Meet the Great Beauty of China, Feel Poetry and Distance, Walking on the Land of the Motherland, One of the Series Comprehensive Chapter (6) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-Driving Tour Book (Part II).

With whom: With friends
Tour kinds: photography, self-driving, humanities, free travel
Updated: 2022.07.19

Continued from "Meeting the Great Beauty of China, Feeling Poetry and Distance, Walking on the Land of the Motherland, Part of the Series (5) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-Driving Tour Book (Middle)" Meet

the Great Beauty of China, Feel Poetry and Distance, Walk on the Land of the Motherland, Part of the Series Comprehensive Chapter (6) G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line Self-driving Tour Book (Part 2).

China's most beautiful landscape avenue National Highway 318, starting from People's Square in Huangpu District, Shanghai and ending at the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge in Nielamu County, Shigatse City, Tibet, with a total distance of more than 5,000 kilometers. 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, Changdu, Nyingchi, Lhasa, Shigatse, etc. As one of the few large passages in the 30 degrees north latitude area, it is a highway connecting the most provinces in China. This national highway is a landscape corridor with a high concentration of beautiful scenery in China and even the world, and the types of natural landscapes are complete and diverse, and the colors are rare in the world.

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - Gala Village Peach Garden

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basuncuo - scenery along the way

Tibet-Basu-Palong Zangbo River

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra River - Overlooking Nanga Bawa Peak

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Overlooking Nanga Bawa Peak

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basuncuo - Stuttering Village

Sichuan-Yajiang-Scissors Bay Shanyakou Observation Deck-Overlooking the Eighteen Bends of Tianlu

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - scenery along the way

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line is the most exciting section of National Highway 318 and is known as the "epic route into Tibet". The total length from Chengdu to Lhasa is more than 2,100 kilometers, mainly passing through the squeezed zone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, and at the same time crossing the Dadu River, Jinsha River, Lancang River, Nu River, Brahmaputra River and other rivers, climbing mountains and wading all the way, either over mountains or rivers along the way. It is the magnificent and beautiful natural scenery derived from these plateaus, mountains, and rivers that capture aesthetics and amaze the years. When you drive into it, the unexpected scenery will come to you, and you will definitely be amazed, and then you will involuntarily sigh at the beauty of the earth.

Schematic diagram of G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line (download picture online)

Schematic diagram of altitude of G318 Sichuan-Tibet South Line (download picture online)

Tibet-Lhasa-Potala Palace Square-Potala Palace night view

Tibet-Lhasa-Drepung Monastery

Tibet-Nyingchi-Bayi District-Gala Village

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

Tibet - Nyingchi - scenery along the way

Tibet-Nyingchi-Lulang-Lulang Linhai

Meet and admire along the way!

Eighth stop: Lulang-Nyingchi (80 kilometers)

Only about 20 kilometers from Lulang, you will arrive at the famous landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet Line, the Sejila Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4,720 meters. The view here is wide, and you can see the Lulang forest sea; If the weather is good, you can overlook Nanga Bawa Peak, which is 7,782 meters above sea level and was once rated as one of the top ten most beautiful mountains in China by China National Geographic. Every time you pass by here, you can see a lot of passing tourists stopping here to watch the scenery and take pictures. Cross the Sejila Mountain Pass and continue to move forward, and Nyingchi is in front of you.

Tibet-Nyingchi-Sejila Mountain Pass

Tibet-Nyingchi-Sejila Mountain

Tibet-Nyingchi-Sejila Mountain-318 National Highway

Nyingchi, known in Tibetan as "Throne of the Sun". It is located at an altitude of 2,930 meters, with a humid climate and dense vegetation, and is known as the Jiangnan of Tibet. The Brahmaputra River passes through the Nyingchi area, forming the famous "Brahmaputra Grand Canyon", which is famous all over the world; The famous sacred lake "Basuncuo" of the Red Religion is 120 kilometers away from Nyingchi City and is a tourist resort; There is also the famous Peach Blossom Festival, the famous Gala Village Peach Garden is next to National Highway 318, and when the peach blossoms are in full bloom from mid-March to mid-April every year, flower-viewing tourists from all directions come to a spring date.

Tibet-Nyingchi-Mirin-Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tibet-Nyingchi-Milin-Scenery along the way

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Basuntso

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basuncuo - scenery
along the way

Tibet-Nyingchi-Bayi District-Gala Village

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - National Highway 318 - Gala Village Taohua Road Section

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - National Highway 318 - scenery
along the way

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - Gala Village Peach Garden

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - Gala Village Peach Garden - Peach Blossom Tree King

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - Gala Village Peach Garden

Bayi Town is the location of the central urban area of Nyingchi area, a relatively modern small city, the most prosperous area in the entire Nyingchi area is here, shopping, dining, accommodation and car rental and chartering are very convenient. Tourists who come from Lhasa or Sichuan will stay here, one is as a must-choose place for supply and rest; The second is to serve as a transit point for visiting Nyingchi city and surrounding scenic spots.

