Daocheng Yading is truly stunning.

Here's a guide to Daocheng Yading, covering pre-trip preparations, transportation, accommodation, itineraries, and more: Pre-trip Preparations - Documents: Bring your ID card and other necessary documents such as student ID, senior citizen card, etc. - Clothing: Pack a down jacket, windbreaker, thermal underwear, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof, non-slip hiking boots. - Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. - Medication: Start taking Rhodiola a week in advance. Prepare Gaoyuan An, ibuprofen, gastrointestinal medication, cold medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc. - Other items: Trekking poles, thermos, portable charger, camera, and some cash. Transportation - External transportation: You can fly directly to Daocheng Yading Airport, but altitude sickness is a concern. Driving from Chengdu via National Highway 318 + Liya Highway takes about 15 hrs. You can also take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station, which takes about 18 hrs. - Scenic area transportation: Purchase a combined ticket for entry + sightseeing bus (CNY 266/person) from Shangri-La Town to Zhaguanbeng. Electric cars are available from Chonggu Monastery to Luorong Cattle Farm (CNY 50/person for a one-way trip). Accommodation - Shangri-La Town: At an altitude of 2,900m, it offers various accommodation options, convenient dining and shopping, and is suitable for acclimatizing to the high altitude on your first night. - Yading Village: At an altitude of 4,060m, you can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains from your window, but those prone to severe altitude sickness should choose carefully. - Daocheng County: At an altitude of 3,750m, it offers good value but is a 1.5-hr drive from the scenic area. Itineraries - Short route: Zhaguanbeng - Chonggu Monastery - Pearl Lake - Xiannairi. This route takes about 3 hrs on foot and is relatively easy. You can visit the Tibetan Buddhist Chonggu Monastery and Pearl Lake at the foot of Xiannairi.  - Long route: Zhaguanbeng - Luorong Cattle Farm - Milk Lake - Five-Color Lake. The hike starts from Luorong Cattle Farm, with the entire route above 4,000m. It takes 6–7 hrs round trip and offers views of Yangmaiyong Snow Mountain, Milk Lake, and Five-Color Lake.  Food Recommendations - Yak meat: Yak hot pot, yak jerky, yak meat with highland barley, etc. The meat is tender and chewy. - Butter tea: A Tibetan specialty drink that can help alleviate altitude sickness. Available in sweet and salty flavors. - Highland barley cakes: Made with highland barley flour, these cakes are crispy and have a fragrant barley flavor. Things to Note - The scenic area is at a high altitude, so be mindful of altitude sickness. Move slowly and avoid strenuous activity. - Respect local religious beliefs and customs. For example, do not step on Mani stones, and walk clockwise when circumambulating a mountain. - The weather on the plateau is changeable, so bring rain gear and warm clothing.