2026 Markam Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Mangkam Songtsen Rumai Resort is located in Mangkam County, Qamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region. The guest rooms are very large and comfortable, the public areas are also much larger, and most importantly, the surrounding environment is very good, facing the Lancang River. The price-performance ratio for a house price of around 1,000 is still acceptable. If I have the chance, I will still deliberately stay here. However, if the housing prices soar like a runaway horse in the future, I will definitely pass by it. After all, this is all there is to see here. In addition, the size of the public area is relative. If the hotel is fully occupied, the experience will be greatly reduced. After all, although it is priced at a 5-star hotel, the actual public area cannot be compared with that of a chain 5-star hotel. #ChinaTravel #Lancang River #Riverview #Tibet #Chamdo #Hotel #Cost-EffectiveHotel #HotelIntroduction #HotelRecommendation #HotelExperienceOfficer #HotelAccommodation

Traveling with kids, you always want to find some special places. The thousand-year-old ancient salt fields in Mangkam, Tibet, are a treasure that will make the whole family say "Wow!" The legend of the Tea Horse Road, the red and white salt fields, the unique Jiajia noodles... both the culture and scenery are breathtaking! 🚗 Family Travel Diary and Guide to the Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields 🚗 1️⃣ Origin: Salt on the Tea Horse Road Driving along the beautiful G214 National Highway from Deqin, Yunnan or Batang, Sichuan, through snowy mountains and gorges, you won’t get bored. Our destination is Yanjing Town in Mangkam, Tibet, once a key town on the Tea Horse Road with over 1,300 years of handmade salt drying history, and the only one preserved to this day! 2️⃣ First Sight: The Palette by the River When the Lancang River Gorge appears before your eyes, the layered wooden salt fields on the cliffs are stunning! Like huge terraces, shining silver-white and reddish under the sun. You can tell your kids that the east bank produces white salt (the kind we eat), and the west bank produces red salt (rich in minerals, used for foot baths or feeding livestock). This is a miracle created by nature and humans together. 3️⃣ Experience: A Living Fossil of Thousand-Year-Old Craftsmanship Look closely, salt workers draw brine from the salt springs by the river and pour it into the salt fields. Relying on the strong sunlight and wind of the plateau, salt crystals form in two or three days. You can buy a pack of red salt (about 5 yuan) and white salt (about 10 yuan) as souvenirs, touching a thousand years of history. 4️⃣ Taste: The Joy of a Bowl of Jiajia Noodles You must try Jiajia noodles in Yanjing Town! Thin noodles with yak meat sauce; after eating a bowl, the owner puts a stone to count. Kids will find it fun and try hard to eat more bowls. There’s also salt-braised chicken, marinated with red salt and roasted, with a unique flavor. 🍃 Family Travel Tips 🍃 Transportation: Driving is the most convenient, and the scenery along the way is the attraction. You can also hire a car from Mangkam County. Accommodation: Yanjing Town has Tibetan-style family inns, affordable (100-200 yuan/night), offering a better local experience. Note: Respect local customs and kindly ask salt workers before taking photos. The plateau has strong UV rays, so protect the whole family from the sun. There are no amusement facilities here, but the most vivid natural museum and the simplest human warmth. Bring your kids, broaden their horizons, it’s worth it!