Tibet-Nyingchi-Bayi Town

Tibet-Nyingchi-Bayi District-Farmland Villagers

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

tips

1. If you go to visit the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon, it is only a few dozen kilometers from Bayi Town, and you can go back and forth in a day. The road conditions along the way are good and the scenery is good, and you can also visit the Yani National Wetland Park, the Brahmaputra River, Buddha's Palm Sand Dunes and other scenic spots.

Tibet-Nyingchi-Mirin-Yani National Wetland Park

Tibet-Nyingchi-Mirin-Brahmaputra River

Tibet-Nyingchi-Mirin-Brahmaputra

Tibet-Nyingchi-Milin-Mirui Township-scenery
along the way

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra 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 to choosing to live in Suosong Village, which is deep in the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon. First, Suosong Village is one of the main places to enjoy peach blossoms in Nyingchi; second, it can visit scenic spots such as the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon; third, there is an opportunity to see the rare Nanga Bawa Peak up close.

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

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - scenery along the way

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Brahmaputra River

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Suosong Village - Overlooking Nanga Bawa Peak

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra River - Overlooking Nanga Bawa Peak

Tibet - Nyingchi - Milin - Brahmaputra River - RV camp

Tibet-Nyingchi-Mirin-Tibetan children

3. Basuncuo Lake has blue water and beautiful scenery, making it a place worth staying for a short time and resting. You can go from Nyingchi to Basuncuo and then return to Nyingchi; You can also depart from Nyingchi and go directly to Lhasa after stopping at Basuncuo.

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Basongtso

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Basongcuo

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Basuncuo

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - scenery
along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basun Tso - scenery
along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basuncuo - scenery
along the way

Ninth stop: Nyingchi - Gongbu Jiangda - Lhasa (410 km).

After having enough fun in Nyingchi, we headed to Lhasa, the last stop of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line. All the way to the Xiuba thousand-year-old building complex (Gesar Castle), the scenery of the Nihe Ocean, the mainstay attractions, etc., we came to the Mila Mountain Pass at an altitude of 5,013 meters, which is the geographical junction between Nyingchi and Lhasa, and the last high mountain pass that the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line needs to cross before reaching Lhasa. Mount Mira is a sacred mountain in the hearts of local Tibetans, and tourists passing by here will stop for a short time to take photos. We are really glad that the mountains and mountain passes along the way did not stump us. After going down the mountain, everyone went straight to Lhasa with a happy and comfortable mood.

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - scenery along

the way< img src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/0100s120009ohgj6x6947_W_1024_0_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" / >

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - scenery
along the way

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Milashan Pass

Tibet-Lhasa-Nihe Ocean scenery

Although I have been to Lhasa many times, it is the first time I have come here on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line by car or by train. When driving a car across the Lhasa River Bridge, the appearance of Lhasa City in front of me came into view, this situation was still very emotional, in addition to being particularly happy, I was really a little excited. After climbing mountains and wading all the way, facing severe challenges, and going through countless hardships, I finally successfully completed the long-awaited G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line self-driving tour, and finally came to the dreamy Lhasa, do you think you can not be happy and excited?

Tibet-Lhasa-Potala Palace

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

Lhasa (3,650 meters above sea level) means "holy place" or "Buddha land" in Tibetan, is the political, economic, cultural and religious center of Tibet, is an ancient city with a history of more than 1,300 years, is also a national historical and cultural city, and is also one of the highest cities in the world. She attracts tourists from all over the world with her clear blue sky, clear river water, fresh air and warm sunshine. Lhasa is now not only a holy place in the minds 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

Lhasa's scenic spots are colorful and numerous. there are China's World Heritage Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Roblinka; there are Potala Palace Square, Bakhor Street and other must-visit attractions when you come to Lhasa; In addition, unique temples such as Drepung Temple and Sera Temple are also worth seeing. Among them, the Potala Palace has a distinct Tibetan style and majestic momentum, and is the largest and most complete palace and fort-style complex in Tibet, known as one of the top ten earthen buildings in the world, and is also the landscape pattern on the back of the RMB 50 banknote.

Tibet-Lhasa-Potala Palace night view

Tibet-Lhasa-Jokhang Temple

Tibet-Lhasa-Bakhor Street

Tibet-Lhasa-Drepung Monastery

Tibet-Lhasa-Sera Monastery

In addition, there are two sacred lakes around Lhasa, Namco and Yangzhuoyongcuo, which are also beautiful attractions and are well worth spending some time visiting. All the way to Lhasa, you should slow down and take some time to take a good stroll.

