Daocheng Yading Travel Guide
Xianuodri · Yangmaiyong · Milk Lake · Five Color Lake
Daocheng Yading is the most extreme plateau landscape in Sichuan: three sacred mountains (Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, Xianuoduoji) along with Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, with the highest altitude at 4,600 meters, taking four to five days.
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Destination Details
Yading is called the "Last Shangri-La": three snow-capped mountains form a U-shaped valley, with meadows, streams, and plateau lakes unfolding in sequence at the valley floor. It is also the most challenging section of the Sichuan itinerary — you need to be able to walk and handle the altitude.
Main Highlights
Xiannairi
Altitude 6,032 meters, the highest of the three sacred mountains, an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara.
Yangmaiyong
Altitude 5,958 meters, an incarnation of Manjushri; Luorong Pasture is the best viewpoint.
Milk Lake
A plateau lake at 4,600 meters, with a milky white ring around the water; a one-way hike takes 3 hours.
Five-Color Lake
Located 300 meters above Milk Lake; the lake surface shows different colors depending on the light.
Suggested Stay and Route
- Suggested stay: 4–5 days.
- Linking it with other destinations in the same area is more efficient; see the sections below “Extendable Routes” and “Province” for reference.
Local Reminders
- Hiking distances in Yading Scenic Area are long; the round trip to Milk Lake takes 6–7 hours, so pace yourself.
- The altitude is high; be sure to stay at the entrance of the scenic area (Shangri-La Town) the night before to acclimate.
- Mid to late October is when the colors are at their best, but it is also the busiest time.
Province
This entry belongs to Sichuan (3 ready-made routes), you can compare all possible routes in the province on the province page.
