[2025 Daocheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Zaguanbeng Dam (Updated Mar)

🌄 Daocheng Yading, where dreams begin. In this land favored by the heavens, Daocheng Yading uniquely embodies breathtaking beauty. 🌟 Every heartbeat echoes the rhythm of the endless snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and vast grasslands. 🌟 Pre-trip Preparations | Altitude Sickness, Gear, Transportation 1️⃣ Altitude Sickness Prevention Daocheng Yading sits at an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. It's recommended to start taking Rhodiola (capsules are more convenient) seven days in advance. Upon arrival, avoid strenuous activities and hot showers. Carry oxygen canisters (two per person is sufficient). Glucose and chocolate can quickly replenish energy—tried and tested! 2️⃣ Gear Recommendations for March-April Trips 👔: Hardshell/down jacket + quick-drying base layer + fleece/down liner 👖: Thermal underwear + windproof thick pants 👟: Warm, non-slip boots + thick socks are essential 🎩 Accessories: Knit hat (keeping your head warm is crucial), scarf, gloves, sunglasses, trekking poles 👉 Other: Lotion, lip balm, thermos, portable charger, some cash, hand warmers, oxygen canisters, glucose, etc. 🚗 Setting Off Towards Distant Poems and Dreams Starting from Chengdu, the 760+ km journey across mountains, rivers, and lakes is a testament to the pursuit of freedom. 🕒 The 14-hour drive offers picturesque scenery, but nothing compares to a glimpse of Daocheng Yading. 🏔️ Three Sacred Mountains Guarding This Pure Land The sacred Xiannairi, the gentle Yangmaiyong, and the majestic Chanadorje are not only masterpieces of nature but also sanctuaries for the soul. Standing at the foot of these mountains, you can almost hear the whispers of the wind, narrating tales of millennia. 🌊 Three Holy Lakes Reflecting the Colors of the Sky The pristine Milk Lake, the mystical Five-Color Lake, and the serene Pearl Lake—each reflects the sky like a mirror, showcasing the purity and beauty of the world. Here, time seems to stand still, leaving only tranquility and peace. 🗺️ A Seven-Day Itinerary Filled with Scenic Wonders From Chengdu to Kangding, from Tagong Grassland to Daocheng Yading, every day is a visual feast. Luorong Cattle Farm, Milk Lake, and Five-Color Lake within Daocheng Yading are particularly captivating. Don't forget to spend a night in Shangri-La Town; its affordability and convenience will surely satisfy you. 1️⃣ Recommended Itinerary D1 Chengdu - Yuzixi - Xinduqiao D2 Xinduqiao - Litang - Shangri-La Town D3 Daocheng Yading Scenic Area D4 Daocheng - Daocheng White Pagoda - Xinduqiao D5 Xinduqiao - Tagong - Moxi - Chengdu 2️⃣ Scenic Area Guide ① Take the scenic area bus to Zhaguanbeng. ② Take the electric sightseeing bus from Chonggu Temple to Holy Water Lake. ③ Hike to Luorong Cattle Farm. [Highly recommend this hiking route for stunning snowy mountain road photos!] ④ Around 1 pm, take the electric sightseeing bus back to Chonggu Temple. ⑤ Head to Pearl Lake for a short loop around the boardwalk. ⑥ Arrive at Chonggu Meadow around 5 pm. [The sunlight on the meadow at this time is absolutely stunning!] ⑦ Return 3️⃣ Important Notes Avoid strenuous activities upon arrival at the plateau. Rest often and drink plenty of water. Don't fall for altitude sickness "miracle cures"—they're a waste of money! Be cautious when buying local specialties; prices are often inflated, and quality varies. Dress respectfully when visiting temples and refrain from loud conversations. Do not step on prayer flags and turn prayer wheels clockwise. Protect the environment by not littering or picking plants. Respect local customs and interact respectfully with residents. 💡 Tips for a Perfect Trip 💡 Choose accommodation in Shangri-La Town for affordability and proximity to the scenic area. Altitude sickness is manageable. Prevention is key. Stay positive, exercise moderately, and get enough sleep. Buses are a cost-effective way to travel within the scenic area, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way. Travel responsibly. Drink less water to minimize bathroom breaks, as facilities are limited within the scenic area.

