Top Daocheng County Tourist Attractions and Things To Do Rated on TripAdvisor
Overview
Daocheng County, located in Sichuan Province, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and diverse ecosystems. Situated on the Tibetan Plateau, it seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, making it a prime destination for travelers.
All Things To Do in Daocheng Yading
Explore Yading Nature Reserve
Yading Nature Reserve is a vast natural park near the Yunnan border, often considered the heart of the mythical Shangri-La. It features stunning lakes like Milk Lake and Pearl Lake, alongside the sacred mountains Chenrezig, Jampayang, and Chenadorje. Visitors often engage in multi-day treks to fully appreciate its beauty.
Yading Middle Kora Trek
This challenging multi-day trek follows the historic foot trails of Joseph Rock. It offers breathtaking views and immerses trekkers in the stunning landscapes of Yading, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Yading Small Kora Trek
The Small Kora is a circuit trek around the holy mountain Chenrezig, known as “Zhuanshan” in Tibetan. This trek allows visitors to experience the spiritual significance of the area while enjoying picturesque views.
Photography
Yading is a paradise for photographers, especially in autumn when the foliage turns golden. Key photography spots include Pearl Lake and Milk Lake, where the stunning scenery provides ample opportunities for capturing the perfect shot.
Hiking and Trekking
Known as the “Shambala of Tibet,” Yading attracts hikers with its picturesque valleys and turquoise lakes. Day hikes are popular, as well as longer treks that delve deeper into the stunning landscapes.
Golden Fall Color
In October, the trees and forests of Daocheng Yading transform into vibrant hues of yellow and gold, drawing many visitors eager to experience this seasonal spectacle.
Haizi Shan (Haizi Mountain)
This area features stunning mountain and lake landscapes, often overlooked by tourists. It’s a scenic stop on the journey from Litang to Daocheng.
Daocheng Yading-based Tours
With the recent airport development, access to Daocheng Yading has improved significantly, allowing for quicker travel and various tour options.
Muli Monastery
Located southwest of Daocheng, this monastery is surrounded by a diverse cultural tapestry of Tibetan and other ethnic groups.
Shangri-La Town
Serving as the gateway to Yading Nature Reserve, Shangri-La Town (or Riwa) offers travelers a taste of local culture and hospitality.
Yading Village
Nestled in the reserve, this small village embodies the spirit of “last Shangri-La,” surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Resongtso (Soka Lake) and Langtso (Frog Lake)
These scenic lakes are less frequented by tourists but offer peaceful spots to enjoy the landscape and wildlife.
Echushan
A less commercialized mountain pass that provides great views of the Yading mountains without the crowds.
Kasi Valley
Also known as Kasi Hell Valley, it serves as the starting point for camping treks into Yading Park.
Chonggu Temple and Luorong Yak Ranch
These sites offer cultural experiences and serve as starting points for hikes to Milk Lake and other attractions.
Holy Mountains: Mt. Jampayang, Mt. Chenadorje, and Mt. Chenrezig
Each of these sacred peaks holds cultural significance and provides stunning vistas for hikers and photographers.
Lakes of Yading: Milk Lake, Snake Lake, Wuse Lake, and Pearl Lake
These lakes are the highlights of the park, each offering unique beauty and excellent opportunities for exploration and photography.
Daocheng County and Yading Nature Reserve provide a wealth of activities and attractions for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, making it a truly remarkable destination.