Daocheng Autumn Colors and Sunrise Golden Mountain Photography
Photograph Red Grass Meadow, the poplar forests and the autumn colors of Ochu Mountain, then spend a night in Yading Village to wait for the sunrise golden mountain.
Built around the autumn colors of October. First, photograph Red Grass Meadow, the White Pagoda and the riverside poplar forest in the county town, then go up Ochu Mountain for the colored forest and views of the Three Sacred Mountains. After the short route, stay in Yading Village inside the scenic area. The next morning, photograph the sunrise golden mountain at Chenrezig, then take the long route. The pace is relaxed, with time for morning and evening light, suited to photography enthusiasts. Yading Village is above about 3,900 meters, so those who sleep poorly may prefer to stay in Riwa instead.
Red Grass Meadow and the poplar forests are typically at their best from late September to late October, depending on the season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Red Grass Meadow and Sunset at the White Pagoda
Daocheng Yading（Daocheng Yading Airport、Sangdui Red Grassland、Daocheng White Stupa）
Charter a car from the airport for about 1 hour to the county town, stopping at Red Grass Meadow in Sangdui along the way. Reach the White Pagoda in the evening.
Stay: Daocheng County Town
Day 2 · Poplar Forest at Dawn
Daocheng Yading（Banghe Poplar Forest、Bowa Mountain Pass Viewpoint、Echu Mountain）
Go to the riverside poplar forest at dawn to shoot. Drive south over Bowa Mountain in the morning, climb Ochu Mountain in the afternoon, and reach Riwa in the evening, about 4 hours of driving.
An SUV is recommended for the dirt roads on Ochu Mountain. The afternoon light is good for photographing the Three Sacred Mountains.
Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)
Day 3 · Short Route and a Stay in Yading Village
Daocheng Yading（Chonggu Monastery & Pearl Lake、Yading Nature Reserve、Yading Village）
Take the shuttle bus into the scenic area, walk to Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake, and return to Yading Village in the afternoon to check in. About 3 to 4 hours on foot.
Yading Village is high in altitude, so bring warm clothing and oxygen.
Stay: Yading Village
Day 4 · Sunrise Golden Mountain and the Long Route
Daocheng Yading（Luorong Pasture、Milk Lake & Five-Color Lake）
Photograph the sunrise golden mountain from the village at dawn. Then take a vehicle to Luorong Pasture to hike to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, returning to Riwa in the evening.
Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)
Day 5 · Hot Spring and Departure
Daocheng Yading（Rubuchaka Hot Spring）
About 1.5 hours from Riwa to the county town. Rest at the Rubuzha Hot Spring, then about 1 hour to the airport.