Winter vacation is here, and a 7-day trip to Daocheng Yading, Seda, and Danba is the perfect choice! This super detailed guide will help you explore the beauty of western Sichuan. Save it now! / 🛣️Itinerary: DAY 1: Erlang Mountain - Erlang Mountain Tunnel - Sidingcuo - Red Sea - Yuzixi Cross Erlang Mountain, explore the mysterious tunnel, experience the tranquility of Sidingcuo, and then head to Red Sea and Yuzixi to enjoy the magnificence of nature. DAY 2: Tianlu Eighteen Bends Viewing Platform - Kazila Mountain - Litang Grassland - Renkang Ancient Street - Rabbit Mountain - Daocheng White Pagoda Starting from the Tianlu Eighteen Bends Viewing Platform, cross Kazila Mountain, stroll through Litang Grassland, explore the ancient Renkang Ancient Street, and then visit Rabbit Mountain and Daocheng White Pagoda to experience the rich Tibetan culture. DAY 3: Daocheng Yading - Daocheng Yading - Zhaguanbeng Delve into Daocheng Yading, explore this paradise on earth, and finally arrive at Zhaguanbeng to admire the magnificent natural scenery. DAY 4: Litang East Gate - Litang Grassland Return to Litang, starting from the East Gate, and once again experience the vastness and beauty of Litang Grassland. DAY 5: King Gesar's City - Seda County - Seda Golden Horse Grassland - Seda County Explore the historical relics of King Gesar's City, then head to Seda County, visit the Golden Horse Grassland, and experience the unique charm of Seda. DAY 6: Mosek Park Scenic Area - Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform Visit the natural wonders of Mosek Park, and then head to the Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform to overlook the magnificent scenery of the snow-capped mountains. DAY 7: Shuangqiao Valley - Cat Nose Ridge Finally, visit the scenic Shuangqiao Valley and then head to Cat Nose Ridge to conclude this unforgettable journey.🌟 / Travel tips: - Food recommendations 🍜: Be sure to try the authentic Tibetan hot pot and butter tea, they taste amazing! - February climate ❄️: The temperature in Daocheng Yading in February is moderate, with sunny days but cool nights. Remember to dress warmly. - Souvenir price reference 💰: In Danba, exquisite Tibetan air-dried bacon costs about 150 yuan per box. - Equipment recommendations 🎒: Due to the high altitude, it is recommended to carry a light and breathable backpack and prepare common medications. - Photography tips 📸: In Seda, use the color contrast of the red houses to take stunning photos! / ✨️Every step in Daocheng Yading, Seda, and Danba is a scenic view. Don't forget to capture these unforgettable moments with your camera!✨️

Winter Dream, Explore Danba-Siguniang Mountain-Xinduqiao, 7-day itinerary, take you to experience the unique snowfield style, come and unlock your winter journey! / 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Erlang Mountain🏞——Erlang Mountain Tunnel🚇——Sidingcuo Lake🌊——Honghaizi Lake🌅——Yuzixi Mountain🌄 Cross Erlang Mountain, feel the majesty of the mountains and the mystery of the tunnel, then visit the beautiful Sidingcuo Lake and Honghaizi Lake, and finally arrive at the picturesque Yuzixi Mountain to enjoy the tranquility of nature. Day 2: Tianlu Eighteen Bends Viewing Platform🛣——Kazila Mountain🏔——Renkang Ancient Street🏘——Tu'er Mountain🐰——Daocheng White Pagoda🗼——Daocheng County🏞 Enjoy the spectacular mountain road scenery along the way, climb Kazila Mountain to look into the distance, stroll along the ancient Renkang Ancient Street, then visit the unique landform of Tu'er Mountain, and finally arrive at Daocheng to visit the White Pagoda and experience the county style. Day 3: Daocheng Yading🏞——Daocheng Yading-Zhaguangbeng🏔 Go deep into Daocheng Yading, experience the natural beauty and mysterious atmosphere of the plateau, and finally come to Zhaguangbeng to feel the majesty of the snow mountain. Day 4: Litang East Gate🏰——Litang Grassland🌾 Visit the historic Litang East Gate, then stroll on the vast Litang Grassland to enjoy the tranquility and magnificence of the plateau. Day 5: King Gesar Cultural Museum🏛——Seda County🏘——Seda Jinma Grassland🌾——Seda County🏘 Visit the King Gesar Cultural Museum to learn about the profound cultural heritage, then go to Seda County and Jinma Grassland to feel the local life and natural scenery. Day 6: Moshi Park Scenic Area🏞——Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform🏔 Explore the unique landform of Moshi Park, then go to Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform to look into the distance at the majesty and magnificence of the snow mountain. Day 7: Shuangqiaogou Valley🏞——Maobiliang Mountain🐱 Then come to the beautiful Shuangqiaogou Valley to feel the magic of nature, then climb Maobiliang Mountain to overlook the beautiful scenery of the whole journey, and draw a perfect end to this trip. / 🎒 Travel Checklist: 👚 Clothing: windbreaker, inner liner, long skirt, short sleeve, thick coat, to cope with changeable weather, warm and fashionable. 💳 Documents: ID card, student ID, driver's license, travel essentials, don't forget! 🕶 Accessories: sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, protect your eyes and skin, enjoy the sun without getting hurt. 💊 Medicine: high altitude sickness medicine, cold medicine, stomach medicine, be prepared, healthy travel is very important. 🔋 Electrical appliances: charger, power bank, earphones, keep in touch and entertain at any time, make the journey more enjoyable. / Come to Danba-Siguniang Mountain-Xinduqiao, enjoy the beauty of nature and cultural charm, and start your unforgettable journey!