Tibet-Dangxiong-Namcuo

Tibet-Langkazi-Yangzhuoyongcuo

tips

1. There is a Lalin Expressway from Nyingchi to Lhasa, if you are in a hurry, take the highway, it can be reached in half a day, which is convenient and fast. It is still recommended to continue on National Highway 318 without time limit. Xiuba's thousand-year-old buildings, mainstay 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.(The tunnel has now been opened on Mount Mila, and you will not pass through the pass on the mountain if you take the highway)

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Xiuba Millennium Building Group

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-mainstay

Tibet-Gongbu Jiangda-Milashan Pass

2. When you arrive in Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a must-visit attraction. There are too many tourists now, and the number of tickets sold to the outside world is limited, so you must make an appointment online or through a travel agency in advance.

3. There are 3 good places to watch and photograph the Potala Palace: the Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck on the southwest side of the Potala Palace, where you can take pictures of the classic white pagoda and the side panorama of the Potala Palace; Potala Palace Square, where you can take a panoramic view of the front of the Potala Palace; On the shore of 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 - Dzongkok Lukang Park - Potala Palace

conclusion

Tibet has an average altitude of more than 4,000 and is the main part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is known as the "roof of the world". The complex terrain and diverse landforms here have formed a unique plateau climate. The natural landscape and cultural scenery composed of the unique geographical environment have attracted many tourism enthusiasts to Tibet. Tibet's unique plateau snowy scenery, charming Tibetan cultural style, and this unique cultural landscape that integrates 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 road is long and difficult, but it carries too much scenery and beauty, too many accidents and surprises, too many stories and adventures, too many feelings and shocks.

For every self-driving travel enthusiast, the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line, which departs from Chengdu to Lhasa, has a conventional starting point and end, but there are unconventional ways to play and a different mental journey. In the process of self-driving tour, on the one hand, you will be attracted by the charming natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, grasslands, forests and other charming natural landscapes that suddenly stand up along the way, and enjoy the baptism of beautiful scenery along the way; on the other hand, it is necessary to concentrate on observing the traffic conditions on the road, and the driving process itself is already full of challenges. All this tests the willpower, driving level, time, personnel, cost and other aspects of the self-driving tourist's willpower, driving level, and overall planning ability.

Therefore, no matter how many places and roads you have traveled on your self-driving tour, you have to admit that the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line will always be a classic among must-drive classics.And because the road is extremely difficult, it is more challenging, so that every self-driving enthusiast who has walked this road is full of sighs and leaves an unforgettable mark for a lifetime.

On the long snowy road, you will see scenery that you have never seen before, experience sighs that you have never experienced before, and encounter countless surprises; The unique scenery and rare experience along the way are unforgettable; This should be the reason and annotation that so many people are moved by the slogan "You must drive 318 in this life, all the way west to Lhasa", and enter Tibet through the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line.

Tibet-Lhasa-Street View

Tibet-Nyingchi-Mirin-Brahmaputra Grand Canyon

Tibet-Basu-Palong Zangbo River

Sichuan-Litang-Kazila Mountain-Alpine Meadow

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basongcuo - scenery along the way

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basuncuo - scenery
along the way

Tibet - Nyingchi - Bayi District - Gala Village Peach Garden

tips

1. With the changes of the times, the road conditions of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line are getting better and better. Many tunnels have been built and opened in more than a dozen high mountains with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters along the route. Of course, if you want to see the most beautiful scenery, you still have to walk on the mountain pass without fear of hardships and dangers.

2. When enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way, you must pay attention to the dangers behind the beautiful scenery. Stay focused and drive carefully at all times. It is best to have more than two people with certain driving experience in a car take turns to drive, so that it is not too hard along the way.

3. The self-driving Sichuan-Tibet route is long, so we must arrange the itinerary reasonably to achieve a relaxed and relaxed combination. Don't forget to enjoy the good scenery along the way just for the sake of rushing. The way of going out early and returning late, tired of running, and rushing all day can only be done occasionally under special circumstances, and must not become the norm of self-driving travel. Especially when traveling at night, the risk factor will be doubled.

4. The car should be equipped with enough water, food, oxygen and cold clothing in case of emergencies. The terrain is dangerous, the climate is changeable, landslides, roadbed collapses, and road congestion due to weather factors or traffic accidents occur from time to time. We were once blocked for 6 hours on a high mountain at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters near the Sejila Mountain Pass due to weather. If you do not make sufficient preparations, there may be serious consequences.

Tibet - Gongbu Jiangda - Basun Tso