Kangding Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Kangding with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, local food, where to stay, and more.


Kangding, a charming town in western China, is situated 2,600 meters above sea level, and can be found in southwestern Sichuan Province. Known for its unique blend of Chinese and Tibetan cultures, this picturesque destination offers breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of the local people. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore all the best that Kangding has to offer, from culturally significant attractions to outdoor adventures and much more.

Introduction to Kangding

At the heart of Kangding lies its rich history and cultural heritage. The town has long been a trading hub, and even served as the capital of the Tibetan Kham Kingdom during the 17th century. Today, Kangding maintains its status as a significant gateway to Tibetan areas, while also serving as an essential trading center for the surrounding agricultural regions.

Kangding is known for its gorgeous scenery, with stunning snow-capped mountain peaks and scenic waterfalls dotting the landscape. The mild climate and unique blend of cultures make Kangding a year-round destination that is an excellent stop on any traveler’s itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in Kangding

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Kangding Mosque: This structure dates back to the Qing Dynasty and is considered to be one of the most extensive mosques in Western China.
  2. Zheduo Pass: This historic pass provides insight into the trading and travel routes of ancient times.
  3. Anjue Temple: This Buddhist temple is a must-visit destination, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.
  4. Kangding Love Square: This popular attraction offers a chance to explore the town’s unique blend of Chinese and Tibetan cultures.
  5. Er’lang Mountain Hot Spring: Relax in this popular natural hot spring with panoramic views of the mountains.

Natural Attractions of Kangding: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hailuogou Glacier Park: This incredible park offers a chance to see glaciers and stunning landscapes, including forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
  2. Dordrak Monastery: This is a renowned destination for hiking, with beautiful trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  3. Erlang Mountain: At 4,200 meters, this mountain is the highest peak in Kangding and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  4. Tagong Grassland: Visit the beautiful grassland and enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and taking in the beautiful views of the rolling hills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kangding

  1. Gonggashan National Reserve: With a well-marked hiking trail, this is the most popular hiking destination in the region.
  2. Yala Mountain: This peak is a great option for those with a moderate level of fitness and offers an incredible view of Chowalong Temple.
  3. Hailuogou Glacier Park: With a well-marked path, visitors can hike direct to the park’s beautiful glacier.
  4. Zheduo Pass: This is a historical destination with a beautiful trail that showcases Kangding’s cultural heritage.

Best Things to Do in Kangding: Activities and Tours

  1. Attend a local Tibetan Opera show: Experience the culture of the locals with an evening Tibetan opera show.
  2. Visit the Kangding Reindeer National Introducing Center.
  3. Visit the Dongtiantang Hot Spring: Relax in the hot spring with stunning views of the mountains.
  4. Participate in traditional Tibetan festivals: These festivals are an excellent opportunity to experience Kangding’s unique blend of Chinese and Tibetan cultures.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kangding

Day 1: Arrival in Kangding, spend the day exploring the town’s attractions, including Kangding Mosque and Love Square.

Day 2: Head to Hailuogou Glacier Park and spend the day exploring the park’s hiking trails, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Day 3: Visit the Anjue Temple and Dordrak Monastery on this cultural excursion.

Day 4: Head to Yala Mountain for an intermediate hike and chance to experience the stunning views of the Chowalong Temple.

Day 5: Attend a local Tibetan Opera show, visit the Kangding Reindeer National Introducing Center, and explore the hot springs.

Day 6: Take a trip to the Tagong Grassland for some outdoor activities and stunning views.

Day 7: Depart Kangding and head to your next travel destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Kangding

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tibetan Yak Butter Tea: A unique and delicious tea that is ubiquitous throughout the region.
  2. Danba Pork Meat Pie: A Chinese-style pie made with pork and spiced with cumin.
  3. Shredded Potato: A local favorite that is served in a soup or as a side dish.
  4. Tibetan Tsampa: A simple yet hearty dish made with roasted barley flour, butter, and tea.

Local Beverages

  1. Chang: A distinctive Tibetan-style beer that is crafted using barley and wheat.
  2. Kuding: A herbal tea that is known for its health benefits and has a slightly bitter flavor.

Where to Stay in Kangding: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Zhilam Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel that offers friendly staff and a great communal space for socializing.
  2. Fairyland Hotel Kangding: This hotel is located in the center of Kangding and offers comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant, and a bar.
  3. Kangding Boutique Hotel: A luxurious option that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and close access to the town’s attractions.

What to Buy in Kangding: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Tibetan Socks: Comfortable and stylish socks made in the traditional style.
  2. Tibetan Silver Jewelry: Beautiful handmade jewelry made with intricate designs and high-quality silver.
  3. Kangding Tea: A delicious variety of teas that are made from the region’s finest tea leaves.

Local Culture and Customs of Kangding

Kangding is known for its unique blend of Chinese and Tibetan cultures. Visitors to the town will notice the influence of these cultures on everything from the food and language to the architecture and cultural traditions. When visiting Kangding, it is essential to respect the locals’ traditional way of life and customs.

Best Time to Visit Kangding

The best time to visit Kangding is from September to November and early April to early June. During these months, temperatures are mild, making outdoor activities enjoyable, and the scenery is stunning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kangding

Do:

  1. Respect the locals’ customs and traditions.
  2. Learn some basic Mandarin or Tibetan phrases.
  3. Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
  4. Take time to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect religious sites.
  2. Leave trash behind when exploring the great outdoors.
  3. Touch local people’s religious artifacts and statues.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kangding

Kangding is generally safe, with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, visitors should exercise caution when traveling at night or in remote areas.

Health in Kangding

As Kangding is situated in high altitude, visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is essential to stay hydrated, limit alcohol consumption, and take breaks during any physical activities. Visitors should speak to their doctor should they have any concerns about acclimatization to high elevations.

Getting to Kangding: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kangding

The nearest airports to Kangding are Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. Visitors can travel by land from these airports to Kangding.

Bus Stations Near Kangding

There are regular bus services to Kangding from Chengdu and other neighboring cities.

Other Options

Visitors may take a taxi, hire a car or ride-share service to travel to Kangding from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Kangding

Kangding is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. Visitors may also hire a bike or motorbike to explore the town and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Kangding: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Danba: Visit this region, known for its stunning stone watchtowers, picturesque landscapes and tranquil lifestyle.
  2. Luding: Explore this town, known primarily for its historic Luding Bridge and its role in Chinese history.
  3. Aden Scenic Area: Experience some of the Sichuan area’s most breathtaking scenery, including hikes and beautiful waterfalls.

Conclusion

Kangding is a unique travel destination that offers everything from cultural excursions to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, hiking through the mountains, or experiencing the local food culture, Kangding is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.