Instagram-Worthy 7-Day Daocheng and Yading Photography Tour in Sichuan

Instagram-Worthy 7-Day Daocheng and Yading Photography Tour in Sichuan Highlights

Price Per Person

Daocheng and Yading Photography Tour in Sichuan Overview

Daocheng and Yading are exquisite, magical locations in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Surrounding by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, canyons, meadows, forests, and lakes they truly are idyllic. Although the tour is off-the-beaten-path, this unbelievable journey will be life-changing for all photography enthusiasts.

Day 1 Chengdu-Ya'an-Kangding-Xinduqiao by Private Vehicle (440KM)

At 07:00 in the morning, your English-speaking guide and Chinese-speaking driver will pick you up at an appointed place and leave Chengdu for Xinduqiao. It is approximately a 440KM drive, taking about 8 hours by road.

You will drive about 2-hours before passing the city of Ya’an, driving through Mt. Erlangshan, and Kangding. Kangding is the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province. It is a famous city with a rich history because of the Pao Ma Mountain, and the "Song of Kangding Love". Both Ya’an and Kangding play very important roles for the Sichuan–Tibet Tea Horse Road. After that, you will be driven across the Mountain Zheduo with an altitude of more than 4,270 meters. Next, you will be driven about 1 hour to Xinduqiao, with the altitude of 3,300 meters. The city is a fascinating place with beautiful scenery, absolutely ideal for photography.

All meals are on your own, and enjoy your evening!

Hotel: Xinduqiao Xiangyun Hotel or similar (tourist class)

Day 2 Xinduqiao-Yajiang county-Litang by Private Vehicle (220KM)

Today, you will be driven from Xinduqiao to the town of Litang, passing through stunning Yajiang county. It is approximately 200km and is a 4-hour drive. En route, you will drive across several mountains with an altitude of 4,000 meters which include Mt. Gaoersi, Mt. Jianziwan,  and Mt. Kazila amongst others. After passing these mountains, you will reach Litang Town finally. Litang is located in western Sichuan province and is part of the ancient Tibetan province of Kham. This city has one of the highest elevations in the world and offers a slice of traditional Tibetan life. The Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery (also known as "Lithang Gompa") is world-famous and is part of the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhists.

All meals are on your own.

Hotel: Litang Gaocheng Hotel or similar (tourist class)

Day 3 Litang- Daocheng-Riwa-Yading Village by Private Vehicle (250KM)

After enjoying your breakfast in Litang, you will be driven to Daocheng county and the town of Riwa. Both are Tibetan towns with breathtaking landscapes. After about a 6-hour drive, you will arrive at the sensational Yading Nature Reserve, considered to be the most sacred place in western Sichuan province by Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims.

All meals are on your own.

Accommodation: Longmen Guesthouse at Yading village

Day 4 Yading-Daocheng by Private Vehicle (100KM)

Today you will explore the splendid Yading Nature Reserve. The reserve became world-renowned when the famous American adventurer, Joseph F. Rock wrote an article about it and published photographs in National Geographic in 1931. Yading Nature Reserve is an absolute must-see attraction for those seeking truly breathtaking mountain scenery. It is truly a hidden gem waiting for exploration. The beauty here is beyond words, and truly awe-inspiring.

All meals are on your own.

Hotel: Daocheng Yungui Hotel or similar (Tourist class)

Day 5 Daocheng-Litang-Yajiang by Private Vehicle (295KM)

The morning is yours to explore on your own.

In the afternoon, you will be driven back to Yajiang county and will spend the night there.

All meals are on your own.

Hotel: Yajiang Hotel or similar (tourist class)

Day 6 Yajiang- Tagong-Danba by Private Vehicle (225KM)

In the morning, you will be driven from Yajiang to Tagong, which is a small town in the Tibetan prefecture of Ganzi, half-way between Kangding and Litang. It is about a 1.5 hours drive. Tagong is surrounded by scenic grasslands and is known for its local Tibetan Buddhist culture. First, you will travel to the grasslands, which is home to tens of thousands of yaks. Next, you will visit the Tagong Monastery,  one of the most important in the area.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to Danba county, located in the eastern portion of the Tibetan prefecture of Ganzi. The village of Danba is considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of China.

All meals are on your own.

Hotel: Danba Jinhe hotel or similar (Tourist class)

Day 7 Danba-Guzhan-Luding-Chengdu by Private Vehicle (385KM)

In the morning, you will pay a visit to the wonderful Jiaju Tibetan Village, which is Danba’s pride and joy. You will then go to the Suopo Watchtowers. Visiting here is an absolute must, and definitely a sight to behold.

Afterward, you will be driven back to Chengdu, ending your unforgettable travels in Sichuan province.