Daocheng Yading
稻城亚丁 · Daocheng County, Garzê, Sichuan, China
A sanctuary of snow peaks and a Tibetan pilgrimage site in southwestern Sichuan: the three sacred mountains of Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji surround alpine lakes and meadows, with Yangmaiyong the highest at 6,032 metres.
Know before you go
- Do not touch religious objects casually
- do not photograph pilgrims or religious ceremonies at close range
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
Peaks embodying three bodhisattvas
In Tibetan Buddhist belief, the three sacred mountains are seen as emanations of three bodhisattvas: Xiannairi of Avalokiteshvara, who stands for compassion; Yangmaiyong of Manjushri, who stands for wisdom; and Xianuoduoji of Vajrapani, who stands for power. Yangmaiyong, Manjushri's peak, is the highest at 6,032 metres.
Source: Wikipedia: Yading
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Yading, called Nyidên in Tibetan, is a nature reserve in Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Three snow peaks rise within it, Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji, with alpine lakes such as Milk Lake and meadows scattered between them. Yading is a major Tibetan pilgrimage site. The three sacred mountains were sanctified by the Fifth Dalai Lama, and local Tibetan communities have long looked to them as a spiritual anchor. The reserve lies at high altitude, and pilgrims on kora and visitors often walk in the same valleys.
Local customs
- Hike the trails for close views of the three snow peaks, alpine lakes such as Milk Lake and the meadows
- if you have the strength, continue higher, watching for altitude sickness along the way. Pilgrims' kora routes partly overlap the visitor trails, so give each other space as you walk.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not touch religious objects casually
- do not photograph pilgrims or religious ceremonies at close range
Locals appreciate DO
- Respect pilgrimage customs and the etiquette of religious sites
- keep quiet near temples, mani stone piles and prayer flags
- give pilgrims space as you walk
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The reserve is at high altitude, so prepare physically before the trip, bring windproof and warm clothing and drinking water, keep a slow pace and descend promptly if you feel unwell
- safety arrangements follow official and scenic-area notices. You can fly to Daocheng Yading Airport, and a road links the county town with the reserve
- transport and schedules inside the reserve are as officially announced.
- Autumn, with its clear skies and forests in full colour, is generally considered a fine season for viewing
- in winter, high lakes may freeze and paths can be slippery, so check official and scenic-area notices for the best time to go.
Photos
Photos
Toni Wöhrl · CC BY-SA 4.0
Toni Wöhrl and Sang Cai · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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