If the direct bus service between Zhongdian and Daocheng is suspended, take an alternative, slightly more complicated route: Zhongdian - Derong - Xiangcheng - Sangdui - Daocheng

First take a bus from Zhongdian to Derong, (5 hours) and then find a collective taxi to Xiangcheng (4 to 5 hours). Stay overnight in Xiangcheng and catch the morning bus for Sangdui (3.5 hours).
 
Derong is located in a sheer gorge, 144km north of Zhongdian. Surrounded by sacred mountains, awesome gorges and high meadows, Derong is a nice place to discover a wild and pristine landscape. A daily bus leaves Zhongdian for Derong at 9:00am (5 hours).

A bus leaves Derong once every two days for Kangding, passing through Xiangcheng, Sangdui and Litang.

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

From Xiangcheng - Sangdui: take the 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 the height of 4700M before descending back down to Sangdui (nearly 4000M).

Xiangcheng is worth a visit. A day tour proposed by a guide at a local hotel includes visiting a Tibetan farm house in a nearby Tibetan village, hot springs, and the monastery located outside the town.

Sangdui is a quiet, charming Tibetan village. Ugly modern buildings haven't crept into the town yet. Don't miss Bangpu monastery, 1km north of Sangdui, along the enchanting Daocheng River. Reasonable lodging can be found in Daocheng, about 28km from Sangdui.
 
Getting away:

Click to See the Map of Daocheng

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 buses departing for Kangding. During peak season, a mini bus is added for Xingduqiao. Both buses pass through Litang, from where you can head west, starting your adventure in Tibet.

Hotels in Daocheng:

Among several Tibetan family-hostels, Pengshongcuo (Tel: 0836-5728581) has gained a good reputation. This hostel has several double rooms with a toilet for 80 yuan. It is located on a street one hundred meters north of the bus station, on the same side.

Yadingren Shequ Hotel provides travelers with a lot of hiking information.

A clean double room without bathroom runs 50 – 60 yuan. The hotel organizes hiking trips in Yading Nature Reserve. They can also help organize treks from Yading to Muli or other places.

Yading Hotel: A newly built luxury hotel in Daocheng. Double rooms start from 220 yuan. Run by the local government, the hotel offers typical Chinese style service and the rare treat of a hot shower.