【Western Sichuan Daocheng Yading｜Don't Ask If It's Worth It, This Blue Planet's Tear Is a Must-Visit!】 Who can resist? The starry skies of Daocheng Yading in my social media feed kept me up all night!

After visiting twice, I can confidently say: With proper planning, this place offers a "heaven for the eyes" experience. During the 18°C summer months (June-August), snow-capped mountains blend into the clouds, lakes nestle in meadows, and even the wind carries a healing scent. Why visit Daocheng Yading in summer? ▫️"The last pure land on the blue planet" is no exaggeration! Mount Chenrezig's snowy peak pierces the clouds, Mount Jambeyang's ridges shatter sunlight, and Mount Chanadorje flickers in and out of the mist. These three sacred mountains stand in a triangular formation, guarding this hidden paradise. ▫️Milk Lake is a true sapphire! Its center glows deep blue, edged with milky meltwater. Reaching it after a long hike at 4,600m is exhausting but utterly worth it. Five-Color Lake is even more magical, shifting between blue, green, and purple as light changes—like God spilled a palette. ▫️Lorong Pasture is straight out of a fairy tale! Wildflowers carpet the ground in yellow and purple, the Gongga River meanders through meadows, yaks swish their tails through cloud shadows, and horseback rides on wooden paths feel like stepping into *Heidi and Grandpa*. 5D4N or 6D5N itineraries packed with highlights: **Itinerary 1 (Compact): 5-day Western Sichuan Half-Loop** ▫️D1: Depart Chengdu for Kangding! Wind whips prayer flags on Zheduo Mountain, Tibetan homes in Xinduqiao bask in barley fields, and sunset over Gongga Mountain leaves you speechless. ▫️D2: Don’t blink on the winding Tianlu 18 Turns! The serpentine road gleams like silver. Stop in Litang for yak beef noodles, watch Daocheng’s white stupa glow at dusk, then overnight in Shangri-La Town (2,900m, altitude-friendly). ▫️D3: Conquer Yading’s long route! Enter at 6 AM, bus to Zhaguanbeng, hike to Lorong Pasture with mountain-meadow vistas. Push higher to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake at 4,600m (bring oxygen! Book horses early). ▫️D4: Return via Shangri-La Town. Horseback ride in Daocheng, sip butter tea in Litang, then chase stars at Yuzixi—where the Milky Way sparkles like scattered diamonds. ▫️D5: Discover surprises on Xinduqiao’s airport road! Honghaizi Lake mirrors snow peaks like shattered silver. Drive back to Chengdu, your mind still floating among the clouds. **Itinerary 2 (In-Depth): 6-day Western Sichuan Immersion** First 4 days as above, plus: ▫️D5: Visit Moya Monastery’s golden dome! Prayer flags whisper devotion, while the alien-like Stone Forest Park’s dark rocks spark "Is this Iceland?" questions. ▫️D6: Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain crowns the trip! Redwoods wade in streams, Mount Budala hides in fog, and Balang Mountain’s sea of clouds feels touchable. Return via Yingxiu, completing the circle. **Hiking Options: Long vs. Short Route** ▪️Long Route (4-7 hrs): For the fit! 10-12km from Chonggu Temple to Milk Lake, each step unveils new vistas—exhausting yet addictive. ▪️Short Route (2-3 hrs): Chonggu Temple to Pearl Lake. Gentle paths and Mount Chenrezig’s reflection make it family-friendly. **Pro Tips (Tested & Approved!)** ▪️Eat: - Yak beef hotpot with turnips—comfort in a pot (pair with crumbly barley bread). - Butter tea (savory fights altitude sickness; sweet tastes like milk tea). ▪️Stay: - For mountain views: Yading Village (4,060m; take Rhodiola beforehand). - For comfort: Shangri-La Town (elevators, night markets). ▪️Pack: Windproof jacket, hiking boots (20°C daily swings), sunglasses, SPF 50+, and oxygen (pricey onsite). Stop asking if Daocheng Yading is worth it! When you stand by a 4,600m lake, watching mountain shadows dance on water as prayer flags whisper—you’ll know: Some views demand every ounce of effort. This summer, leave your footprints on Western Sichuan’s meadows!