Daocheng

Daocheng is located at an altitude of 3750m. While there may not appear to be much to do in this town those who do decide to stop over and spend a day here will find this town/village much more charming than it appears at first. It offers a good stepping stone for those coming from Yunnan with altitude concerns as the towns either side of it (Xiangcheng and Litang) sit at altitudes of 3200 m and 4000 m. If you take the time to head out of the town you will find the surrounding countryside and mountainous backdrop quite charming.

No public transportation here. The city is small enough to walk everywhere. If you are lazy, cold, or afraid of wild dogs, a taxi shouldn't cost more than ¥10. E-Scooters are also available to rent.

You can easily spend a few days just wandering around Daocheng - especially if you go climbing the hill around the city, the arid landscapes are truly stunning. It's a worthy stop on your way, don't treat it just as a sleepover to Kangding and Shangrila. Anyway, in such a destination, it is better to sleep in Sangdui, which avoids to go to Daocheng.

Join the locals dancing on the main square every evening.

Carry a stick or some stones in your pockets, as wild and freely roaming dogs are dangerous here, especially if you leave the villages and stay on your own. But you can also get attacked by them in the middle of the town during the day.

In case you get attacked by a dog, immediately go to the emergency service of the hospital, in the middle of the town, for an anti-rabies injection.

• Visit the hot springs, 4 km from the town. The usual price to get there is ¥30 per car, return trip included. The driver will wait for you while you enjoy the hot water. The usual entrance price to a bath cabin is ¥10 (per person). No towels available. In summer, rather go to the upper hot springs, as the lower ones are said to recycle the (dirty) water of the upper ones.

• 雪域. Small restaurant 50 meters south of bus station with nicely cooked Tibetan dishes. Steamed and fried Tibetan dumplings in the morning. (updated May 2015)
• Dumplings. Opposite bus station, small restaurant specializing on Northern-style dumplings (updated May 2015)

Daocheng Time 1990 (previous Zhuoma Renjia Hostel) No 35, Phase 1, Dexi Road, Daocheng, China Location: 29.039365, 100.294313

Price 5-12 USD, near the old bus station

The current bus station is located at 29.027561, 100.284660 Out of town

There are a large number of budget guesthouses across the road from the old bus station. There are also several guesthouses a short distance out from town which several touts crowding around the bus station will happily take you to. However, be aware that when coming in winter, the majority of guesthouses are dead-locked, and even if there is anything open, it will not have running water nor hot water (as the water pipes are frozen during winter). Moreover, there is no heating in any hotel, except Zhongmei Hotel. In winter, is a must to ask at least for an electric blanket in the sleeping places (but again, be aware that electricity fails very often). Don't forget that temperature can be as low as -20°! On top of all that, the bus station hotel is definitely not a bargain offer either.

The bus station opens everyday from 14:00 to 17:30 and from 18:30 to 20:00.

Due to corruption and disorganization, it may be extremely difficult to get a ticket from the bus station, even off season. The only option then becomes to hire a taxi or minibus to Sangdui or Litang. Otherwise, you may be stuck there for a while.

If you arrive by bus you may be accosted by the local minibus drivers offering service to Litang or Xiangcheng. Even if you've made a late afternoon arrival, it is perfectly reasonable to skip Daocheng and take a minibus on to either of these destinations. In this part of Sichuan, minibuses are often the same price as public buses.

Despite a poster in the bus station, as of 2012, there is no public transportation to Xiangcheng.