Fly from Chengdu to Yading in 1 Hour—Yes, It’s Real (And Perfect for Short Trips!)

You think Daocheng Yading (Dàochéng Yàdìng, 稻城亚丁) takes 2 days by bus from Chengdu.You’ve heard it’s “too far” for a quick trip.

Here’s the thing:There’s a direct flight from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading Airport—and it only takes 65 minutes.

I’ve lived in Chengdu for 10 years.

I’ve sent dozens of foreign travelers to Yading.

Most didn’t know this flight existed—until it was too late.

This guide solves one problem:

How to visit Yading with only 2–3 days, using the fastest, smartest route—flight, not bus.

No 12-hour drives.

No altitude sickness on winding roads.

Just mountains, lakes, and sky—in record time.

Daocheng Yading

Why the Bus is a Trap (And the Plane is Your Friend)

The bus from Chengdu to Yading?

12+ hours.

Narrow mountain roads.

Zero legroom.

And you arrive exhausted at 4,700m—prime altitude sickness zone.

A Danish friend took the bus.

He spent Day 2 in bed, vomiting.

Missed Milk Lake.

Missed Five-Color Lake.

（Fastest way from Chengdu to Yading for foreign tourists by flight）

But fly instead?

You land at Daocheng Yading Airport (Dàochéng Yàdìng Jīchǎng, 稻城亚丁机场)—the world’s fifth-highest civilian airport at 4,411m.Yes, it’s high.But you rest at your lodge first, then hike next morning—fresh and ready.

Trust me:If you have only 2–3 days, flying is the only way.

Your 2-Day Yading Itinerary (Chengdu → Flight → Hike → Return)

Day 1: Chengdu → Daocheng → Rest & Acclimatize

• Flight: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (Chéngdū Shuāngliú Jīchǎng, 成都双流机场) → Daocheng Yading Airport

  • Best flight: 3U8075 (Sichuan Airlines)

    • Departure: 7:55 a.m.

    • Arrival: 9:00 a.m.

    • Duration: 65 minutes

    • Price: ¥800–¥1,200 (book early!)

• At airport:

  • Take shared shuttle (¥50) or private car (¥300) to Xiangcheng Town (Xiāngchéng Zhèn, 香格里拉镇)—1 hour drive

• Check in: Stay at Yading Zen Resort or Ganden Lodge (both have oxygen rooms!)

• Do NOT hike today.

  • Drink water. Eat light. Rest.

  • Walk 10 minutes around town to adjust.

Day 2: Full-Day Yading Hike → Fly Back

• 7:30 a.m.: Enter Yading Nature Reserve (Yàdìng Zìrán Bǎoquǎn Qū, 亚丁自然保护区)

• Route:

  • Take eco-bus (¥120 round-trip) to Luorong Pasture (Luòróng Cǎoyuán, 洛绒牛场)

  • Hike to Milk Lake (Niúnǎi Hǎi, 牛奶海) + Five-Color Lake (Wǔsè Hǎi, 五色海)

    • Distance: 6 km round-trip

    • Elevation gain: 500m (to 4,700m)

    • Time: 4–5 hours

• 2:00 p.m.: Exit park, drive back to airport

• Return flight: 3U8076

  • Departure: 9:55 p.m. from Daocheng

  • Arrival: 11:00 p.m. in Chengdu

Total time away: 48 hours.

Total hiking: one epic day.

Total regret: zero.

Flight Details: Times, Prices & Booking Tips

Chengdu → Daocheng Flights (Daily, Apr–Oct)

• Airlines: Sichuan Airlines (3U), Air China (CA)

• Morning flights: 7:55 a.m., 8:20 a.m.

• Evening return: 9:55 p.m. (last flight!)

• Price range:

  • Low season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): ¥800–¥1,000

  • Peak (Jun–Aug): ¥1,200–¥1,600

• Book via: Ctrip (Trip.com) or airline’s English site

• Passport required at check-in—no ID card accepted for foreigners

Pro Tip:

Flights cancel often in winter (Nov–Mar) due to snow.

Only fly Apr–Oct for reliability.

What to Pack & How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Essentials:

• Water: 2L minimum

• Snacks: Chocolate, energy bars

• Layers: Mornings are 0–5°C, afternoons 10–15°C

• Sun protection: UV is extreme at 4,700m

Altitude Sickness Prevention:

• Don’t shower on Day 1—it worsens symptoms

• Drink butter tea (local Tibetan drink)—helps acclimatization

• Use oxygen can (¥20 at lodge)—only if dizzy or nauseous

• Never hike alone—always go with a buddy

Skip these mistakes:

❌ Don’t eat heavy meat on Day 1

❌ Don’t run or jump at high elevation

❌ Don’t skip the eco-bus—walking from entrance adds 2 hours!

Real Stories from Foreign Travelers

“I had only 3 days in China. My hostel said ‘Yading is impossible.’ But I flew—and stood at Milk Lake at sunrise. Best decision ever.”— Sara, Greece

“The flight was smooth. The lodge gave me oxygen. I hiked 6 hours and felt great. Worth every yuan.”— David, Croatia

“I compared bus vs plane. Bus: 24 hours travel. Plane: 2 hours. No contest.”— Martina, Slovenia

Chengdu Travel Guide for Foreigners. Tap the link → open aMap in English → book a taxi instantly. No typing. No wrong addresses.

Last week, an American traveler used the guide to reach Meihua Drama Club. She messaged me: “Found it in 10 minutes! The show was magical—and the tea was hot. Thank you!”

Chengdu 96 hours Ultimate Relaxation Itinerary

$9.99

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Chengdu 96 hours Ultimate Relaxation Itinerary

Only $9.99—less than your Chengdu hot pot!

Buy Now