Encountering the Great Beauty of China, Feeling the Poetry and the Distance, One of the Series of Walking the Motherland, Comprehensive (6) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-driving Travel Guide (Part 2)

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

National Highway 318, China's most beautiful landscape avenue, starts from the People's Square in Huangpu District, Shanghai, and ends at the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge in Nyalam County, Shigatse, Tibet, with a total distance of more than 5,000 kilometers. After passing through eight provinces including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Tibet; the main cities passing through are Shanghai, Suzhou, Huzhou, Xuancheng, Wuhu, Chizhou, Anqing, Huanggang, Wuhan, Jingzhou, Yichang, Enshi , Chongqing, Dazhou, Guang'an, Nanchong, Suining, Ziyang, Chengdu, Ya'an, Kangding, Qamdo, Nyingchi, Lhasa, Shigatse, etc. As one of the few large passages at 30 degrees north latitude, it is the highway that connects the most provinces in China. This national road is a landscape corridor with a high concentration of beautiful scenery in China and even in the world. The complete and diverse types of natural landscapes are rare in the world.

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

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Scenery along the way

Tibet - Basu - Palong Zangbo River

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Yarlung Zangbo River - Overlooking Namjagbarwa Peak

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

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Jieba Village

Sichuan-Yajiang-Jianziwan Mountain Pass Observation Deck-Overlooking the 18th Bend of Tianlu

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Scenery along the way

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet line is the section with the most exciting scenery in the 318 National Highway, known as the "epic-level route to Tibet". The total length from Chengdu to Lhasa is more than 2,100 kilometers. It mainly passes through the compression zone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains. At the same time, it has to cross rivers such as the Dadu River, Jinsha River, Lancang River, Nujiang River, and Yarlung Zangbo River. , is crossing the river. It is the magnificent and beautiful natural scenery derived from these plateaus, mountains, and great rivers, which captures the aesthetics and amazes the years. When you come to it, the unexpected scenery will come to you, which will surely surprise you, and then you can't help but sigh the beauty of the earth.

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

Schematic diagram of the altitude of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet South Line (download pictures from the Internet)

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

Tibet - Lhasa - Drepung Monastery

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-Gala Village

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tibet-Linzhi-Scenery along the way

Tibet-Linzhi-Lulang-Lulang Linhai

Meet all the way, praise all the way!

Eighth stop: Lulang-Linzhi (80 kilometers)

Only 20 kilometers away from Lulang, we arrived at the famous landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet line, the Sejila Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4,720 meters. The field of vision here is wide, and you can see Lulang Linhai; if the weather is good, you can overlook the 7,782-meter-high Nanga Bawa Peak, which was once rated as the top ten most beautiful mountains in China by China National Geography. Every time I pass by here, I can see that there are a lot of passing tourists who stop here to take pictures. Cross over the pass of Sejila Mountain and continue on, and Linzhi is in front of you.

Tibet-Linzhi-Sejila Mountain Pass

Tibet-Linzhi-Sejila Mountain

Tibet-Linzhi-Sejila Mountain-318 National Highway

Linzhi is called "the throne of the sun" in Tibetan. At an altitude of 2,930 meters, the climate is humid and the vegetation is dense. It is called the Jiangnan of Tibet. The Yarlung Zangbo River passes through the Nyingchi area, forming the famous "Yalung Zangbo Grand Canyon", which is famous all over the world; the famous holy lake "Basongcuo" of the Red Sect is 120 kilometers away from Nyingchi City, and is a tourist resort; there is also a famous The well-known Peach Blossom Festival, the famous Peach Blossom Garden in Gala Village is just beside National Highway 318. When the peach blossoms are in full bloom from mid-March to mid-April every year, tourists from all over the world flock here for a spring date.

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Scenery along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Scenery along the way

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-Gala Village

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-318 National Highway-Peach Garden Section of Gala Village

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-318 National Highway-Scenery along the way

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

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-Gala Village Peach Garden-Peach Blossom King

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

Bayi Town is the location of the central urban area of Nyingchi, a relatively modern small town. It is the most prosperous area in Nyingchi. It is very convenient for shopping, dining, accommodation and car rental. No matter from the direction of Lhasa or Sichuan, tourists who come to pass or play here will stop here. First, it is a must-choice place for supplies and rest;

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi Town

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi District-Villagers working on the farmland

Tibet-Linzhi-Bayi Town-World Cypress King Garden-Cypress King

tips

1. If you want to visit the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, it is only a few tens of kilometers away from Bayi Town. You can go back and forth in one day. The road conditions along the way are good and the scenery is good. Sand dunes and other attractions.

