[2025 Daocheng Hotels] Travel Guide for Ramada Encore by Wyndham Daocheng Yading (Updated Jul)

Daocheng Yading Travel Guide: - Peak Season (Apr–Nov): CNY 146/person - Off Season (Dec–Mar): CNY 120/person - Sightseeing Bus: CNY 120/person (round trip) - Electric Shuttle Bus (Chonggu Temple → Luorong Cattle Farm): CNY 70/person (round trip) 🚗 Transportation 1. How to get to Daocheng Yading? - ✈️ Airplane: Daocheng Yading Airport (world's highest civilian airport, 4,411 m). Direct flights are available from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and other cities. However, altitude sickness is common, so acclimatize in advance. - 🚌 Bus: Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station → Daocheng County (approx. 16 hrs), then take a shared ride to Shangri-La Town (1.5 hrs). - 🚗 Self-drive/chartered car (recommended): - Route 1 (Classic Route 318): Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Litang → Daocheng Yading (approx. 2 days) - Route 2 (Yunnan-Tibet Highway): Lijiang → Shangri-La → Xiangcheng → Daocheng Yading (more pristine scenery) ⚠️ Note: Be cautious when driving at high altitudes. SUVs are recommended, and snow chains should be prepared (winter). 🏔️ Recommended Core Attractions Daocheng Yading is divided into long and short routes, generally requiring 2 days to explore: 📌 Day 1: Long Route Challenge (Milk Sea + Five-Color Sea) - Route: Tourist Center → Zhaguanbeng (sightseeing bus) → Chonggu Temple → Luorong Cattle Farm (electric shuttle bus) → hike to Milk Sea (5 km)/Five-Color Sea (5.2 km) - Highlights: - Luorong Cattle Farm: Filming location of *The Ferryman*, stunning snowy mountains and meadows. - Milk Sea (4,600 m): Glacial lake with milky-white water. - Five-Color Sea (4,700 m): Reflects five colors under sunlight, a sacred lake in Tibetan areas. - Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high-altitude hiking, approx. 3–5 hrs one way) 📌 Day 2: Short Route Easy Tour (Pearl Sea + Xiannairi) - Route: Chonggu Temple → Pearl Sea (Zhumala Lake) → Xiannairi Viewing Platform - Highlights: - Pearl Sea: Reflects Xiannairi Snow Mountain, stunning autumn scenery. - Xiannairi (6,032 m): The highest of the three sacred mountains in Yading, regarded as Avalokitesvara by Tibetans. - Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (suitable for visitors with average physical fitness or altitude sickness) 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations 1. Shangri-La Town (2,900 m): Suitable for those concerned about altitude sickness, with many hotels and better conditions. - Recommendations: Ramada, Daocheng Yading Hotel 2. Yading Village (3,900 m): Inside the scenic area, convenient for the next day's tour, but prone to altitude sickness. - Recommendation: Morpheus Theme Hotel 3. Daocheng County (3,700 m): Suitable for self-drive stays, affordable prices. 🍜 Food Recommendations - Yak Hot Pot: High-altitude specialty, warms the body and combats altitude sickness. - Butter Tea/Barley Cakes: Tibetan breakfast, eases altitude sickness. - Matsutake Stewed Chicken: Fresh matsutake during the rainy season (Jul–Aug), delicious and nourishing. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: - Arrive in Daocheng 1–2 days in advance to acclimatize, avoid strenuous exercise. - Prepare oxygen tanks, Rhodiola, and ibuprofen (for headaches). 2. Weather Changes: High-altitude weather is unpredictable. Pack a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 3. Hiking Gear: - Comfortable hiking shoes, trekking poles (available for rent in the scenic area), and a raincoat. - Bring your own snacks (chocolate, energy bars). Food inside the scenic area is expensive. 4. Environmental Protection: Do not litter. Protect this sacred place. 📅 Recommended Itinerary (5 Days, 4 Nights) D1: Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao (overnight) D2: Xinduqiao → Litang → Daocheng (overnight) D3: Daocheng → Yading Scenic Area (long route, overnight in Yading Village/Shangri-La Town) D4: Yading Scenic Area (short route) → Daocheng (overnight) D5: Daocheng → Chengdu (or continue on the Western Sichuan loop) 🌟 Travel Tips ✔️ Best photography spots: Luorong Cattle Farm, Chonggu Meadow, Pearl Sea. ✔️ Money-saving tips: Discounts available with student ID/senior citizen ID. Book tickets online in advance. ✔️ Unique experiences: Horse riding (Luorong Cattle Farm → Milk Sea, approx. CNY 300/person).

