San Hu Zhu Shen Shan - The Eternal Coordinates of Tibetan Faith
The magnificence of Aden originates from the Himalayan orogeny about 70 million years ago. The violent collision and uplift of the earth's crust have shaped three towering, snow covered Buddha statues on the western Sichuan Plateau, which are revered by Tibetan Buddhism as the "Three Sacred Mountains". Beifeng Xiannairi (6032 meters above sea level, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) is the fifth highest peak in Sichuan Province, with towering mountains and peaceful charity; Nanfengyang Maiyong (altitude 5958 meters, Manjusri Bodhisattva), the mountain is as sharp as a sword, displaying wisdom and sharpness; Dongfeng Shanuoduoji (altitude 5958 meters, Vajrayana Bodhisattva), with a majestic mountain terrain, is like a resolute warrior. In Tibetan legend, in the 8th century AD, the Lotus Buddha blessed three snow capped mountains and named them after the incarnations of three bodhisattvas in Buddhism. Since then, this place has become a sacred place that Tibetans must worship once in their lives.

Modern Discovery: The Century long Pursuit of Shangri La
The modern legend of Aden is closely related to the search for "Shangri La". In 1928, American explorer Joseph Locke published his exploration experience and photos of this place in National Geographic magazine, presenting this secret realm to the world for the first time. British writer James Hilton was inspired by him to create the novel "The Vanishing Horizon", which depicts the Shangri La paradise, believed to be based on the prototype of the rice city of Aden. After decades of protection and development, this unparalleled scenery hidden deep in the heart of the Hengduan Mountains finally unveiled its face to the world at the end of the 20th century, and won the reputation of "the last Shangri La" with its irreplaceable originality and purity.

In depth understanding: Explore more of China's ultimate plateau landscapes>>Mount Siguniang

 Natural Creation - The Unprecedented Scenery of San Shen Mountain and San Sheng Lake
The core landscape of Daocheng Yading is reflected in the perfect combination of "Three Divine Mountains and Three Holy Lakes", which together form the most sacred and stunning natural painting in the world.
San Hu Zhu Shen Shan: Aden's Soul and Faith
Immortal Day: the head of the Three Sacred Mountains, with a huge mountain body resembling a large Buddha sitting peacefully on a lotus throne. The best viewing spot is by the Pearl Sea. In the early morning, the snow capped mountains are reflected in the emerald green lake water, sacred and solemn.
Yangmaiyong: Known as the 'most beautiful snow mountain in the world'. From the Luorong Cattle Farm, the pyramid shaped snow capped peaks elegantly stand under the blue sky, with vast meadows and winding streams below, forming an impeccable Landscape Painting.
Shanuoduoji: With firm lines and sharp peaks, it resembles a huge pyramid piercing straight into the sky. In Rizhao Jinshan, the mountain is dyed golden red and majestic.
The Three Sacred Lakes: Scattered Jadeites and Gems in the Human World
Pearl Sea, also known as "Zhuomalacuo" in Tibetan, is a sea formed by the melting of snow and water on the Xiannai day. The lake water is deep green, like a jade embedded in the snow capped mountains and forests, making it an excellent location for capturing the reflection of the immortal sun.
Five color sea: Tibetan "Danzengcuo", located between Xiannairi and Yangmaiyong, with an altitude of about 4600 meters. The plants and minerals at the bottom of the lake will appear colorful under the reflection of sunlight, and it is said that they can "replay history and predict the future".
Milk Sea, also known as "Russian Rongcuo" in Tibetan, with an altitude of about 4500 meters, is one of the ultimate hiking destinations in Aden. The surrounding area of the lake is covered with milky white mineral deposits, while the center is a deep blue color, like a huge gemstone set at the foot of Yangmaiyong Mountain, pure and breathtaking.
Secret Realm Creatures - High Mountain Ecological Museum
From an altitude of 2900 meters to 6032 meters, there is a complete vegetation belt spectrum vertically distributed from warm temperate to cold zones. Rare animals such as snow leopards, Tibetan pheasants, and rock sheep inhabit the scenic area. At the turn of summer and autumn, wildflowers such as alpine rhododendrons, gentians, and spring newspapers adorn the grasslands and rocky beaches, full of vitality.

