Xiannairi
Xiannairi, meaning 'Avalokitesvara' in Tibetan, is the highest of the three sacred mountains in Daocheng. From the Pearl Sea, known as the 'Fairy's Dressing Mirror,' it looks like a reclining Buddha holding a giant stupa, majestically seated on a lotus throne. At the foot of the mountain, forests, meadows, and streams each occupy their own space. From a distance, it resembles the 'Manjushri Bodhisattva' as implied in Tibetan, exuding a sense of sacred solemnity, like a paradise untouched by the mundane world.
Luorong Pasture
Luorong Pasture is located in Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, at an altitude of 4150 meters. It is an alpine pasture where local villagers graze their cattle and sheep. The animals enjoy ample sunshine, green grass, and pure lake water here. From this spot, you can get a full view of the three sacred mountains known as 'Rizong Gongbu'. The Kas Canyon is long and deep, with an altitude of 3800 meters at the mouth and 2900 meters at the bottom. The canyon is densely forested, with rugged rocks, flying waterfalls, and thunderous roars. The mist in the canyon changes unpredictably, and the uniquely shaped rock peaks appear and disappear, sometimes resembling a heavenly palace, sometimes like a fairy descending to the mortal world, and sometimes like a celestial horse galloping through the clouds. It is truly a spectacular sight.
Gongga Langjiling Monastery
Gongga Langjiling Monastery is the largest Gelugpa monastery in Daocheng County and a subordinate monastery of Litang Changqingke'er Monastery. It is named after the sacred mountain Nyenchen Gongga Rizong. The monastery features grand architecture and exquisite murals. It houses a bronze statue of Maitreya gifted by the Fifth Dalai Lama, which is a precious cultural relic.
Milk Sea
Milk Sea Scenic Area, located within the Yading Nature Reserve in Sichuan, is also known as E'Rongcuo. It is an ancient glacial lake shaped like a water droplet, covering an area of 0.5 hectares. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake's water is clear and blue. The mountains form waterfalls, and the lake is famous for its exquisite and elegant turquoise water. Above E'Rongcuo, there are large glaciers. Legend has it that this sacred lake can cure strange diseases such as deafness and muteness.
Chonggu Monastery
Located at an altitude of 3880 meters, Chonggu Monastery is situated at the foot of the Xiannairi Snow Peak. The exact date of its establishment is unknown. The monastery has been severely damaged, and now only ruins remain. A two-story building has been constructed next to the old monastery, managed by a lama who is responsible for accommodating passing travelers (though it is now difficult to stay there due to scenic area regulations) and protecting the surrounding ecological environment. The first floor serves as guest rooms and the lama's quarters, while the second floor is a prayer hall, which tourists are not allowed to enter. Every morning and afternoon, the lama burns incense and chants scriptures. During these times, the sound of chanting and the beat of the dharma drum echo through the silent valley, making the place appear even more sacred and mysterious.
Yading Village is located 34 kilometers from Shangri-La Town. The Yading Nature Reserve is named after this village and is known as the 'Last Shangri-La.' The small village is hidden between snow-capped mountains and forests, and it always appears very suddenly, as if it didn't exist until your eyes landed on it.
