"Here you will find everything you've ever imagined—and more," say visitors to Daocheng Yading.

Located in Shangri‑Latown, Daocheng county, in the Ganzi Tibetan anautonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, Daocheng Yading lies at the heart of China's Shangri‑La eco‑tourism area. It brings together the high plateau's quintessential landscapes: snow‑capped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows, and vast forests. Revered as the "Soul of Shangri‑La" and the "Last Shambhala," it is a destination like no other.

Key highlights

The three sacred mountains—Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji—are majestic snow peaks arranged in a triangle and worshipped as Yading's guardian deities.

Sacred alpine lakes:Including Milk Lake, Five‑Color Lake, and Pearl Lake, whose gem‑like blue waters mesmerize every visitor.

Vertical ecological zones: Experience the shift from dense forests to flower‑speckled meadows and up to eternal snows—a journey through four seasons in a single day.

Primeval forests: Expansive tracts of ancient coniferous woodland rich in negative oxygen ions, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

Main attractions

The three sacred mountains

Xiannairi: The tallest of the three, Xiannairi resembles Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) and is Yading's iconic symbol. At sunrise, the"Golden Sunrise" bathes the peak in dazzling light—a truly spectacular sight.

Yangmaiyong: Hailed as the"purest snow mountain" for its knife‑edge ridges and elegant contours, Yangmaiyong is best admired from Luorong Pasture.

Xianuoduoji: Shaped like a diamond rod, Xianuoduoji glows in dreamlike hues during the"golden hour" sunset (around 7 p.m.), creating an almost surreal scene.

Short route gems

Chonggu Temple: A millennium‑old monastery at the foot of Xiannairi, set against the vast Chonggu Meadow—an ideal spot to behold the sacred mountain.

Pearl Lake (Zhuoma Lacuo): At 4,100 meters above sea level, this lowest‑lying holy lake in Yading offers perfect mirror‑like reflections of Xiannairi, creating a scene of transcendent beauty.

Long route adventure

Luorong Pasture: At 4,150 meters above sea level, this high‑altitude pasture is cradled by the three sacred mountains and offers the only vantage point where all three can be seen together.

Milk Lake (Erongcuo): Shaped like a scallop and sitting at 4,600 meters above sea level, its turquoise waters take on a mystical milky tone in the morning sun. Best photography light: 9–11 a.m.

Five‑Color Lake (Danzengcuo): Resting at 4,700 meters above sea level, Five‑Color Lake lies above the Milk Lake. Its colors shift magically with the light, making it the highest of Yading's sacred lakes.