Sights in Daocheng Yading

Banghe and Sela are the best places to photograph poplar forests. Although Daocheng is full of beautiful scenery, the color contrast here is undoubtedly the most vivid. On a sunny day, the scenery at dusk and sunrise is thrilling, with blue sky, white clouds, boxwood, red grass, snow-capped mountains and green water, which are all breathtakingly beautiful.

Banghe is located near the county seat, between the villages of Sangdui and Sela. The pastoral scenery along the road is fascinating, and the view is best at sunset.

Sela, meaning "bright land" in Tibetan, gets its name from its open, sunny terrain. Located south of the county seat, it is home to a large Tibetan settlement. The Sela grasslands, with their expansive terrain and gentle slopes, are shrouded in mist in the morning light.

Ten thousand mu (approximately 10,000 mu) of artificially planted poplar trees have been planted along the riverbanks surrounding Daocheng County (visible along the road to Riwa Township). These trees, rarely seen in cold temperate plateaus, transform into a dazzling golden hue in autumn, appearing particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the blue sky, white clouds, and riverbank.

Rewu Temple, located in Sela Township, Daocheng County, 10 kilometers from the county seat, was built in the early Ming Dynasty and boasts a history of over 600 years. The temple is divided into the Upper Rewu Temple and the Lower Rewu Temple. The Upper Rewu Temple belongs to the White Sect, while the Lower Rewu Temple is the oldest temple of the Flower Sect in Daocheng County. The temple currently houses 10 precious cultural relics, including gold-painted thangka paintings, Buddha statues, and Buddhist utensils.

Zhalang Temple is located in the village of Pa'ya, northwest of Banghe Township, Daocheng County, 15 kilometers from the county seat. North of the temple lies Zhalang Mountain, which resembles a lion, hence the name Zhalang Temple. Founded by Qu Piweire, a disciple of Zhugong Qupo, the temple boasts a 600-year history and is the largest Huajiao temple in Daocheng County. It was one of the few temples in southern Kangxi that survived the Cultural Revolution. The temple currently houses several pagodas and Buddha statues brought from India by Qu Piweire.

Sangdui Township lies 28 kilometers northwest of Daocheng County. Pastures stretch out flat along the highway, with a river flowing quietly through them. In the distance, villages, herders, and cattle and sheep are scattered among the rolling hills, presenting a scene of tranquility and peace.

On the way from Daocheng to Sangdui, you'll pass Daocheng's famous "Red Grass Beach." This is a highly seasonal sight, appearing only in autumn for a brief period of just a dozen days (early October). During this time, the lakes and marshes are covered in red weeds, creating a vibrant, vibrant, and intoxicating spectacle.

Haizi Mountain is a Sichuan Provincial Nature Reserve located in the northern plateau of Daocheng County. It contains the largest ancient glacial relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The reserve boasts the highest average altitude wetland in Sichuan Province, boasting the most and densest concentration of alpine lakes. It is also the most typical, best-preserved, and largest area of ​​ancient glacial landforms on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is a woody swamp wetland dominated by shrubs.

Xiongdeng Temple, also known as Yangdeng Temple, is a Yellow Sect temple located east of Daocheng, 10 kilometers from the county seat. It sits on a hillside near Lengba Village at an altitude of 4,103 meters. Built in 1415, the 13th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, it boasts a history of over 570 years. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple suffered extensive damage. Between 1986 and 1990, restoration efforts were underway, resulting in the construction of a three-story hall spanning over 3,000 square meters. The central hall features a magnificent Buddha statue hall with 88 towering pillars. Additionally, there are 87 large and small Zhakhongs (residences for lamas and zabas).

Gongga Langjiling Temple, also known as Gongling Temple, means "Snow Mountain Continent" in Tibetan. It is the largest Yellow Sect temple in Daocheng. Founded by Jiabu Kangzhu Luorong Dianhui in 1642, the 15th year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty, the temple is located 60 km south of the county seat at an altitude of 3,335 meters. It faces the Chitu River and backs onto Mount Asi. The temple houses a statue of the "Xiangba" Buddha, donated by the Fifth Dalai Lama, as well as two prayer wheels dating back over 300 years.

The Black Sea, at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, lies northeast of the county seat, 6 kilometers away. Its waters are predominantly black and unfathomable. The shores are dotted with sandy beaches and wind-pressed rock formations. In spring and autumn, azaleas, geraniums, and other flowers adorn the waters. Wildlife such as pheasants, hares, bears, sheep, and donkeys can be seen everywhere.

The Milk Lake, also known as Errongcuo, is the first of the three sacred lakes in Aden. Shaped like a drop of water, its waters are crystal clear and azure, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake's white edge gives it the name "Milk Lake." Visitors can rent horses from the Luorong Ranch to reach the Milk Lake, a round trip of about three hours, or a five-hour hike.

The Five-Colored Lake gets its name from the five different colors it produces when light refracts. Its Tibetan names are "Mudi Co" and "Dan Zeng Cuo." Located between Xiannairi and Yangmaiyong, at an altitude of 4,600 meters, it has a circular surface. It is a renowned sacred lake in Tibet (praised in Buddhist scriptures as being on par with Yamdrok Lake in Tibet), and is said to be able to "replay history and predict the future," embodying numerous religious legends.

