Encountering the Great Beauty of China, Feeling the Poetry and the Distance, One of the Series of Walking the Motherland, Comprehensive (5) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-driving Tour Road Book (Part 2)

Continued from "Encountering the Great Beauty of China, Feeling Poetry and Distance, Traveling the Motherland, One of the Series Comprehensive Chapter (4) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-driving Travel Guide (Part 1)"

Encountering the Great Beauty of China, Feeling the Poetry and the Distance, One of the Series of Traveling the Motherland, Comprehensive (5) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-driving Tour Road Book (Part 2)

The highway connecting Sichuan and Tibet is called the Sichuan-Tibet Line, and the Sichuan-Tibet Line is divided into the Sichuan-Tibet South Line and the Sichuan-Tibet North Line. The South Line is what we usually call National Highway 318, and the Northern Line is National Highway 317. The road conditions and scenery of these two roads to Tibet have their own merits. But comparatively speaking, the road condition of the 318 country is better, and the catering and accommodation along the way are more complete. It is the first choice for most travel enthusiasts to drive to Tibet for the first time.

Schematic diagram of G318 Sichuan-Tibet line (download pictures from the Internet)

Schematic diagram of the altitude of the southern line of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line (download pictures from the Internet)

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Potala Palace

Tibet - Basu - Palong Zangbo River

Sichuan - Batang - scenery along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Jieba Village

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-Peach Garden in Gala Village

Tibet-Basu-318 National Highway Section-Scenery along the way

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line is the most essential and most dangerous section of the 318 National Road, the landscape avenue for Chinese people. Only this section of the road is beautiful, complex, changeable, and steep. The altitude increases from a few meters to more than 5,000 meters. Dozens of mountain ranges lie in front of you, and the Dadu River, Jinsha River, Lancang River and other turbulent rivers accompany you. Towering mountains, majestic rivers, alpine snowfields, and forest glaciers cover almost all the natural landscapes, waiting for you like a visual feast. Since the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line has both rich natural scenery and profound cultural heritage along the way, as well as severe challenges and tests, it has become the most popular and popular self-driving tour route in my country.

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Potala Palace

Tibet - Basu - Ranwu Lake

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-Gala Village

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Overlooking Namjagbarwa Peak

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

Tibet-Bomi-Gangxiang Nature Reserve-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Lhasa - Jokhang Temple

Tibet - Basu - Ranwu Lake

If you haven't walked through 318, you don't know the difficulty of the Sichuan-Tibet Road; if you haven't walked through 318, you don't know the most beautiful corridor in China. The most beautiful scenery is always on the road, G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line, the scenery will never let you down.

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

Sichuan - Litang - Kazila Mountain Pass - Alpine Meadow

Sichuan-Kangding-Mugecuo (Kangding Love Song Scenic Area)

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River

Tibet - Basu - Laigu Glacier

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

Exclaim at its danger, marvel at its beauty!

The fourth stop: Batang - Mangkang - Zuogong (260 kilometers)

Not far from Batang, we arrived at Zhubalong Township and crossed the Jinsha River Bridge. After climbing mountains and wading through hardships, we finally entered the Tibetan border and experienced the complex and colorful Jinsha River and Lancang River in person. , Nu River and the scenery of the Three Rivers Basin. Before entering the first county in Tibet, which is also the intersection of the Sichuan-Tibet line and the Yunnan-Tibet line, Mangkang at an altitude of 3,860 meters, it is necessary to cross the pass of Zongbala Mountain at an altitude of 4,150 meters and the pass of Mount Lawu at an altitude of 4,376 meters. .

Sichuan-Batang-Jinsha River Bridge

Tibet-Mangkang-G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line-Road Construction Section

Going out of Mangkang, the Panshan Road is rugged and upward, and begins to enter the Lancang River Grand Canyon. The relative drop of the Grand Canyon is more than 1000 meters, the river is rushing in the deep valley, and the 318 National Highway is rugged on the steep cliffs, allowing us to appreciate the high altitude drop and the dangerous side of the 318 National Highway. However, passing through the pass section of Jueba Mountain, which is not high at an altitude of only 3,911 meters, is a famous dangerous section in the Hengduan Mountain area because of the many sharp bends on the Panshan Road and the poor road conditions.

