Self-Driving the Long March Route: Exploring Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan

I've always wanted to drive the Long March route, but it never came to be. Now I've decided to take a spontaneous trip, departing on April 3rd from Shenyang, passing through Jiangxi—Lushan, Nanchang—to Ruijin, starting the self-driving Long March journey. The core spirit of this itinerary and strategy is to drive the Long March route, but given the circumstances, I'll also take the opportunity to visit some places where the Red Army passed during the Long March, which are now well-known domestic tourist attractions. Since I'm traveling with companions, they only know we're going on a trip together. I told them the main destinations are Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan—Xishuangbanna, Dali, Lijiang in Yunnan, and Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan. Such a travel plan is acceptable to anyone. As for the Long March route, it's not the focus; I'll just keep it in mind. I'm both the driver and the guide, so naturally I decide the route. Let's set off together.

I've made a basic itinerary and written it down. I hope friends who have traveled the Long March route can offer constructive advice. I also hope those with a similar passion for driving the Long March route will follow my blog and Weibo. I will post daily updates on road conditions, accommodations, and scenic spots along the route. If I can help you someday drive the Long March route, it will be my honor.

Basic itinerary: Depart from Shenyang on April 3rd, pick up two fellow travelers at Panjin Oilfield. The four of us will set off on the self-driving Long March route, exploring Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan.

Basic route: Depart from Panjin on April 4th, plan to reach Tianjin that day. On April 5th, travel from Tianjin to Lushan, with an overnight stop along the way. Plan to spend 2 days visiting Lushan, then stop in Nanchang to visit the August 1st Memorial Hall, and aim to reach Ruijin that day. Arrange 2 days in Ruijin to visit the Central Soviet Area and Yudu, the starting point of the Long March. Then proceed to Quanzhou in Guangxi to visit the Red Army Breaking Through the Xiangjiang River Memorial Hall. Continue the journey, passing through Tongdao Troop Reorganization, Liping Conference, Houchang Conference, Zunyi Conference, Chishui Four Crossings of the Chishui River Memorial Hall, and Maotai Town. If road conditions allow, visit Jiming Sansheng (the place where three provinces meet) and see the Zhaxi Conference ruins. Otherwise, go directly to the Huangguoshu Scenic Area, ending this phase of the Long March route and transitioning to the Yunnan scenic area tour.

Focus on visiting Xishuangbanna, Dali, and Lijiang in Yunnan. Then take the Lijiang-Panzhihua expressway, re-enter Sichuan's Liangshan area and back onto the Long March route (skipping the Jiaoping Ferry and Jinsha River sections). Pass through Mianning, Shimian (Anshunchang) to Luding. From Luding via Baoxing to Xiaojin County (crossing Jiajin Mountain) to Hongyuan County and then to the grasslands of Zoige (or Ruoergai). Current information says the road from Zoige via Diebu to Lazikou is difficult, so I decided not to go from Zoige to Lazikou. Instead, return from Zoige to Songpan, visit Songpan Ancient Town, Huanglong Scenic Area, and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Then from Jiuzhaigou via Longnan, go through Dangchang, Min County, Tongwei directly into northern Shaanxi. After visiting Yan'an, return directly to Shenyang. Estimated time: about one month.

The above is a preliminary plan, which needs to be adjusted based on the actual situation during the journey. I sincerely hope that netizens who have traveled this route can offer valuable advice, especially on roads and accommodations. Thank you in advance.