Kangding, Western Sichuan Nanny-Level Guide! All the Best Scenery, Food, and Accommodation Covered, Plus Date Restaurants

Who says Western Sichuan is only about Dali and Lijiang? Kangding, this pearl of the plateau, hides so many surprises. Follow this guide for your first visit, and you won’t go wrong! 🌄 Must-visit spots, each breathtakingly beautiful - Kangding Love Song Scenic Area: A core must-go! Mugucao Lake looks like a sapphire set in the mountains, and the Seven-Color Sea changes hues with the light—super dreamy. When tired, head to the Yaoci Hot Spring for a foot soak and egg boiling experience that warms you to the core. - Paomashan: The confirmed birthplace of the "Kangding Love Song"! Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Kangding city, where the wind seems to carry the romance of the song. - Tagong Grassland: The grassland beneath Yala Snow Mountain is stunning! With snow-capped peaks in the distance and Tagong Monastery nearby, every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy. - Xinduqiao: The "Photographer’s Corridor" lives up to its name, especially in autumn when golden poplar trees and streams create scenes like oil paintings. 🍲 Specialty foods + hidden gem restaurants, no flavor fails You must try authentic local dishes in Kangding! Highly recommend yak meat hot pot and wild mushroom yak meat hot pot—tender meat and fresh broth, especially delicious with barley cakes; also warm yak offal soup and crispy-yet-soft jiao wozi fried cakes, snacks that will amaze your taste buds. Highly recommend PineGreen Qingke, which we personally tested! Four people spent just over 300 RMB, great value. The dim lighting inside creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for dates. Window seats offer scenic views, ideal for photos and check-ins. The waitstaff proactively refills water, with service that’s incredibly thoughtful! 🏨 Choose the right accommodation for comfort and convenience - If you want to explore the city and have convenient transport, choose a hotel in Kangding city center—right outside is a food street, super easy for eating and strolling. - For immersive scenery, stay in Xinduqiao! Recommended are Zamba Mingjing Hotel and Kangding Xinduqiao Parinanka Resort Hotel. Open the window to see snow mountains and grasslands, an experience that’s truly unforgettable. The beauty of Kangding is so moving that every step you take touches your heart. Whether sightseeing, enjoying food, or leisurely strolling, you’ll find healing and fulfillment everywhere~