A Journey of Faith | The Ultimate Seda Travel Guide

| The Ultimate Seda Travel Guide. On the plateau of Western Sichuan, there lies a red Buddhist kingdom — Seda. Here, the continuous red monks' houses are as passionate as the Red Sea, full of the power of faith. If you also want to step into this pure land, then accept this guide! 📅 Best Time to Travel The annual average temperature in Seda is 1.7°C, and the average temperature throughout the year is -5°C ~ 10°C, with a large temperature difference between day and night. May to October is relatively warm, and the scenery is also more abundant; the temperature is lower in autumn and winter, but Seda under the snow is like a dream world, with a unique flavor. However, pay attention to keeping warm. 🚗 Transportation Guide • External Transportation: Seda does not have an airport or railway. You can first go to Chengdu, and then transfer to a bus or carpool. Chengdu Chadianzi Station has a bus to Seda County Passenger Station, which takes about 12 hours; you can also choose to carpool to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Western Sichuan, which is more free and flexible. • Internal Transportation: To enter Seda Buddhist Academy, you need to take a bus or a local motorcycle (not recommended, there are safety hazards) at the designated location. Currently, you need to book a ticket to enter the Buddhist Academy. There are two ways: online and offline. You can make an appointment in advance on the mini program online, and you need to go to Jinma Prairie Distribution Center or Luoruo Town Distribution Center to buy tickets offline. Be sure to plan your itinerary and book your tickets in advance. Each ID card can only be booked once within 15 days, and the number of visitors allowed to enter the park every day is limited. 🏞 Attractions • Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Academy: One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist academies in the world, with red wooden houses all over the mountains, which is spectacular and shocking. The Mandala is the highest point of the Buddhist Academy, where you can follow the monks to turn the prayer wheel clockwise to pray for blessings; the viewing platform can overlook the panoramic view of the Buddhist Academy, which is an excellent location for taking pictures. • Sky Burial Platform: Understand the unique funeral culture of Tibetans, but pay attention to respecting customs, keeping quiet, and strictly prohibiting taking pictures. Sky burials are generally held from 13:00 - 15:00 in the afternoon, but the time is uncertain. Currently, officials do not allow tourists to enter. You can privately ask the motorcycle if they can take you to visit. • Dongga Temple: A Red Sect temple with a history of 300 years. The temple is named because the mountain where it is located resembles a conch. Here, you can feel the strong religious atmosphere. 🍜 Food Recommendations • Tibetan food: Tsampa, beef and mutton, ginseng fruit yogurt, butter tea, etc. are all special Tibetan foods. Tsampa is made by stir-frying highland barley, grinding it into powder, and mixing it with butter and tea; hand-grabbed beef and mutton are original and delicious, and it is super satisfying to eat meat in big bites; ginseng fruit yogurt has a dense, sweet and sour taste; butter tea has a rich aroma, which can warm the body and relieve altitude sickness. Recommended restaurants: Xiangbala Tibetan Restaurant, Yamure Tibetan Restaurant. • Sichuan cuisine: You can also find many Sichuan restaurants in Seda County, which are suitable for friends who cannot accept the taste of Tibetan food. Like Chengdu Casserole House and Chuanziwei Restaurant, you can taste the familiar taste of your hometown. Only vegetarian food is available in the Buddhist Academy, mainly vegetarian meals and pasta. 🛏 Accommodation Suggestions • Seda County: There are many accommodation options, and the conditions of hotels and homestays are relatively good, with complete supporting facilities, and it is convenient to eat, drink and play, which is suitable for tourists who pursue a comfortable accommodation experience. • Luoruo Town: It is close to the entrance of the Buddhist Academy, but there are relatively few places to stay and eat. You can choose to live in the town to facilitate entering the Buddhist Academy early the next morning. • Inside the Buddhist Academy: Larong Hotel has a superior location, which is convenient for feeling the atmosphere of the Buddhist Academy, but you can only book a room on site, and the conditions are average, with only electric blankets. ❗ Precautions • Altitude Sickness Prevention: Drink Rhodiola Rosea a week in advance, avoid strenuous exercise after arrival, and prepare oxygen cylinders to deal with altitude sickness. • Respect for Beliefs: Do not take pictures of monks at will, turn the scriptures clockwise, take off your shoes when entering the scripture hall, and men are not allowed to enter the Jue Mu scripture hall; keep quiet during the sky burial ceremony and strictly prohibit taking pictures. • Environmentally Friendly Travel: The Buddhist Academy mainly serves vegetarian food. Bring your own snacks and be careful to take away the garbage to protect the environment of this pure land. • Keep Warm and Sun Protection: The temperature in Seda is low, and a thick coat is essential; at the same time, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so take sun protection measures and bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. • Ticketing and Time: Book your tickets in advance and pay attention to the entry time and tour restrictions; if you miss the return bus, you can take the bus in the temple (CNY 3/person) down the mountain, or choose to walk down the mountain. Seda is a spiritual pilgrimage. Here, feel the power of faith, appreciate the unique culture, and encounter shocking beauty. Pack your bags and set off towards this red Buddhist country! 💕