Daocheng Yading — a high-plateau nature reserve of snow peaks, turquoise lakes and golden meadows, nicknamed 'the last Shangri-La'.
Daocheng sits in western Sichuan's Tibetan plateau, gateway to the Yading Nature Reserve, where three snow peaks tower over glacial lakes and autumn-gold meadows.
It's remote and high — altitude is the real challenge — but the scenery is among China's most jaw-dropping.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Daocheng.
Three sacred snow peaks and glacial lakes at 4,000m+; a long day of walking.
¥146 + shuttleA turquoise alpine lake beneath Chenrezig peak.
IncludedA Tibetan plateau town and acclimatisation stop.
FreeDaocheng has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
Highland yak, dried or stewed.
Salty Tibetan butter tea.
Warming noodle soup.
Roasted barley flour, a Tibetan staple.
Quiet plateau evenings.
Trekkers swapping photos.
Some homestays host evening fires.
Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY) — one of the world's highest, ~1h from Chengdu.
Long scenic drives from Kangding or Litang.
Shuttle buses from the gate.
Acclimatise a day in town first.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Acclimatise here before the reserve.
Inside the reserve, closer to trails.
Cultural, basic comfort.
Serious photographers and trekkers chasing alpine scenery at 4,000m+.
