In Daocheng Yading, I witnessed China's most magnificent autumn and winter

If you also yearn for this "last pure land on the blue planet," this winter guide, combining personal experience and practical information, will point you in the right direction. Key Information at a Glance: Winter Travel Notice Due to safety hazards during the winter-spring freezing period and ecological restoration needs, Daocheng Yading Scenic Area has important operational adjustments in winter. Be sure to understand them before planning your trip. · Closed Areas and Time · Area: Long route (Diamond Challenge Line), which leads to Milk Sea and Five Color Sea. · Time: November 24, 2025 — April 15, 2026. · Impact: This means you cannot reach Milk Sea and Five Color Sea in winter, so travel plans need to be adjusted accordingly. · Open Routes · Middle route (Manjushri Wisdom Line): Centered around Luorong Pasture, an excellent place to admire Mount Yangmaiyong. · Short route (Guanyin Compassion Line): Centered around Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake (Zhuomalaco), offering close-up views of Mount Xianuoduoji. · Note: These two routes are open year-round and are the main choices for winter visits. · Operational Time Adjustments (Winter-Spring) · Ticket sales at Visitor Center: 8:20 AM - 3:50 PM · Sightseeing bus operation: Visitor Center to Zhaguanbeng 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM; return trip 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. · Sightseeing electric cart: Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; return trip 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM. · Ticket Prices · From November 24, 2025 to April 15, 2026, the scenic area ticket price is the winter rate of 120 RMB per person. Route Choices: How to Encounter the Sacred Mountains Depending on your time and physical strength, you can choose different ways to connect with the Three Sacred Mountains. 1. Classic One-Day Highlights Tour (Moderate Physical Demand) This route links the core attractions and suits most visitors. · Morning - Short route to visit Mount Xianuoduoji: Take the sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng, then hike about 0.5 km to Chonggu Temple. This is a classic spot for photographing Mount Xianuoduoji and Mount Shannoduoji. Then follow the boardwalk to Pearl Lake to see the serene reflection of the snow mountains in the emerald water. · Afternoon - Middle route stroll at Luorong Pasture: Take the electric cart from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture. This alpine pasture is golden in autumn and snow-covered in winter, offering views of all three sacred mountains, especially the pyramid-shaped Mount Yangmaiyong, with a very open landscape. 2. Easy Short Route Tour (For Limited Physical Strength or Family Trips) If you worry about altitude sickness or have limited time, focus on the short route. · Itinerary: Spend the whole day exploring Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake area. The total distance is about 3 km, mostly boardwalks, relatively flat, allowing you to slowly enjoy the grandeur of Mount Xianuoduoji and feel the historical depth of Chonggu Temple. 3. In-Depth Two-Day Experience (For Photography and Hiking Enthusiasts) When purchasing tickets, apply for a second entry permit to enjoy discounted tickets on the second day for a deeper exploration. · Day One: Focus on Luorong Pasture, waiting for the golden sunlight at dawn or the twilight glow in the evening, with soft light that is easier for photography. · Day Two: Visit Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake, where the morning light perfectly illuminates Mount Xianuoduoji, an excellent time for shooting. Pre-Trip Preparation: The Key to Safety and Comfort For high-altitude travel, thorough preparation is the premise of a happy trip. Health and Medication Preparation · Altitude Sickness Prevention: It is recommended to take Rhodiola 1-2 weeks in advance, avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, and get plenty of rest. Bring medications like Altitude Sickness Relief, glucose, ibuprofen, etc., to alleviate symptoms. · Backup Oxygen: You may carry a portable oxygen bottle, but avoid using it unless necessary to let your body naturally adapt. · Other Medications: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness pills, vitamins. Clothing and Gear The plateau weather can have "four seasons in one day," so use the "three-layer clothing method." · Base layer: Quick-dry moisture-wicking underwear. · Insulation layer: Fleece or thin down jacket. · Protective layer: Windproof, waterproof, and warm shell jacket and pants, the best choice to cope with sudden rain, snow, or hail. · Other essentials: Non-slip hiking boots, sun hat, warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF50+), lip balm, thermos. Food and Others · Carry high-calorie snacks such as chocolate, beef jerky, energy bars. · Prepare a large-capacity power bank, as low temperatures at high altitude drain devices faster. · ID, some cash, personal toiletries. Travel Tips and Pitfall Avoidance Guide 1. About Transportation: It is not recommended to fly directly to Daocheng Yading Airport at 4,411 meters altitude to avoid sudden exposure to high altitude causing severe altitude sickness. Driving or chartering a car from Chengdu with gradual altitude increase is better for acclimatization. 2. About Accommodation: You can choose to stay in Shangri-La Town (about 2,900 meters altitude) with better conditions for rest. If you want to experience the starry sky and morning tranquility, choose Yading Village (about 3,900 meters altitude), but be aware of possible altitude sickness. 3. Safety First: Strictly follow scenic area regulations and do not enter closed areas. Some winter sections may have hidden ice; walk carefully. If you feel seriously unwell, descend immediately and seek help. 4. Maintain Respect: The snow mountains are sacred to Tibetans. Please respect local religious beliefs and cultural customs, protect the environment, and take all your trash with you.