# Derong Sun Valley (得荣太阳谷)

Garze Prefecture, Sichuan Province · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/derong-sun-valley
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Time needed:** 1-2 hours
- **Address:** Between Shangri-La and Deqen
- **Getting there:** Take a bus from Chengdu to Kangding, then catch a bus from Kangding Bus Station to Derong County. One bus departs daily at 7:30.
- **Good for:** Photography, Nature

## About Derong Sun Valley

Derong Sun Valley remains a little-known, mysterious hidden valley, though more and more travellers are venturing out to explore it. Like the gorges of Shangri-La, its scenery is captivating. The villages and Wengjia Temple are natural and full of life, secluded and refreshingly unspoiled, and have yet to be discovered by many. These reasons alone are enough to make the arduous journey worthwhile for pilgrims.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Compared with places at the same altitude in Tibet, altitude sickness is less pronounced here, as the lush vegetation of Sun Valley keeps the air humid and rich in oxygen.
- 2. It is best to tour the scenic area on horseback. Horse rental costs ¥80–100 per day, and the local villagers are fairly trustworthy. Cars can reportedly drive up to an elevation of 3,000 metres, and riding a horse from there to the base camp takes about 2 hours. Currently, riding up from Xiayong Village takes over 4 hours, and the descent takes 3 hours.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 408. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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