Kangding is More Than Just a Love Song! 7 Must-Visit Attractions in Kangding
The Sacred Snow City, Hidden Gem of Western Sichuan
Kangding, a small town nestled in western Sichuan
Is the romantic embodiment of the "Kangding Love Song"
And a poetic distant land that calls to the soul
✅ Mugecuo
Mugecuo, also known as the Kangding Love Song Scenic Area, is a highland lake with crystal-clear jade-like waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, and meadows—like an emerald jewel embedded in the plateau. The scenery here is truly breathtaking! Vast primeval forests embrace the pristine blue highland lake. Strolling along the lakeshore, you’ll feel the romance and freedom of western Sichuan—no worries, just stunning views!
✅ Tagong Grassland
Tagong Grassland, a divine-level grassland in western Sichuan and the closest grassland to snow-capped mountains. Expansive meadows stretch like green carpets, with grazing yaks and sheep scattered about. The Yala Snow Mountain looms in the clouds, while the golden roof of Tagong Monastery gleams alongside the peaks, and prayer flags chant faith in the wind. Gallop on horseback across the grassland or sit quietly at the viewing platform, watching light and shadow dance between the mountains and temples—it’s as if your soul is soothed by nature and divinity. I absolutely love this intimate connection with nature!
✅ Zheduo Mountain
Zheduo Mountain, at 4,298 meters above sea level, is the true starting point of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and hailed as the "First Pass of Kham." Traverse the winding "Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends" mountain road, with clouds rolling beneath your feet and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Snow-capped mountains loom in the distance, while prayer flags fill your immediate view. Standing at the overlook, gazing back at the path you’ve taken, you’ll sigh, "Only after crossing Zheduo Mountain do you understand the challenges of the Sichuan-Tibet route." Looking out at the peaks of Zheduo Mountain and the snow-capped summits above the clouds feels like a conversation with heaven and earth—a profound experience of nature’s power, both awe-inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful!
✅ Namu Monastery
Namu Monastery is a little-known ancient temple in western Sichuan, nestled between snow-capped mountains and river valleys. Built during the Song Dynasty, it boasts over a thousand years of history. The red-walled, golden-roofed temple is hidden among green hills, with the hum of prayer wheels and chanting cleansing the soul. The monastery houses centuries-old thangkas and Buddha statues. Climb the rear mountain for a panoramic view of Kangding, and if you’re lucky, you might witness monks debating scriptures—immersing yourself in the depth and tranquility of Tibetan Buddhism.
✅ Yajiageng
Yajiageng, at around 3,800 meters above sea level, marks the border between Kangding and Luding. The pass’s viewing platform offers a direct face-to-face with Gongga Snow Mountain, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the golden glow of sunrise on the peaks—absolutely spectacular! Along the way, you’ll encounter snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, forests, streams, rhododendrons, and red stone beaches—a feast for the eyes at every turn.
✅ Paoma Mountain
"On the galloping Paoma Mountain, a drifting cloud floats by"—turns out the Paoma Mountain from the "Kangding Love Song" really exists! Famous for the song, Paoma Mountain hides Kangding’s softest romance. Take the cable car to the summit, where a giant monument inscribed with "Kangding Love Song" stands proudly. From the top, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Kangding’s beauty, and don’t miss attractions like the Auspicious Zen Temple and Lingyun White Pagoda.
✅ Xinduqiao
Xinduqiao is a photographer’s paradise where light and shadow intertwine. Unique Tibetan houses, rolling grasslands, and towering poplar trees in autumn—all these elements combine to create a utopia that’s hard to leave. The picturesque natural scenery, enhanced by the magical play of light, makes every frame a work of art!
Kangding is more than just a love song!
It has sacred snow-capped mountains and sunlit grasslands—
Which of these highland secrets do you most want to explore with someone special?