Tibet-Linzhi-Miling-Yani National Wetland Park

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra

Tibet-Linzhi-Milin-Mirui Township-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Yarlung Zangbo River - Buddha's Palm Sand Dunes

2. If you come to Nyingchi during the Peach Blossom Festival in March and April, there are many benefits in choosing to live in Suosong Village deep in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon. One is that Suosong Village is one of the main places to watch peach blossoms in Nyingchi; the other is that you can visit scenic spots such as the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon; the third is that you have the opportunity to see the rare Namjagbarwa Peak up close.

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Scenery along the way

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

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

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River - Overlooking Namjagbarwa Peak

Tibet-Nyingchi-Milin--By the Yarlung Zangbo River-RV Camp

Tibet-Nyingchi-Milin-Tibetan Children

3. Basongcuo Lake is blue and has beautiful scenery. It is a very worthwhile place to live and relax. You can travel from Nyingchi to Basongcuo, and then return to Nyingchi; you can also start from Nyingchi and stop by Basongcuo, then go directly to Lhasa.

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Scenery along the way

Ninth stop: Nyingchi - Gongbu Jiangda - Lhasa (410 kilometers)

After playing and resting in Nyingchi, we headed to Lhasa, the last stop of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line. All the way to visit the Xiuba Millennium Ancient Buildings (Gesar Castle), the scenery of the Nihe River, the mainstay attractions, etc., came to the Mira Mountain Pass at an altitude of 5013 meters, which is the geographical junction of Nyingchi and Lhasa, and is also the G318 Sichuan-Tibet The last high mountain pass that the line needs to cross before reaching Lhasa. Mila Mountain is the sacred mountain in the hearts of local Tibetans. Tourists who pass here will stop for a while to take pictures. We are really glad that the high mountains and high mountain passes along the way did not stump us. After descending the mountain, everyone went straight to Lhasa with a happy and comfortable mood.

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Mila Mountain Pass

Tibet-Lhasa-Nihe Ocean Scenery

Although I have been to Lhasa many times, it is the first time that I have come here by traveling on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line either by plane or by train. When driving a car across the Lhasa River Bridge and the appearance of Lhasa city in front of me came into view, the situation and the situation were very emotional. Apart from being very happy, I was really a little excited. Climbing mountains and wading all the way, facing severe challenges, and going through untold hardships, I finally successfully completed the self-driving tour of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line that I have always wanted, and finally came to Lhasa, which is haunted by dreams. Can you be unhappy or excited? !

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace

Tibet-Lhasa-Potala Palace Square-Tibet Peaceful Liberation Monument

Lhasa (3,650 meters above sea level) means "Holy Land" or "Buddhist Land" in Tibetan. It is the political, economic, cultural and religious center of Tibet. It is also one of the highest cities in the world. She attracts tourists from all over the world with the blue sky, clear river, fresh air and warm sunshine. Now Lhasa is not only a holy place in the hearts of Tibetan Buddhist believers, but also a holy place in the hearts of many travelers.

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Potala Palace

Tibet - Lhasa - Jokhang Temple

Tibet - Lhasa - Lhasa Railway Station

The scenic spots in Lhasa are rich and colorful, too numerous to enumerate. There are China's world heritage Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka; there are Potala Palace Square, Barkhor Street and other must-see attractions in Lhasa; in addition, there are unique attractions such as Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Temples are also places worth visiting. Among them, the Potala Palace has a distinctive Tibetan style and is majestic. It is the largest and most complete castle-style building complex in Tibet. pattern.

Tibet-Lhasa-Potala Palace night view

Tibet - Lhasa - Jokhang Temple

Tibet - Lhasa - Barkhor Street

Tibet - Lhasa - Drepung Monastery

Tibet - Lhasa - Sera Monastery

In addition, there are two holy lakes around Lhasa, Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake, which are also beautiful scenic spots, which are worth spending some time to visit. After rushing all the way to Lhasa, you should slow down your pace and rhythm, and stay for a while to have a good time.

Tibet - Damxung - Namtso

Tibet-Langkazi-Yamdrok Yumco

tips

1. There is already a Lalin Expressway from Nyingchi to Lhasa. If you are in a hurry, take the expressway. It takes half a day to get there, which is convenient and fast. It is recommended to continue to take National Highway 318 without time constraints. Xiuba thousand-year-old buildings, mainstays and other scenic spots, as well as the Mira Pass with an altitude of 5,013 meters, must be reached by taking National Highway 318. (Tunnels have been opened in Mira Mountain, and you will not pass through the pass on the mountain if you take the high speed)

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Xiuba Millennium Ancient Buildings

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Mainstay

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Mila Mountain Pass

2. When you arrive in Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a must-see attraction. There are too many tourists now, and the number of daily ticket sales is limited. You must make an appointment online or through a travel agency in advance.

