Historically, Kangding was a small trading hub between the Tibetan and Han people. Now, it's known as the gateway to the mountains.

About Kangding

Kangding is generally seen as the first stop - and, really, the real start of a western Sichuan adventure. A few hours' drive from Chengdu, this is the part where your views become less highway and more mountain passes. In short, it's where the fun really starts.

If you're travelling solo, then great. Rest up!

If you're on a tour or looking for a tour, there are plenty that start from Kangding instead of Chengdu.

Things to do in Kangding

Kanhgding's attractions are, in reality few and far between. A shopping street, a popular downtown square, the river path, and a Tibetan temple are really the only things there.

My suggestion? Use the hours you have in Kangding to go for a chilled walk around downtown, visit the temple etc and get used to the start of the altitude area. But rest up, from here on out, your journey is going to get a fair bit harder.. and a lot more interesting.

Getting to Kangding

You have multiple options to get to Kangding. But the best way would be to drive - mostly because it'll help you get used to the car before you head further into Western Sichuan.

If you prefer to start from Kangding, you can take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station or even a flight.