⭕ Depart from Chengdu and drive over 700 km to Shangri-La Town, where Daocheng Yading is located. The scenery along the way is stunning! I'll write a separate guide for the scenery along the way! ⭕ As the name suggests, Daocheng Yading is located in Yading Village, Daocheng County! ⭕ Food and accommodation are available in Shangri-La Town, which is very convenient! The scenic area is also very close, just a few minutes away! ⭕ If you don't have any symptoms of altitude sickness, you can stay in Yading Village, which is about 4,000 meters above sea level, while Shangri-La Town is about 3,000 meters above sea level! ⭕ Yading Village is already inside the scenic area, and there are shuttle buses from Yading Village to Zha Guangbeng! Most tourists stay in Shangri-La Town and take the shuttle bus from the scenic area entrance to Zha Guangbeng! ⭕ Tickets to Daocheng Yading are valid for 2 days, so you can plan a long route for one day and a short route for the other! However, when we went in mid-October, the long route was closed! So, before you go, you can check if the long route is open and then decide whether to go! ⭕ Daocheng Yading travel routes (see the last picture for reference): 1. Long route: Zha Guangbeng → Chonggu Monastery → Luorong Pasture → Gongga Cuo (Mount Yangmaiyong). You can return from here, or continue to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, which are at a higher altitude and more challenging. 2. Short route: Chonggu Monastery → Pearl Lake (Zhuomalacuo) → Mount Xiannairi. ⭕ The snow-capped mountains can only be seen on sunny days!

Zhaguanbeng is a bus stop within Yading Park, located at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level. From this point, you need to walk further to take a golf cart to the long route or go to Chonggu Monastery and then walk the short route. The surrounding area features views of autumn foliage on both sides of the path. There is a wooden walkway along the stream for convenient walking, and in some spots, there are informational signs about trees and wildlife for educational walks.

