Complete Self-Driving Guide to Western Sichuan｜Unlock a More Condensed Highland Wonderland Than Xinjiang in 3 Days! Who Gets It!

Who hasn’t put Western Sichuan on their itinerary yet?! Calling it a "condensed version of China’s beautiful scenery" is no exaggeration—it has all the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes of Xinjiang, plus unique Tibetan culture and secret wonders. The best part? You can hit the highlights in just 3 days starting from Chengdu, no long haul needed!

Key points first: The core of Western Sichuan is Ganzi + Aba, and the two scenic highways are the soul!

- National Highway 318 (Sichuan section of the Sichuan-Tibet Southern Route): Ya’an → Luding → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Litang → Daocheng Yading. The whole route is a jackpot—Luding Bridge’s thrilling history, the sea of clouds at Zheduo Mountain, autumn light and shadow at Xinduqiao, and the moment at Zimei Pass facing Mount Gongga is legendary! From Yading, take the Luya route to Lugu Lake, no turning back, all new scenery along the way.

- National Highway 317 (Sichuan section of the Sichuan-Tibet Northern Route): Chengdu → Dujiangyan → Wenchuan → Maerkang → Ganzi → Dege. A must for culture lovers! The millennium wisdom of Dujiangyan, the ancient fortress vibe of Taoping Qiang Village, the fiery red leaves of autumn in Miyaluo, and the profound cultural atmosphere of Dege Printing House—every spot is worth savoring.

No time for the full trip? Choose these loops with confidence!

1. Western Sichuan Small Loop (3-5 days, about 1000km): Chengdu → Wenchuan → Siguniang Mountain → Jiaju Tibetan Village → Moxi Park → Tagong Grassland → Xinduqiao → Chengdu. The Eastern Alps’ Siguniang Mountain, the exotic vibe of Moxi Park, and the golden mountain sunset at Yuzi Creek—beginner-friendly and photogenic.

2. Western Sichuan Large Loop (10 days, about 2000km): Connects the highlights of 318 + 317! You can also unlock lesser-known secret spots like Baiyu Temple and the Gnie Nan route. The raw grandeur of Gnie’s Eye is a hidden gem cherished by those who’ve been.

3. Aba Loop: Small loop (3-5 days) to see Miyaluo’s red leaves, Gergou hot springs, and the sunset over the winding Yellow River; large loop goes deep into Rangtang and Seda, with hardcore scenery maxed out, and you can detour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong to see the “palette spilled by God.”

Final reminder: Western Sichuan routes have many forks, don’t drive blindly! Save your guide in advance, pick the right season (April-May for flowers, September-October for autumn), drive carefully controlling speed and avoiding slips, and prepare sunscreen and a light down jacket.

Such a comprehensive Western Sichuan guide, quickly like and save it! Maybe your next holiday, you’ll be standing between snow mountains and grasslands~

Post by ACG. Jessi 3426 | Oct 25, 2025