Yading is a highland tourist park of holy mountains and turquoise lakes in western Sichuan in Tibetan Garze area. It is famous for the beautiful lakes of Milk Lake, 5-color Lake and the three holy mountains of Yading. Yading used to refer to the small village of Yading, but now it is more famous as a tourist site which is also honored as “the last pure land on this blue star”. Its elevations rise from 2900m (Gongga River) to 6032m (Mount Chenrezig). Mount Chenrezig, with Jampayang (5958m) and Chenadorje (5958m), are three snow mountain in Yading, are the best landscape in Yading. They are legendarily seen as the Buddha Avalokiteshvara, Buddha Manjusri and Buddha Vajrapani. Furthermore, you can also explore the Echushan, Milk Lake, 5-color Lake. All these sites together form the spectacular landform and stunning scenery in Yading.
Mt. Jampayang
Mt. Chenrezig
Mt. Chenadorje
Wuse Lake (Five-colored Lake)
Milk Lake
Yading is located in southwestern Sichuan Province in Garze Tibetan Prefecture and over 800km west to the city of Chengdu and 200km northeast to the city of Shangrila in Yunnan. By driving it takes around 16-18 hours to get to Yading from Chengdu and it takes around 7-8 hours from Shangrila(Yunnan) to Yading. More details on getting to/around Yading.
There is also an airport in Yading that one can fly there from Chengdu (and some other cities during busy travel seasons) to save the long drive.
The best seasons to travel to Daocheng Yading is from May to November. The season to see green mountains is from June to August while the season to see golden color of trees is October to early November. The later into winter time the colder it will get but the clearer it will also be since it will be drier. The busy season is July, August and October when lots of domestic travelers will be visiting Yading. Read more details on Yading Travel Season.
Yading Luorong Yak Ranch
The 3 holy mountains of Yading refer to Mt. Chenrezig, Mt. Chenadorje and Mt. Jampayang. These three mountains are the highlights of the park and are considered to be sacred mountains in local Tibetan Culture. Mountains in Yading are part of the Shaluli Mountain Range in Hengduan Mountain Range. It is a massif very isolated to other mountains and considered to be a hidden world of wonderful natural beauties.
There are many lakes in Yading Nature Reserve. The most visited lakes are Milk Lake, 5-Color Lake, Pearl Lake. All three lakes are different in size and color. The beautiful highland lakes of Yading make up the main part of its beauty.
One of the best ways to explore Yading is to do hiking in the park. Continue to read more about hiking details in Yading.
Daocheng Yading is a main destination for photo lovers. During Golden Fall Colorseason many photo lovers will come to visit Daocheng Yading in its best color season.
Entrance Fee costs 150 yuan per person (valid for 3 days); Tourist Bust costs 120 yuan per person in and out (valid for 1 day only);
The above two are usually sold together. The rest of other tickets to be purchased when you arrive.
Electricity car costs 80 yuan per person in and out, note even though this is optional but to visit Milk Lake, it is recommended to use this to save time. (valid for 1 day only); Electricity Cars run from 08.30-18.00 in Spring, from 08.00 to 18.30 in Summer, from 07.00 to 18.30 in Autumn, from 09.00 to 17.00 in Winter.
Horse riding costs 260 yuan per personfrom Luorong Yak Ranch to Sheshengya(about half way to Milk Lake). From Sheshengya back to Luorong Yak Ranch costs CNY200 per person. (Horse ride is optional).
Park opens by 6.00-6:30 am and closes by 19.30. Tourist bus available between 7.00 and 18.30 unless you stay overnight in Yading village. Electricity cars available from 08.00 to 18.00. Horses at Luorong Ranch available between 08.00 to 17.00.
During Low Season (December - April): Park opens by 08.30 and closes by 16.30. Tourist bus time from 08.30 to 18.00. During low season the upper part of Yading (Milk Lake and 5-color Lake) may stay closed.
For travelers who stay the first night in the park (at Yading Village), you need to get on the tourist bus before 16.30.
For people who wish to go back into the park second day, you don't have to pay for all tickets twice. Keep your admission ticket you bought the first day, and have a photo taken of you and the views inside the park in the same photo. And you need to buy another bus ticket 60CNY at the same counter and show 1. your tickets bought the former day; 2. the photo you took to the counter to get the free admission.
It is open to visitors all year round.
Recommended length of visit: 1 day to 7 days depending on what you do there.
Tourist Line: 0836 5725207; 0836 5727276; 0836 5725208
Please read a Yading Park Breif Visiting Guide.
Yading Tourist Map
It is critical to know the altitude of Yading Park is very high. We recommend visitors to have sufficient acclimating before going into the park of Yading. The highest place to see the beautiful landscape of Yading is at Milk Lake and 5-color Lake by around 4500m. It is very high considering the base of the park in Shangrila Town is only at 2800m. There is also walking involved while visiting Yading Park so please be aware of this while planning your visit. More information on high altitude travel tips.
There are very limited places in Yading where you can find food. There are no restaurants inside Yading Park but rather just food shops that sell snacks and simple food. You are recommended to prepare your own snacks for lunch and drinking water while visiting Yading Park. Continue to read more about food and accommodation tips in Yading.
Route: Chengdu - Siguniang - Tagong - Yading - Xinduqiao
Route: Daocheng - Yading - Daocheng
Route: Daocheng - Yading - Daocheng