🚗 【Ultimate Transportation Guide】How to reach this hidden paradise? 📍 Location: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 🛫 By Air (Fastest but beware of altitude sickness) - Direct flight to "Daocheng Yading Airport" (world's highest civilian airport at 4,411m) - Airport→Shangri-La Town: Airport shuttle (≈2hrs, 💰80) or private car (≈💰300) 🚗 Self-Drive Routes (Recommended for experienced drivers) 1. Classic Chengdu Route (5-7 days): - Chengdu→Kangding→Xinduqiao→Litang→Daocheng→Yading - Scenic stops: Zheduo Mountain, Kazila Mountain, Hare Mountain, Haizi Mountain 2. Yunnan Shangri-La Route (From Yunnan): - Shangri-La→Benzilan→Xiangcheng→Daocheng 🚌 By Bus (Budget-friendly but time-consuming) - Chengdu Xinnanmen Station→Daocheng County (≈💰298, 16hrs) - Daocheng County→Shangri-La Town (Shared taxi ≈💰50/person) --- 🏡 【Accommodation Guide】Where to stay for convenience & comfort? 🏔️ Yading Village (Inside scenic area) - Pros: Saves secondary transportation, ideal for stargazing/sunrise photography - Recommendations: - Mofan Cultural Theme Hotel (Tibetan-style with great views) - Yading Station 3 Homestay (Great value, friendly host) - Note: High altitude (4,060m), caution for altitude sickness 🏡 Shangri-La Town (Top recommendation) - Pros: Lower altitude (2,900m), complete facilities, better for acclimatization - Recommendations: - Ramada Encore Daocheng (Luxury option with oxygen rooms) - Daocheng Yading Nuannan Hotel (Floor heating + oxygen, thoughtful service) 🌌 Unique Stays - Matsutake Theme Hotel: Enjoy matsutake feast + Tibetan herbal bath - Tibetan Homestays: Immersive cultural experience (can book Tibetan meals) --- 🍽️ 【Food Guide】What to eat on the plateau? 🍲 Must-Try Highland Cuisine 1. Matsutake Chicken Stew: Seasonal delicacy (freshest July-Sept) 2. Yak Meat Hotpot🍲: Warms body & soul, combats altitude sickness 3. Butter Tea: Relieves altitude sickness, authentic Tibetan breakfast 4. Tsampa (Barley Pancake): Staple Tibetan food, perfect with yogurt 🏆 Recommended Restaurants - Shangri-La Tibetan Restaurant (Authentic Tibetan cuisine, excellent butter tea) - Huotang Renjia (Most popular yak hotpot) - Tip of the Tongue Cured Pork Knuckle (Specialty cured meat, generous portions) 💡 Dining Tips - Avoid overeating when first arriving at high altitude - Drink more hot water, less alcohol - Carry high-energy snacks like chocolate & nuts --- 📸 【Classic Itinerary】3-Day Perfect Plan Day1: Acclimatization - Arrive in Shangri-La Town, check-in - Explore town, purchase oxygen tanks/supplies - Dinner: Yak meat hotpot - Rest early to adjust to altitude Day2: Long Route Challenge (Lorong Pasture→Milk Lake→Five-Color Lake) - 7:00 Take scenic shuttle (1hr) to Zhaguanbeng - Hike/electric cart to Lorong Pasture (movie filming location) - Horse ride/hike to Milk Lake (4,600m) - Continue climb to Five-Color Lake (4,700m) - Return to Shangri-La Town by evening Day3: Short Relaxing Route (Chonggu Temple→Pearl Lake) - Visit Chonggu Temple (sacred Tibetan Buddhist site) - Hike to Pearl Lake (stunning reflection of Mt. Chenrezig) - Afternoon return or proceed to Daocheng County --- 💎 【Pro Tips】Secret strategies most don't know 📅 Best Seasons - Late Sept-mid Oct: Peak autumn colors, stable weather - May-Jun: Rhododendron blooms, fewer crowds 🎒 Essentials - Oxygen tanks (minimum 