8 Days 7 Nights Self-Drive Tibet & Sichuan–Yunnan Itinerary – Come Feel the Wind I’ve Felt~

Opening story: Entering Tibet

The 318 is a dream for so many. The word 'entering Tibet' – it’s either never, or time and again. For true travel lovers, the answer is always 'again and again'. My first Tibet trip didn’t go smoothly. I flew from Hangzhou straight to Lhasa, prepared a guide beforehand, but I 'nearly died on the road'. So this time, we chose to self-drive. A summer-to-autumn journey, not to rush, but to feel the road. Every stop brings us closer to the dream.

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For most, flying to Chengdu and renting a car for a self-drive is the most comfortable way. Depart from Chengdu, follow the G5 Beijing–Kunming Expressway into Ya'an city, and reach the first refreshment stop: China Yayu Village. This is a hidden camping 🏕 gem in Caoba Town, Yucheng District. Even if you don’t aim to complete the whole 318, short self-drive trips around here are perfect. Gather a few friends, set up a canopy, unfold egg-roll tables, pitch a small tent ⛺️, lay out tasty snacks, and soak in the lush green mountains and clear waters. On windless moments, you’ll see the stunning mountain reflections on the water. Play frisbee 🥏, board games on the lawn, share laughter and joy; or sit knee-to-knee, read, daydream, and release long-held stress – a moment of peace gifted by nature.

【Warm TIPS】In this muggy season, bring mosquito repellent when entering grassy areas to avoid bites. Camping fee: around 130 CNY.

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Great scenery always comes with great food. We ate at a farmhouse along the way: Pujiang Daxi Valley Xiaochitang Garden Restaurant. Located in Daxi Valley, Pujiang County, it’s affordable and delicious. A special touch: each table is in its own little pavilion, so you can dine surrounded by beauty – truly the Sichuanese 'ba-shi' (bliss). Recommended dishes: double-pepper diced rabbit, clay pot old duck soup, countryside roasted pork ribs platter, coarse grain medley, garlic-sliced sauce beef.

【Warm TIPS】Ample parking, but the drive to the restaurant is a bit narrow – lady drivers, take extra care. Meal cost: about 130 CNY.

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We stayed at Shangyuan International Hotel, Ya'an’s first five-star standard hotel, and it didn’t disappoint. Located on Wu’an Road in Tianquan County, easy expressway access, elegant surroundings, and a rich breakfast spread – a great choice before heading up into the Sichuan–Tibet highlands.

【Warm TIPS】Ya'an gets a lot of rain; rooms along the way tend to be damp – keep windows open often. Room rate: 500 CNY.

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After a good night’s rest, we adjusted well and climbed higher. Passing through Erlang Mountain Tunnel, we reached Luding Bridge, feeling the undying spirit from school textbooks. After a meal at Wenjiang Time-Honored Restaurant (Jimaodian), we entered the expressway at Luding and headed straight to Kangding. There, at the Zheduo Mountain Snow Viewing Platform (over 4,000m altitude), we understood what ‘endless’ truly means. Continuing onward, we passed Xinduqiao, witnessing golden sunlight spill over the land – every shutter click captures a photographer’s paradise.

Let’s talk about Erlang Mountain Tunnel first. Connecting Ya’an’s Tianquan County with Ganzi’s Luding County, it’s known as the 'First Tunnel on the Sichuan–Tibet Highway'. Driving through, it’s easy to recall heroic feats from books, films, and stories – their willpower and faith resonate deeply here.

【Warm TIPS】No auxiliary lighting inside; always switch on headlights and keep a safe distance.

Next, Luding Bridge. 'Capturing Luding Bridge' is probably the only primary school text I still vividly remember. In Luding County, 103.67 meters long, made of 13 iron chains. Here, reliving that heroism makes you feel the martyrs’ deeds more powerfully.

【Warm TIPS】For safety, the bridge now alternates one-way passage and requires life jackets. During holidays, expect huge crowds; allow over 2 hours to actually cross. We opted to admire from afar. Entry fee: 10 CNY/person; parking: 20 CNY.

Then, Zheduo Mountain Snow Viewing Platform, a must-pass on the 318 and the first gateway of the Sichuan–Tibet route. A good spot to pause, resupply, and ease into the highlands.

【Warm TIPS】Depending on your fitness, altitude sickness may start here. Walk slowly, and dress in layers (long sleeves and trousers, light jacket) as day-night temperature swings are huge. Most importantly: frequent physical sunscreen reapplication – yes, and keep reapplying.

Finally, my favourite: Xinduqiao. Every stretch of the 318 is scenic, but here every photographer can immerse themselves in capturing their own masterpiece. The interplay of light and shadow, vast grasslands, winding streams – it’s a cradle of creativity.

