Daocheng Yading Scenic Area

Introduction

Situated in the Southwest of Sichuan Province at 860 km away from Chengdu. Daocheng and Yading are two different places but when touring these two locations are usually put together. Daocheng Yading is known as the remaining Shangri-La and the holy land under the sun. The scenic area was once low profile but became widely known when Joseph Rock, a famous American botanist published pictures of it on the National Geographic Magazine. In July 2003, Yading was officially listed as a UNESCO site, World Network of Man and Biosphere Reserves.

Things and activities to do on a visit

This scenic area is ideal for hiking, camping, cycling, photography and unwinding.

Three Holy Peaks

The three holy peaks in Yading are Chenrezig (Xianairi), Jampayang (Yangmaiyong) and Chenadorje (Xianuoduoji).  The three peaks are very beautiful and each one has considered a Buddha blessed in the 18th century by Buddha Padmasambhava and even the Tibetans respect their existence. These holy peaks are believed to fulfill wishes and dreams once you pay pilgrimage to them 3 times in life. The peaks are separated from each other and form a triangular shape.

Xianniari is the highest peak at a height of 6,032 meters and is in the shape of a leaning Buddha often known as the Bodhisattva of Mercy. When the sun shines, the whole mountain is draped in a veil of golden light, presenting a really magnificent view.

Yangmaiyong appears white and stands at 5,958 meters above sea level towering up the sky and clouds with a sharp peak pointing up. The peak is home to the Bodhisattva of Wisdom with forests, gorges, streams and grasslands.

Xianuoduoji has the same altitude with the Yangmaiyong and is in the shape of a triangular pyramid, very precipitous and grand rising against the skyline.

Luorong Pasture

This is the place where ecology and humans live in harmony and is also the best place to see the three peaks especially Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji Peaks and it sits at 4,200 meters above sea level. It is also a popular stop in Yading scenic region surrounded by the Three Mountains of God with River Gongga streaming through it and dotted with Tibetan architecture.

Chonggu Temple

Chonggu Temple is located at the foot of the Xiannairi Mountain and was built 800 years ago in the Yuan Dynasty. The temple looks like an appealing poetic picture and is an important relic of local religion. Tourists come here to unwind and see Lamas mediating and reading prayer books. To commemorate the great deeds of a famous monk, locals buried him on this land and piled majestic Tibetan cairns in his memory.

Pearl Lake (Zuomalacuo lake)

The Pearl Lake is a cosmetic mirror of fairies and is located at the foot of Xiannairi Peak. It is full of crystal blue waters and looks like a lotus pool surrounded by wildflowers. Pearl Lake has an excellent spot to admire the mountain and on sunny days the reflection of the mountain can be seen on the lake surface resembling the color of jade.

Five-color Lake

Five-color Lake sits at 4600 meters in elevation right at the base of the south face of Mt. Chenresig. Its location is between Xianairi and Yangmaiyong snow mountain and the refraction of light on the water is what makes the lake appear in five different bright colors. There are piles of prayer stones around the lake that are draped in prayer flags.

Milk Lake

The Milk Lake is a stunning glacier-fed lake on the south end of Mt. Chenresig and at the top of the lake are the three holy lakes in Yading with an elevation of 4,600 meters. The lake is shaped like a water drop full of crystal blue water and seated next to the snow mountain.