2) - Sunscreen + sunglasses + hat (extreme UV) - Windbreaker (four seasons in one day, sudden rain/snow possible) - Trekking poles (long hike lifesaver) ⚠️ Altitude Sickness Tips - Take Rhodiola supplements 1 week prior - Avoid showers/strenuous activity upon arrival - Ibuprofen for headaches, descend immediately if severe 📷 Photography Secrets - Milk Lake best light: 11:00-13:00 - Mt. Chenrezig reflection: Clearest at Pearl Lake dawn - Star photography: Yading Village 2:00-4:00 AM --- 🌟 Why does Daocheng Yading dominate social media? ✅ Ultimate scenery: Snow mountains, lakes & meadows in one frame ✅ Challenging experience: High-altitude hiking achievement ✅ Cultural charm: Perfect blend of Tibetan culture & nature ✅ Seasonal exclusives: Unique beauty every period 📌 Booking Advice - Peak season (Sept-Oct): Book rooms 1-2 months ahead - Park has visitor limits, arrive before 7:00 at ticket office

1. Songtsam Yading Mountain Lodge Key Advantages: The only hotel inside the scenic area! Wake up to panoramic views of Chenrezig and Jambeyang peaks from your window, with oxygen-enriched rooms to combat altitude sickness. Exclusive perks: Free scenic area tickets + VIP shuttle service. Luxury Experience: Enjoy snow views from your room, with butlers arranging customized routes to hidden gems like Boyongcuo Lake. Authentic yak hot pot, decent breakfast options. Pitfalls: Newly renovated—some lingering odors! Occasional fleas reported; limited and pricey breakfast; obstructed views in some rooms—confirm before booking! 2. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Key Advantages: Just a 5-minute walk to the scenic area! Oxygen-enriched rooms, surrounded by food streets and pharmacies for quick medical oxygen access. Great Value: Hearty breakfast with pasta and salads at reasonable prices. Pitfalls: Some rooms have musty/foul odors! Aging facilities—strongly recommend inspecting your room before check-in! 3. Howard Johnson Yading Key Advantages: Only 2 km from the scenic entrance! Spacious rooms with bathtubs and smart toilets for added comfort. Breakfast includes local rice noodles. Service Highlights: Free room upgrades possible at the front desk; excellent service attitude. Breakfast starts at 6:30 AM, ideal for early departures. Major Flaw: Controversial linen replacement policy—confirm cleanliness standards in advance! 4. Qianqiu Snow Boutique Hotel Key Advantages: Only 11 rooms inside the scenic area! Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed mountain views; step outside for golden sunrise vistas. Ultimate privacy. Price Fluctuations: Low season from ~¥200, surging to ¥2000+ in peak season! Value varies drastically. Pitfalls: Rooms sell out fast—book early! Peak season prices are steep; basic rooms have modest amenities. 5. Shangri-La Town (Accommodation Hub) Key Advantages: Lower altitude (~2900m) minimizes altitude sickness! Diverse lodging options for all budgets. Dining and entertainment abound. Just 10 minutes to the scenic area by car. Unique Experiences: Free trekking pole rentals, Tibetan bonfire nights, and prayer flag ambiance. Shared/private rides available to the scenic area. Pitfalls: Some hotels lack AC (fans only)! Poor soundproofing; late-night music bars can be noisy; dining costs are high—confirm AC, noise levels, and transport when booking!