Someone once said, "If you love someone, take them to Tibet, because the sky there can purify the soul." And if you travel the Sichuan-Tibet Highway with your loved one, you will understand even more that the sky in Tibet is not just for you to look at, but to accompany you in viewing the most beautiful scenery. Tibet, a place full of mystery, possesses endless beauty and grandeur. The moment you step onto this land, your soul will be deeply captivated. Here, you can see blue skies, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, rivers, waterfalls, and the beautiful starry sky. Basu County, located in Chamdo City, is a place full of mystery. Here, you can see the world's longest highway—the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318), and also the most beautiful lake in the world—Ranwu Lake. Ranwu Lake Ranwu Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. The lake water is crystal clear, with wildflowers of various colors floating on the surface. Standing by the lake, you can see the distant snow mountains reflected in the water, forming a breathtaking picture. Xiudeng Monastery Xiudeng Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Basu County. The murals inside the temple are exquisite, filled with rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural atmosphere. Here, you can feel the devotion and faith of the Tibetan people. Nujiang 72 Bends The Nujiang 72 Bends is one of the most famous spots along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. The road here is very steep with many curves, but the scenery is stunning. Standing on the mountaintop looking down, you can see the winding Nujiang River and the spectacular canyon landscape below. Dongda Mountain, the highest point on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway Dongda Mountain is one of the highest peaks along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Standing on the summit, you can see the continuous snow mountains and sea of clouds in the distance. Here, you can experience the unique feeling brought by the high altitude. 360-degree snow mountain surround, Tibet’s most worthwhile hidden gem! - 24 hours of non-repetitive scenes, perfect for stunning social media shots! 🔥Nujiang 72 Bends → □Ranwu Lake → □Xiudeng Monastery → □Nujiang 72 Bends → □Kangshatong → □Dongda Mountain, the highest point on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway - 🌟Recommended Attractions: - 1️⃣ Nujiang 72 Bends (Must-see) About 40 kilometers long, known as the "First Bend of Sichuan-Tibet," open 24 hours. Standing on the viewing platform to overlook the entire bend process, visitors who are not confident in their driving skills are advised to get off and take photos~! - 2️⃣ Ranwu Lake (Must-see) Located in Basu County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, it is the source of the Parlung Tsangpo River. Every snapshot during the drive is a masterpiece! Surrounded 360 degrees by snow mountains, and on clear days, you might even catch a rainbow~~~ Absolutely worth the ticket price! - 3️⃣ Xiudeng Monastery (Must-see) Located near Kangsha Village Primary School in Ranwu Town, Basu County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, it is a historic Tibetan Buddhist temple. Inside the temple is a large tower, one of the largest ancient towers in the Chamdo area. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountain and grassland scenery, perfect for hiking and photography. - 4️⃣ Kangshatong (Recommended) Located in Kangsha Village, Ranwu Town, Basu County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, it is a historic stone bridge. The bridge is engraved with the symbol of the ancient Tang-Tubo Road and is a must-pass route to Ranwu Lake. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the entire village and valley scenery, which is very spectacular. - 5️⃣ Dongda Mountain, the highest point on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Recommended) Located in Qudeng Township, Mangkang County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, on G318 (Huniu Line), it is one of the highest mountain passes on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. From the viewing platform, you can overlook the entire mountain range and grassland scenery, and on clear days, you can see distant snow mountains and glaciers. This is a must-visit spot for self-driving enthusiasts~!

