Encountering Beautiful China, Savoring Poetry and the Distant: Roaming the Homeland Series, Comprehensive (4) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway Self-Drive Roadbook (Part 1)

📍 Lhasa · 👁 3241 reads

National Highway 318 is a major road traversing East, Central, and Southwest China. Starting from People's Square in Huangpu District, Shanghai, and ending at the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge in Nyalam County, Shigatse, Tibet, it stretches 5,476 kilometers, making it China's longest national highway. Because it crosses the eastern, central, and western parts of China, encompassing landscapes of plains, hills, basins, mountains, and plateaus, and embracing the cultural charm of Jiangnan water towns, the Tianfu basin culture, and Tibetan cultural sights, it offers a journey of awe, danger, beauty, grandeur, and majesty from the Chengdu Plain to the high mountains and deep gorges of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It has been hailed by Chinese National Geography magazine as 'China's Landscape Avenue'.

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Potala Palace

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Monument to the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - Gala Village Peach Blossom Garden

Tibet - Nyingchi - Mainling - Suosong Village - Distant View of Namcha Barwa

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

Tibet - Bomi - Gangxiang Nature Reserve - Scenery Along the Way

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the most beautiful, spectacular, and thrilling section of this landscape avenue. Historically it was the Tea Horse Road, and in modern times it is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, often simply called the Sichuan-Tibet Line. This road connects Chengdu in Sichuan with Lhasa in Tibet. Starting from Chengdu, it passes through Ya'an, Tianquan, Luding, Kangding, Yajiang, Litang, and Batang before entering Tibet at Markam, then continuing through Zogang, Baxoi, Bomi, Nyingchi, Gongbo'gyamda, Maizhokunggar to Lhasa, covering a total of 2,149 kilometers.

Sketch Map of G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway (image downloaded from the internet)

Tibet - Gongbo'gyamda - Basum Tso

Tibet - Bomi - Palong Zangbo River

Tibet - Nyingchi - Mainling - Suosong Village - Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon

The G318 is renowned for its ruggedness, complexity, and uniqueness. Along the way, there are endless mountains to climb and countless rivers to cross. You will traverse over a dozen high mountain passes above 4,000 meters, including Zheduo Mountain (altitude 4,298 m), Gao'er Temple Mountain (4,412 m), Jianziwan Mountain (4,659 m), Kazila Mountain (4,718 m), Haizi Mountain (4,685 m), Zongbala Mountain (4,370 m), Lawu Mountain (4,338 m), Dongda Mountain (5,130 m), Yela Mountain (4,658 m), Anjiula Mountain (4,325 m), Sejila Mountain (4,720 m), and Mira Mountain (5,013 m). You will also cross many turbulent rivers such as the Dadu River, Yalong River, Jinsha River, Lancang River, Nu River, and Yarlung Zangbo River. The scenery along the route is ever-changing and diverse; traveling it, you can experience the marvelous sensation of 'different weather across the mountain, four seasons in one day.' It is also widely recognized as China's most treacherous and difficult road to traverse, winding through the Hengduan Mountains in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the world's most complex and unique alpine gorge regions. This has earned it the saying: 'Heaven in the heart, hell in the body.'

Altitude Map of the Southern Route of G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway (image downloaded from the internet)

Tibet - Baxoi - 72 Turns of the Nu River

Tibet - Bomi - Bomi Peach Blossom Valley

Tibet - Gongbo'gyamda - Midstream Pillar

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is lined with almost every type of landscape: snow mountains, gorges, grasslands, forests, glaciers, lakes, and rivers, making it a sacred destination for self-driving enthusiasts. Since the 1990s, more and more travelers have set out to explore this highway in various ways. In recent years, the craze for self-driving into Tibet along the G318 has grown wave after wave. 'Drive 318 once in a lifetime, heading west to Lhasa' has become a deeply cherished dream for road-trippers. Frankly, there are very few roads in this world truly worth enduring hardships and trials for, but if you are lucky enough to set foot on the G318, you will encounter countless figures hurrying along the way: pilgrims on foot, true men cycling into Tibet, and most of all, self-driving travelers in all kinds of vehicles. Though the road is long and perilous, no obstacle can stop the determined steps of travel enthusiasts.

