Yading

The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet

1.Located in: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, within the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, the Yading Nature Reserve is a place of ethereal beauty. Often referred to as "The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet," it is a dream destination for travelers seeking the legendary "Shangri-La". Covering an area of approximately 1,457 square kilometers, the reserve ranges in altitude from 2,900 meters to the soaring 6,032-meter summit of Mount Xiannairi. As a National 5A-level tourist attraction and one of China's "Top Ten Most Beautiful Mountains," Yading offers a primitive alpine ecosystem that remains largely untouched by the modern world, making it a top-tier destination for photographers, hikers, and road-trip enthusiasts.

The Three Sacred Mountains

The spiritual and physical heart of the reserve is the trinity of snow-capped peaks known as the Three Sacred Mountains, which stand in a triangular formation protecting the land. In Tibetan Buddhism, these peaks are believed to be the embodiments of three Bodhisattvas:

• 2.Mount Xiannairi (6,032m): Representing Avalokitesvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), it is the highest peak in the reserve and appears solemn and compassionate.
• 3.Mount Yangmaiyong (5,958m): Representing Manjusri (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), its sharp peak pierces the sky, symbolizing wisdom.
• 4.Mount Xianuoduoji (5,958m): Representing Vajrapani (the Bodhisattva of Power), it stands as a fierce and majestic protector. Historically, these mountains have been a pilgrimage site for Kangba Tibetans, who walk the "kora" (circumambulation) around the peaks to pray for blessings and avoid calling the mountains by their direct names out of reverence.

A Land of Holy Lakes and Meadows

Nestled among the peaks are a series of crystal-clear glacial lakes that reflect the changing skies and snowy summits.

• 5.Pearl Sea (Zhuoma La Tso): Located on the "short hiking route," this emerald lake perfectly reflects Mount Xiannairi, creating a painting-like scene that is ideal for beginners.
• 6.Milk Sea & Five Color Sea: Accessible via the "long hiking route" past the Luorong Pasture, these high-altitude lakes are the jewels of Yading. The Milk Sea is jade-blue, while the Five Color Sea is said to change colors under the sunlight and is believed by locals to be capable of "revealing the future" or washing away sins.
• 7.Luorong Pasture: A vast alpine meadow where cattle and horses graze. It serves as the perfect foreground for viewing the three peaks and is a prime spot for camping to view the galaxy and starry skies.

History and The Shangri-La Legend

Yading's fame in the West can be traced back to the American explorer Joseph Rock. His photographs and reports in the early 20th century inspired James Hilton’s famous novel Lost Horizon, providing the prototype for the mythical "Shangri-La". Despite its global fame today, Yading was largely unknown to the outside world before the 1990s and was only officially developed in 2001, allowing it to retain its ecological and cultural authenticity. Today, visitors can still see prayer flags fluttering in the wind, Mani stone piles on the trails, and locals spinning prayer wheels, preserving the profound "unity of man and nature" found in Kangba culture.

Seasonal Wonders

Yading is a land of ever-changing colors. In autumn, the valley burns like a flame with golden forests, contrasting with the blue lakes and white peaks. In spring and early summer, the mountains are carpeted with blooming azaleas. Whether it is the "Golden Mountain" illuminated by the sunrise or the sea of clouds rolling over the peaks, every moment in Yading feels like stepping into a lost world.