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Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is a National Nature Reserve which is honored as the “last pure land on our blue planet”. Located in Riwa Tangship of Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, it was first introduced to the world when the famous American adventurer Joseph F. Rock published an article and photographs of Daocheng in the National Geographic in 1928. “Where in all the world is to be found scenery comparable to that which awaits the explorer and photographer!”, he wrote. The snow-capped mountains, steep cliffs, crystal clear lakes, vast pastures, as well as the dense woods compose a harmonious utopian land.

What to see?

The most important spots in the scenic area are the three sacred snow-clad mountains, Mts Chenrezig, Jambeyang and Chanadorje. They are completely separated from each other, but within a short distance, forming the shape of a triangle. The three mountains are worshipped as embodiments of three Bodhisattvas: the Bodhisattvas of Mercy, Wisdom, and Power, respectively. Local Tibetans believe that the three holy mountains protect them and if one sincerely makes pilgrimages to the three mountains, his wishes will come true.

Holy Mountains

Chenrezig, Jampayang and Chenadorje are the three holy mountains in Yading Nature Reserve. Chenrezig separate the two valleys and Jampayang and Chenadorje are in the southern valley. Three mountains are holy valley to the local Tibetan people. Three mountains are very beautiful and each is considered a Buddha. 

Mt. Jambeyang (Yangmaiyong) has an elevation of  5,958  meters and presents a holy, white appearance, very much like a pure and dignified maiden. From a distance, the lofty peak towers up into the clouds, as if the Bodhisattva of Wisdom is pointing at the sky with a sharp sword.

Mt. Chenrezig (Xiannairi), with an altitude of 6,032 meters , is the highest peak in Daocheng County. The whole peak takes the shape of an honorable Buddha who is leaning back. The Buddha, often regarded as the Bodhisattva of Mercy, sits in a lotus seat, with a giant pagoda in her arms. When the sun shines, the whole mountain is draped in a veil of golden light, presenting a really magnificent view. Waterfalls arising from snow-capped peaks rush down the hillside. Grasses, lakes, and forests display the mountain at its best. Pearl Lake (Zhenzhu Hai), at the foot of Chenrezig, and believed to be the cosmetic mirror of fairies, is an excellent spot to admire the mountain. On sunny days, you can see the reflection of Chenrezig on the lake surface.

Mt. Chanadorje (Xianuoduoji) : Described by Joseph F. Rock as a huge bat spreading its wings and the God of Thunder in Greek mythology, Mt. Chanadorje (Xianuoduoji) rises against the skyline. As high as Mt. Jambeyang, it is in the shape of a triangular pyramid, grand and precipitous, just like a handsome young man.

Mt. Jambeyang	Mt. Chenrezig	Mt. Chanadorje

Highland Lakes

Milk Lake, Wuse Lake, Pearl Lake are the three beautiful lakes in Yading. In Yading Nature Reserve, there are two valleys open for visitors. One goes from north to south and then west, this one is the longer valley where Milk Lake and Wuse Lake (5-color Lake) lie by the end of the valley at the elevation of 4000 meters. The other valley split with this at Chonggu Temple and goes west. In this valley lies Pearl Lake, a small but with turquoise water.

Peal Lake	Five-Color Lake	Snake Lake

Chonggu Monastery

At the foot of Mt. Chenrezig, is the Chonggu Monastery, which you pass on the way to the holy mountains. It is said that at one time, an eminent monk built this temple for the purpose of worshiping the three mountains. However, disease attacked the surrounding areas at that time. This selfless monk prayed day and night to the god to save the people. Finally, all the people were saved while he was sacrificed. To commemorate his great deeds, people buried him on this land and piled majestic Tibetan cairns in his memory.

Luorong Pasture 

Surrounded by rolling mountains, Luorong Pasture is the best site to view the three holy mountains. Leisurely herds of sheep and cattle enjoy the green grass, clear water and warm sunlight there. When there is a breeze, the lovely creatures are barely visible standing between flourishing grasses. It is as if some wool balls are rolling around.  In addition, the Five Color Lake (Wuse Hai) and Milk Lake (Niunai Hai) are well worth visiting.

Yading Village
Yading  Village is located in the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. Many visitors to the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area will choose to stay here. The scenery around Yading Village is beautiful, and the original natural scenery makes many tourists like it. When walking in the village, you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance, as well as the grasslands and cattle and sheep under the mountains. It is also a favorite place for photographers to shoot a lot of good photos.

How to get there?

Yading Nature Reserve is nestled in Daocheng County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, South Sichuan Province. Visitors usually start their journey to there from Chengdu, the relatively closest and largest city.

By Air:

Take a plane to Yading Airport. Upon arrival, take the airport bus to Daocheng at a fare of CNY 35 or to Shangri-la Town (also called Riwa Town), where the ticket office of Yading is located, at a fare of CNY 85. From Shangri-la, there are sightseeing buses to the scenic site. From Daocheng, you can charter a car to the scenic area; the rental fee is about CNY 250-300 per car.

By Bus:
1. Take the Daocheng bus leaving at 10:00 am from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station, at a fare of CNY 254. The bus will stop overnight in Kangding before leaving at about 06:00 the next morning and arriving in Daocheng at 18:00 on the same day. The ticket can be booked two days in advance. Upon arrival in Daocheng, it is advisable to stay overnight in the town and rent a car to the tourist site next morning.
2. Take a bus from Chengdu to Kangding. There are many long-distance buses running daily (see the table below). Duration is about 8 hours. Upon arrival in Kangding, stay overnight and take a bus from Kangding Bus Station to Daocheng at 06:00 the next morning; the fare is CNY 151. Stay overnight in the county town and rent a car to Yading next day.

Travel Tips

1. Because the altitude is as high as 12,303 feet (3,750 meters) and the air is comparatively thin, it is recommended that the elderly and infants do not travel there.
2. Take the medicine Herba Rhodiolae for a week before setting out on your journey. Take with you regular drugs as well as drugs against altitude sickness.
3. Take a scarf, sun block, lip balm, sunglasses and a sunhat to protect you from the ultraviolet rays and dry weather.
4. Take clothes and shoes suitable for hiking. It is suggested you also take a raincoat, an alpenstock and a pair of gloves.
5. Take some instant food or food with high calories, such as candy, cakes, and chocolates.
6. Throughout the trip, refrain from drinking, eat more vegetables and fruit, and avoid strenuous exercise.
7. Lighting a fire, camping, or killing animals in the reserve is not permitted.
8. Do not litter the scenic spot with batteries, plastics, etc.
9. For your safety, follow the established paths and do not enter the forbidden areas.
10. Do not pick and eat wild fruit or mushrooms.
11. Respect the local religious beliefs and customs.