Shangrila – Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve Transportation: By Bus & Car-rental

Known as the last Shangri-La, Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve boasts three holy snow-capped mountains, Chonggu Monastery and Luorong Pasture. It is located in far Southwest Sichuan, which is now quite easy to reach since the airport was completed in 2013. Here we introduce you the transportation between Shangri-La and Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve.

How to Get to Daocheng and Yading Nature Reserve from Shangrila?

By Air

The Daocheng Airport opened in September 2013 and is the highest commercial airport in the world at 4411 meters/14,472 feet high. The It is located about 50 kilometers north of the Daocheng County town. The Airport Shuttle Bus costs 30 RMB per person and takes about 45 minutes and will drop you off in the center of Daocheng town.

However, there are no direct flights connecting the two destinations. No matter in the high or low season, tourists need to transfer in Chengdu or Kunming, which will take about 14 hours. Much expensive and time-wasting than taking a bus to.

By Bus

It is the cheapest way getting to Daocheng from Shangrila. At Shangrila Bus Station, there is one shuttle bus departing to Daocheng at 08:00 at the cost of CNY 133-146. The journey takes about 10-12 hours. Located near major tourist attractions, Shangri La Bus Station is a small while very busy station. Buses from Lijiang, Dali, Kunming and etc are all terminates here. Meanwhile, people would have to gather here to catch buses to leave Shangri La.

Yading Nature Reserve is located 110 kilometers south of Daocheng. After Daocheng arrival, tourists can take the shuttle bus or a shared mini-van taxi to the small town of Riwa, which is now officially known as Shangri La Town. In the high season, there are shuttles buses departing at 11:30 and 16:30 at the cost of CNY 50. a shared mini-van taxi costs 50 RMB per person and the journey takes about 2 hours. In Riwa, you have to buy your entrance ticket for the Yading Nature Reserve(including the roundtrip bus ticket in the scenic area) and take the local bus to Yading Village and Long Long Ba (the real main entrance to Yading).

  • Step 1: Shangri-La to Daocheng
    • Distance: Approximately 170 kilometers
    • Duration: Around 8-10 hours depending on road conditions
    • Bus Availability: Buses from Shangri-La to Daocheng operate, but they are not daily. It’s advisable to check the schedule in advance or inquire at the Shangri-La bus station.
    • Bus Station: Buses typically depart from the Shangri-La long-distance bus station.
    • Ticket Price: Approximately ¥120-¥150
  • Step 2: Daocheng to Yading Nature Reserve
    • Distance: Approximately 110 kilometers
    • Duration: Around 2-3 hours
    • Local Transportation: From Daocheng, you can take a bus or hire a private vehicle to get to the Yading Nature Reserve. Buses or shared minivans are available from Daocheng to the Yading entrance.

Shangri-La Bus Station(香格里拉汽车客运站)
Add: No. 25, Kangding Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri La(香格里拉建塘镇康定路25号)
Opening Hours:08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Sunday

By Car-rental

Rent a car to Daocheng is more convenient since you can decide your traveling time as you like. It is suitable for a flexible and comfortable way. It is better for you to rent a car with an experienced driver and a tour guide if you are foreign travelers. If you want to have more fun on the way, renting a car is highly recommended. The driver of chartering car can stop for you to enjoy the scenery and take photos. But a shuttle bus will not stop on the way. Yunnan Exploration Travel can provide car-rental service, please contact us. Email: contact@YunnanExploration.com; Tel: +86-871-63511469.

  • Option 1: Self-Drive
    • Route: The most common route is Shangri-La > Riwa Town > Daocheng > Yading.
    • Road Conditions: The road is generally good but can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. Be prepared for high-altitude driving and potentially narrow mountain roads.
    • Car Rental Services: Car rental services are available in Shangri-La. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and suitable for mountain driving.
    • Travel Time: The total drive from Shangri-La to Yading takes approximately 12-14 hours, but it’s recommended to break the journey into two days, stopping overnight in Daocheng.
  • Option 2: Hire a Private Driver
    • Convenience: Hiring a private driver can make the journey more comfortable and flexible. The driver will also be familiar with the routes and can stop at scenic spots along the way.
    • Cost: This can be more expensive but offers the convenience of direct transportation without needing to navigate yourself.

Additional Tips:

  • Altitude Consideration: Both Daocheng and Yading are at high altitudes, so take precautions for altitude sickness. It’s advisable to acclimate in Shangri-La for a couple of days before heading to higher altitudes.
  • Accommodation: Accommodations are available in Daocheng and near the entrance of the Yading Nature Reserve. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Seasonal Considerations: The best time to visit Yading is from April to October when the weather is more stable. Roads may be closed or difficult to pass during the winter months due to snow.

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan