[2024 Daocheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Daocheng (Updated Oct)

Xiangbala Sky Street in Daocheng 🇨🇳

#ancienttown Located in the breathtakingly beautiful Daocheng, Xiangbala Sky Street is more than just a street; it's a vibrant portal into the past, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the ancient town's rich heritage. Nestled in the heart of one of China's most scenic regions, this street is a focal point for tourists seeking both the tranquility of traditional architecture and the lively atmosphere of a bustling ancient town. Architectural Charm and Cultural Depth Xiangbala Sky Street is lined with structures that boast the classic architectural elements of ancient Chinese towns. The buildings here are meticulously preserved, featuring ornate wooden carvings, tiled roofs that curve gracefully against the skyline, and red lanterns that sway gently in the breeze. Each corner of the street is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and cultural pride of the region. A Bustling Hub of Activity Despite its ancient charm, Xiangbala Sky Street pulsates with life. During the day, the street is a bustling marketplace where local artisans and vendors sell a variety of traditional goods, from handcrafted jewelry to regional spices and teas. As you stroll through the street, the air is filled with the aroma of local cuisine being prepared in small eateries, inviting visitors to taste the flavors of Daocheng. Cultural Interactions and Experiences Visiting Xiangbala Sky Street offers more than just visual delights; it provides deep cultural interactions. Performances of traditional music and dance are common, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the area. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with local traditions, whether it's through observing these performances, participating in cultural workshops, or simply conversing with the friendly locals. Visitor Tips - Visit During Festival Times: To see Xiangbala Sky Street at its most vibrant, plan your visit during local festivals. This is when the street truly comes alive with decorations, celebrations, and an influx of local traditions. - Wear Comfortable Footwear: The cobblestone paths and occasional uneven surfaces of the ancient town call for comfortable walking shoes. - Photography Etiquette: Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people or inside shops, respecting the privacy and customs of the residents. #XiangbalaSkyStreet #Daocheng #AncientTown #CulturalTravel #HistoricChina

Rainbow at 4500m ancient ice plateau relic

Haizi Mountain (Haizi Shan 甘孜稻城海子山) total area of 3287 sqkm and an average elevation of 4500m. It is the largest ancient ice plateau relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Garze 甘孜藏族自治州) in western Sichuan Province. Hundreds of large and small seas are scattered around together with rocks. It is on the way between Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Litang. I did stop to visit it during my 1800km road trip of West Sichuan, start in Chengdu all the way to Yading Nature Reserve, with several stops of 1 or 2 days to visit main spots such as Mugecuo, Tagong, Xinduqiao, Litang, Daocheng, Yading Village, Moxi Old Town, Hailougou Glacier.#gooutside #passionpassport

600 years old hidden Rewu Monastery

called Rewu Temple (rewu si 热乌寺位于稻城县色拉乡境内) is in Sela Village, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Garze 甘孜藏族自治州 - west Sichuan Province, is an important Tibetan area in China on the southeast edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau). Built in the Ming Dynasty (600 years old), it is one of the oldest Sakya sect temple (Sakya is one of the important sects of Tibetan Buddhism). The complex has a front edge of a row of white towers, that is the first thing that appear approaching the monastery. Has just been renovated, is allowed to go up to the monastery complex by car but due to covid 19 cannot visit inside the buildings. On the way to Daocheng can get a glance of the temple from the road and is magnificent! Definitely not a tourist spot, it is preciously hidden in the mountains.

beautiful Tibetan Village in Daocheng

located in Sangdui Town, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Garze 甘孜藏族自治州), in the middle of the Red Grass Wetland, this Tibetan Village (桑堆红草地) is beautifully well maintained and with English signs with descriptions of the main attractions (they explain the layout of the typical Tibetan house, the pagoda, the ancient bridge, etc.). It is on the way between Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Litang. I did stop to visit this village during my 1800km road trip of West Sichuan, start in Chengdu all the way to Yading Nature Reserve, with several stops of 1 or 2 days to visit main spots such as Mugecuo, Tagong, Xinduqiao, Litang, Daocheng, Yading Village, Moxi Old Town, Hailougou Glacier. #passionpassport #lucaworldtraveler

Daocheng White Pagoda

located in Daocheng County, is the largest white tower in Ganzi Prefecture. Made of three circles of white towers. Tibetans believe that every turn of the drum is a blessing so local Tibetans, every morning, mid-day and evening walk around the pagoda. it is located at the edge of Daocheng County, I did stop by during my road trip back from Yading Nature Reserve. From Yading Village need to go to Shangari-la Town (香格里拉镇), than to Daocheng, and continuing to Sela Village. I did spend 30min to visit the pagoda. Free entrance. Daocheng is also a good place to spend the night traveling to Yading if you want to stay in a county with certain accommodations before to arrive at the Nature Reserve

The journey is exhausting, but the scenery is breathtaking, and photos can hardly capture the true beauty!