| Heaven for the eyes. Daocheng Yading is a place known as the "last Shangri-La". Autumn here seems to be nature's most generous gift. ⛅Autumn viewing time in Daocheng Yading Late September to November: In October, most of the leaves have changed color🍂, and it’s officially the best time to enjoy Daocheng’s autumn scenery. ⚠️Warm reminder: Autumn is the peak season in Western Sichuan. The scenery is beautiful, but the temperature is gradually decreasing, the weather is sunny and dry, and the wind is gradually increasing. It is necessary to do good skin care and sun protection, and bring thick clothes ✅Scenic spot guide 📍Address: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Garze Prefecture, Sichuan Province 💰Ticket: 146 yuan/person, sightseeing car: 120 yuan/person, battery car: 80 yuan/person (round trip) ⚠️Remarks: The ticket is valid for 2 days. You can enter the scenic spot for free on the second day with your Mainland China ID card and a photo with the scenic spot gate. The second entry to the scenic spot sightseeing car is half price. 📍Scenic area tour routes At the entrance of the scenic spot → Zhaguanbeng: Take a sightseeing bus, which takes about 1 hour. There is a glass path on the Xiannairi viewing platform in the middle, where you can check in and take pictures. Zhaguanbeng→Chonggu Meadow: Hiking, more than 10 minutes Starting from Chonggu Meadow, you can enjoy long-term and short-term tours. ①Long-term route: Chonggu Meadow → Luorong Cattle Farm → Gonggacuo → Milk Sea → Five Color Sea (Currently Milk Sea and Five Color Sea are not open yet) Chonggu Meadow→Luorong Cattle Farm: Take a battery car, about half an hour Luorong Cattle Farm→Gonggacuo: Hiking . ②Short-term route: Chonggu Meadow→Chonggu Temple→Pearl Sea and Xiannairi Sacred Mountain It takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike back and forth, and the entire journey is basically a plank road, which is much easier than the long route. Warm reminder: After the closure of Milk Lake and Five-Colored Sea, the scenic spot can be visited in one day! ㊙️Aden guide get 1️⃣To enter the scenic spot, you must first take a 1-hour sightseeing bus to Zhaguubeng. This section of the road is a mountain road with many twists and turns. It is easy to get motion sickness. You can prepare motion sickness medicine or glucose, which are very useful. 2️⃣You can buy oxygen bottles in advance before departure. One bottle is about 8 yuan in Chengdu and 15 yuan in Aden. 3️⃣Travel lightly, just bring what you need and carry a small bag. Because the hiking distance is long and the altitude is high, carrying too much can easily make you doubt your life. 4️⃣The ultraviolet rays in Aden are strong and the wind is relatively strong, so prepare sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, lipstick...you can use them all 5️⃣For accommodation, it is recommended to stay in Shangri-La Town, which has complete facilities. Other Daocheng counties are too far away, and the altitude of Riva Town is too high. If you go in the peak season, you can book a hotel in advance.

🌞 The sun is just right, the breeze is gentle, let's take a trip to Daocheng Yading~ - Although Milk Sea and Five-Color Sea are temporarily closed ⭕️, it doesn't affect the stunning scenery of Daocheng Yading 🌈. There are still many spots worth checking out on the long route. The lush Luorong Pasture 🖼️, the clearly visible majestic snow mountains 🏔️, every place is breathtakingly beautiful~ · 📍 Recommended spots: Shengshui Lake Station → Shengshui Lake in front of the Snow Mountain Road → Luorong Pasture → Chonggu Meadow → Xinbao Lake → Zhuomala Lake - 🚶‍♀️ Ride an electric scooter from the Zaguanbeng Service Area to Shengshui Gate Station, walk to Luorong Pasture, then take an electric scooter from the Luorong Pasture Service Area back to Zaguanbeng, then head to Chonggu Temple - Xinbao Lake - Zhuomala Lake, and finally check out Chonggu Meadow before returning. · 💕 Travel Tips: ① Daocheng Yading has a high altitude, it is recommended to bring oxygen, glucose, and a raincoat just in case. ② The temperature difference between day and night in western Sichuan is large, bring a warm and windproof three-in-one jacket or a light down jacket. ③ The scenic area is vast, with many hiking routes, bring comfortable sports shoes or boots. ④ Bring enough water and food, such as small bread, Snickers, etc., to replenish energy at any time. ⑤ The ultraviolet rays are strong, be sure to do sun protection and moisturizing, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. · ‼️ Notes for traveling in western Sichuan: ① Tickets must be booked in advance during peak season, it's easy to miss out if you book last minute. ② If you feel unwell upon arriving at the plateau, don't push yourself, rest in time. ③ The weather changes a lot (it's like this every year during these months), it's recommended to bring a raincoat instead of an umbrella. ③ For those with insufficient driving experience, for safety reasons, it is recommended to choose a local tour group or car rental service. · 🏞️ The scenery of Daocheng Yading is really beautiful, let's go!!!

