Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

Located in Yading Country, Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve mainly consists of three grand sown mountains (Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji), streams, alpine lakes and meadows. Due to its unique landform and original ecological natural scenery, Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is known as “China Shangri-La Soul” and “The last piece of pure land on the blue planet”. It is also a paradise for photographers.

Hiking is the best way to view the remarkable sceneries. But, since the altitude of Yading Nature Reserve is relatively high, from 2900 to 6032 meters, it needs much more physical strength to hiking for the entire journey.

In 1928, an American botanist and explorer, Joseph Rock traveled here. When he returned back to America, he published an article about Yading Nature Reserve and the photos taken there on the magazine “National Geographic”. Yading Nature Reserve was introduced to the world then.

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

Highlights in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

There are three main snow mountains in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, namely Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji. They are regarded as holy mountains to protect local Tibetans. There are another three famous alpine lakes which are formed by melting snow. They are Milk Lake, Pearl Lake and Five-color Lake.

8 Days Chengdu Daocheng Yading Tagong Danba Loop Tour

Xiannairi

Xiannairi, 6032 meters high, is the highest mountain among the three holy mountains. Its peak snow will not melt all the year around. The appearance of it is like a Buddha who leans back his body, sitting on a lotus plate with a large pagoda in his arm. Xiannairi becomes brightly golden when the sun shines on it.

Mountain Xiannairi

Yangmaiyong

Yangmaiyong is 5958 meters high. It has a sharp peak pointing directly to the sky. Gorges, forest, grassland and stream are surrounded down the mountain. Among the three mountains, Yangmaiyong is the most unique one for visitors.

Mountain Yangmaiyong

Xianuoduoji

Xianuoduoji is 5958 meters high. It ranks the third among the three holy mountains. Mr. Locke described Xianuoduoji as a bat waiting to fly with its wings unfolded. At the foot of Xianuoduoji is Luorong Pasture which is the living place for Mr. Locke.

Luorong Pasture

Luorong Pasture is a main highlight in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve. It is at the altitude of 4150 and is the best place to view the three holy mountains. Around the pasture are the alpine meadows. In spring and summer, there are many flowers blossoming all over the meadows. Gongga River passes across the pasture. Herds of castles and sheep eat grass along the river. Hiking backpackers can camp there in order to watch sunrise and sunset and take beautiful pictures.

Luorong Pasture in Autumn

Milk Lake

Milk Lake, also called as Luorongcuo, is situated at the foot of Yangmaiyong. It is the best way to watch Yangmaiyong. Its altitude is 4600 meters. The water of the verge of the lake is milky. That’s why it is called Milk Lake.

Chonggu Temple

Chonggu Temple is at the foot of Xiannairi. Its altitude is 3880 meters. Its original temple was destroyed badly. And what remain now are ruins of buildings. When you are at the temple, there are three holy mountains in front of you. The wide meadow dotted with wildflowers under your foot. At your back is the Yading Canyon. Chonggu temple is like a gate of paradise.

Pearl Lake

Pearl Lake (Zhuomalacuo) is like a beryl at the foot of snow mountains. It is filled with deep crystal blue water and surrounded by wild flowers Yading country is 34 kilometers away from Shangri-La town. The name of Yading Nature Reserve is named after Yading country. The country is hidden in snow mountains and forests. There are only 28 families in this country. It is a very country which has merged with nature.

Five-color Lake

Five-color Lake, at the altitude of 4500m, is located above Milk Lake, between Xiannairi and Yangmaiyong. The water in the lake appears five colors under the sunshine. That’s why it is called Five-color Lake.

Five-color Lake

Best Time to Visit Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

The best time to visit Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is from April to October. From November to next March, the whole reserve will be covered with snow and ice. It is icebound season in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve. Therefore, it is not suitable for traveling at this period. For the most beautiful time of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, it is from September to November. The leaves all turn to golden and red. The reserve will become a colorful world at this time. It is better for you to take the most beautiful pictures.

10 Days Daocheng Yading Siguniangshan Danba Hailuogou Panorama Tour

Accommodation

The recommended itinerary for visiting Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is two days. So, where can you stay over for a night during Daocheng Yading tour? You can choose to stay over at Shangri-La town or Yading country. There are some hotels and hostels in Shangri-La town. The living condition and facilities are better than that in Yading town. But, if you choose to stay over at Yading county, you can save more time for the next day’s traveling.

How to Get to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

There are two main kinds of transportation available to get to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve. One is by car. The other is by plane.

By Car

You can take a regular public bus from Chengdu to Daocheng at Xinnanmen Bus Station from Chengdu to Daocheng. The ticket price is 240RMB. The whole distance is more than 800km which will take about 2 days.When you arrive at Daocheng Bus Station, you can rent a car to Shangri-La town.

By Plane

Since Daocheng Yading airport has been built up, you can take a plane from Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing or Luzhou to Daocheng. When you arrive at Daocheng Yading airport, you can take an airport bus or rent a car to Daocheng County down town or to Shangri-La town.

Transportation in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

In Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, you can choose to take a shuttle bus, a sightseeing bus, ride a horse or just hike. The shuttle bus is from the entrance to Chonggu Temple. The sightseeing bus is from Longtongba to Zhaguanbeng and Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture. From Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake or Five-color Lake, you can choose riding a horse or just hiking. If you choose riding, it takes about 5 to 6 hours. If you choose hiking, it takes about 4 hours.

Ticket Fees in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

Entrance Fee: 150RMB/Per (Valid for 2 Days)
Sightseeing Bus: 120RMB/Per
Electro Mobile:
Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture: One-Way Ticket: 50RMB/Per Round-Trip Ticket: 80RMB/Per
Longtongba to Zhaguanbeng: Round-trip ticket: 40RMB/per
Horse (Luorong Pasture – Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake): Round-Trip Fee: 300RMB/Per