Gyatso La Mountain, also known as Gyatso La Pass, is a highly charming plateau attraction in Tibet. Located in Dingri County, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region, it serves as the boundary between Lazi County and Dingri County. It is also the essential route to the Everest Base Camp and is known as the "Gateway to Everest." However, crossing this pass did not feel like a climb to me at all. Generally, crossing implies going from low to high and then back down. But the altitude of Gyatso La Pass compared to the surrounding environment feels more like a slightly raised hill because the nearby reference points are already above 5,000 meters in elevation. It is especially worth mentioning that another high point on National Highway G318, Dongda Mountain (with a pass elevation of 5,130 meters), is sometimes also considered the highest point on G318. The accurate statement should be: Dongda Mountain Pass is the highest pass on the southern Sichuan-Tibet route. Dongda Mountain is located in Zuogong County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, and is an important node on the southern Sichuan-Tibet route. On one side of the mountain flows the roaring Lancang River, and on the other side is Zuogong. Below is an introduction and travel guide for Gyatso La Pass: 1. Basic Introduction 1) Geographic Location Gyatso La Pass is located in Dingri County, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is the highest point on National Highway 318 and the boundary between Lazi County and Dingri County. Known as the "Gateway to Everest," it is the necessary route to Everest Base Camp. 2) Altitude At an elevation of 5,248 meters, the cement altitude marker is adorned with colorful prayer flags. 3) Natural Scenery This place features a unique plateau natural landscape. The upper half of the view is a pure azure sky, while the lower half shows ochre and gray-yellow mountainous terrain with sparse vegetation, highlighting ruggedness and vastness. The shifting clouds cast mottled shadows on the hills, revealing the plateau’s distinctive desolation and grandeur. 4) Cultural Scenery At the pass stands a large Everest Nature Reserve signboard, along with numerous prayer flags and mani stone piles, elements typical of Tibetan culture. The prayer flags, woven in blue, white, red, green, and yellow, flutter in the wind, creating a rich Tibetan cultural atmosphere. Viewing Perspective: On clear days, standing at Gyatso La Pass, you can see four peaks over 8,000 meters: Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The snow-capped peaks appear faintly through the clouds, majestic and awe-inspiring. 2. Travel Guide 1) Best Time to Visit May to October is the best time to visit Gyatso La Mountain. During this period, the weather is relatively stable with more clear days, making it easier to enjoy the snowy mountain scenery. If you want to see the sunrise or sunset over the snow mountains, it is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance and choose a clear day. The soft light at sunrise and sunset makes the snow mountains look even more sacred. 2) Tickets and Opening Hours Gyatso La Mountain is free to visit and open all day. 3) Transportation Gyatso La Pass is located along National Highway 318. Vehicles heading to Everest Base Camp usually pass through here. Visitors can choose to drive themselves, hire a car, or join a tour group. Starting from Shigatse, drive south along National Highway 318 to reach the pass. 4) Travel Tips Gyatso La Pass is at a high altitude with thin air and low oxygen levels. Visitors should move slowly and avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare oxygen bottles and medication for altitude sickness in advance. Also, due to strong winds and low temperatures at the pass, keep warm by bringing sufficient thick clothing such as down jackets, windbreakers, warm hats, and gloves.

Who says traveling to Tibet means "heaven for the eyes, hell for the body"? Mangkam, this hidden gem in eastern Tibet, completely changed my perception—thousand-year-old salt fields look like an eyeshadow palette, Yunnan golden monkeys are social butterflies, and Jiajia noodles are so good you’ll want to eat until you can’t move, plus they’re free! As a "plateau special forces" who roamed Mangkam for 5 days, this guide will take you on a joyful journey through this "wonderful land"～ 🌟 Must-Experience Highlights in Mangkam: Three Major Highlights 1. Salt Field Eyeshadow Palette Check-in At the ancient salt fields by the river, layers of salt ponds display pink, snowy white, and gray-brown colors under the sun. After snapping 100 photos, my phone warned "storage full"! The best part was participating in hand-harvesting salt, where a local auntie taught me how to scrape salt crystals. I accidentally dropped salt into the river, and she laughed, "Girl, with skills like that, you won’t be curing cured meat for New Year!" 2. Yunnan Golden Monkey Social Scene At Hongla Mountain Nature Reserve, I spotted a family of Yunnan golden monkeys who actually posed for photos! One "monkey bro" even snatched my sun hat and wore it. The caretaker uncle said, "Lately, it’s obsessed with Journey to the West and thinks it’s the Monkey King." 3. Jiajia Noodle Challenge At the Salt Well Guola Cong farmhouse, I tried Jiajia noodles, served one bite at a time and counted with stones. After showing off by eating 25 bowls, I was so full I couldn’t stand. The owner, Zhuomalamu, laughed and offered me a khata scarf: "147 bowls is the record, your score only feeds cats!" But the Tibetan pork sauce with buckwheat noodles was so delicious I packed some vacuum-sealed to take home. 