Take train or fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. At the station by the Ximen (West Gate), a bus goes directly to Daofu. It takes about 14 hours and the price is about 120 yuan (US$14.50). The county is small and you can stroll around it on foot.
Hotels: The county commission's hotel is rather good. A standard room is from 80 to 120 yuan and you can bargain. It is better to find a room on the second floor for the view of the temple and the residential houses in the distance. Many private hotels can be found in the surrounding county and prices are cheaper.
Climate: The average temperature year round is more than 8 degrees centigrade with an average of 2.5 degrees in January and 16 degrees in July. The best time to visit Daofu is in early summer when all the flowers are in bloom.
Visitors should be wary of altitude sickness and should bring with them some vitamin supplements and some aspirin.
(Shanghai Star May 9, 2003)
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