- The ticket for Daocheng Yading plus the round-trip sightseeing bus is 266 yuan in total. - It is recommended to arrive at the scenic spot before 8 o'clock. On one hand, you can take photos at the entrance and grab a prime spot, and on the other hand, there are many people queuing for the bus. Arriving at the scenic spot at 8:30 may require queuing for an hour to get on the bus. - After passing the ticket gate, it takes an hour to take the bus. On the way, you can see the distant Xian Nai Ri Mountain. After getting off the bus, you will reach Yading No. 1 Station, Zha Guo Bang, where the altitude rises from 2900 meters to 3949 meters. - From Zha Guo Bang, walk 500 meters to the electric car ticket office. The electric car costs 40 yuan for a one-way trip and 70 yuan for a round trip. It is recommended to buy it to save time and energy. - Luorong Pasture: After getting off the electric car, you will arrive here. There is a blue sky, white snow-capped mountains, and golden grassland, which is a beautiful scenery in many people's hearts. But from here, you will face a 5-kilometer high-altitude hiking journey. - Wuse Lake: The highest point of Daocheng Yading, with an altitude of 4700 meters. Visitors are not allowed to go up after around 3 pm. If you want to reach the top, you need to hurry from Luorong Pasture to Wuse Lake. The scenery along the way is absolutely beautiful, but don't stop too much. Climb up first, and take photos on the way down. When climbing, you can occasionally look back for a different view. - Milk Lake: Adjacent to Wuse Lake. - Notes: - Cola and Pulse on the mountain are 10 yuan per bottle. You can bring more oxygen bottles according to your own situation, but you can't go without them. - You will pass the Vajra Challenge Line, where the steps in front are quite difficult. - The higher you go, the higher the altitude, the more steps, the more rapid your breathing will become, and the more severe the altitude sickness will be. - Remember to take photos where you can capture the snow-capped mountains and lakes in the same frame. - Finally, the whole descent takes about 1-2 hours on foot. Follow the staff's arrangements and don't miss the last bus back. The scenery of Daocheng Yading is absolutely beautiful, but the high altitude and difficult journey during the hike require full preparation. Pay attention to safety, arrange your time reasonably, and it will surely bring you an unforgettable travel experience.

'Zhagana' in Tibetan means 'the end of the great mountain cliff', where 'Zhagan' refers to 'the meditation cave on the mountain top', and 'beng' indicates the tail, meaning the large dam below the mountain rocks. It is said that a high monk once meditated in the cave on the cliff, and later a temple was built by the cave. Taking a sightseeing bus in the Yading scenic area, crossing the Nianbao Yuze mountain, gazing at the Xian Nai Ri from afar, passing through Yading Village, and getting off at Zhagana, one can choose to hike to the Luorong Pasture. The road is somewhat long, following a plank walkway that is not very dangerous. Along the way, under the blue sky and white clouds, mountains, forests, and shrubs layer upon layer, when a clear green lake and golden meadows suddenly appear before your eyes, a heavenly landscape unfolds, instantly dispelling all fatigue. Zhagana should be considered one of the best viewpoints in Daocheng Yading, hence a special viewing platform has been set up here. From this platform, you can enjoy endlessly beautiful scenery and also take photos that can be used as desktop or mobile screen savers. Therefore, the Zhagana viewpoint is definitely not to be missed! Daocheng Yading is also beautiful without blue skies and white clouds, and Zhagana in the autumn rain is even more breathtaking! Each photo could be used as a mobile screen saver, don't you think? That day in Daocheng Yading, it was raining, but it was as beautiful as described in poetry! People walking on the forest trails became a part of the scenery, facing the upcoming storm, everyone seemed very calm, perhaps intoxicated by the beautiful scenery? The Daocheng Yading in the rain has a different kind of beauty, with snow peaks shrouded in thick fog exuding an inexplicable sense of mystery, and we were all intoxicated by the beautiful scenery. Despite the storm, there was no disappointment, just a greater susceptibility to colds. Continuing along Zhagana leads to the Milk Sea, and seeing tourists braving the cold and rain to move forward, I subconsciously understood that people are still no match for the charm of beautiful scenery. Zhagana in the autumn rain lacks the stunning beauty of blue skies and white clouds, but it has a gentle beauty that is poetic and picturesque! Do you like the scenery of Daocheng Yading in the late autumn rainy season? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences.