Xiangcheng nestles in a beautiful valley of terrace fields, dotted with traditional Tibetan farm houses and splendid monasteries. The surrounding landscape is more flagrant and peaceful than that of in Derong.

From Xiangcheng - Sangdui: take a daily Kangding bus. Check the departure time in advance as it is not the same every day. It takes three and a half hours for the bus to climb to a col of 4700M and descend to Sangdui (nearly 4000M).
 
Xiangcheng is worth a visit. A day tour proposed by a guide at local Hotel includes visiting a Tibetan farm house in a nearby Tibetan village, hot springs, and the fabulous monastery outside the town.

Sangdui is a quite, charming Tibetan village. Ugly modern buildings haven't come up in Sangdui yet. Don't miss Bangpu monastery, 1km north of Sangdui, along the enchanting Daocheng River. Don't stay at Sangdui as the only lodge run by Happy Shop looks awful. Go further to Daocheng (28km) by the car of Happy Shop.

Getting away:

It's a pity if you return the same way you come. Try to go to Daocheng from Zhongdian and then quit Daocheng for Litang, Kangding and Chengdu. Daocheng has daily bus leaving for Kangding. During peak season, a mini bus is added for Xingduqiao. Both buses pass through Litang where you can head for west, starting your adventure in Tibet.

Hotels in Daocheng:

Among Tibetan family-hostels, Pengshongcuo (Tel: 0836-5728581) has gained a good reputation. This hostel has several double rooms with WC for Y80. It is located on a street, one hundred meters north of the bus station, at the same side.

Yadingren Shequ Hotel provides travelers with a lot of hiking information.
A clean double room without bathroom: Y50 - Y60. The hotel organizes hiking in Yading Nature Reserve. They can help organize treks from Yading to Muli or other places.

Yading Hotel: A newly built luxury hotel in Daocheng. Double room starts from Y220.-. Run by the local government, the hotel offers a typical Chinese style service. During my visit in Daocheng in 2003, this was the only hotel having hot shower in the room.

(CRIENGLISH.com)