Daocheng Yading is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly do not recommend going in December because..........

Daocheng Travel Guide and Price List Daocheng Yading, known as "the last pure land on the blue planet," attracts countless visitors with its magnificent snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, colorful forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Below is a detailed travel guide for Daocheng, including main attraction tickets, accommodation, dining, and transportation prices to help you plan a cost-effective trip. 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Ticket Prices: Peak season (April 1 - November 30) 150 RMB/person, off-season (December 1 - March 31) 120 RMB/person. Discounts are available for students, seniors, disabled persons, and other special groups, subject to the official announcements of the scenic area. Sightseeing Bus Ticket: 120 RMB/person. The sightseeing bus within the scenic area is mandatory, running round-trip from the Visitor Center to Zhaguanbeng. Electric Cart Ticket: Round-trip from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture costs about 80 RMB/person, suitable for visitors with limited physical strength. Recommended Reason: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is the core of the entire trip, featuring magnificent and sacred snow mountains, vast meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can choose long or short routes; the long route includes Luorong Pasture, Milk Sea, and Five Color Sea, while the short route includes Pearl Sea and Chonggu Temple. Other Attractions: Hailuogou Glacier Park: Peak season ticket price is 100 RMB/person, off-season 50 RMB/person. Hailuogou is famous for its spectacular glacier scenery, ideal for adventure and photography enthusiasts. 2. Accommodation Price Reference Economy Inns in Daocheng County: Prices range from 100-300 RMB per night, clean and comfortable, suitable for budget travelers. Mid-range Hotels: Prices range from 400-600 RMB per night, offering basic accommodation and facilities, suitable for travelers with moderate requirements. High-end Hotels: Prices start from 800 RMB per night, providing comfortable environments and comprehensive facilities, ideal for those seeking high-quality lodging experiences. Economy Inns in Shangri-La Town: Prices range from 150-300 RMB per night, close to the scenic area for convenient visits. Mid-range Hotels: Prices range from 400-700 RMB per night, some offer special services like oxygen rooms, suitable for visitors concerned about altitude sickness. Wooden Cabin Inns in Yading Village: Prices range from 200-500 RMB per night. Although facilities are simple, opening the window offers panoramic views of snow mountains, highly romantic. However, Yading Village is at a high altitude, prone to altitude sickness, and frequent power outages, so choose carefully. 3. Dining Price Guide Local Snacks Yak Meat Soup Pot: Rich and warming, average cost 50-100 RMB per person. Tibetan Tsampa: Sticky and delicious, average cost 10-20 RMB per person. Yogurt: Sweet and sour, appetizing, average cost 10-20 RMB per person. Butter Tea: Fragrant and refreshing, average cost 10-20 RMB per person. Featured Restaurant Tibetan Yage Restaurant: Specializes in highland scaleless snow fish hotpot, average cost 100-150 RMB per person. Other Tibetan Restaurants: Offer yak meat, highland barley wine, and other Tibetan delicacies, average cost 80-120 RMB per person. 4. Transportation Cost Overview Round-trip Flights: From Chengdu to Daocheng Yading Airport, round-trip ticket prices range from 1000-2000 RMB, depending on season and advance booking time. Long-distance Bus: From Chengdu to Daocheng by long-distance bus, one-way ticket price is 200-300 RMB, round-trip 400-600 RMB. Carpool/Charter: Carpool or charter from Chengdu to Daocheng, costs vary by vehicle type and number of people; carpool costs generally range from 300-500 RMB/person, charter costs are higher. Local Transportation Scenic Area Sightseeing Bus: Included in the ticket price, no extra payment needed. Electric Cart: Round-trip from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Pasture costs about 80 RMB/person. Horse Riding: Horse riding tours within the scenic area, prices vary by route, starting from about 300 RMB. 5. Itinerary Suggestions Day 1: Chengdu - Daocheng Morning: Depart from Chengdu by plane or long-distance bus to Daocheng. Afternoon: Arrive in Daocheng, check into hotel, rest, and acclimate to the high altitude. Evening: Taste local snacks in Daocheng County, such as yak meat soup pot and Tibetan tsampa. Day 2: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Long Route Tour Morning: Take the scenic area sightseeing bus to visit Luorong Pasture, Milk Sea, Five Color Sea, and other attractions. Afternoon: Continue exploring other spots like the meadows and forests around Luorong Pasture. Evening: Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the short route tour the next day. Day 3: Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Short Route Tour Morning: Visit Pearl Sea, Chonggu Temple, and experience the grandeur of Mount Xianuoduoji. Afternoon: Free activities within the scenic area, take photos or enjoy local cuisine. Evening: Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for departure. Day 4: Daocheng Surrounding Area Tour Morning: Visit nearby attractions such as the White Pagoda and Tibetan villages to experience Tibetan culture. Afternoon: Return to Daocheng County to shop for souvenirs or local specialties. Evening: Enjoy dinner in Daocheng County, tasting local specialties. Day 5: Daocheng - Chengdu Morning: Take a plane or long-distance bus back to Chengdu, concluding a pleasant trip to Daocheng. 6. Money-Saving Tips Book in Advance: Booking tickets, accommodation, and transportation early can secure discounts, especially during peak season. Travel Off-Peak: Avoid holidays and weekends for fewer crowds and lower prices. Choose Economy Accommodation: Economy inns in Daocheng County and Shangri-La Town are affordable and suitable for budget travelers. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water: Dining prices inside the scenic area are relatively high; bringing your own food and water helps control costs. Join Group Tours: Group tours usually include round-trip transportation, accommodation, meals, and tickets, offering better value for money.