At 4,150 meters above sea level, Luorong Ranch is surrounded by three snow-capped peaks and serves as a high-altitude pasture for nearby villagers. The Gongga River flows through the pasture, and streams gurgle through the forests. Here, herds of cattle and sheep enjoy abundant sunshine, lush meadows, and pristine lake water.

Xiannairi is one of the three sacred mountains in the Yading Nature Reserve. It is distributed in the shape of a Chinese character "品" with the other two sacred mountains: Yangmaiyong and Xianaduoji. It is the highest of the three peaks in Yading, with an altitude of 6,032 meters. It is majestic and magnificent, reaching into the sky.

Xiannairi, meaning "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva," is the northern peak of the "Three Lords" snow-capped mountains and ranks second in Buddhist status. Xiannairi Peak is 10 degrees north, facing the Big Dipper to the west (considered auspicious by both Buddhism and Taoism). The entire snow-capped mountain is shaped like a circular cirque, sloping downward, so when viewed from either side, the peak always faces us. Xiannairi exudes a noble aura. Its summit, perpetually covered in snow, resembles a reclining Buddha, proudly seated on a lotus pedestal, cradling a massive pagoda. Sunlight casts a dazzling golden glow upon the sacred mountain.

Yangmai Yong, meaning "Manjushri Bodhisattva" in Tibetan, is the southern peak of the "Three Protectors" snow-capped mountains. At 5,958 meters above sea level, it is ranked first among the Three Protectors in Buddhism. Manjushri Bodhisattva is the embodiment of wisdom in Buddhism. The snow-capped peak resembles the sword of wisdom in Manjushri's hand, pointing to the heavens. The pure and clean Yangmai Yong stands proudly between heaven and earth. In 1928, while gazing at Yangmai Yong amidst the mountains bordering Daocheng, Yunnan, Mr. Rock was captivated by its sanctity and nobility. He wrote in his diary, "She (Yangmai Yong) is the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen in the world." Yangmai Yong resembles a young girl, serene and dignified.

Shanuoduoji, meaning "Vajrapani Bodhisattva," is the eastern peak of the Three Protectors Snow Mountain, rising 5,958 meters above sea level and ranking third among the Three Protectors Snow Mountain. Its main peak is a triangular pyramid, the closest in shape to a pyramid among the three. Sharp ridges wind along its flanks, with the side facing away from the light appearing dark, a sharp, defined line against the blue sky.

Chonggu Temple, located at an altitude of 3,900 meters at the foot of the Xiannairi Snow Peak, is a temple whose founding date is unknown. The temple has been severely damaged, with only a few ruins remaining.

Chonggu Temple is affiliated with Gongga Langjiling Temple. A Zhaba from the Genghe Living Buddha's sect chants Buddhist scriptures here, and a clay statue of Buddha is enshrined in the small scripture hall. On the mountain opposite Chonggu Temple, there's an ancient retreat for monks, built on a steep cliff. If you're interested and have the stamina, you might want to explore it along the trail. The hiking trail from Longtongba to Chonggu Temple is also beautiful, a sight you won't be able to see from horseback.

Chonggu Grassland, a large U-shaped glacier valley, is a natural bonsai, composed primarily of grasslands, forests, streams, and Mani piles. From this spot, you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Xiannairi and Xana Dorje, a sight that will leave you marveling at the grandeur and wonder of nature.

This area was originally a glacial lake, formed when the glacial lake at the foot of Xiannairi burst its banks and washed away the lake here, resulting in the current topography. Chonggu Grassland is also a must-go place to Chonggu Temple, Xiannairi, Shengshuimen, and Luolong Cattle Farm.

Pearl Lake, known as Zhuoma Lacuo in Tibetan, is a lake formed by the melting snow of Xiannairi. Nestled in the dense forest, Pearl Lake resembles an emerald gem set on a lotus throne, its shimmering emerald waters radiating an infinite beauty. In spring, azaleas bloom brilliantly along the lake's edge, while in autumn, the forests are ablaze with colors, reflecting a dazzling world of colors that will leave you breathtaking.

Zhuoma is a transliteration of the Tibetan word "Dum," meaning "fairy." Therefore, Zhuoma Lacuo is also called "Dumhai," which translates to "Fairy Lake" in Chinese. Located at the foot of Xiannairi, it was originally a large lake, but after the dam burst, the lake shrank to the present-day "Zhuoma Lacuo."

Echu Mountain is like a beautiful fairy sitting in the clouds. The southern part is the high mountain canyon area, and the northern part is the Echu Canyon, which sets off the beautiful small mountain village with a gentle terrain. The vegetation around Echu Mountain is lush, among which the Ramgren District is the largest forest area in Daocheng.

Mount Ochu is at its most beautiful in October. When the first frost of October descends upon the peaks and valleys of Mount Ochu, the forests and pine forests below the snowline transform into a vibrant array of autumn colors. From the summit of Mount Ochu, the view overlooking the three sacred mountains of Yading is truly magnificent.

The Gongga Silver Valley originates from the Milk Lake between Yangmaiyong and Xiannairi. It flows through Luolongnianchang, Gongga Chonggu, Longtongba, and finally merges into the Requ River at Kanggu, stretching approximately 25 kilometers. From Kanggu to the Milk Lake, it captures the essence of Yading, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of Yading along this river.

Gongga Yingou crosses different landforms from 2,800 meters to 5,000 meters. It is subject to these ever-changing landforms and presents a variety of postures.