Daocheng Yading Hiking Route Guide! A "Last Pure Land" Even Beginners Can Conquer

🌄 **Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Travel Guide** 🌄

---

### **🗺️ Recommended Core Routes**
1️⃣ **Long Route (1 Day)**
- **Route**: Scenic Area Entrance → Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Temple → Luorong Pasture → Milk Lake → Five-Color Lake
- **Highlights**: Highland meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains (Luorong Pasture), glacial lakes (Milk Lake), and sacred lakes with shifting colors (Five-Color Lake).
- **Tips**: Hiking takes about 6-9 hours, with altitudes over 4,500m. Start early, carry oxygen, and consider horseback riding (limited availability, requires booking) if lacking stamina.

2️⃣ **Short Route (Half-Day)**
- **Route**: Scenic Area Entrance → Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Temple → Pearl Lake
- **Highlights**: Tibetan Buddhist temple (Chonggu Temple), reflections of Mount Chenrezig (Pearl Lake).
- **Tips**: Gentle boardwalk, suitable for those sensitive to altitude sickness. Takes about 2-3 hours.

---

### **⏰ Best Time to Visit**
- **September-October**: Stunning autumn scenery with snow-capped mountains, red leaves, and blue lakes.
- **June-August**: Summer flowers in full bloom, but rainy season may affect lake colors.
- **Avoid Winter (December-March)**: Icy roads and some attractions closed.

---

### **⚠️ Important Notes**
1. **Altitude Sickness Prevention**: Take Rhodiola supplements 10 days in advance. Avoid strenuous activity upon arrival; carry oxygen and glucose.
2. **Essential Gear**: Windproof jacket, hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a thermos (high altitude is dry).
3. **Ticket Rules**: Entrance + shuttle bus costs ¥270, valid for 3 days. Re-entry requires a half-price shuttle ticket.

---

### **🍜 Food Recommendations**
- **Tibetan Flavors**: Butter tea (for warmth), dried yak meat (portable snack), barley wine (mild and sweet).
- **Local Dishes**: Fritillaria chicken (good for lungs), Tibetan fragrant pork (low-fat and crispy).

---

### **🏠 Accommodation Options**
- **Shangri-La Town**: Lower altitude (2,900m), well-equipped, ideal for rest.
- **Yading Village**: Inside the scenic area, great for sunrise/stargazing, but high altitude (4,000m+) and prone to power outages.

---

### **📸 Photo Spots**
- **Milk Lake**: At the foot of Mount Yangmaiyong, with gradient blue-green waters—best on sunny days.
- **Pearl Lake**: Reflections of Mount Chenrezig + autumn foliage, easily accessible via boardwalk.
- **Luorong Pasture**: Filming location for *I Belonged to You*, with summer flower fields and snow-capped mountains.

---

**📌 Pro Tip**: No food inside the scenic area—bring snacks! Respect local beliefs and avoid littering.

Compiled from multiple guides; check the latest updates from the scenic area. 🌿