Daocheng Yading: The Ultimate Guide to the "Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet" (Includes High-Altitude Survival Tips + Tibetan Code Words to Unlock the Parallel Universe of Sacred Mountains and Lakes) 📍 Decoding the Hidden Paradise Location: Core area of the Hengduan Mountains, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, western Sichuan. Altitude: 2,000–6,032 meters. Tibetan meaning: "Land Facing the Sun." A "Shangri-La" paradise guarded by the Three Sacred Mountains (Chenrezig/Jampelyang/Chana Dorje). 🌡 Survival Guide: May Conditions: Average daily temperature 5–15°C. Snow-capped mountains not yet melted, alpine rhododendrons in bloom. Must-pack: windbreaker, fleece, and lightweight down jacket. Golden Window: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (last shuttle at 5:30 PM). For long hikes, reach Luorong Pasture by 12:00 PM. Altitude Sickness Mystery: High risk at 4,411m airport. Avoid strenuous activity upon arrival. Pack rhodiola and oxygen cans (¥50/tank in scenic area, ¥15 at Zhenjiangguan pharmacies). 🏔 Sacred Mountains & Lakes Folding Guide ❶ Long Hike: 5-hour extreme challenge (Luorong Pasture → Milk Lake → Five-Color Lake) 📸 Must-Shot Spots: - Milk Lake: 4,500m altitude, glacier meltwater in Tiffany blue. Best light before 12:00 PM. Capture mountain reflections with drone low-angle shots. - Five-Color Lake: 4,600m altitude, multicolor gradients when weather shifts. Clouds disperse after 3:00 PM for perfect shots. - Luorong Pasture: 4,150m altitude, at the foot of Jampelyang. Tibetan log cabins + yak herds + streams. Use wide-angle for panoramas. 💣 Black Hole Warning: Scenic area mules cost ¥300/one-way (only to Sheshen Cliff). Remainder: 1.8km steep hike. Rain brings mud + manure → waterproof hiking boots + crampons essential. Drones banned in sacred core zones (religious taboo). Violators face copying scriptures 10x. ❷ Short Hike: 2-hour leisurely walk (Chonggu Temple → Pearl Lake) 📸 Must-Shot Spots: - Pearl Lake: 4,100m altitude, reflections of Chenrezig. Mirror-like surface before 8:00 AM. Use phone telephoto for mountains + autumn foliage. - Chonggu Temple: 3,900m altitude, 800-year-old Gelug monastery. Murals + prayer wheels + chanting. Must for cultural photography. 🤖 Cyber Play: AR filter "Sacred Mountain Apparition" adds Buddha halo effects to teammates in real time. ❸ Hidden Gems: Tibetan Local Flavor 🌾 Echu Mountain: Autumn red grasslands + poplar forests. Prime spot for Tibetan costume photos (¥30/hour rental). 🛁 Rubuchaka Hot Springs: Natural sulfur springs at 3,700m. Soak to recover (¥30 entry, free at homestays). 🌌 Stargazing: Yading Village has zero light pollution. Milky Way visible—bring tripods for sacred mountain + star trail shots. 🍲 Tibetan Energy Boosters 🥘 Must-Eat: - Yak Hotpot: "Snowland Tibetan Home" near scenic area. ¥98/person. Broth with matsutake + cordyceps. Tender meat. - Butter Tea: "Tashi Delek" teahouse in Shangri-La Town. Sweet/salty combo. Fights altitude sickness. - Tsampa: Homemade barley cakes with yak cheese curds. Breakfast power pack. 💣 Scam Alerts: - Scenic area instant noodles: ¥15/cup (hot water only) → bring self-heating meals + braised snacks. - Tibetan village "luxury butter tea scams" → stick to roadside stalls (¥5/cup). 🏨 Tibetan Folding Spaces 🛌 Luxury Tier: - Ramada Encore Daocheng Yading: Near entrance. Heated floors + oxygen rooms. ¥1,200/night. - Jianshan Hotel: 270° mountain views. Free airport pickup. ¥1,500/night. 🏡 Local Immersion: - Holiday Inn Express: Downtown Shangri-La. Walk to entrance. ¥500/night. - Tashi Kangsar Homestay: In Yading Village. Stargazing rooms + Tibetan attire. ¥300/night. 📸 Tibetan Code Photography 🌄 Must-Shoot Scenes: - Three Sacred Mountains sunrise: Arrive at Chonggu Meadow by 6:00 AM. Telephoto for golden peaks. - Luorong Pasture Milky Way: Turn off all lights after 11:00 PM. 20-second exposure for star trails. - Village life: Candid shots of elders praying + kids playing. Add Tibetan watermark. 🤖 Cyber Play: - Time-lapse "Sacred Mountains Through Seasons": Compress daylight changes into 10-second ink-wash animation. - Panorama "Daocheng Scroll": 180° shot from Chonggu Temple to Milk Lake. 