June 9 Daocheng Yading Live Report | Legs like Jelly but Worth It

It's been one day since my Yading trip ended, my legs are still sore, and I have 200 photos on my phone, but I don't know which one truly captures the experience. I'm writing this 'Must-Read Before You Go' real account to help you decide if this trip is for you. 🌿Vegetation: The meadows at Luorong Pasture are lush green, with streams winding through the fluffy grass like flowing silver chains. The alpine rhododendrons along the long route have just started to bud and are expected to be in full bloom by mid-June, when the hiking trails will be surrounded by pink flower walls. 🌞Weather: Sunny. Highland weather is like a blind box, alternating between sun and rain, so it's recommended to wear a waterproof jacket. ➡Crowd: Average daily visitors: thousands. Luorong Pasture horse caravan one-way tickets (300 CNY) can be purchased on arrival, and Milk Lake offers undisturbed photo opportunities. 🎫Tickets: 146 CNY/person, Sightseeing bus: 60 CNY/person ▶ Long Route Challenge (Luorong Pasture → Milk Lake → Five-Color Lake) Distance & Time: Approx. 10 km round trip, 1000 m elevation gain, total duration: 6 hours. The first half is a gentle wooden boardwalk; after passing the 'Horse Caravan End Point', you enter the 'Devil's 1.8 km'. ▶ Short & Easy Route (Chonggu Temple → Pearl Lake) Easy Version: A 1.5-hour round-trip 'sensory feast' with forest trails covered in pine needles and the Xiannairi Snow Mountain appearing and disappearing with your steps. Pearl Lake is like a turquoise gem embedded at the foot of the mountain, reflecting the snow-capped mountain perfectly on windless days, ideal for visitors with altitude sickness or average physical fitness. 🚗Transportation Options: Self-drive vs. Group Tour Self-drive: Some sections of G318 National Highway from Chengdu to Daocheng are bumpy, so it's recommended to rent an SUV (ground clearance ≥ 18cm). Group Tour Preferred: Prioritize small private tours for 2-8 people (approx. 1K+ CNY per person). Stay in Shangri-La Town (elevation 2900 m, much better sleep quality than Yading Village). The driver can assist with purchasing direct shuttle bus tickets for the scenic area, saving you the hassle of queuing. 📅 5-Day Lazy Itinerary Reference (Copy-Paste Version) D1: Chengdu - Kangding - Airport Road - Honghaizi - Yuzixi - Xinduqiao D2: Xinduqiao - Yajiang - Tianlu Shibawan (Eighteen Bends of Sky Road) - Litang - Haizishan - Daocheng/Riwa D3: Yading Scenic Area One-Day Tour - Riwa Town/Daocheng County D4: Daocheng - Litang - Xinduqiao - Tagong - Moshi Park - Bamei/Danba D5: Bamei/Danba - Mount Siguniang - Maobiliang - Yingxiu - Chengdu 💡If you love hiking and enjoy the 'emptiness after exhaustion', Yading is worth adding to your list. The meaning of travel is never about 'checking in', but about 'knowing who you are and what kind of scenery you want to converse with'. Don't know how to explore Western Sichuan? Just tap me💬 – pure play❗small groups❗customized private car tours❗all can be arranged, plus more 2-10 day Sichuan-Tibet/Western Sichuan routes.