01Cultural Stop
Paoma Mountain
跑马山
All Ages
Admission
CNY 50 standard admission. Ropeway or cableway add-on: CNY 30 return.
Typical Visit
2-4 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Ticket sources differ: the official tariff page lists CNY 105 admission + CNY 90 sightseeing bus, while current major ticket platforms sell adult packages at CNY 195-200 with the required bus. Optional lake boat is separate.
Hours
Peak season: 08:00-18:00; last entry 16:30. Low season: 08:30-18:30; last entry 16:00.
Transport
No metro. From Kangding city, use a taxi, charter car, or local shuttle toward Yala Township (雅拉乡); the scenic gate is about 17 km from central Kangding.
Duration
4-6 hours
Best Time
May-Jun for rhododendrons; Sep-Oct for clearer highland weather
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Buy the admission and sightseeing bus together
The park is spread across a high valley, so the sightseeing bus is the practical way to reach the upper lake and return through the lower stops.
Tip:Foreign passport holders may need to exchange or verify tickets at the visitor center.
2
Ride directly to Mugecuo Lake first
Start at the highest main stop, Mugecuo Lake, then work downward. The bus ride is winding and can cause motion sickness.
Tip:Sit where you can look forward if you get carsick.
3
Choose lake walking or the paid boat
A lake walk keeps the visit simple. The boat adds time and cost, and is most useful if you specifically want wider lake views.
Tip:The lake area is high enough for some visitors to feel altitude.
4
Stop at the hot-spring and Seven-Color Lake sections
Work down through Yaochi boiling spring, the foot-soak area, Seven-Color Lake, and the creek boardwalks if buses and time allow.
Tip:Hot-spring eggs, foot soaking, and similar items are separate purchases.
5
Leave enough time for the last return bus
Finish the lower stops before the late-afternoon return rush. The park is not a good place to improvise after last entry.
Tip:Bring layers, sunscreen, water, and simple snacks.
Highlights
- Top-down scenic bus route that reduces uphill walking
- Highland lake, forest, creek, and hot-spring stops in one park
- Useful first major scenic stop from Kangding
- Optional boat and foot-soak experiences if time allows
- Good choice for travelers who want scenery without a long trek
Insider Tips
✦Do not run or jump at the upper lake; the park reaches about 3,780 m.
✦Bring motion-sickness medicine if winding mountain buses are difficult for you.
✦Go early if you want the full route rather than a rushed lake-only visit.
✦The total cost is high compared with many roadside viewpoints, so skip it if your itinerary already includes several paid highland parks.
✦Carry a warm layer even in summer.
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