The unimaginable G318 Changdu section is absolutely stunning

National Highway G318 (Sichuan-Tibet Highway) is known as "China's Most Beautiful Scenic Avenue," "A Must-Drive in a Lifetime," and "The Pinnacle of Self-Driving in China," among other titles. Having traveled it several times, the scenery along the way is indeed beautiful. I just carefully explored the Basu section again, which was very impressive. Here are the highlights along the route to share with everyone:

D1
1. Changdu to Langla Mountain: Langla Mountain stands at 4,572 meters above sea level and is the watershed between the Lancang River and the Nu River. It is a must-pass mountain pass on National Highway G214. The surrounding scenery includes the Gongrida Ancient Snow Mountain range;
2. Nujiang 72 Bends: The Yela Mountain winding road is also called the "99 Bends" or "108 Bends" by some, but some have counted over 130 bends. Why is this 12-kilometer road so famous? Because it descends 1,500 meters sharply from the Yela Mountain Pass at 4,651 meters, it is considered one of "China's Most Dangerous Roads";
3. Nujiang Gorge Glass Walkway (72 Bends Grand Canyon Scenic Area): Currently free to enter, but shoe covers cost 5 yuan. Standing on the glass walkway offers an experience of the Nu River’s steepness;
4. Nujiang Bridge Ruins Memorial Hall: The Nujiang Bridge is China’s most tragic bridge. Vehicles passing here honk in tribute. When the bridge was built after the founding of New China, a soldier fell into the concrete and could not be rescued. The bridge pier still stands as a monument. Among the builders of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, over 2,000 lives rest here forever;
5. Stay overnight in Basu County.

D2
1. Zhuba Village Apple Orchard in Baima Town: The apples here are especially delicious. If you come in autumn, you must visit. You can also watch local Tibetan residents dance under the apple trees;
2. Dajida Township Lavender Plantation: The highest altitude lavender, using the Provence narrow-leaf lavender variety. If you visit in June, it will be in full bloom; at other times, you can still take photos and check in here;
3. Basu County Intangible Cultural Heritage Pulu Workshop: Pulu is a traditional Tibetan handmade textile. From the exhibition hall to the workshop, watching the female weavers at work with their processes and equipment is quite impressive;
4. Ranwu Lake: At 3,850 meters above sea level, Ranwu Lake is the largest lake in eastern Tibet. In Tibetan, it means "Milk Lake" because the water contains special minerals that give it a milky white appearance. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a magnificent view;
5. Laigu Plain: The most important attraction. The lake surface freezes from mid-January to mid-March. The best time to see the glacier is from December to February. At 4,100 meters altitude, the blue ice never melts, making it absolutely stunning and spectacular;
6. Return to Basu County.

Post by LoganMaguire87 | Nov 5, 2025