Tibet-Mangkang-Jueba Mountain Pass

Tibet-Mangkang-Jueba Mountain

After that, we will usher in the first mountain pass with an altitude of more than 5,000 meters since entering the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line, that is, the Dongda Mountain Pass with an altitude of 5,130 meters. This altitude is only a little lower than the famous Everest Base Camp (5,200 meters above sea level). On one side of the mountain is the galloping Lancang River, and on the other side is Zuogong. This place was also known as the "forbidden zone of life". The high mountains are often windy and rainy, and even snow all year round. Due to the harsh environment and weather conditions, the road conditions in this area are average, so please pay attention to control the driving speed and drive carefully for safety.

Crossing these high mountain passes is a challenge and test for every self-driving G318 Sichuan-Tibet line travel enthusiast. After descending the mountain, continue to move forward to another post station, Zuogong County at an altitude of 3,750 meters.

Tibet-Zuogong-Dongda Mountain Pass

tips

1. If you have enough time and are interested in passing through Mangkang, you can drive about 100 kilometers south along National Highway 214 to the Mangkang Ancient Salt Field in Naxi Ethnic Township. On the one hand, you can enjoy the unique scenery of the ancient salt fields on both sides of the Lancang River;

2. The 214 National Road is in good condition, and there are far fewer vehicles than the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line.

3. There are landmark buildings at the pass of Dongda Mountain, and you can take pictures as souvenirs. Because of the high altitude here, you need to move slowly when viewing the scenery, and the stay time should be short rather than long, so beware of high reaction.

Tibet - Mangkang - Bank of Lancang River - Millennium Ancient Salt Field

Tibet - Mangkang - Bank of Lancang River - Millennium Ancient Salt Field - Villagers selling self-produced salt

Tibet-Mangkang-214 National Highway-Scenery along the way

The fifth stop: Zuogong - Basu - Ranwu (300 kilometers)

The next point of Zuogong is Bangda. Bangda is famous for having Bangda Airport in Qamdo. It is also the intersection of the North and South Sichuan-Tibet lines.

After going out of Bangda and climbing up the Yela Mountain pass at an altitude of 4,658 meters, National Highway 318 turns and descends along the steep ridge here, all the way down to the edge of the Nu River, forming the majestic 72 turns of the Nu River. As the only way to pass through the Sichuan-Tibet line, for self-driving tour enthusiasts, it is precisely because of its danger that it is more challenging. When driving a car to the mountain, standing on the observation deck and looking down from a high place, the landscape in front of you will make everyone who is on the scene sigh. And driving through the Tiger Mouth at the end of the 72 turn, this is also the dangerous section of the Nujiang Grand Canyon on the Sichuan-Tibet Line. The road is narrow, there are many sharp bends, and the line of sight is poor. Under such circumstances, it is not advisable to overtake.

Tibet - Basu - Yela Mountain Pass

Tibet-Basu-Nu River 72nd Turn

Tibet-Basu-318 National Highway Nujiang Grand Canyon Section-Nujiang Tunnel

Tibet-Basu-318 National Highway Nujiang Grand Canyon Section-Tiger Mouth

Tibet-Basu-318 National Highway Nujiang Grand Canyon Section-Nujiang River on the side of the road

After passing through Basu (3260 meters above sea level), and then crossing the watershed between the Nujiang River and the Yarlung Zangbo River, the pass is relatively gentle and the Anjiula Mountain Pass is 4325 meters above sea level. From the Nujiang River Basin, it enters the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin where legends and myths grow. After passing the pass, we went all the way down, and soon came to the beautiful Ranwu Lake, which is 3850 meters above sea level. Ranwu Lake covers an area of 22 square kilometers and is composed of three connected lakes. It is set against snow-capped mountains, meadows and blue sky. It has beautiful scenery and is a must-see scenic spot on the Sichuan-Tibet line.

Tibet-Basu-Anjiula Mountain Pass

Tibet-Basu-318 National Highway Section

Tibet-Basu-318 National Highway-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Basu - Ranwu Lake

Tibet-Basu-Ranwu Lake Wetland Nature Reserve

tips

1. There is a special viewing platform at the 72nd turn of the Nujiang River, where you can stop and rest, overlooking the spectacular scene of the 72nd turn.

