Du Lịch ĐẠO THÀNH, Á ĐINH - TRUNG QUỐC . Nơi Ngắm Mùa Thu Đẹp Nhất Trung Quốc. Ya Ding China Travel

Key Concepts

• Á Đinh (Yading): A nature reserve in Sichuan, China, renowned for its pristine natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, golden forests, and jade-like streams. It is often referred to as the "last pure land on Earth."
• Tam Bảo Tuyết Sơn (Three Holy Mountains): A mountain range within Á Đinh, comprising three peaks: Tiên Nãi Nhật (6032m, representing Avalokiteśvara), Ương Mã Dũng (5958m, representing Manjushri), and Hạ Nặc A Tỳ (5951m, representing Vajrapani).
• Altitude Sickness (Sốc độ cao): A common ailment experienced at high altitudes (4000-5000m in Á Đinh) due to thin air and low oxygen levels. Symptoms can include dizziness and fatigue.
• Oxygen Cylinders (Gối oxy): Portable oxygen tanks used by visitors to combat altitude sickness.
• Okela Travel Company: The organizer of the tour to Á Đinh, offering a discount code "Toroban" for 1 million VND off per person.
• Autumn Season: The ideal time to visit Á Đinh for its vibrant autumn foliage, typically late October to early November.
• Hiking Trails: Á Đinh features various hiking routes, including short and long circuits, with varying levels of difficulty.
• Lakes: Notable lakes include Hồ Tân Bảo (Xinbao Lake) and Hồ Ngọc/Hồ Chân Châu (Pearl Lake), and Hồ Sữa (Milk Lake) and Hồ Ngũ Sắc (Five-Color Lake) on the longer circuit.
• Monasteries/Temples: The presence of ancient monasteries and temples, such as Chùa Sùng Cổ (Chonggu Temple) and Tu viện Tagong, adds cultural and spiritual significance to the area.
• Tibetan Buddhism: The dominant religion in the region, influencing local customs, prayer wheels, and pilgrimage sites like Bạch Tháp (White Pagoda).
• National Highway 318: A significant highway in China, connecting Shanghai to Tibet, offering scenic views and passing through various terrains.
• Khangding County: A region within Sichuan known for its cloud-sea views and challenging mountain passes.
• Lidang Ancient Town: A historic town with unique architecture, prayer wheels, and a wishing tree.
• Tagong Monastery: An ancient monastery with over 1000 years of history, influenced by Tibetan and Tang Dynasty architecture.
• White Pagoda (Bạch Tháp): A sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists, where pilgrims perform circumambulations and prostrations.
• Self-heating Rice Boxes: Convenient meal options for hikers, containing rice, water, and a self-heating element.
• Horse Riding Service: An optional service for covering certain distances, costing 200 CNY for approximately 2 km.
• Snowfall: The possibility of experiencing snowfall, even during the autumn season, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape.

Á Đinh: The Last Pure Land on Earth

Á Đinh, located in Sichuan, China, is presented as a breathtaking natural sanctuary, often described as the "last pure land on Earth." Situated at an average altitude of 4500 meters, it boasts a surreal beauty characterized by snow-capped mountains, vibrant blue lakes, golden forests, and crystal-clear streams. The video emphasizes that anyone who visits Á Đinh is captivated by its charm and finds it hard to leave.

The Okela Tour and Discount Offer

The journey to Á Đinh is undertaken as part of a tour named "Đạo Thành Á Đình" organized by Okela Travel Company. The company offers a discount of 1 million VND per person for those who mention the code "Toroban" when booking.

Exploring Á Đinh: The Short Circuit

The initial exploration focuses on the "short circuit" within Á Đinh, starting from the "Băng Khói" (Ice Smoke) station.

• Trekking Route: The path involves a 750-meter walk followed by a wooden boardwalk leading uphill.
• Key Landmarks:
  • Chùa Sùng Cổ (Chonggu Temple): A significant temple encountered along the route.
  • Hồ Tân Bảo (Xinbao Lake) and Hồ Ngọc/Hồ Chân Châu (Pearl Lake): Two beautiful lakes are visited on the short circuit.
  • Tam Bảo Tuyết Sơn (Three Holy Mountains): The majestic snow-capped peaks are visible from this area.
    • Tiên Nãi Nhật (6032m): Represents Avalokiteśvara.
    • Ương Mã Dũng (5958m): Represents Manjushri.
• Challenges and Preparations:
  • Altitude Sickness: The high altitude (4000-5000m) leads to thin air and oxygen deficiency. Visitors are advised to carry oxygen cylinders ("gối oxy").
  • Acclimatization: While initial symptoms of altitude sickness might be severe, the body generally adapts after a night's rest.
  • Pre-trip Preparation: It is recommended to exercise regularly a month before the trip, take supplements like "hoạt huyết dưỡng não" (blood circulation and brain tonic), and maintain a relaxed mindset.
• Autumn Foliage: The video highlights the stunning golden and red hues of the trees during autumn, with late October being the peak season.
• Scenery: The landscape is described as constantly changing, with new beautiful vistas appearing every 100 meters. The clear, blue streams flowing through golden foliage are particularly striking.
• Monastery Visit: A visit to a monastery within Á Đinh reveals a beautiful interior with resting areas and breathtaking views.
• Hồ Ngọc/Hồ Chân Châu: The narrator mentions that the first lake encountered might appear shallow or dry, but the truly beautiful, deep blue lake is further ahead.

