Yading

1.Introduction: The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet

2.Located in: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, within the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, the Yading Nature Reserve is a destination of almost mythical status. Situated approximately 110 kilometers from Daocheng County seat, this 1,457-square-kilometer reserve is widely known as "The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet". It was inscribed as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction in 2019 and serves as a premier destination on the Western Sichuan tourist circuit.

Yading is renowned for holding one of the world's most pristine alpine ecosystems. Unlike the calcified pools of Huanglong or Jiuzhaigou, Yading offers a wilder, more rugged beauty characterized by snow-capped holy peaks, vast meadows, and primitive forests. It is often cited as the real-world prototype for "Shangri-La" described in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon, inspired by the early 20th-century explorations and photographs of American botanist Joseph Rock,.

The Three Sacred Mountains

3.The spiritual heart of: Yading is the trinity of snow-capped peaks known as the "Three Sacred Mountains," which stand in a triangle formation. In Tibetan Buddhism, they are believed to be the manifestations of three Bodhisattvas, guarding the land and its people:

• 4.Mount Xiannairi (6,032m): representing Avalokitesvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion). It is the highest peak in the reserve, appearing solemn and majestic.
• 5.Mount Yangmaiyong (5,958m): representing Manjusri (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom). Its sharp, crystal-like peak is often compared to the wisdom sword of the Bodhisattva.
• 6.Mount Xianuoduoji (5,958m): representing Vajrapani (the Bodhisattva of Power), known for its fierce and imposing shape. These mountains are a holy pilgrimage site for Kangba Tibetans. Historically, locals would walk the "kora" (circumambulation) around the mountains to pray for blessings, avoiding calling the peaks by their direct names out of deep reverence.

Holy Lakes and Hiking Trails

Nestled among the peaks are glacial lakes that change color with the light, revered as sacred waters that can wash away sins.

• 7.Milk Sea & Five Color Sea: Accessible via the "Long Route" hiking trail from Luorong Pasture, these are the crown jewels of Yading. The Milk Sea is famous for its jade-blue water, while the Five Color Sea is said to change colors under the sunlight and is believed to reveal the future to the devout,.
• 8.Pearl Sea (Zhuoma La Tso): Located on the "Short Route" near Chonggu Temple, this lake acts as a mirror for Mount Xiannairi. It is an ideal spot for beginners or those seeking a shorter hike.

Culture and Ecology

Yading is not just a natural wonder; it is a "living fossil" of Tibetan mountain worship. The landscape is dotted with prayer flags, Mani stone piles, and ancient monasteries like Chonggu Temple and Gonggaling Temple. Visitors can experience the authentic lifestyle of the locals, from drinking butter tea and eating yak meat to watching the Guozhuang dance during festivals. The area is also biologically diverse, featuring blooming rhododendrons in spring and golden forests in autumn, making it a paradise for photographers.