💣 Ultimate Avoidance Rules 🌧 Weather Mysteries: - No light-colored bags in rain → mossy trails turn them "camouflage." - SPF50+ mandatory → UV penetrates clouds, burns neck creases. 👥 Team Rules: - Long hikes require groups → prevent hypothermia. Carry glucose oral solution. - No solo trips → no signal. Getting lost triggers altitude sickness. 🌿 Eco-Bans: - No chemical sunscreen → harms travertine. Use physical sunscreen only. - Pack out trash → or collect 5kg of mani stones as penalty. 🏮 Tibetan Code Cheat Sheet 👔 Gear: 3-layer system (base + fleece + shell) + waterproof boots + crampons + trekking poles. 🗣 Lingo: ✅ "Tashi Delek" = Tibetan blessing. ✅ "Gongkam Sang" = Hello. ✅ "Gaboche" = Thank you. 🍜 Code Words: ✅ Tsampa = Energy bar. ✅ Barley Wine = Tipsy hack. ✅ Butter Sculptures = Religious art. 🌶 Survival Quick Notes 🧳 Packing List: UV sleeves + "The Tibet Code" book + portable oxygen. ⚠ Etiquette: ✅ Don’t touch mani piles → disrupts blessings. ✅ Don’t feed wildlife → ecological imbalance. ✅ No middle finger at sacred peaks → triggers NPC curse. (After leaving Daocheng, your camera now carries the DNA of sacred peaks—ready for the next soul adventure!)

✨🌍Daocheng Yading, a paradise on earth that will haunt your dreams! It is located in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in the middle of the Hengduan Mountains. 🚩Day 1: 🌄Morning: Set off for Daocheng Yading with the first ray of sunshine in the morning. As soon as you enter the scenic area, you can feel the fresh air and the stunning natural scenery. First, go to Chonggu Temple, an ancient temple that looks particularly solemn and majestic against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains🧘‍♀️. 🍱Noon: Taste local specialties in the nearby rest area, such as barley cakes, which are crispy and sweet with the aroma of barley😋. 🌃Evening: Stay at the largest hotel in the area - Ramada Encore by Wyndham Daocheng Yading. The hotel features beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains, cozy and comfortable rooms, and attentive service, making you feel at home🏨. 🚩Day 2: 🌄Morning: Get up early and go to Milk Lake, where the water is clear and blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, as if you are in a fairyland. 🍱Noon: Eat some simple dry food you prepared to replenish your energy. 🌃Evening: Return to the hotel, take a hot bath, and relieve the fatigue of the day. 🎫6 must-visit attractions: Chonggu Temple: A long history and unique architectural style🕍, where you can feel the strong religious atmosphere. Milk Lake: The lake is as blue as milk, breathtakingly beautiful💙. Five-Color Lake: It presents colorful colors under the sunlight🌈. Pearl Lake: The lake is green, like a pearl inlaid in the mountains. Luorong Pasture: You can see herds of cattle and sheep and feel the harmony of nature🐄. Xiannairi: The snow-capped mountains are magnificent, sacred, and solemn🏔️. 🚌Transportation guide: You can choose to take a plane to Daocheng Yading Airport, and then take the airport bus to the scenic area. In the scenic area, you can choose to hike or take a sightseeing bus. 🍜Local food: Butter tea: The rich aroma of milk and tea is mixed, and a sip will warm your whole body🥤. Yak meat: The meat is tender and juicy, with a rich taste and endless aftertaste🐂. Tibetan fragrant pork: The meat is fragrant, fatty but not greasy. Yogurt: The taste is rich, sweet and sour, helps digestion, and is delicious😜. Barley wine: The aroma of the wine is overwhelming, and it has a unique flavor. Tsampa: Rich in nutrients and very filling. Kumis: The taste is unique and worth a try. 💕Daocheng Yading is a place you don't want to leave once you come. The beautiful scenery here is intoxicating, and the food is unforgettable. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go on a trip!

Ramada Encore Hotel (Daocheng Yading Branch) Renovated in 2017 / Free parking / VIP channel check-in 70 meters southwest of Jianhua Shopping Mall on Provincial Highway 216, Shangri-La Town, entrance to Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Approximately 5.7 kilometers by car from the Ganzi Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, about 10 minutes