Tibet-Basu-Nu River 72 Road Swing Observation Deck

Tibet-Basu-Nujiang 72nd Turn Observation Deck-Nujiang 72nd Turn

2. Ranwu Town has formed a tourist station, with convenient food and accommodation, and high-grade resort hotels. There are not only Ranwu Lake and Ranwu Lake Wetland Reserve, but also Laigu Glacier, Laigu Village and other scenic spots to visit.

3. Although it is basically not a problem to refuel along the way now, self-driving tours still have to develop a good habit of filling up the fuel tank when half of the fuel tank is used up, so as to be prepared.

Tibet - Basu - Ranwu Lake

Tibet-Basu-Ranwu Lake Tourist Resort

Tibet-Basu-Ranwu Lake Wetland Nature Reserve

Tibet - Basu - Laigu Glacier

The sixth stop: Ranwu Lake - Bomi (120 kilometers)

Leaving Ranwu Lake, continue westward along the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line, accompanied by the beautiful Palong Zangbo River all the way, with beautiful scenery, frequent stops to enjoy the scenery and take pictures, and not far away to Midui Glacier in Yupu Township, Bomi County Scenic area. Midui Glacier is the marine glacier with the lowest altitude in the world. It has a complete range of glaciers, especially the coexistence of huge ice basins, numerous avalanches, giant ice waterfalls, ice lakes, and villages. One of the six most beautiful glaciers is a glacier that can be easily seen up close. Midui Village, a small village at the foot of the Midui Glacier, is a quiet Tibetan village with scattered Tibetan-style courtyards. The trees, prayer flags, and grain drying fields in the courtyards form an idyllic natural style, which is very beautiful. .

Tibet - Basu - Palong Zangbo River

Tibet - Bomi - Palong Zangbo River

Tibet-Bomi-318 National Highway-Scenery along the way

Tibet-Bomi-Midui Glacier

Tibet - Bomi - Midui Village

The closer you drive to Bomi, the denser the forests on both sides of the road, and the gentler the terrain, it is a rare road section that can bring pleasure to self-driving drivers. Come to Bomi, where the altitude is only 2750 meters, and there are many famous scenic spots, it is an ideal place to rest and stay.

Going south from Bomi to the Mozha Highway, you can reach Medoguo, which is known as the "Lotus Secret Land", which is the last county in my country that is accessible by road. In the past, because of the inconvenient transportation, it still retains its mysterious color and has become the most desirable place for people who love to travel.

Tibet-Bomi-318 National Highway-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Bomi - National Highway 318 - Villagers in Zhuanshan

Tibet-Bomi-Galang National Wetland Park

Tibet-Bomi-County Town-Night Scene

If you come to Bomi during the peach blossom season in March and April, there will be many peach blossoms in full bloom on both sides of National Highway 318, attracting tourists to stop and watch. The famous Peach Blossom Valley in Bomi stretches for dozens of kilometers, and you can see the beautiful scenery of peach blossoms along the way.

Tibet-Bomi-318 National Highway-Scenery along the way

Tibet-Bomi-Galang National Wetland Park

Tibet-Bomi-Bomi Taohuagou

In addition, there is also the spruce forest in Bomigang Township, which was once rated as one of the ten most beautiful forests in China by China National Geographic, and Gangcun, the most beautiful village in China. The pristine natural scenery, the strong rural atmosphere, and the unique Tibetan style, all of which are worth your time to stop and take a look around.

Tibet-Bomi-Gang Township Nature Reserve

Tibet-Bomi-Gangxiang Nature Reserve-Gangxiang Spruce Forest Scenic Area

Tibet-Bomi-Gang Township Nature Reserve-Gang Village

Tibet-Bomi-Gangxiang Nature Reserve-Scenery along the way

Tips:

1. Midui Glacier Scenic Area is less than 10 kilometers away from National Highway 318. After buying a ticket at the gate, you can drive the car directly for several kilometers and park it in the parking lot of Midui Village. If you don’t stay in Ranwu, some families in Midui Village provide board and lodging, and the altitude here is very low, only about 2000 meters.

Tibet-Bomi-Midui Glacier

Tibet - Bomi - Midui Village

2. Gangxiang Spruce Forest Scenic Spot and Gang Village are both in the Gangxiang Nature Reserve, not far from Zhamu Town, Bomi County. There is a spectacular spruce forest stretching for dozens of kilometers, where you can enjoy the pure natural primitive jungle scenery. Gang Village has beautiful villages and pastoral scenery, and Tibetan families can also provide simple catering services.

Tibet-Bomi-Gangxiang Nature Reserve-Gangxiang Spruce Forest Scenic Area

Tibet-Bomi-Gang Township Nature Reserve-Gang Village

Tibet-Bomi-Gangxiang Nature Reserve-Scenery along the way

3. Although the Mozha Highway from Bomi to Medog has been opened to traffic, due to the influence of special geographical structure and climate environment and other factors, the road conditions often change greatly. In addition, it is said that due to restrictions on traffic conditions, the one-way traffic system of "two-entry and one-exit" is now implemented when entering Medog.

Tibet-Medog-Mezha Highway-Galongla Tunnel

Tibet-Medog-Metha Highway-Scenery along the way

Seventh stop: Bomi-Lulang (160 kilometers)

Leaving Bomi and walking in the direction of Lulang, you will pass the legendary Tongmai natural barrier. In the past, due to the complex geographical structure in this area, serious natural disasters such as landslides, roadbed collapses and mudslides often occurred in this area. Sometimes the road was blocked for more than ten hours or even three days. In the past few years, the state invested heavily in rebuilding the Tongmaite Bridge and the Shalonggou Super Bridge here, and avoided the places where landslides and mudslides often occurred in the past, and opened up several tunnels successively, fundamentally changing the The 318 National Highway passes through this area. Since then, Tongmai Natural Insurance has completely become history. Now, it only takes more than ten minutes to drive a car to pass through this place that was once known as "Tongmai Natural Danger". The dangerous road has become smoother, faster and safer. After passing through Tongmai, continue on and come to another place that is particularly suitable for staying - the international tourist town of Lulang.

Tibet-Bomi-Tongmai-Tongmai Bridge

Lulang (3,285 meters above sea level) is located in Bayi District, Nyingchi Prefecture. It is a quiet town surrounded by forests and mountains. The town has an idyllic scenery of wooden houses and fences. Beautiful and safe. Lulang has now developed into an international tourist town. It not only has relatively complete accommodation, catering and other business establishments, but also has many high-end hotels and resorts. In addition, it has a beautiful environment and has become a place for many tourists on the Sichuan-Tibet line to stay, relax and visit. place. In and around the town, there are Lulang Huahai Ranch, Zhaxigang Village, Lulang Forest and other scenic spots.

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

Tibet-Linzhi-Lulang-Tashigang Village

Tibet-Linzhi-Lulang-Lulang Linhai

tips

1. There is a parking lot and a viewing platform in front of the Tongmai Bridge, where you can stop for a rest and take pictures. Walking to the left side of the bridge, you can take pictures of the three bridges spanning the river in different ages, which has become a testament to economic development and social progress.

Tibet-Bomi-Tongmai-Tongmai Bridge

Tibet-Bomi-Tongmai-3 bridges across the river in different ages

2. Lulang has a beautiful environment and fresh air, it is worth staying here, relax, slow down, appreciate and enjoy everything here. The most beautiful time of the town is in the early morning, when the clouds and mist surround the city, and the scenery is beautiful, making people feel refreshed and lingering. Don't miss it by sleeping late.

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

3. There are many beautiful scenery along the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line, but there are often many cars and people, and the traffic is very busy. If you stop for a rest or take pictures on the way, you must park your car in a place that does not affect or hinder traffic safety. Be especially careful when crossing the road. When you go out, you must always tighten the string of "safety".

Next, "Meeting the Great Beauty of China, Feeling the Poetry and the Distance, Traveling the Land of the Motherland, One of the Comprehensive Chapters (6) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-Driving Travel Guide (Part 2)"