Daocheng

Daocheng (稻城; Dàochéng) is a city in Ganzi, Sichuan province Understand 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 initially appears. 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 3200m and 4000m. If you take the time to head out of the town you will find the surrounding countryside and mountainous backdrop quite charming. Get in From Tagong minibuses are available either arranged through your guesthouse or you will be approached on the main street cost is 50 yuan per person to Daocheng. Get around See 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/Shangri-La/ However, carry a stick or some stones in your pockets, as wild and freely roaming dogs are a bit of a danger, especially if you leave the villages and stay on your own. Do Buy Eat Drink Sleep There are a large number of budget guesthouses across the road from the bus station. There are also several guesthoues 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). Moreoverm there is no heating as in the whole area. In such situation, it is a must to ask for an electric blanket in the sleeping places (but again, be aware that electricity fails very often). On top of all that, the bus station hotel is definitely not a bargain offer either. As of Sept '12, there is a large number of Hostels around. 25 RMB for a dorm seems to be the standard price, some will offer a bed for as little as 20 RMB. You will be approached at the bus stop right away, choose your favorite one and enjoy the free lift. Get out If you arrive by bus you will undoubtedly 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. Service to Litang cost 50¥ at time of writing (26 July 2009). From Daocheng Bus Station To Departure Price (Yuan) Duration (h) Last update Litang 6:30 ¥?? 3 15 July 2007 Kangding 6:30 ¥126 12 15 July 2007 Xiangcheng  ??:?? ¥?? 3 15 July 2007 Zhongdian 06:00 ¥111 10 26 October 2010