Daocheng Yading Classic: Short and Long Routes
Stay in Riwa, spend two days on the short and long Yading routes, passing the White Pagoda and Red Grass Meadow on the way.
The most common route for first-time visitors. On arrival, go straight down to Riwa Town at about 2,900 meters to acclimatize. On day two, take the short route to Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake and see the snow peaks at Yading Village. On day three, take the long route to Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake. On the last day, see Red Grass Meadow on the way to the airport. The pace is brisk but stays within one area, suiting first-time visitors with limited time. The hot springs and poplar forests around the county seat are left out.
The long route is closed from late November to mid-April. September and October have the best autumn colors.
Day by day
Day 1 · Landing in Daocheng and Going Down to Riwa
Daocheng Yading（Daocheng Yading Airport、Daocheng White Stupa、Bowa Mountain Pass Viewpoint）
Charter a car or share a ride from the airport via the county town and Bowa Mountain to Riwa Town, about 3 hours, with brief photo stops along the way.
The airport is at about 4,400 meters. Avoid strenuous activity and bathing, and rest early.
Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)
Day 2 · Short Route: Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake
Daocheng Yading（Yading Village、Chonggu Monastery & Pearl Lake、Yading Nature Reserve）
Take the scenic area shuttle bus from Riwa to Zhagonbeng, then walk the boardwalk to Chonggu Temple and Pearl Lake, about 3 to 4 hours round trip.
Tickets are valid for two days. Use the short route to acclimatize, and don't run uphill.
Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)
Day 3 · Long Route: Luorong Pasture to Five-Color Lake
Daocheng Yading（Luorong Pasture、Milk Lake & Five-Color Lake）
Take the shuttle bus and then an electric cart to Luorong Pasture, then hike about 5 km up to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, 6 to 8 hours round trip.
Enter as soon as the park opens. Bring plenty of water and food, and head down before the weather turns in the afternoon.
Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)
Day 4 · Red Grass Meadow and the Return
Daocheng Yading（Sangdui Red Grassland）
Charter a car from Riwa back to the county town, then head north to Sangdui and the airport, about 3 hours. Leave according to your flight time.
Red Grass Meadow is at its reddest from late September to mid-October. In other months you'll just be passing through.