – Litang – Shangri-la Town
The main itinerary for Day 2 is to head towards Shangri-La Town (香格里拉镇), which is the closest town to Daocheng Yading. The drive from Xinduqiao to Shangri-La Town takes approximately 9 hours with scenic stops along the journey.
We mostly travelled on Route 318, which offers incredibly beautiful views. Most of the route today is at altitudes above 4,000 meters, so it’s important to take it slow. The scenery along the way is magnificent, and the attractions are beautiful.
During our journey along Li Tang (理塘) to Daocheng (稻城), we made several stops.
There are several notable scenic spots, including the Tianlu 18 Bends Viewing Platform (天路18弯观景台), Rabbit Ear Mountain / Tu’ Er Shan (兔儿山), Haizi Mountain Range (海子山), and Daocheng White Pagoda (稻城白塔)
Each of these attractions is free to visit and requires only about 10 to 15 minutes for a quick stop.
Tianlu 18 Bends – Tu’ Er Shan – Haizi Mountain – Daocheng White Pagoda
Tianlu Eighteen Bends (天路十八弯) is located at an altitude of 4,659 meters and features a viewing platform for tourists.
Rabbit Ear Mountain / Tu’er Shan (兔儿山) is known for its unique peaks that resemble rabbit ears waving in the wind.
Haizi Mountain / Haizi Shan (海子山) sits at an elevation of 4,410 meters and is recognized as the largest glacial relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
We also take a glimpse into the spiritual practices of the region by visiting the Daocheng White Pagoda at Daocheng.
The Daocheng White Pagoda (稻城白塔) is renowned for its striking architecture, distinguished by its pure white color, which symbolizes peace and purity in Buddhist culture. The serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a moment of reflection or a deeper connection with local traditions.
Day 2 Sichuan Itinerary: Xinduqiao to Shangri-La Town
- Travel Time from Xinduqiao to Shangri-La Town is approximately 9 hours by car with scenic stops along the journey.
- Admission Fee: Free!
Stayed: Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel
Where To Stay: Daocheng Yading Boxin Yunjing Hotel at Shangri-la Town.
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.
Day 3: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area
Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, also known as Yading Nature Reserve (稻城亚丁景区), is a renowned national 5A tourist attraction located in the Tibetan plateau. This beautiful area is considered a holy land by the Tibetan people and is often referred to as “the last pure land on Earth” or “the soul of Shangri-La.”
The reserve features towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and vast pastures. Visitors can hike to various stunning lakes and pilgrimage treks around the sacred Xiannairi Mountain.
The most significant attractions in Yading Nature Reserve are the three snow-capped sacred mountains: Mount Xiannairi (仙乃日), Mount Yangmaiyong (央迈勇), and Mount Xianuoduoji (夏诺多吉). These mountains not only enhance the natural beauty of the reserve but also play a vital role in its cultural and religious heritage.
Within the Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, you will find three holy lakes: Milk Lake (牛奶海), Five-Color Lake (五色海), and Pearl Lake (珍珠海). These breathtaking lakes mirror the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a stunning landscape.
Daocheng Yading Hiking Route
Our main focus for the Kading, Yading, Danba itinerary is hiking through the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. There are two main trekking routes to explore: the Short Route and the Long Route.
Short Route (4 km, estimated 2-3 hours for a round trip, light)
- Trail: Chonggu Monastery (冲古寺) – Pearl Lake – Xiannairi viewpoint
- Altitude: Ranges from 3,800 m to 4,100 m
- Details: This route requires at least half a day and is best used as a warm-up before attempting the Long Route.
Long Route (11 km, estimated 5-7 hours for a round trip, strenuous)
- Trail: Chonggu Meadow – Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) – Milk Lake (牛奶海) – Five Color Lake (五色海)
- Altitude: Ranges from 3,800 m to 4,700 m
- Details: It is recommended to allocate one full day for this route.
Based on recommendations, you will need at least one full day to properly explore the Yading area. If time is limited, consider dedicating two days to complete both the Short and Long Routes. While it is possible to finish both routes in one day, your choice should depend on your available time, energy level, and readiness for high altitudes.
During our hiking trip to Daocheng Yading, we took the long route that stretches from Luorong Pasture (洛绒牧场) to Milk Lake (牛奶海) and Five Color Lake (五色海), covering approximately an 11km round trip.
The hiking experience in Yading was truly irreplaceable. It was quite challenging, especially due to the high altitude, but the hike was absolutely worth it. The views were spectacular, particularly with the sacred lakes and the snow-capped holy mountains in sight.
To learn more about our Daocheng hiking journey, check out our blog: Daocheng Yading Itinerary: A Travel Guide.