3. There are 3 good places to watch and shoot the Potala Palace: the viewing platform of Yaowang Mountain on the southwest side of the Potala Palace, where you can take a panoramic view of the classic White Tower and the side of the Potala Palace; the Potala Palace Square, The front panorama of the Potala Palace can be photographed; by the artificial lake in Zongjiao Lukang Park, the reflection of the back of the Potala Palace can be photographed.

Tibet - Lhasa - Potala Palace Square - Potala Palace

Tibet-Lhasa-Zongjiao Lukang Park-Potala Palace

epilogue

With an average altitude of over 4,000, Tibet is the main part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is known as the "roof of the world". The terrain here is complex and diverse, forming a unique plateau climate. The natural landscape and humanistic scene formed by the unique geographical environment have attracted many tourists to Tibet. Tibet's unique plateau snow-covered scenery, charming Tibetan humanistic style, and this unique cultural landscape that blends with nature also make Tibet have a unique charm in the eyes of travelers.

Every year, thousands of travel enthusiasts choose the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line to enter Tibet. Although the journey is long and difficult, it carries too many scenery and beauty, too many accidents and surprises, too many stories and adventures, Too many feelings and shocks.

For every self-driving tour enthusiast, the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line from Chengdu to Lhasa has a regular starting point and ending point, but there are unconventional ways of playing and a different mental journey. During the self-driving tour, on the one hand, you will be attracted by the charming natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, grasslands, and forests that suddenly stand along the way, and enjoy the baptism of the beautiful scenery along the way; on the other hand, you need to concentrate on observing the traffic on the road situation, the driving process itself is already full of challenges. All of this is a test of self-driving tourists' willpower, driving skills, time, personnel, costs and other aspects of overall planning.

Therefore, no matter how many places and roads you have traveled by self-driving tour, you have to admit that the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line will always be a must-drive classic. And because of the extreme hardships along the way, it is even more challenging, so that every self-driving tour enthusiast who has walked this road is full of admiration for this journey, leaving an unforgettable mark for life.

On the long snowy road, you can see the scenery that you have never seen before, experience the exclamation that you have never experienced before, and you will encounter countless surprises; the unique scenery and rare experience along this road are unforgettable; this should be There are so many people who are moved by the slogan "you must drive 318 in this life, all the way west to Lhasa", let's take a look at the reasons and explanations for entering Tibet via the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line.

Tibet - Lhasa - Street View

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tibet - Basu - Palong Zangbo River

Sichuan - Litang - Kazila Mountain - Alpine Meadow

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Scenery along the way

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

tips

1. With the changes of the times, the road conditions of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet line are getting better and better. There are more than a dozen high mountains with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters along the line, and many tunnels have been opened. Of course, if you want to enjoy the most beautiful scenery, you still have to walk through the high mountain passes without fear of hardships and dangers.

2. When enjoying the beautiful scenery all the way, you must pay attention to the danger behind the beautiful scenery. Concentrate and drive carefully at all times. It is best to have two or more people with certain driving experience take turns driving in a car, so that the journey will not be too hard.

3. The self-driving Sichuan-Tibet line is far away, so it is necessary to arrange the itinerary reasonably to achieve a degree of relaxation and a combination of work and rest. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way in order to hurry. The way of going out early and returning late, exhausted, and on the road all day can only be done occasionally under special circumstances, and must not become the norm for self-driving tours. Especially when traveling at night, the risk factor will double.

4. Sufficient water, food, oxygen and warm clothes should be prepared in the car for emergencies. The terrain on this road is dangerous, the climate is changeable, landslides, roadbed collapses, and road congestion caused by weather factors or traffic accidents occur from time to time. We were once on a high mountain with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters close to the pass of Sejila Mountain, and we were blocked for 6 hours due to weather. If you are not prepared enough, there may be serious consequences.

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo

Tibet - Basu - Palong Zangbo River

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

Sichuan - Zuogong - Yela Mountain Pass

Tibet - Nyingchi - Lulang

Tibet-Bomi-Gang Township Nature Reserve-Gang Village

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - Scenery along the way

Remark:

1. The altitude and mileage between places listed in the article are all from relevant information on the Internet, and the expressions will be different.

2. All photos were taken by self-driving G318 Sichuan-Tibet line and multiple trips to Sichuan and Tibet at different times and seasons.