To the unforgettable 2019 After taking the Lanxin High-Speed Train to Urumqi in July 2019, my yearning for the beautiful landscapes of my motherland was completely unleashed. Over the course of more than three months, I visited Ulanqab in Inner Mongolia; drove the Duku Highway alone, covering a total of 1500 kilometers; set out on the first day of the 317 highway opening to complete the Sichuan West Great Loop self-driving tour. I traveled from Highway 318 to 217 to Daocheng, and then from Seda back to Chengdu via Highway 317, covering nearly 2500 kilometers; joined a group tour around the Qinghai-Gansu Great Loop, covering nearly 3000 kilometers; and rushed to Jiuzhaigou at the beginning of November just after it reopened to witness its regal return. The journey was challenging, the scenery was stunning, and the true beauty is something that photos can hardly convey in full.

Detailed sharing of taking a coach to Daocheng

Written in advance, you can scroll down directly for the dry goods: Before, when I searched for taking a coach to Daocheng, they all discouraged, saying it was deadly, never come again, and scared me terribly. But the airfare from Chengdu to Daocheng was too expensive at that time, and I didn't think it was cost-effective. Considering the economy, I still bought it. Once I bought it, I was too lazy to change the transportation method and became serious. As a result, I am very lucky. I don't get carsick or altitude sickness. I saw a lot of beautiful scenery along the way! So for me, I think the method of taking a coach to Daocheng is very good! 🚌Transportation: Xinnanmen Tourist Bus Station, Chengdu—Yading, ticket 298 (an additional 8 yuan service fee for buying on Ctrip). Tickets need to be picked up on site before departure. 📌Note! There are about 80 kilometers from Daocheng County to Yading Scenic Area. When buying tickets, you need to buy Yading to reach Shangri-La Town, which is close to the scenic area. Don't buy the wrong one. 🧳Preparation: motion sickness medicine, motion sickness stickers, thermos cup with warm water, mineral water, I will pay attention to hydration when ascending altitude, some carbohydrate sweet snacks. Waist pad, very necessary for people with waist pain! 🕙Time: 6:20 in the morning-8:30 in the evening. 🛣️Road conditions: There is no traffic jam throughout the off-season, and there is no snow or ice on the road. Whether it is icy mainly depends on whether it rains or not, and it will melt on sunny days. 📍Passing through: Passing through four service areas, Tianquan (around 8:30), Kangding Yihe Hotel (around 12 o'clock, there is lunch available, 30 yuan per serving, you can also bring your own self-heating rice to eat off the car), Yajiang (around two o'clock, there is a service station, you can get menthol oil, Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid), Litang (around four o'clock), and there are two more points behind the driver will ask if you want to go to the toilet, everyone is too lazy to go up and did not stop. In short, the time for eating and going to the toilet is very sufficient. I wish everyone a comfortable arrival by coach! The scenery along the way is comfortable to see with your eyes🥳 .

Journey to the lost horizon

#familytrip traveled to Yading Daocheng during Chinese new year

Rabbit Mountain 4696m

the mountain is so called rabbit because of the very special stones at the top with the shape that looks like the rabbit’s hears! Look at the third photo and you will clearly see the mountain ears just on top. This view point is on the way between Litang and Shangri-La/Daocheng/Yading Nature Reserve. I did stop here during my 1800km road trip of West Sichuan, from Chengdu all the way to Yading Nature Reserve, with several stops of 1 or 2 days to visit main spots such as Mugecuo, Tagong, Xinduqiao, Litang, Daocheng, Yading Village, Moxi Old Town, Hailougou Glacier. #lucaworldtraveler #passionpassport

Langjiling Temple of Gongga

located in Chitu Township, 61km south of County Town at 3335m asl, in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Garze 甘孜藏族自治州). It is on the way between Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Litang. I did stop to visit it during my 1800km road trip of West Sichuan, start in Chengdu all the way to Yading Nature Reserve, with several stops of 1 or 2 days to visit main spots such as Mugecuo, Tagong, Xinduqiao, Litang, Daocheng, Yading Village, Moxi Old Town, Hailougou Glacier. Was not in my travel spot list to visit but I did just run into it and was a very nice surprise! Look at the main gate how is decorated with so many detailed! And the Town where the temple is located is a museum of old style buildings well preserved. #lucaworldtraveler #passionpassport

900 years old hidden monastery

in Sangdui Town called Bangpu Monastery (蚌普寺) at 3940m asl, this 900 years old is the oldest temple in Daocheng. It is the typical Tibetan Kagyu Buddhist sect monastery. This temple cluster is built against the mountains, and with its strong red colored architecture is really stenographic! The monks are living in the monastery and so friendly that they brought me indoor for a visit explaining the history and details of the complex. The monastery is on the way between Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Litang. I did stop to visit it during my 1800km road trip of West Sichuan, start in Chengdu all the way to Yading Nature Reserve, with several stops of 1 or 2 days to visit main spots such as Mugecuo, Tagong, Xinduqiao, Litang, Daocheng, Yading Village, Moxi Old Town, Hailougou Glacier.

Its really exhausting... Even if the scenery looks good again, I feel so tired, not surprisingly high. Although I have been to Tibet and Yunnan Shangri-La, I am still playing and taking pictures, but Daocheng is different... a winding mountain road. There are also altitudes that go up and down, I have experienced all kinds of high-anti-common reactions all over again~#From your world by road#