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Night View of Potala Palace

Tibet - Gongbo'gyamda - Basum Tso - Scenery Along the Way

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

Tibet - Baxoi - Ranwu Lake Wetland Nature Reserve

Let’s go! Once in a lifetime, drive 318, all the way west to Lhasa!

First Leg: Chengdu – Ya'an – Tianquan – Luding – Kangding (350 km)

Chengdu, the starting point of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, is the capital of Sichuan Province and a national historical and cultural city with numerous heritage sites. The bustling city and its leisurely lifestyle have earned it the reputation of 'Land of Abundance.'

Sichuan - Chengdu - Tianfu Square

Sichuan - Chengdu - Kuanzhai Alley

Sichuan - Chengdu - Cuisine - Sichuan Hotpot

Sichuan - Chengdu - Jinsha Site Museum

Leaving Chengdu marks the beginning of a 2,000-plus-kilometer self-drive journey along the G318. Heading west through Ya'an, Tianquan, and Luding to Kangding, you will pass the Erlang Mountain Tunnel Viewing Platform and the majestic Dadu River at Luding – worth a stop if you're interested. Detouring about 50 km from Luding toward Moxi Town takes you to Hailuogou Scenic Area, an excellent spot to admire snow mountains and glaciers.

Sichuan - Tianquan - Erlang Mountain Tunnel

Sichuan - Luding - Dadu River

Sichuan - Luding - Hailuogou Scenic Area - Snow Scenery

Sichuan - Luding - Hailuogou Scenic Area - Mount Gongga - Golden Sunshine on Snow

Kangding is the capital of Ganzi Prefecture, the place described in the 'Kangding Love Song.' It has a strong Tibetan cultural atmosphere alongside Han influences from the interior, allowing you to experience the fusion of Han and Tibetan cultures. In recent years, tourism has boosted urban development, with comfortable accommodations and dining readily available. It is also home to Muge Cuo (Kangding Love Song Scenic Area), the largest alpine lake in northwest Sichuan, and other worthwhile attractions. Moreover, Kangding's elevation is only 2,395 meters, making it a preferred overnight stop for those gradually transitioning from the plains to the high plateau.

Sichuan - Kangding - Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum

Sichuan - Kangding - Muge Cuo (Kangding Love Song Scenic Area)

Tips:

1. Chengdu is a famous tourist city with many scenic spots inside and outside the city. It's worth taking some time to explore and truly experience the slow-paced life of Chengdu locals.

2. Hailuogou, located in Moxi Town, Luding County, at the foot of Mount Gongga, boasts a world-class giant glacier waterfall of extraordinary magnificence. If you decide to detour into Hailuogou, plan for at least one extra day.

3. A highway now connects Chengdu and Kangding, making the journey much faster. While the expressway is quicker, the cultural sights along the way are not as rich as those on National Highway 318.

Sichuan - Luding - Hailuogou Scenic Area - Giant Glacier Waterfall

Sichuan - Luding - Hailuogou Scenic Area - Hot Springs

Sichuan - Luding - Hailuogou Scenic Area - Mount Gongga

Sichuan - Luding - Hailuogou Scenic Area - Mount Gongga - Golden Sunshine on Snow

Second Leg: Kangding – Xinduqiao (80 km)

Leaving Kangding and driving a short distance along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, you'll soon find yourself climbing steadily to Zheduo Mountain Pass at 4,298 meters. This is the first pass over 4,000 meters on the G318, often called a 'geographical boundary' and the gateway to the high plateau, also known as the 'First Pass of Kham.' Since the opening of the Erlang Mountain Tunnel, Zheduo Mountain has become the first truly challenging high mountain on the road. After the pass, the route descends into Xinduqiao.

Sichuan - Kangding - Zheduo Mountain Pass

Xinduqiao (altitude 3,459 m) is legendary as a 'photographers' paradise.' However, having visited more than once, I never discovered any particularly breathtaking scenery—perhaps times have changed, or we didn't come in the right season.

Nevertheless, Xinduqiao is worth a brief stop. This small town has developed into a hub connecting all directions, and the surrounding area holds many places well worth exploring.

Sichuan - Kangding - Xinduqiao

Heading north from Xinduqiao on Provincial Road 215 toward Dawu, in just over 30 kilometers you reach Tagong Township, where you can visit Tagong Grassland, Tagong Monastery, and gaze upon Mount Yala from the Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform. The route is graced with beautiful grasslands, snow mountains, temples, and villages. A little further lies Bamei Town, home to the tranquil Bamei Grassland and the unique China Ink Stone Park.

