Daocheng Weather and Climate in May

Overview of May Weather in Daocheng Yading

In May, the average temperature in Daocheng Yading ranges from 3°C to 18°C.

Average Temperatures

  • Daytime: The average daytime temperature is around 18°C. It is recommended to wear lightweight cotton or linen outfits, such as short sets, T-shirts, thin denim shirts, and casual clothing for comfort.
  • Nighttime: The average nighttime temperature drops to about 3°C. It is advisable to wear windbreakers, softshell jackets, thin down jackets, or sweaters to stay warm.

Climate Characteristics

May is characterized by cool weather, with average temperatures between 4°C and 18°C. The warmest cities in May include Aba (16°C), An County (27°C), Anyue (27°C), and Bazhong (27°C). Conversely, the coldest cities are also Aba (2°C), An County (18°C), Anyue (18°C), and Bazhong (18°C).

Travel Recommendations for Daocheng Yading in May

Getting There

  1. By Air: Flights are available from various parts of the country, but ticket prices can be high (around 1600 CNY one-way, excluding taxes). It’s advisable to prepare for altitude sickness.
  2. By Bus: Daily bus services operate from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station to Daocheng County, with tickets costing around 233 CNY per person. The journey typically takes two days. For groups of 3-6 people, consider renting a car for convenience. The first day involves a 7-hour drive to Kangding, with accommodations arranged independently; the second day is a 9-hour drive to Daocheng County. Travel from Daocheng to Shangri-La Town (Yiwa Township) requires a chartered vehicle, taking 1.5 hours at a round-trip cost of 400-700 CNY per vehicle, about 50 CNY per person if shared. Regular bus passengers may find the mixed groups restrictive, with limited stops for sightseeing.
  3. By Car: Driving in the high mountains of western Sichuan can be risky due to steep roads and complex routes. It’s not recommended for those unfamiliar with local conditions or inexperienced drivers, especially considering fatigue at high altitudes. Fuel quality can also be an issue, as it often doesn’t meet 95 octane standards.
  4. Local Tours: After arriving in Chengdu or Daocheng, consider joining local day tours with experienced drivers who know the area well, offering both safety and reasonable prices.
  5. Semi-Free Travel Options: Some packages include round-trip transportation and hotel accommodations, combining free activities with organized day tours, making it a cost-effective way to explore. This includes guided day trips with drivers and local tour guides in some scenic areas, while leaving time for self-planned activities.

What to Prepare for Your Trip to Daocheng Yading

  1. Essential Gear: Bring a flashlight, rain gear, and hiking shoes.
  2. Sun Protection: Sunscreen (UV protection is crucial), sun hats, sunglasses, moisturizing cream, and lip balm are recommended.
  3. Equipment: Bring your phone, camera, charger, power bank, and spare batteries.
  4. Medications: Consider altitude sickness medications like Rhodiola Rosea (start at least 10 days in advance), Nodiacon capsules (for extreme fatigue), ginseng (for fatigue relief), Plateau Peace, and inosine oral solution (effective for altitude sickness). For colds, bring medicines like Baifuming and Fenbid (for headache relief due to altitude sickness). Stomach medications like Baoji pills, Ma Ding Lin, Xieli Ping, and Huoxiang Zhengqi water are also useful.
  5. Snacks: High-calorie foods such as chocolate, beef jerky, candy, and biscuits are advisable.

Must-See Scenery in Daocheng Yading in May

Daocheng Yading offers stunning natural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, canyons, forests, meadows, and lakes.

  1. Scenic Areas: Chonggu Temple, Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, Pearl Lake, and Rhododendron Flat.
  2. Three Sacred Mountains: Xiananri Peak, Yangmaiyong Peak, and Xiannuo Daji Peak.
  3. Surrounding Areas: Banghe, Sangdui, and Honghaitan.
  4. Historic Temples: Gonggar Langi Temple, Bangpu Temple, and Xiongden Temple.
  5. Scenic Routes: Daocheng Yading is part of the natural scenery along the southern route of the Sichuan-Tibet line. Visiting Daocheng means you’ve experienced about 70% of the beauty along this route.

Recommended Itinerary for Daocheng Yading

  • Day 1: Chengdu – Yingxiu Earthquake Site – Wolong Nature Reserve – Siguniang Mountain – Danba
  • Day 2: Danba – Yak Valley – Huiyuan Temple – Tagong Grassland – Xinduqiao
  • Day 3: Xinduqiao – Litang – Daocheng Haizishan – Shangri-La Town (Entrance to Yading Scenic Area)
  • Day 4: Shangri-La Town – Yading Village – Chonggu Temple – Luorong Pasture – Shangri-La Town
  • Day 5: Daocheng – Haizishan – Litang – Yajiang – Crossing various mountain passes on the southern Sichuan-Tibet route – Xinduqiao/Kangding
  • Day 6: Xinduqiao – Kangding Yajia Geng or Luding Dadu River – Hailuogou
  • Day 7: Hailuogou – Erlang Mountain – Ya’an – Chengdu