Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

Overview
Yading is a national level reserve in Daocheng County, in the southwest of Sichuan Province, China. The reserve covers an area of 1,344 square kilometers (134,400 hectares), with Chenrezig being its highest peak at 6,032 meters above sea level. It is known as one of China's oldest and best-preserved alpine ecosystems. The reserve's particular geographical environment, in addition to its alpine springs, carries with it a rather humid climate with rich vergetation covering the land, creating unique scenic sights.

It is a mountain sanctuary and major Tibetan pilgrimage site comprising three peaks sanctified by the 5th Dalai Lama. The peaks are seen as emanations of the three boddhisatvas Chenrezig, Jampayang and Chenadorje, with Chenrezig being the highest peak at 6032 meters above sea level. It is served by Daocheng Yading Airport.

Highlights of Yading Nature Reserve
Yading's amazing scenery has won itself the titles of "the last Shangri-La" and "the last pure land on the blue planet." In October, red, yellow and green trees form a dazzling autumn vista at Yading Nature Reserve Park, which is now attracting a host of visitors seeking "the last Shangri-la" in China. Beauty has its price. Perched on the 4,000-meter-high plateau in western Sichuan Province, Daocheng County's brilliant vistas come at the price of a difficult journey at high altitudes, along rutted mountain roads and across endless wind-swept plains.

There are no airports or railways, just a winding road that's constantly under repair and more closely resembles a roller-coaster ride: The road passes through a 4,176-meter-long tunnel through Erlang Mountain and skirts several 4,000 to 5,000-meter-high snow-capped mountains. If the road is passable and the vehicle you are traveling in is in good working order, it is a bumpy two-day plus trip from Chengdu, the provincial capital, to Daocheng, which is near the Sichuan-Tibet border -- during which one invariably develops a throbbing headache from the altitude. But its remote location and the daunting journey to get there have kept the hordes away, allowing Daocheng to maintain its pristine beauty.

Where to stay in Yading
In Yading Village, there are several very basic Tibetan-style guesthouses to stay at that have clean rooms and serve basic Tibetan and Chinese dishes. There are no hotels or guesthouses beyond Yading Village.

Where to camp for trekkers
The only place to camp is past Milk Lake on the back side of the First Col. It is not possible to camp at Chong Gu Monastery, Luorong Grasslands, Milk Lake or anywhere else before the First Col. This means you will need to set up camp on the BACK side of Yading, quite far from the main entrance. Read further down this post for a detailed trekking guide as well as my recommendation on where to camp.'

Travel Information
Address: Inside Jiuzhaigou Park, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Ticket Price:150 RMB valid for three days (2 visits); Sightseeing bus ticket: 120 RMB (first visit) , 60RMB (second visit)
Opening Time: 08:30-17:00
Time for visiting:

How to Get to Daocheng Yading Natural Reserve from Chengdu
By Air
Taking a plane is undoubtedly the most convenient and comfortable way to travel. There are 2-3 flights between Chengdu and Daocheng Yading every day. The flights depart from Chengdu Shangliu international Airport at 7:20, 8:35, 10:05 and arrive in Yading Airport at 8:35, 8:45, 11:20. It only takes one hour.

By Long-distance Bus
Taking bus is one of relatively cheap and convenient way to get to Yading. There is only one direct bus leaving for Daocheng Yading every day. The bus departs at 10:00 a.m. from Chengdu Xin Nan Men Bus Station. And it takes almost 2 days (22 hours) to take you to the destination.

By Private Transfer
Car Rental is a common way for traveling in Sichuan, for most of the road outside Chengdu is winding mountain roads. Traveling by chartering a car would be more comfortable than taking the public coach.

Daocheng Yading Travel FAQ
1. Is there direct flight from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading? I am looking for a comfortable way due to travel with elderly.
Yes, there are serveral direct flight from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading, it is the most comfortable and convenient way. All the fights depart in the morning between 6:20 am and 10:00 am. It is a one-hour trip. Once you arrive, it takes another 2 hours to Yading National Reserve from airport.

2. How much is the entrance ticket of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve? Will be expensive to experience the horse riding there?
The ticket price is 270RMB per person inlcudes main entrance and sightseeing vehilce in the nature reserve. Battery car between Chonggu Pasture and Luorong Pasture chagres 80RMB/person for a round trip. If you wan to experience the horse riding when you take a Dacheng Yading tour, costs around 500RMB/person for a round trip between Luorong Pasture and Milk Road.

3. Could you advise me how to plan a hiking trip to Yading Scenic Area?
Firstly, you should choose a good time to hiking on Daocheng Yading, the best season to hike in Yading is from May to October although April and November it is also available. To plan a hiking trip to Yading, you will need a minimum of 3 days: one day fly in and acclimatize, second day walking in the park and the third day fly out or transfer to another destination. When you pack for this hiking trip, you should preapre the comfortable hiking boots, hiking hat, Jacket/windbreaker, Base layer/T-shirt, Walking trousers, Thermals, Fleece, Socks, Daypack, Waterproof, Sunglasses, Sun block and other personal daily needs.

4. If i want to take a Daocheng Yading tour, which city should i arrive in China?
We highly recommend you arrive in Chengdu, then take flight or car from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading. It is located in southwestern part of Sichuan Province and about 860km away from Chengdu, the provincial capital. It takes 1 hour flight from Chengdu and around 14 hours by car. Most of tourists will plan to travel to Dacheng Yading from Chengdu.

5. Does your Daocheng Yading tour from Chengdu includes accommodation? Is Riwa Town a good place to stay for traveling?
Normally, accommodation is included in our Daocheng Yading Package Tour, 3 star, 4 star or 5 star hotel are available. We will give some hotel options before you confirmed the package with us. You can aslo make your own hotel reservation. There are three areas for you to choose from: Riwa, Yading Village, and Daocheng County. Riwa Town is located between Daocheng & Yading, it takes around 10 mins drive to Yading. It is a ideal place to stay for it's convenient location.

6. My girlfriend and I live in Shanghai and can speak a little Chinese, will it be difficult to travel Dacheng Yading by ourselves?
There is no direct flight from Shanghai to Daocheng Yading, you need to transit in Chengdu. If you only can speak a little Chinese, we highly suggest you book a tour with Sichuan local travel agent, almost people there can't speak English, even clear Chinese since there are lots of Tibetan villages. On the other hand, Daocheng Yading is one of the most remote wander lands in China, it is far and difficult to access. 

7. I have a problem with my knee, is there any easy hiking trail suitable for me?
There are various hiking trails in Yading Nature Reserve, you can do Chonggu Monastery- Pearl Lake -Xiannairi viewpoint -and back this route if you have walking problem. It takes about 2 hours to walk. The trail is generally easy and peaceful, given that most tourists pick the tram for this section.

8. Is it possible to do a 3 days Daocheng Yading Tour from Chengdu? Due to my limited travel time.
It is possible to visit Dacheng Yading in 3 days. On the first day, take one hour flight from Chengdu, head straight to Yading, finish Frog Lake hike if there is time. In the next day, full day explore Daocheng Yading Nature Reseve, such as Chonggu Meadow, Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, Five Color Lake and others, drive you back to Dacheng after the tour. On the third day, take morning flight back to Chengdu.