Just returned from Moon Lake, and I have some heartfelt tips and travel advice to share with you (includes a comprehensive guide)

📍Moon Lake🌙 "Half earthly charm to soothe the soul, half mountains and lakes to cleanse the spirit" They say half of Sichuan's beauty lies in Western Sichuan, and half of Western Sichuan's charm is hidden in Ganzi. When you step into Moon Lake, you'll encounter vast green meadows, with snow-capped mountains in the distance🏔, horses grazing leisurely🐎, and the murmuring streams whispering tales of tranquility... This is a paradise where the soul finds its rest. 🧾Complete Travel Guide: 🧭Navigation Tip: Moon Lake Lotus Sea Forest Park 📍Hidden Gem: Located in Pusharong Township, Kangding County, nestled in a secluded valley at 3,000m altitude 🚗Transportation Guide: ▪️About 7 hours drive from Chengdu, or 2 hours from Xinduqiao (sedans beware—some sections are bumpy like a washboard!) ▪️From the parking lot to the core area, it's a 40-minute hike or a leisurely horseback ride 🛣️Road Conditions: Paved roads all the way, making it accessible even for sedans 🎫Ticket Info: 🔸Village entry fee: 💰25/person, parking fee: 💰10/day 🔸After entering the village, a minivan can take you to Lotus Lake🪷. Round-trip to the hot springs costs 💰160, one-way 💰100, but hiking offers its own unique charm 🚏Playbook: 🌲Moon Lake loop is about 5km with no uphill climbs—perfect for a relaxed stroll✌ 🌲Recommended route: enter from the right, exit from the left. The right side hugs the lake with picturesque views, ideal for photos📸; the left side has wider paths for easier walking👍 🌲Beyond Moon Lake lies Lotus Lake, waiting to be explored—hike or take a local motorcycle🏍 for a thrilling ride up 🌲Round-trip from Moon Lake to the hot springs♨️ costs 💰160/person. From the hot springs to Lotus Lake is about a 20-minute drive 🌲Entry checkpoint fees apply. The village has plenty of homestays, so non-camping⛺️ travelers can stay comfortably 🌲Self-drivers🚙 can bring pets but watch out for black pigs, cows🐂, and horses🐎 🌲Top 3 Camping⛺️ Spots: 🏕Campsite 1: Lakeside near the parking lot, easy to access, with cabins🏠 and food🥙 nearby 🏕Campsite 2: Mid-lake grassy area along Moon Lake, about 10 minutes with a cart (avoid during high water❗️) 🏕Campsite 3: Large wetland meadow at the end of Moon Lake, scenic and peaceful, about 30 minutes with a cart or book a shuttle🚐 (💰260/vehicle) 🚙Classic Itinerary: D1: Chengdu➡️Maobiliang Viewing Platform➡️Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain➡️Danba D2: Danba➡️Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform➡️Tagong Grassland➡️Gunong Village➡️Moshi Park➡️Yuzixi➡️Xinduqiao D3: Xinduqiao➡️Moon Lake➡️Lengga Cuo➡️Shangmuju/Gongga Mountain Village D4: Shangmuju/Gongga Mountain Village➡️Zimei Pass➡️Xinduqiao➡️Kangding➡️Chengdu 👗Packing Tips: Moon Lake🌛 is cool in summer with big day-night temperature swings. Wear short sleeves👚 or long dresses👗 during the day, but pack a thick jacket or windbreaker for mornings/evenings. Comfortable sneakers👟 are a must for exploring ⚠️Survival Guide (Must-Read!): ▪️ Toilet conditions are rough! Bring portable urinal bags + cat litter for emergencies—wisdom in preparedness ▪️ Night temps drop near freezing! A -10℃ rated down sleeping bag is essential ▪️ Take your trash with you! Last year, discarded instant noodle cups caused fatal stomach infections in two yaks—ecological responsibility matters Moon Lake is a place where the heart finds peace. May this guide help you embark on a perfect journey to Moon Lake.