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Xinduqiao, also known as East Erluo, is a small town in the western part of Kangding County, Sichuan Province, 81 kilometers from the county seat. Known as a "photographer's paradise," Xinduqiao's beauty lies not in the town itself but in the 10-kilometer scenic corridor stretching 2 kilometers east and west from the town.
This section of Xinduqiao, at an altitude of approximately 3,460 meters, boasts a plateau climate characterized by large temperature swings and unpredictable weather. Located at the fork between the north and south routes of National Highway 318, it is a picturesque paradise. Magical light, boundless grasslands, winding streams, golden cypress trees, rolling hills dotted with Tibetan villages, and cattle and sheep grazing peacefully... the plains of western Sichuan blossom beautifully.
In addition, National Geographic recommends that the best viewing point for appreciating Mount Gongga, the King of Sichuan Mountains, is in Xinduqiao. If the weather is good, you can take photos of the golden mountain in the sun.
June to November , spring, summer and autumn are the best time to travel to Xinduqiao, when the scenery is at its most beautiful.
June is the spring of the plateau, and the wild flowers all over the mountains allow you to wander in a sea of flowers;
With the arrival of autumn in October, Xinduqiao enters its most romantic season. Sunlight bathes the earth, illuminating the mountains with a warm golden hue. In the morning glow, admire the picturesque scenery of small bridges, flowing water, houses, and Tibetan dwellings, and experience the rich Tibetan customs of the plateau.
In spring from March to April, you can see flowers all over the mountains; if it snows, you can enjoy the magnificent snow-covered scenery.
Ten-mile Corridor
Xinduqiao, at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters, lacks any prominent landmarks, but a 10-kilometer-long stretch along the highway is known as the "Photographer's Corridor." This section of the road is the north-south fork of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, connecting to Garze in the north and Litang in the south. It's the only way from Tibet to Kangding. Traveling along the southern section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, you'll see typical Tibetan villages dotted along the mountainside and by the water, dotted with herds of yaks and sheep, creating a lively and leisurely scene.
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Tagong Grassland
This is the pure pastoral grassland closest to Kangding. From late June to early August every year, it is the most beautiful and lively season of Tagong Grassland. If you are lucky, you can even catch the grand traditional horse racing meeting.
Some people think it's just a grassy plain, meaningless, but for photographers, it's a surprising spot. Along the Tagong Road, wildflowers are in full bloom, and tents with white and blue patterns are occasionally set up casually on the green grass. You might even spot yaks, horses, or sheep leisurely grazing, and your mood will become bright and relaxed.
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Xinduqiao is a high-altitude Tibetan town in Sichuan, famous for its picturesque landscapes, traditional Tibetan culture, and as a gateway to the Kham region. It is a popular destination for photographers due to its natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
Xinduqiao is located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The town is accessible by road from Kangding or Litang. Travelers typically use buses, private cars, or guided tours; there is no metro system. Local taxis or walking can be used for exploring the village.
Xinduqiao is open year-round as a natural and cultural destination. The best times to visit are late spring to early autumn (May–October) for pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for photography.
There is generally no entrance fee to Xinduqiao village itself, as it is an open town and scenic area. Fees may apply for specific photography spots or guided tours, which can be arranged offline locally.
Advance booking is only necessary for guided tours, accommodations, or transport; local attractions do not require tickets in advance.
1–2 days are usually sufficient to explore the village, surrounding landscapes, and nearby scenic routes.
Guided tours are available locally, often in Chinese and sometimes English for photography tours. Audio guides are generally not offered.
Start at the village center, walk along the main streets, visit local markets, then explore nearby grasslands and riverbanks for scenic photography. End the day at a viewpoint for sunset shots.
Night visits are possible, but the village is quiet and there are no organized light shows. Some special photography or cultural tours can be arranged locally.
Xinduqiao is generally quiet. Peak times are during summer holidays and weekends; weekdays in spring or autumn are least crowded.
Basic facilities include small guesthouses, local eateries, public restrooms, and small shops selling snacks and souvenirs. Carry water for long hikes.
The village streets are mostly walkable but may have uneven surfaces; elderly and children can visit, but wheelchair access is limited.
Cash (Chinese yuan) is recommended for small shops and local vendors; mobile payments via WeChat or Alipay are widely accepted.
Local Tibetan guesthouses and small restaurants offer traditional Tibetan meals, noodles, yak meat dishes, and tea. There are few modern cafes.
Vegetarian options are available at local Tibetan restaurants (mainly vegetable dishes and tsampa); halal options are limited.
Small shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, traditional clothing, yak wool products, and local tea.
Private cars, local buses, or tour vans are commonly used to reach nearby towns like Kangding or Litang; flights from Chengdu can connect to larger destinations.
