Winter Wonderland of Daocheng Yading

Winter in Daocheng Yading is the purest icy secret realm I have ever seen—the sacred mountains and holy lakes are tightly wrapped in white snow, the lake surfaces are covered with thin ice, and when hiking, the only sound accompanying your steps is the crunch of snow. Every step feels like stepping into a pristine ice and snow fairy tale, even your breath feels pure❄️. Having personally experienced Daocheng Yading in winter, I’ve put together this super practical guide. If you want to rush to this snowy paradise, bookmark it now~ 1. Transportation Guide🧭 (Tested to avoid pitfalls) ✈️ Airplane: Fly direct from Chengdu/Chongqing to Daocheng Yading Airport, which sits at an altitude of 4,411 meters. I felt a bit dizzy right after landing, so I recommend preparing altitude sickness medication in advance; after landing, a 2-hour car ride will get you to Shangri-La Town, which is at 2,900 meters—perfect for acclimating to the altitude. I stayed one night in town, and my altitude sickness symptoms eased the next day. 🚗 Self-driving: Driving the Western Sichuan loop from Chengdu offers an atmospheric experience, with snow-capped mountains and meadows covered in white snow along the way—a winter-only scenery. However, some road sections have snow in winter, so bring snow chains and be cautious if you’re a new driver. 2. Core Attractions✨ (Each one stunning beyond words) 📿 Chonggu Monastery After snowfall, Chonggu Monastery is embraced by sacred mountains. The red walls stand out vividly against the white snow, and the incense smoke adds to the serene and sacred atmosphere. I made a special trip early in the morning; sunlight shining on the golden tiles of the temple roof and casting shadows on the snow created an incredible ambiance in photos. Even my friends couldn’t stop snapping pictures. 🌊 Milk Lake & Five Color Lake In winter, Milk Lake is covered with a thin layer of ice, like a frozen sapphire nestled among the snowy mountains. The water beneath the ice glows with a faint blue, so beautiful you can’t look away. Five Color Lake, due to light refraction, shimmers with a subtle blue-green hue. Standing on the viewing platform, seeing the two lakes side by side surrounded by snow-capped peaks is truly breathtaking. 🫧 Pearl Lake This is the best spot to admire Mount Xiannairi and my favorite check-in place! In winter, the lake surface is calm like a mirror, with the mountain’s reflection clearly visible in the water. The trail is especially gentle, making the light hike very easy. After fresh snow and clear skies, the lake, snowy mountains, and bare trees on the shore form a stunning painting. The photos I took here became my phone wallpaper instantly. 3. Cold Weather Gear Checklist🧾 (Tested essentials) 🧣 Clothing: Windproof and waterproof down jacket, fleece-lined hiking pants, thermal underwear, and thick fleece layers are basic—don’t miss any! Waterproof and non-slip snow boots are a must. My friend wore regular boots, and snow seeped in, making his feet painfully red from the cold. Thick scarves, a Lei Feng hat, waterproof gloves are also necessary. Use multiple heat packs, especially on the soles of your feet and waist, for excellent cold resistance. 🕶️ Others: Trekking poles save a lot of energy, especially on the Milk Lake hike; sunglasses and sunscreen are essential because the snow’s reflection is very strong. I didn’t apply enough sunscreen and got a sunburned face. Keep moisturizing cream and lip balm handy to prevent dryness and chapping from the dry cold of Western Sichuan. A large thermos with hot water warms you from the inside; don’t forget a waterproof backpack and anti-slip crampons for maximum practicality. 4. Altitude Sickness Tips⚠️ (Lessons learned the hard way) ✅ Prevention: Take Rhodiola as prescribed 1-2 weeks before departure. I took it for a week in advance, and my altitude sickness wasn’t severe after landing. Avoid strenuous exercise after arrival, get plenty of sleep, and don’t shower immediately. A friend of mine showered right after arrival and suffered headaches and insomnia. Drink plenty of water, eat light food, and avoid alcohol to relieve discomfort effectively. ✅ Symptom Management: Mild altitude sickness (headache, dizziness) can be relieved by rest and oxygen. There are oxygen stations in the scenic area, and you can also bring a portable oxygen bottle. If you experience severe symptoms like vomiting or difficulty breathing, stop your trip immediately, contact staff or go to a nearby hospital—don’t tough it out. 5. Winter Travel Tips⭕️ 1️⃣ Best Time: December to February offers the purest snow scenes with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the secret realm alone. But check the park’s opening notices in advance to avoid wasted trips; 2️⃣ Ticket Discounts: Winter tickets for Daocheng Yading are much cheaper than the original price of 146 RMB. Some hotels and car rentals also offer discounts. I went during New Year’s, and my overall expenses were half of the peak season, offering great value; 3️⃣ Photography Tips: Wear bright colors like red, yellow, or blue to create strong contrast with the snow, doubling your chances of great shots. Early morning and late afternoon light is softest, perfect for shooting mountain reflections and sunlit peaks. My photos of sunlit peaks got tons of likes on social media. Winter in Daocheng Yading hides the ultimate snowy romance, without the crowds of peak season, only the gentle companionship of snow and sacred mountains. If you want to find a place to escape the noise, this is definitely worth the trip~