Zhongdian to Daocheng Yading – The Best Shangri-la You Will Ever See

Zhongdian County- the Shangri La in Yunnan

Beautiful Monasteries, cobble stone streets, off-the-path wooden guest houses, still lakes, peaceful country side, the picturesque villages, friendly locals, Zhongdian has everything going to be the best tourist spot to forget the fast paced, concrete jungle life. Zhongdian was renamed as Shangri La a few years ago and it is apt one. Shangri La is one of those places that will make us question why do even live in the cities when we should be spending our days unwinding in this beautiful paradise. Shangri La is also preferred because the locals still follow the old traditions and customs. It is a common scene to see women still wearing clothes that was worn decades ago by the locals of that area. It is perfect destination for exploring not just beautiful scenic lands but also a mish mash of Tibetan and Han Chinese culture.

Zhongdian - the Shangri La in Yunnan

Shangri La also called as Gyalthang by the locals is located in the northwest corner of Yunnan at an altitude of 3,160m. In 2014, a tragic fire in a 1000-year old Tibetan neighborhood destroyed more than half of the old part of the town. But it did not slow down the tourism in any way as the works for restoration and rebuilding started immediately. The works are almost done now.

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Daocheng Yading - the Lost Horizon by James Hilton

For those who want to get lost in the views of exotic mountains and colorful still lakes look no further than Daocheng Yading. If “mountains are calling,” then they are definitely calling you to Daocheng Yading. They don’t have high mountains like the Everest or holy mountains like the Himalayas. But, they do have mountains that are welcoming and are full of colors and are strikingly beautiful. The Yading Nature Reserve was first shown to and seen by the world outside of china by Joseph Rock. He published a 60- page photo story about the scenic beauty of Yading in a National Geographic edition in 1928. Many felt that it was planet Earth’s very own Shangri La that is as beautiful and magical as the fictional Shangri La described James Hamilton’s 1937 fictional fantasy novel ‘Lost Horizon.’

Daocheng Yading - the Lost Horizon by James Hilton

Daocheng or Dapba is located in the western Sichuan under the administration of Garze. It is at an average elevation of 3,753m. Many tourists use Daocheng only as a pit stop for night stay before going to Yading Nature Reserve. But this beautiful city has more to offer. Barley fields, old villages dotted along the outskirts, beautiful mountains in the background, hilly roads, and stray paths leading to more beauty are some of the things in Daocheng that deserve time and exploration.

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Shangri La (Zhongdian) to Daocheng Yading Travel Route

If you are planning to a road trip from Shangri La to Daocheng and trying to cover a lot couple of places and attractions this is an itinerary that can work out for you.

Day 1: Shangri La to Riwa Town

Spend a day or two in Shangri La before setting out to Daocheng. In Shangri La visit the Songzanlin Monastery. From this monastery you can see beautiful views of Shika Snow Mountains, walk clockwise around the monastery, spin some prayer wheels and enjoy the views. Go to the old town in the evening to shop from the endless number of shops selling everything from fake tiger skins to leather jackets.

Late in the evening enjoy a choreographed dance in the square. Stay the night at pretty wooden houses and set out to Riwa town early next day.

En route to Riwa town you can see beautiful views of Geza Town, Langdu Village, Kasi Village, Echu Mountain, and pretty snow mountains. Stay at Riwa Town for the night.

Day 2: Riwa Town to Yading National Park

Have breakfast and drive to Yading National Park Scenic Area. You can either explore the scenic area in the tourist bus or by walk. Visit the Chonju Temple, famous three mountains of Yading, Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, and Five colored lake. You spend a couple of days to trek and walk around the mountains in the scenic area. You can go to Daocheng the very day or go next day. It is close from the scenic area.

Day 3: Yading National Park to Daocheng

In Daocheng there is a lot of off-beat exploration that you can do. Visit the Gongling Temple, bike around the villages; enjoy the barley fields, and views of mountains surrounding the city. Daocheng is a good place to relax, enjoy some hot springs, and take some pictures in no hurry.

If you are planning to do a point to point travel from Shangri La to Daocheng without any stops. Then you can go in the following routes:
Route 1: Zhongdian- Xiaoxueshan- Daxueshan- Xiangcheng- Daocheng (330km)
Route 2: Zhongdian- Derong- Xiangcheng- Daocheng (400km)

Is There a Public Bus for This Travel Route?

Yes, there is a public bus that connects directly from Shangri La to Daocheng. There is a bus that leaves from Shangri La every morning. The ticket costs about 150 CNY. There is only one bus everyday so check the departure time and buy the ticket at least a day advance. Daocheng is more than 400km away from Shangri La and the bus travel can take around 12- 14 hours including the bathroom and food breaks. The route taken is: Zhongdian- Derong- Xiangcheng- Daocheng.

There is a public bus that connects directly from Shangri La to Daocheng.

If you miss the direct bus, there is a more complicated and indirect bus route from Shangri La to Daocheng. The route taken is: Zhongdian- Derong- Xiangcheng-Sangdui- Daocheng. Take a bus from Shangri La to Derong, this takes about 5 hours. From Derong take a minibus to Xiangcheng and stay overnight there. Next day take a morning public bus to Sangdui which takes about 4 hours. From Sangdui take a minibus to Daocheng which costs only about 20 CNY. The second option is more time consuming than first option but it is definitely more comfortable than first option.

Is it Possible to Get Altitude Sickness During the Tour?

Altitude sickness is the condition experienced by people when they are in a high altitude area where the air is thin, pressure is low, and there is a low concentration of oxygen. Some of the symptoms include head ache, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Mostly these symptoms disappear once you rest down and acclimatize. Most of the travelers experience altitude sickness only if they go higher than 3,000m. The best remedy for altitude sickness is rest, plenty of water, and medicines.

It is unlikely to get altitude sickness while travelling from Shangri La to Daocheng as both the places are in an altitude less than 3,000m. Note that the only the elevation of the entrances are lower than 3,000m. Once you enter the town most of the attractions are at a higher level. For example: Yading County is at an elevation of 3,900m, Chonggu Temple at 3,900m, Pearl Lake 4,100m etc. So, although you might not get altitude sickness while travelling, you might experience some symptoms while sightseeing.

Travel Tips

1. The best time to visit is during the months of September and October. It is best to avoid visiting from June to August because of rains and the roads might often get closed. 
2. Download and print out maps of the area in advance. They might come very much in handy especially when there is a language barrier and are trying to convey something. Learn some basic phrases in advance.
3. Get doctor prescribed medications before starting your journey. While travelling high altitudes buy some oxygen tanks and keep it with you. You can get them in small sizes. But don’t use them as soon as enter high altitude; give some time for your body to adapt. If you use them immediately your body will depend on oxygen tanks completely.
4. No matter which season you go it is important to take warm clothes. Daocheng has an average elevation of 3,800m, so the temperature difference between day time and night time will be huge. It is advisable to wear layered clothing as they can removed or worn according to the temperature outside.
5. Keep your passport and travel documents with you all the time as they can be asked to be shown anywhere and anytime.
6. This whole trip will make you forget about the busy polluted roads and yearn more for the peaceful mountains. It is the perfect escape from the busy reality.