Yading Village in Daocheng County, Garze

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Yading Village (亚丁村), nestled in the Western Sichuan Plateau (川西高原), is located in Shangri-La Town (香格里拉镇) in Daocheng County (稻城县), Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省). It is approximately 34 kilometers from Shangri-La Town and is often referred to as the “Last Shangri-La” (最后的香格里拉) due to its pristine natural beauty. Yading Village covers an area of 771 acres and is home to 28 households (183 people), with 62 houses. The village is surrounded by the towering peaks of Xian Nairi, Yang Maiyong, and Xian Norbuji (仙乃日、央迈勇、夏诺多吉), and it lies at the heart of the Yading National Nature Reserve (亚丁国家级自然保护区), which is the core area of the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area (稻城亚丁景区).

Historical Recognition and Conservation

Awards and Recognition

In 2014, Yading Village was included in the third batch of China’s Traditional Villages List.
In 2019, it was named one of the “Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in Sichuan”.
In 2022, the village was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as one of the Key Villages for Rural Tourism in China.
By 2023, a conservation and restoration project was completed, involving the planting of over 100,000 trees like spruces and larches, restoring the traditional “black Tibetan houses” (黑藏房) architecture, and constructing oxygen supply stations and distributed heating facilities.

Tourism Development

Through the “Tourism +” model, Yading Village has grown its income by developing homestays, selling local products, and opening up mule and horse trekking routes. New facilities, including the Shambhala Cultural Museum (香巴拉文化博物馆), have been established, offering intangible heritage experiences. The village is also developing world-class pilgrimage routes and trekking camps.

Geography and Scenic Beauty

Unique Village Setting

The village is hidden between the snow-capped mountains and lush forests, often appearing suddenly, as if it materializes from nowhere. Situated on a plateau amidst rugged canyons, the village offers a timeless feel as if one has stepped into another world. Surrounded by towering, bleak mountains, the view of the Xian Nairi Peak (仙乃日) standing majestically in the distance, basking in sunlight, is nothing short of spectacular.

Cultural Landscape

Yading Village retains a Tibetan (藏族) cultural atmosphere, with its traditional Tibetan houses arranged organically around the village. The surrounding fields of barley (青稞) and the undulating hills create an idyllic rural scene. Throughout the seasons, whether in the green summer or golden autumn, the landscape remains a vibrant part of the village’s natural beauty.

Village Overview

Basic Information

Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level.
Population: 183 people (28 households).
Meaning of “Yading”: In Tibetan, “Yading” means “sunny place”, named for its long hours of sunshine.
Location: Nestled in a canyon where two streams meet at Longtongba (龙同坝), which is a junction within the scenic area.

Notable Nearby Mountains and Scenery

The surrounding Yading Valley (亚丁峡谷) spans from Kanggu (康古) in the north, through Yading Village, to Luorong Cattle Farm (洛绒牛场) in the south. The valley’s maximum depth is 1,500 meters, and it stretches over 25 kilometers. Iconic peaks such as Xian Nairi, Yang Maiyong, and Xian Norbuji are the spiritual heart of the region.

Leaf Red Village (叶儿红村)

Ye Er Hong Village (叶儿红村), a nearby settlement, gets its name from the Tibetan word for “small concave”. It is known for its Karst landscapes (喀斯特地貌), created by long-term erosion, featuring natural bridges and caves. The village’s artistic sculptures are inspired by the natural surroundings, adding to the aesthetic richness of the region.

Accommodation Options

Camping and Homestays

Nature Campsites: With 60 beds, tents are available for 60–100 yuan per person.
Tibetan Homestays: These can accommodate up to 1,100 people, with room prices ranging from 30–50 yuan per person in the off-season and 300–500 yuan per room during the peak season.

Travel Tips and Regulations

Guidelines for Tourists

Visitors must follow designated paths and respect natural boundaries, avoiding any restricted areas.
Respect local wildlife; do not hunt or harm animals.
Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Dispose of waste responsibly—do not litter with batteries, plastic, or packaging.
Listen to the instructions of local staff and contact management if you encounter any issues.

Getting There

Yading is only accessible via trekking or mule transport, as there are no paved roads to key areas like Chonggu Monastery (冲古寺) and Luorong Cattle Farm (洛绒牛场). The starting point for trekking or mule rides is at Longtongba (龙同坝).

Awards and Recognition

Recent Honors

2019: Listed among the “Second Batch of Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in Sichuan”.
2021: Selected for the second batch of Sichuan Provincial Key Rural Tourism Villages.
2022: Recognized as a “Model Village for Rural Revitalization” by Sichuan Province.
2022: Awarded the title of a “Key Village for National Rural Tourism”.

History and Conservation Efforts

In 2023, Yading Village completed a conservation and restoration project under the supervision of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (中建八局). By September 2023, these renovations were expected to be fully completed, preserving the traditional Tibetan architectural style and enhancing the sustainability of the village while boosting local tourism.

Yading Village is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape, steeped in Tibetan culture and natural beauty. Whether you are exploring the Yading Nature Reserve or simply enjoying the tranquil rural life, the village serves as a gateway to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area (稻城亚丁景区).