 Humanistic Craftsmanship - Faith and Life of Kangba Tibetan People
Yading not only belongs to nature, but also to the Kangba Tibetan people who have lived here for generations and respected nature.
Chonggu Temple: an ancient temple located at the foot of Xiannairi Snow Mountain. It is located in an excellent geographical location, serving as both an excellent observation deck for viewing the sacred mountain and a starting point for local Tibetan people to turn to the mountain for worship. Although this Huangjiao temple is small, its history, culture, and magnificent background blend together, adding a profound spiritual core to this natural wonder.
Luorong Cattle Farm: A high mountain pasture at the foot of Yangmaiyong Snow Mountain. This was Mr. Locke's camping site back then, and it is also a must visit destination for tourists to ride horses or hike to Milk Sea and Five Colored Sea today. In summer and autumn, cows and sheep leisurely eat on the meadow full of wildflowers, overlooking the sacred snow capped mountains, which is a perfect presentation of the pastoral scenery of "Shangri La".
Zhuanshan Culture: Yading Zhuanshan is one of the most classic hiking routes in Tibetan areas. Devout Tibetans will hike dozens or even hundreds of kilometers along a fixed sacred route, clockwise to worship the three sacred mountains, in order to express their reverence for nature and cleanse their souls. This behavior itself is the most profound humanistic interaction between humans and the sacred mountain.

Photography tips:
Yangmai Yongchen Xi: At the Luorong Cattle Farm, capture the first ray of sunlight shining on the pyramid shaped peak of the "Sunshine Golden Mountain" wonder with a wide-angle lens.
Senno ri and Pearl Sea: Using a polarizing mirror (CPL) to eliminate reflections on the lake surface, capturing snow capped mountains and perfect reflections in the early morning when there is no wind.
Starry Sky Mountain: On extremely hot nights, in Yading Village or Luorong Cattle Farm, use a tripod and long exposure to capture the silhouette of snow capped mountains under the brilliant Milky Way, creating a magnificent atmosphere.

Five Must Do Things to Unlock a Complete Journey to Aden
Complete a hike from Luorong Cattle Farm to Milk Sea
This will be a challenge for physical fitness and willpower, as well as a condensed version of Aden's spirit. Starting from Luorong Cattle Farm, climb up the rugged mountain road, cross streams and gravel slopes, and finally stand at the Milk Beach at an altitude of 4500 meters, gazing at the extraordinary blue color. This round-trip journey of about 5-6 hours will give you a profound understanding of the true meaning of 'eyes in heaven, body in hell'.
In Chonggu Grassland, observe the sacred mountain and flowing water quietly
For tourists with limited physical strength, Chonggu Meadow (service area to Chonggu Temple section) is an excellent relaxing tourist area. The terrain here is gentle, with winding streams, golden meadows, autumn colorful forests, and distant Xiannairi and Shanuoduoji snow capped mountains forming a peaceful and grand scene. Sit quietly for a moment, feeling the slowing of time and the clarity of heaven and earth.
Looking up at the pure starry sky of Aden once
As night falls, far away from the city's light pollution in Aden, the Milky Way is clearly visible and the stars seem within reach. Living outside Yading Village or scenic spots, walking out of your door at night, you will experience what may be the most stunning starry sky scenery of your life, with the three sacred mountains appearing even more mysterious and solemn against the backdrop of the stars.
Experience a night of Tibetan style houses and feel the simple and honest folk customs
Check in the Tibetan family hotel in Yading Village or Shangri La Town, taste authentic Tibetan food such as buttered tea, tsamba, yak meat, chat with enthusiastic Tibetan owners, and learn about their stories and culture with the holy mountain.
Record every touching moment with the lens
Whether capturing the texture of snow capped mountains with a telephoto lens, capturing the panoramic view of a holy lake with a wide-angle lens, or capturing the tenacity of small flowers among rocks, every shutter press here is a dialogue with nature. It is recommended to carry a combination of lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto.

Tourist Route Suggestions
The core part of Daocheng Yading Scenic Area (long line+short line) requires at least two full days, and due to high altitude, the itinerary should not be too tight. Here is a classic and actionable 2-day in-depth tour plan.
Two day classic hiking tour of "Shenshan Shenghu" (highly recommended):
Day 1: Adaptation and short-term essence (Xiannairi&Pearl Sea)
In the morning, take a bus from Shangri La Town to the tourist center of Yading Scenic Area, transfer to a sightseeing bus and arrive at Zhaguanbang. Hike to Chonggu Temple Service Station to adapt to the altitude. Short term walk in the afternoon: hike from Chonggu Temple to Pearl Sea, pay respects to Sennai Mountain, and take photos of reflections. In the evening, return to Aden Village to stay, adapt to the high-altitude environment, and enjoy the sunset in the village.
Day 2: Challenge and Core Long Term (Yangmaiyong&Milk Sea/Five Color Sea)
In the morning, take a bus from Yading Village to Zhaguanbang, and then take an electric scooter to Luorong Cattle Farm. Starting from here, embark on a long hike and challenge yourself to reach the Milk Sea and the Five Colored Sea (you can choose one or both based on your physical strength). In the afternoon, return to Luorong Cattle Farm along the way, take an electric scooter or sightseeing car out of the scenic area, and return to Shangri La Town for accommodation. On this day, there is a high demand for physical strength, so it is important to act within your means and depart as early as possible.
Three day "Deep Photography and Adaptation" Leisure Tour:
Add one day buffer on top of the two-day tour. On the afternoon of Day 1, we only visited the Chonggu Grassland for easy adaptation. Day 2 focuses on long-distance hiking. On Day 3, you can choose to take a short morning light shot at the second scenic spot, or leisurely visit surrounding attractions such as Mount Ochushan (with beautiful autumn colorful forests), for a more relaxed itinerary.
The advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking routes and safety guidelines.

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 How to Get There: The Journey to Heaven
Going to Daocheng Yading itself is a magnificent journey, with the main entrance being Shangri La Town (Riwa Township) in Daocheng County.
Airplane: The fastest, but pay attention to altitude sickness. It can fly to Daocheng Yading Airport (at an altitude of 4411 meters, the world's highest civilian airport), and then take a car for about 1.5 hours to Shangri La Town. The advantage is to save time, but the disadvantage is that a sudden increase in altitude can easily cause altitude sickness.
Land transportation (self driving/chartered): the most classic and scenic way. There are mainly two lines:
South Line: Starting from Shangri La City (Zhongdian) in Yunnan Province, passing through Benzilan and Xiangcheng County, the journey takes about 7-8 hours and the road conditions are good.
Northern route: Starting from Chengdu, Sichuan, passing through Kangding, Xinduqiao, and Litang, the journey takes about 2 days. This' West Sichuan Ring Road 'has excellent scenery, but the journey is long and suitable for tourists with ample time.
Tourist Bus: There is a shuttle bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Daocheng County, but it takes a long time (about 2 days) and requires a transfer in Kangding.

Best Travel Time
Daocheng Yading is beautiful all year round, but autumn is widely recognized for its best color and weather stability.
Autumn Golden Season (late September to late October): The weather is stable and the sky is clear for thousands of miles. The forest layers are dyed, with red, yellow, and green complementing each other, and the lake water is clear, making it the peak season for photography and tourism.
Summer escape season (June August): The climate is cool, the alpine meadows are lush with greenery, and wildflowers are in full bloom. But this is also the rainy season, with more clouds and mist, making it difficult to see the true appearance of the snow capped mountains, and there is occasional risk of road collapse.
Winter quiet season (November to March of the following year): Tourists are scarce, the snow scenery is vast and magnificent, and the sacred mountain is particularly clear. But the temperature is extremely low, some areas are blocked by heavy snow, the opening of scenic spots is unstable, and there are few accommodation options.
Spring recovery season (April May): Ice and snow melt, and azaleas begin to bloom. The weather is unpredictable, and the scenery falls between winter and summer, which is a transitional period.

 Practical Information and Health Tips
Ticket and sightseeing bus: Ticket is 146 yuan, valid for 2 days (registration is required at the tourist center); A mandatory sightseeing ticket costs 120 yuan (round-trip from the tourist center to Zhaguan Beng); Electric scooter ticket (Chonggu Temple Luorong Cattle Farm) round-trip 80 yuan, it is recommended to purchase.
High altitude sickness: This is the biggest challenge when traveling to Aden. Be sure to arrive at Shangri La Town (at an altitude of about 2900 meters) 1-2 days in advance to adapt; Slow down your actions, drink more water, avoid drinking alcohol and vigorous exercise; Medications such as glucose and Gaoyuan An can be prepared, and in severe cases, oxygen should be administered and immediately withdrawn.

Accommodation options:
Shangri La Town (preferred): Low altitude (about 2900 meters), with the best accommodation conditions and multiple options, suitable for the first night of adaptation, but requires about 1 hour of daily transportation to enter the scenic area.
Yading Village (within the scenic area): With an altitude of about 4000 meters, it is convenient to visit early the next morning, saving time and allowing for shooting of the starry sky. But the conditions are relatively rudimentary, and high altitude may affect sleep, making it unsuitable for first-time guests to stay for the first night.
Longtongba (revoked): The original accommodation has been relocated, please pay attention to the latest information.

IntoTravelChina accommodation booking suggestion: Accommodation in Daocheng Yading during the peak tourist season (National Day, autumn) is extremely tight and expensive. By booking with us, not only can we ensure finding suitable accommodation at the ideal altitude, but we can also package and plan accommodation, tickets, transportation, oxygen supply, and provide you with professional high-altitude adaptation advice and emergency plans, ensuring that your journey to the holy land is safe, worry free, and in-depth. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

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