Sichuan - Kangding - Tagong Grassland

Sichuan - Kangding - Tagong Grassland - Scenery Along the Way

Sichuan - Kangding - Tagong Grassland - Distant View of Mount Yala

Sichuan - Dawu - China Ink Stone Park

Going south from Xinduqiao toward Jiulong, via Jiagenba, you can reach Yaha Pass and Zimei Pass, excellent spots for a close-up view of Mount Gongga. Along the way, you can also visit the calcified slope and Quanhua Beach, two lesser-known attractions hidden by Kangding that few travelers reach. They offer both a taste of primitive hiking landscapes and enrich your journey with unique experiences.

Sichuan - Kangding - Calcified Slope

Sichuan - Kangding - Yaha Pass - Distant View of Mount Gongga

Sichuan - Kangding - Quanhua Beach

Sichuan - Kangding - Zimei Pass - Distant View of Mount Gongga

Tips:

1. When stopping at high mountain passes to enjoy the scenery and take photos, pay special attention to wind and cold protection; wind and snow are common at these passes. Also, temperature differences on the plateau can be significant.

2. Xinduqiao is not a designated scenic area, yet it is beloved by many. Though just a small town, it offers plenty of convenient accommodation and dining options. During peak season, it bustles with visitors, making it a good choice to stay for a while and explore the surroundings.

3. The road from Jiagenba to Yaha Pass and Zimei Pass is in poor condition. Near Quanhua Beach, there are guesthouses offering basic room and board. If you wish to witness the golden sunshine on Mount Gongga at Zimei Pass, you will generally need to stay overnight here.

Sichuan - Kangding - Xinduqiao

Sichuan - Kangding - Quanhua Beach - Scenery Along the Way

Sichuan - Kangding - Quanhua Beach

Third Leg: Xinduqiao – Yajiang – Litang – Batang (370 km)

From Xinduqiao, you next ascend Gao'er Temple Mountain, the second great barrier of Kham at 4,412 meters. A short descent brings you to Yajiang at only 2,530 meters; due to its low altitude, some travelers choose to stay here overnight.

After Yajiang comes a long climbing section. After laboriously navigating the winding 'Eighteen Turns of the Heavenly Road,' several more high passes await: Jianziwan Mountain (4,659 m), Xiongzongka (4,281 m), and Kazila Mountain (4,718 m).

Sichuan - Yajiang - National Highway 318

Sichuan - Yajiang - Jianziwan Mountain - Eighteen Turns of the Heavenly Road

Sichuan - Litang - Xiongzongka

Sichuan - Litang - Kazila Mountain Pass

Sichuan - Litang - Kazila Mountain Pass - Alpine Meadow

Crossing these passes brings you to Litang, situated on the vast Maoya Grassland. Its county seat, known as the 'world's high city,' is one of the highest-altitude towns, and it's also the hometown of Dingzhen. Leaving Litang, you climb over Haizi Mountain (4,685 m) and see the Twin Lakes, then continue to Batang at only 2,580 meters, where you can choose to stop for the night.

Sichuan - Litang - West City Gate

Sichuan - Litang - County Town - Street Scene

Sichuan - Batang - Twin Lakes in Misty Rain

Sichuan - Batang - Scenery Along the Way

Sichuan - Batang - County Town - Street Scene

Alternatively, when passing Litang, you can temporarily leave the G318 and head south via Provincial Road 217, following the route Litang – Daocheng – Derong – Dêqên (Yunnan), then rejoin the G318 at Markam via National Highway 214. Though this forms a large U-shaped detour of over 500 extra kilometers, along the way you can visit the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, Jinsha River Grand Bend, White Horse Snow Mountain Pass, Meili Snow Mountain National Park, Lancang River Meili Grand Canyon, and the Millennium Ancient Salt Fields, among other famous sites – including core areas of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage. Daocheng Yading itself may not be 'the last pure land on the blue planet,' but the claim that it 'condenses all the ultimate scenery of Tibetan areas' is perhaps its truest praise. Of course, choosing this route requires adding at least several extra days to your itinerary.