Day 4: Shangri-la Town – Danba
On Day 4, we began our return journey to Chengdu after the Daocheng Yading hike. We departed from Shangri-La town and planned to end our day in Danba (丹巴). This day primarily involved brief stops during our long and tiring car journey.
Below is the notable scenic spot we stopped by.
Bowa Mountain – Yala Snow Mountain – Moshi Park
Bowa Mountain (波瓦山) – Located in Daocheng County, Bowa Mountain is a scenic spot on the way to Yading, standing at an altitude of 4,513 meters. “Bo Wa” translates to “heroic and brave mountain” in Tibetan.
As you ascend along the winding highway to the mountain’s summit, you’ll see countless colorful prayer flags erected by local Tibetans, as well as a Tibetan-style white pagoda. The natural landscape features mainly plateau meadows, and there are observation decks in various locations where you can stop to take pictures.
Yala Snow Mountain (亚拉雪山) rises to 5,885 meters at the junction of Kangding, Daofu, and Danba counties in Ganzi Prefecture. Known to Tibetans as Zhara Lhaste, it is one of the four sacred mountains in the Tibetan region of China.
While there are hiking routes available in Yala Snow Mountain Park, we only made a brief stop to take in the views of the snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Moshi Park (墨石公园), also known as Bamei Stone Forest, is famous for its unique clusters of rocky towers and hills. The distinctive grey and black rocky formations, created by special geological processes, are scattered across the rolling grasslands of Bamei.
We didn’t get into the Moshi Park. If you’re interested, visiting the park takes about 2 hours.
At the end of the day, we arrived in Danba to rest.
Stay: Shangmo Culture Theme Hotel
A trip to Western Sichuan wouldn’t be complete without staying in a Tibetan village.
In Danba, we chose to stay at the Shangmo Culture Theme Hotel (尚墨风情酒店). The building showcases traditional Tibetan architecture, and the interiors are charmingly ethnic. The courtyard is beautifully decorated with flowers and plants, and it even features ancient watchtowers.
The owners and their family were incredibly warm and welcoming. The kitchen was spotlessly clean and well-maintained. While breakfast was simple, it had a wonderful homemade quality. The food they prepared was absolutely delicious; the owner’s wife mentioned that all the vegetables were homegrown.
Shangmo Culture Theme Hotel is a traditional Tibetan homestay run by a family.
If you need more modern facilities for a Tibetan stay, you might consider Danba Yark Yunshe (丹巴雅稞云舍), though it comes at a higher price.
Day 5: Danba – Siguniang – Chengdu
In the morning of Kangding, Daocheng, Danba itinerary, we have a brief visit to Moerdu Monastery, located at the foot of the sacred Mt. Murdo in Danba County.
The Moerdu Monastery (摩尔多寺) serves as a spiritual site for the local Jiarong Tibetans and offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The monastery is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of mountains. Visitors can appreciate the traditional architecture and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Next, we continue our journey with a brief stop at Siguniang. Instead of hiking in the area, we only stopped at Maobilian Ridge, also known as the Nose of the Cat Bridge (猫鼻梁). This spot is regarded as the best vantage point for panoramic views of Mount Siguniang.
Finally, we arrived in Chengdu late in the evening after a long and tiring trip. This marks the end of our 5-day Western Sichuan Big Tourist Loop, which included stops in Kangding, Yading, and Danba.
Overall: Trip to Western Sichuan Kangding Yading Danba
All in all, the Western Sichuan trip to Kangding, Yading, and Danba, including Daocheng Yading hike, was one of my most memorable experiences in China. Since there is no high-speed train connection, the only option is a long and exhausting road journey. While the trip to Yading can be quite challenging and lengthy, it offers stunning views of dramatic snow-capped peaks, remote Tibetan towns, and surreal highland landscapes.
Lastly, be sure to be physically fit for the high-altitude hike. Enjoy your Yading hiking trip!
Related travel blog post:
For more travel inspiration, please feel free to continue reading below Sichuan travel blog posts:
- Chengdu Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog for First-Timer
- Trip to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Xiongmao Jidi)
- Trip to Leshan Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Trip to Dujiangyan Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Chengdu: Best Areas and Hotels
Western Sichuan Tourist Loop to Mount Siguniang, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and more:
- How To Spend Your 7-Days Sichuan Itinerary
- Mount Siguniang Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Bipenggou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Dagu Glacier Itinerary: A Travel Guide blog
- Jiuzhaigou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Huanglong Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
Traveling to Chongqing? Read more our Chongqing travel blog:
- 3 to 5 Days Chongqing itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Chongqing: Best Areas and Hotels
- Longmenhao and Xiahaoli Old Street Travel Guide Blog
- Day Trip to Wulong Karst itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
Traveling Xi’An and looking for inspiration? Read more our Xi’an travel stories:
