Western Sichuan 318 Road Trip Must-Stop｜Litang, This Highland Gem Hides Too Many Divine Moments

"Do you envy birds? No, because I'm as free as the wind." Litang, the hometown of Ding Zhen, is hidden in the clouds at 4,000 meters above sea level—every step feels like walking into the sky. From the snow of Mount Genie to the flowers of Maoya Grassland, the faith of Qianhu Tibetan Village, and the aroma of yak meat hotpot, once you've been here, you'll never forget it.

📸 Top 5 Must-Visit Spots in Litang (Perfect for Photos Even with Eyes Closed)

1. **Eye of Genie**
A "jade pupil" left by the gods on earth! This circular alpine lake in the meadow offers a breathtaking aerial view facing Mount Genie, with snow-capped mountain reflections embedded in the water.
- Navigation: Near Xiazhetong Village (free)
- Tip: The dirt road has many potholes—only SUVs can enter. Shoot in the afternoon for the clearest reflections.

2. **Qianhu Tibetan Village**
A city of faith built with 4,000 Tibetan houses! Explore the 400-year-old Renkang Ancient House, visit the Khampa Wax Museum, and ride horses in Tibetan robes to instantly transform into a "grassland princess."
- Hidden Gem: Climb Dongshan Hill at 7 PM for a panoramic view of the village, with comic-like clouds and sunset creating wallpaper-worthy shots.

3. **Mount Genie**
At 6,204 meters, it's Sichuan's third-highest peak—its grandeur strikes the soul!
- Tiejianshan Pass: Prayer flags flutter as you face the Genie mountain range, where snow peaks contrast sharply with the blue sky.
- Zebacun Village: Stay in a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, with sunrise-gilded peaks right outside your window (newly renovated rooms are in high demand—book early!).

4. **Maoya Grassland**
Certified by *China National Geography* as the most beautiful grassland! A 300-square-kilometer green carpet stretches to the horizon, dotted with wildflowers in July. Cranes and Tibetan antelopes occasionally pass by, while the Wuliang River meanders through. Camp under a sky full of stars.

5. **Changqingchun Korshi Monastery**
The largest Gelugpa monastery in the Kham region! Red walls and golden roofs glow under the blue sky, prayer wheels hum, and white pigeons glide past the eaves. The hilltop platform offers a view of the entire city, making even your breath feel reverent.

🎪 Be a Litang Local for a Day: Immersive Tibetan Culture

- **Horse Racing Festival (July-August)**: Watch riders stand upside-down on galloping horses and shoot targets, stay in nomad tents, feast on hand-torn yak meat, and dance the Guozhuang late into the night—a lively, moving feast.
- **Handicrafts**: Learn to make Tibetan incense or carve Mani stones in Qianhu Tibetan Village. Take home a fridge magnet engraved with "Tashi Delek" as a blessing.

🍜 Litang Cuisine: Feast on Yak

- **Must-Try List**:
- Yak Meat Mushroom Hotpot: Fresh matsutake and wild mushrooms make the broth irresistibly delicious.
- Blood Sausage & Tsampa: Crispy outside, soft inside, paired with butter tea to cut the richness.
- Cordyceps Chicken Stew: A highland-exclusive tonic that warms you to the core.
- **Hidden Gem**: Cangyang Manor's Tibetan-style steak is crispy outside and tender inside, while their yogurt bread is sweet and crunchy—authentic flavors!

⚠️ Pro Tips (Learned the Hard Way)

- **Altitude Sickness Alert**: At 4,000+ meters, take Rhodiola in advance. Avoid washing your hair on the first day. Book an oxygen-supplied room (recommended: "Cloud Retreat" in town).
- **Transportation**: The Genie South Line has poor road conditions, with timed access (1 hour each in morning/noon/evening). Fuel up before heading to Xiazhetong Village—gas stations are scarce.
- **Outfit Formula**: Colorful dresses + windbreaker + combat boots! Sunglasses and a sun hat are musts (UV rays are brutal). Bring a down jacket for drastic day-night temperature swings.

🌟 Best Time to Visit

- **July-August**: Flower-filled grasslands + Horse Racing Festival, with temps at 15-25°C—so comfortable you won’t want to leave.
- **September-October**: Autumn paints the mountains gold, with fewer tourists and great value.

The wind in Litang takes the shape of freedom. Come here to see the snow mountains, hear the chants, and savor a steaming pot of yak meat hotpot—you’ll understand what Ding Zhen meant by "as free as the wind."