【Warm TIPS】Plenty of shops here, a great place to restock supplies.

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For authentic Sichuan cuisine on a West Sichuan journey, Wenjiang Time-Honored Jimaodian is worth recommending. On Chengu Road in Luding County, opposite the People’s Hospital, generous portions, genuine flavours, and right next to Luding Bridge Scenic Area. Parking is convenient too. Recommended dishes: spicy green pepper fish, pressure-cooker duo, hot pepper rabbit, Jianghu-style maoxuewang, farmhouse mixed chicken.

Meal cost: around 120 CNY.

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On our West Sichuan trip, we found accommodation along the way. For example, Kangba Tibetan Post Hotel Yajiang, on the 318 National Highway in Erdaoqiao Village, Yajiang County. Right on the route, so food, facilities, and parking are all priorities.

【Warm TIPS】Being beside the highway, it’s not ideal for light sleepers – earplugs recommended. Room rate: 800 CNY.

I mentioned at the start: I suffer badly from altitude sickness. I once blacked out in a border permit hall. So at 4,000m, the sickness return as expected. Yet the breathtaking scenery, sculpted by nature’s magic, soothes the soul a little. Gazing out from Kazila Mountain Viewpoint, our goal is Litang – the place everyone now associates with Dingzhen.

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From Yajiang to Litang, you cross the 4,659m Jianziwan Mountain. The winding, majestic road reveals the charm of 'Sky Road Eighteen Bends', especially from drone-worthy spots. Almost touching the blue sky, overlapping ridges like stretched strings playing a beautiful melody every moment. A must-recommend: beef rice noodles, unbelievably delicious.

At Kazila Mountain Viewpoint, my altitude sickness got worse. But the scenery left me speechless. Stop, catch your breath, and grab a meat skewer from the stall – pretty good too.

【Warm TIPS】To relieve altitude sickness: walk slowly, and carry plenty of oxygen canisters.

My favourite discovery along the way: Litang’s 'Nire' woven crafts. A daily necessity on the snowy plateau, now listed as a prefectural intangible cultural heritage. It reflects both the life of Tibetan herders and an important source of income. Here, you can better understand and connect with Tibetan culture.

Leaving the Nire workshop, head onward to Gaocheng Town Shasela, a heavenly spot for camping 🏕. Imagine driving onto the alpine grassland, pitching your tent, and witnessing the rare 'Tyndall effect'.

【Warm TIPS】Huge temperature swings between day and night; wear a thick windbreaker, and if camping, keep extra warm.

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As before, every meal is spontaneous – we stop when hungry. Today, it was at Chuanzang Grand Hotel, mainly because it’s next to our accommodation at Three Bridges, Yajiang River mouth. It’s the absolute value king along the route. Massive portions, amazing flavours, all authentic Sichuan home-style cooking. Recommended: twice-cooked pork, boiled meat slices, sour and spicy shredded potato.

Meal cost: around 100 CNY.

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This stop: Meiduo Boutique Hotel, in the centre of Litang county. Close to many sights like 'Thousand Tibetan Households Village' and 'East and West City Gates'. On the Sichuan–Tibet line, don’t expect luxury – just a comfortable environment, plenty of hot water, and decent amenities.

【Warm TIPS】All hotels on this route make it easy to buy oxygen canisters or rent oxygen concentrators anytime. To avoid pulmonary edema from altitude sickness, never push through discomfort; if you feel unwell, keep inhaling oxygen. Room rate: 300 CNY. Oxygen concentrator rental: 60 CNY.

Litang is getting more and more popular. Dingzhen’s innocence has spread the word of this 'highest city in the world'. But you might not know it’s also one of the places closest to heaven. Not only a mysterious 'world-high city', but also the place that haunted the poet Tsangyang Gyatso’s dreams, where the girl he deeply loved once was. This mild early autumn at 20°C, made us all fall a little more in love with Litang.

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What else makes this 'City in the Sky' romantic? Perhaps the spectacular sea of Gesang flowers. Driving to a 4,000m grassland, we found this magical flower field. With local prayer flags dancing in the breeze, only those who come here can truly understand the feeling.

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In Tibetan areas, a meal recommended by locals is a must. Inside a 'Gesang Flower Meadow Mongolian Yurt', the copper pot-boiled yak meat was pure and rich. Butter tea was intensely aromatic. Sitting around the stove in a traditional Tibetan-style yurt, tasting the culture in the most down-to-earth way.

【Warm TIPS】Meal cost: around 150 CNY.

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We stayed another night at Meiduo Boutique Hotel, settling comfortably in Litang.

【Warm TIPS】Room rate: 300 CNY. Oxygen concentrator rental: 60 CNY.