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng Yading Scenic Area - Chanadorje Peak

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng Yading Scenic Area - Jampelyang Peak

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng Yading Scenic Area - Chenresig Peak

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng Yading Scenic Area - Zhenzhu Hai (Pearl Lake)

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng Yading Scenic Area - Milknai Hai (Milk Lake)

Yunnan - Dêqên - Meili Snow Mountain

Yunnan - Dêqên - Mingzhuka Viewing Platform - Meili Snow Mountain

Yunnan - Dêqên - Lancang River Meili Grand Canyon

Yunnan - Dêqên - Lancang River

Tibet - Markam - Banks of Lancang River - Millennium Ancient Salt Fields

Tips:

1. The viewing platform at Jianziwan Mountain Pass is an excellent spot to overlook and photograph the Eighteen Turns of the Heavenly Road; on a clear day, you can also see Mount Gongga in the distance.

Sichuan - Yajiang - Jianziwan Mountain Pass Viewing Platform

Sichuan - Yajiang - Jianziwan Mountain Pass Viewing Platform - Overlooking the Eighteen Turns

2. The alpine meadows of Kazila Mountain are vast and spectacular. Take some extra time at the pass to soak in the stunning high-mountain scenery.

Sichuan - Litang - Kazila Mountain Pass - Alpine Meadow

3. Litang's county town sits at a high 4,014 meters, so not many travelers choose to stay overnight. However, make time to visit the Changqingchunke Monastery on the outskirts, while the West City Gate is a popular photo spot.

Sichuan - Litang - Changqingchunke Monastery

Sichuan - Litang - Changqingchunke Monastery - Overlooking Litang Town

Sichuan - Litang - West City Gate

4. Provincial Road 217 from Litang to Daocheng and on to Shangri-La Town is in good condition, about 230 km, with sights like Tu'er Mountain, Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve, Sangdui Red Grass Beach, Daocheng Airport, and Daocheng White Pagoda to visit along the way.

Sichuan - Daocheng - Shangri-La Town

Sichuan - Daocheng - Tu'er Mountain

Sichuan - Daocheng - Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap

Sichuan - Daocheng - Sangdui Red Grass Beach

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng Yading Airport

Sichuan - Daocheng - Daocheng White Pagoda (Zunsheng Pagoda Forest)

5. A road known as the 'New Yunnan-Sichuan Tourist Passage' has opened from Shangri-La Town (the gateway to Daocheng Yading) to Benzilan Town in Dêqên. Spanning over 220 km, it is in excellent condition, with little traffic, and the scenery along the way is picture-perfect – a truly delightful driving experience.

Sichuan - Daocheng - New Yunnan-Sichuan Tourist Passage

Sichuan - Xiangcheng - New Yunnan-Sichuan Tourist Passage - Qingde Pastoral Tibetan Village

Sichuan - Daocheng - New Yunnan-Sichuan Tourist Passage - Scenery Along the Way

6. At Benzilan in Dêqên, there is a viewing platform for the Jinsha River Grand Bend where you can admire and photograph the full panorama. This scenic spot is right by the main road, very easy to access.

Yunnan - Dêqên - Jinsha River Grand Bend

7. Along National Highway 214 from Benzilan to Feilai Monastery, the road crosses White Horse Snow Mountain, where Tunnels 1, 2, and 3 have been opened. To enjoy the White Horse Snow Mountain scenery, you must avoid the tunnels and take the old national highway over White Horse Snow Mountain Pass. You won't need to backtrack; continuing forward will bring you back to the highway. On a fine day, the mountain scenery is truly stunning – don't miss it.

Yunnan - Dêqên - White Horse Snow Mountain Pass Scenery

8. Feilai Monastery in Dêqên has a dense cluster of hotels and guesthouses catering to all budgets, thanks to Meili Snow Mountain. For viewing Meili, especially the golden sunrise, staying in Feilai Monastery is the unrivaled choice.

Yunnan - Dêqên - Mingzhuka Viewing Platform - Distant Meili Snow Mountain

Yunnan - Dêqên - Meili Snow Mountain - Golden Sunshine on Snow

Yunnan - Dêqên - Feilai Monastery - Hotel Cluster

Next: Encountering Beautiful China, Savoring Poetry and the Distant: Roaming the Homeland Series, Comprehensive (5) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway Self-Drive Roadbook (Part 2)