Daocheng Yading Travel Guide | Sichuan 5A Reserve, Three Sacred Mountains & Holy Lakes

Daocheng Yading: The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet

Overview

Daocheng Yading, officially 'Daocheng Yading National Nature Reserve', is located in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the eastern side of the Hengduan Mountains. The reserve covers a total area of 1,457.5 square kilometers, with a core scenic area of about 500 square kilometers and an average altitude exceeding 4,000 meters. In Tibetan, 'Yading' means 'land facing the sun'. The three snow-capped mountains—Xiannairi (6,032m), Yangmaiyong (5,958m), and Xianuoduoji (5,958m)—are distributed in a 'pin' character shape and are revered by Tibetan Buddhism as the 'Three Protector Deities', representing Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani respectively. In 1996, Yading was listed as a provincial nature reserve; in 2001, it was upgraded to a national nature reserve; in 2003, it was included in UNESCO's 'World Network of Biosphere Reserves'.

Geographical location: 28°20′-28°38′N, 100°10′-100°30′E, about 110 km from Daocheng county town and about 860 km from Chengdu.
Climate: Plateau monsoon climate, annual average temperature 4.5°C, annual precipitation about 600 mm, strong ultraviolet rays, large temperature difference between day and night.

Overview

Geographical location: 28°20′-28°38′N, 100°10′-100°30′E, about 110 km from Daocheng county town and about 860 km from Chengdu.

Climate: Plateau monsoon climate, annual average temperature 4.5°C, annual precipitation about 600 mm, strong ultraviolet rays, large temperature difference between day and night.

Core Attractions

I. Three Sacred Mountains

Xiannairi: Altitude 6,032m, the highest of the three, meaning 'Avalokitesvara' in Tibetan. The mountain resembles a large Buddha sitting, with snow all year round and glaciers on the north slope. The best viewing point is by Pearl Lake (Zhuoma Lacuo).

Yangmaiyong: Altitude 5,958m, meaning 'Manjushri' in Tibetan. The mountain is sharp like a sword, with elegant lines, praised by Rock as 'the most beautiful snow mountain in the world'. The best viewing point is at Luorong Cattle Farm.

Xianuoduoji: Altitude 5,958m, meaning 'Vajrapani' in Tibetan. The mountain is majestic with steep cliffs, shining golden at sunset. The best viewing point is at Chonggu Temple lawn.

II. Three Holy Lakes

Milk Lake: Altitude 4,600m, an ancient glacial lake. The water appears milky blue due to minerals, with snow mountains reflected around. It requires a hike of about 5 km from Luorong Cattle Farm, with an elevation gain of about 500m.

Five-Color Lake: Altitude 4,700m, located about 0.3 km above Milk Lake. The lake is irregularly pentagonal, showing multiple colors under sunlight refraction. It is the highest point on the circumambulation route.

Pearl Lake: Altitude 4,100m, about 1.5 km from Chonggu Temple. The water is emerald green, famous for the reflection of Xiannairi, and is the best spot for photographing the reflection of the sacred mountain.

III. Luorong Cattle Farm

At an altitude of 4,150m, it is the largest alpine pasture in the Yading scenic area, surrounded by the three sacred mountains. In summer, the meadow is lush with wildflowers, and yaks and horses are scattered around. It is the必经之地 on the way to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, and an excellent spot to view Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji. The farm offers horse rental services to Milk Lake (about 2 hours one way).

IV. Chonggu Temple

At an altitude of 3,900m, it was first built in the Yuan Dynasty and is the only temple in the Yading scenic area, belonging to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is small but well-located, backed by Xiannairi and facing Xianuoduoji, making it a classic spot for photographing the golden mountains at sunrise. Inside, there are statues of Sakyamuni and Tsongkhapa, and the murals are well-preserved.