Leaving Litang, our next stop was Xiangcheng – 'Buddha’s beads in the hand'. The scenery along the way was incredibly varied: mountains, grasslands, rocks, and fascinating ancient glacial remnants.

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We encountered for the first time the 'World’s Largest Ancient Glacial Remnant' in northern Xiangcheng county. It’s not a household name; at first glance, it looks like 'a barren wasteland'. But tastes differ – some can’t tear themselves away, wanting to stand on Haizi Mountain and feel the solitude of this, the largest ancient glacial relic on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Its desolation resembles 'Mars on Earth'. If you had a chance to take astronaut-themed photos here, it would be wildly fun.

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For this meal, we had instant self-heating pots, hhh. After all those roadside restaurants, we deserved a little instant pot indulgence, right~~ (Meal cost: 50 CNY/person)

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After a long drive, we checked into Zhaxi Hotel on Xiangbala North Road – the best hotel in Xiangcheng. Right outside is a commercial street, easy to resupply. If you walk a bit further, you’ll even see cornfields and local homes.

【Warm TIPS】Room rate: 300 CNY.

If you ask me how many times I’ve been to Lijiang, I’ll answer 'the Nth time'. This time, due to force majeure, our route shifted from Sichuan–Tibet to Sichuan–Yunnan, but our spirits remained high.

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In Lijiang, you can’t miss Lijiang Ancient Town – the most famous of Lijiang’s old towns. Streets wind along hills and water, with attractions like Sifang Street, Mu Palace, Wufeng Tower, Black Dragon Pool… Last time, I explored on a little scooter; this time, I’d walk more.

【Warm TIPS】Those ubiquitous 'tiny dreadlock braids' – compare several stalls and bargain hard. Entry to the old town: free.

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Lunch at Gesang Huakai Music Bistro in the heart of the ancient town – a very common Lijiang music restaurant. Wooden architecture, lively atmosphere, and soups so rich and flavourful you’ll want to slow right down. Recommended dishes: cured pork ribs, cold beef salad, fish-fragrant shredded pork, banlangen (Isatis root).

【Warm TIPS】Meal cost: about 97 CNY.

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This time we stayed at Shuxiang Xinbo Hotel. Not inside the old town, but perfectly located, super new facilities, and right next to the north gate. A few minutes’ stroll and you’re among the local vibe. A great alternative to guesthouses.

【Warm TIPS】Room rate: 499 CNY.

Leaving the quaint town of Lijiang, we drove slowly to Erhai Lake. Not our first meeting, but I still love this undisturbed quiet. Letting time flow gently is the best respect you can give Dali.

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Now, we just wanted to wander with the most leisurely heart around Erhai Lake, soaking in the old-town scenery. This moment isn’t about giving up, it’s about finding peace and beauty that calms the heart instantly.

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One of the most beautiful meals of this trip was at Cang’er Fisherman · Dali Bai Specialty Restaurant. Authentic steam fish – this is the taste of Dali’s Bai people. The decor is antique and elegant; the fish is so fresh you could lose your eyebrows. A must-try! The pot: stone pot fish has a grand heritage. The stone pot is made from Dali marble, containing various trace elements, pleasing to the eye and beneficial to the body. Speed: high-temperature steam at 160°C, from live fish to table in just 15 minutes. Fish: species living deeper than 6m in the Yangtze River, mainly red and white catfish, tender flesh, no small bones, milky broth, texture like tofu, incredibly fresh. Mushrooms: Yunnan’s abundant local mushrooms stewed with the fish – pure umami upon umami. Dipping sauces: Yunnan’s condiments are tremendously varied; mix your own to taste, exploring the charm and mystery of Yunnan cuisine. Recommended dishes: Bai sour-spicy steam stone pot fish, Nuodeng ham copper pot rice, stone pot silken tofu, Dali Yongping braised chicken.

【Warm TIPS】Meal cost: about 95 CNY per person.

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Yes, this was the most luxurious hotel of the whole trip: Longxingyuan Hotel. Inside the ancient city, a seamless blend of new architecture and old houses, exquisitely beautiful. Most importantly, the thoughtful butler service made us feel so comfortable as our long journey neared its end. This Dali sojourn healed the soul once again.

【Warm TIPS】Room rate: 1,000 CNY.

Along the way, from Chengdu along the 318 Sichuan–Tibet Highway, passing the world’s highest city Litang, then switching to the Sichuan–Yunnan line until the end. The road was long, full of surprises, and we cherished every naturally sculpted beauty. If we had to choose again, we’d set off without hesitation. No matter if things go as planned, we always believe that the land measured by our own steps is the true haven where dreams come true. At the foot of Cangshan Mountain and the shore of Erhai Lake, I’m waiting for you to come and feel the wind I’ve felt~