The Long Circuit: A Greater Challenge

The second day is dedicated to the more challenging "long circuit," which is longer and more arduous.

• Crowds: The long circuit attracts a larger number of tourists, especially when starting early.
• Infrastructure: Despite the remote location, Á Đinh has well-developed infrastructure, including elevators, escalators, and long pathways.
• Elderly Tourists: The video features an inspiring interview with a couple in their late 60s who successfully completed the challenging hike, attributing their success to consistent pre-trip walking and determination.
• Lạc Nhung (Luorong): The group reaches Lạc Nhung at an altitude of 4150m.
• The Three Holy Mountains:
  • Tiên Nãi Nhật (6032m): Revisited from the short circuit.
  • Ương Mã Dũng (5958m): The target for the long circuit.
  • Hạ Nặc A Tỳ (5951m): Represents Vajrapani.
• The Long Trek: The long circuit involves a 5km trek in and 5km trek out to reach Hồ Sữa (Milk Lake) (4600m) and Hồ Ngũ Sắc (Five-Color Lake) (4700m).
• Wildlife Encounters: The presence of cute yaks and ravens is noted.
• Stream Water: The water in the streams is exceptionally clear and cold, originating from the snow-capped mountains.
• Recommended Attire: Warm clothing, including thermal wear, is essential due to temperatures around -5°C.
• Tour Company Services: Okela Travel provides compact, self-heating rice boxes for meals, along with snacks and fruit.
• Horse Riding Option: A horse riding service is available for a 2km stretch, costing 200 CNY (approximately 800,000 VND). However, long waiting times are reported, making walking a potentially more efficient option.
• Hồ Sữa and Hồ Ngũ Sắc:
  • Accessibility: Reaching these lakes involves a significant trek, including steep, stepped sections.
  • "Human Porter" Service: For those struggling with the ascent, a service where individuals carry people up the mountain is available, with pricing based on the number of steps.
  • Time Management: It is crucial to start early and reach the lakes before 3:00 PM, as visitors are asked to descend by then due to fading light.
  • Difficulty: The narrator suggests these lakes are more suited for younger, adventurous travelers, while older individuals might find the scenery on the lower trails equally rewarding.
• Snowfall Experience: The video captures a surprise snowfall, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. This highlights the unpredictable weather and the possibility of experiencing both autumn colors and snow.
• Timing for Visit: Visiting in late October to early November is recommended for the best autumn foliage. However, the timing of snow can affect the leaves, so an earlier visit might be safer for experiencing peak autumn colors.

Cultural and Spiritual Sites

Beyond the natural landscapes, the video explores significant cultural and spiritual locations.

• Bạch Tháp (White Pagoda): A sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists, where people perform circumambulations and prostrations, often carrying prayer wheels. The ritual involves touching the ground with one's forehead, hands, and knees.
• Tu viện Tagong (Tagong Monastery): An ancient monastery with over 1000 years of history, built in a unique style influenced by the Tang Dynasty. It is associated with Princess Wencheng and King Songtsen Gampo. The interior is not allowed to be filmed, preserving its mystique.
• National Highway 318: The video highlights the experience of driving on this iconic highway, known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, reaching altitudes of over 4200m.
• Khangding County: The journey through Khangding offers stunning cloud-sea views and passes through winding mountain roads.
• Lidang Ancient Town: This town features beautiful architecture, a wishing tree, and opportunities to rent traditional attire. Prayer wheels are a common sight, and visitors are advised to complete full rotations for their prayers to be answered.
• Lidang Monastery: Located at a high altitude (4200m), this monastery is significant for its historical connection to the 7th Dalai Lama and its ancient architecture and artifacts.

Practical Advice and Observations

• Packing: Advised to pack light and bring warm clothing, including thermal layers.
• Medication: It's recommended to carry a variety of medications for common ailments like colds, motion sickness, and altitude sickness.
• Photography: The scenery is exceptionally photogenic, with new views appearing frequently.
• Respect for Culture: Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, especially at religious sites.
• Time Management: Crucial for reaching destinations like Hồ Sữa and Hồ Ngũ Sắc before the designated closing times.
• Flexibility: Weather can be unpredictable, and plans may need to be adjusted.

Conclusion

Á Đinh is presented as an unparalleled destination offering a profound connection with nature and a glimpse into Tibetan culture. The journey, while challenging due to the altitude, is immensely rewarding, providing breathtaking scenery and spiritual experiences. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to visit Á Đinh and experience its magic firsthand.