Paoma Mountain in Kangding City, Garze

Mount Paoma (跑马山) is located on the south side of Kangding City (康定市), Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province. Famous for the classic Tibetan song “Kangding Love Song” and the lyric “On the galloping horse mountain,” the mountain is also known by its Tibetan name Lhamo Tse (拉姆则), meaning “Mountain of the Fairy.” With an altitude of about 2,800 meters, it is the closest mountain scenic area to downtown Kangding, combining Tibetan cultural landscapes, alpine meadows, and panoramic city views. It is an ideal place for visitors to gradually adapt to the plateau environment after arriving in western Sichuan, and can be combined with nearby attractions such as Liuliu City (溜溜城), Jingang Temple (金刚寺), and Nanwu Temple (南无寺) for a half-day city tour.

🌿 Best Time to Visit

Seasons

April to October: During spring and summer, vegetation becomes lush, and rhododendrons bloom across the mountain in June and July, offering the best sightseeing experience with green meadows and colorful mountain scenery.

November to March of the following year: In winter and early spring, sunny days provide clear views of surrounding snow mountains. There are fewer visitors, creating a peaceful atmosphere suitable for quiet sightseeing and photography.

Best Time of Day

From 9:00 to 11:00, the sunlight is clear, the air is usually less humid, and it is the best time to photograph panoramic views of Kangding city. Clouds and mist often develop in the mountains during the afternoon.

The scenic area is open from 08:30 to 18:00, with last admission at 16:30. A complete visit usually takes about 1.5–2.5 hours.

🎫 Ticket Information, Opening Hours & Transportation

Tickets and Opening

The developed sightseeing area of Mount Paoma is free to enter. The internal shuttle bus costs 15 RMB for one way and 30 RMB for a round trip. Visitors can also choose to hike up the mountain.

Getting There

Public Bus: Local city buses provide convenient access to the mountain foot parking area, with fares around 2 RMB.

Taxi / Self-driving: Taxis from downtown Kangding can reach the mountain entrance directly. Parking spaces are limited, especially during peak seasons.

Getting Around the Mountain

Visitors can take the shuttle bus uphill or climb via hiking trails. There is no large sightseeing vehicle system inside the scenic area, and many visitors choose to explore the mountain on foot.

🌄 Core Attractions

Paomaping Meadow (跑马坪)

Paomaping is the iconic alpine meadow area at the top of Mount Paoma. Historically, it was a place for horse racing events and Tibetan mountain-turning ceremonies. The wide grassland, colorful prayer flags, and open mountain views create one of the most representative landscapes of Kangding.

Lingyun White Pagoda (凌云白塔)

The Lingyun White Pagoda is one of Mount Paoma’s most recognizable landmarks. The Tibetan-style white pagoda standing against the blue sky and clouds is a popular location for blessings, photography, and experiencing Tibetan religious culture.

Mountain Summit Viewing Platform

From the highest viewpoint, visitors can overlook the entire Kangding urban area. The Zheduo River (折多河) flows through the city, and the surrounding mountains create a spectacular picture of a Tibetan mountain town.

Auspicious Zen Temple (吉祥禅院)

Located near the mountain summit, this small Tibetan Buddhist temple is quiet and simple, offering visitors a peaceful place to experience local religious culture.

Kangding Love Song Stone Monument (康定情歌石碑)

This cultural landmark celebrates the famous Kangding Love Song and represents the connection between the mountain and Tibetan folk music traditions.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Kangding City Hotels (Recommended)

Staying in downtown Kangding is the most convenient choice. The city offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses with complete facilities, and the mountain entrance is very close, making it unnecessary to stay overnight in the mountains.

🍲 Food Recommendations

Tibetan Noodles and Sweet Tea: Local Tibetan teahouses in Kangding Old Town offer affordable and authentic snacks.

Yak Meat Hot Pot: A popular western Sichuan specialty that provides rich calories and helps visitors stay warm in the plateau climate.

Highland Barley Cake and Tsampa (糌粑): Traditional Tibetan staple foods, usually enjoyed with butter tea.

Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink that helps relieve dryness caused by the high-altitude environment.

⚠️ Travel Tips

Altitude and Weather

Although Mount Paoma is only around 2,800 meters above sea level, visitors should still walk slowly and avoid intense exercise when climbing. The temperature difference between day and night can be significant, so carrying a light jacket is recommended. Strong plateau ultraviolet rays require proper sun protection.

Safety and Cultural Respect

1. Avoid entering undeveloped or closed areas and follow scenic area warning signs.
2. Photography is allowed around the white pagoda and temple exterior, but photography inside temple halls is prohibited.
3. When walking around prayer sites or participating in religious activities, follow the Tibetan tradition of moving clockwise.
4. Do not step on or damage prayer flags, Mani stones, or religious decorations.
5. Shops on the mountain are limited, so visitors should bring drinking water in advance.