🗺️ Tested Itinerary (Lazy Essentials Version) Day Highlights Tips & Warnings Day 1 Salt field salt-harvesting experience → Zhaguxi Gorge to find Princess Wencheng statue The gorge is windy; my hat blew into the Lancang River, turning our group photo into a "Mei Chaofeng" moment Day 2 Hongla Mountain to chase Yunnan golden monkeys → Mangcuo Lake hiking around the lake Yak by the lake steals the spotlight, pushing me out of the frame during photos Day 3 Nigou Monastery prayer wheel → Quzika Hot Springs relaxation Hot springs reach up to 80°C; I soaked until my face turned red like Guan Yu, praised by local Aja for "strong qi and blood" 📸 Top Photo Spots - Salt Field Center Stage: At 4 PM when the sunlight slants, the salt ponds become a natural palette. Wearing a red dress to capture reflections is stunning - Mangcuo Lake Center: Take a herder’s boat to the middle of the lake, with snowy mountain reflections and flocks of water birds. Drone shots here are legendary - Nigou Monastery Prayer Flags: Capture silhouettes of prayer wheels in the early morning mist. Posting on social media, people asked if I was filming a movie 🍜 Food Hits and Misses ✅ Must-Try - Jiajia Noodles: Served with Tibetan pork sauce and pickled vegetables, the broth is so fresh you’ll want to soak your feet in it! - Buttered Tsampa: Handmade dough balls dipped in yogurt, with a local uncle teaching me "roll it round for good luck" ❌ Avoid - "Matsutake mushroom sauce" sold in scenic spots, priced three times higher than at the county market! 💡 Quick Tips 1. Transportation: Direct buses from Lijiang/Shangri-La (6 hours). Renting a car offers more freedom but check tire pressure—I had a flat on Lawu Mountain and got tipsy from yak butter tea offered by herders while waiting for help 2. Altitude Sickness: The county sits at 3,870 meters. Don’t wash your hair on day one! I stubbornly showered and fainted, earning the nickname "Plateau Lin Daiyu" from my bestie 3. Accommodation: Highly recommend Quzika Hot Springs guesthouse, 200 RMB+ with a balcony for stargazing, but poor soundproofing! At midnight, I heard the neighbor singing Tibetan songs and felt like I was in the "Qinghai-Tibet Plateau" music video The charm of Mangkam is the salty aroma mixed with yak butter tea, the playful Yunnan golden monkeys paired with the solemn prayer flags... Save this guide and explore this "eastern Tibet mystery box"～

When it comes to Meili Snow Mountain, everyone goes to Feilai Temple. But seasoned travelers know that along the Yunnan-Tibet route from Deqin towards Tibet, there is a king-level spot to enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain—Peacock Mountain (also known as "Kongque Ridge"). This is a high mountain pass on National Highway G214, nearly 4000 meters above sea level. In winter, when the snow clears and clouds part, the continuous snow peaks spread out like a peacock’s tail, an absolutely breathtaking sight. Take your kids on a light high-altitude adventure and gain unforgettable scenery for a lifetime. 📍 Geographic and Cultural Positioning • What it is: Peacock Mountain is a mountain ridge at the Yunnan-Tibet border, with a viewing platform at the pass offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. • What to see: Mainly the full western panorama of Meili Snow Mountain, including Mount Kawagebo (Goddess Peak), Jiwarenan (Five Crown Peak), and more. The view is broader and more three-dimensional than from Feilai Temple. • Suitable for: Families with some high-altitude travel experience who want to explore deeply, avoid crowds, and have children slightly older (recommended 6 years and above, without severe altitude sickness). 🌦️ Core Winter Climate and Road Conditions • Best viewing period: From November to March of the following year, the dry season, with the highest chance to see the full snow-capped peaks. Especially the clear mornings after a heavy snowfall overnight are spectacular. • Temperature: The pass is windy, with temperatures dropping to -10℃ to -15℃, feeling extremely cold. • Road conditions: The G214 highway is paved, but in winter there may be black ice and snow accumulation. Be sure to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with snow chains. Check Deqin County Traffic Bureau’s road condition notices before traveling. 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Activities and Safety Guidelines • Core activities: Short stops to quietly observe the snow mountains. In the safe area of the viewing platform, identify peaks with your kids and tell the legend of Kawagebo. Use telephoto lenses or binoculars to observe details on the snow walls. • Time control: Do not stay too long at the pass; recommended stop is no more than 40 minutes to avoid altitude sickness and hypothermia in children. • Warmth and protection: Wear the most professional cold-weather gear (down jacket, snow pants, snow boots, face mask, snow goggles). Prepare portable oxygen bottles for children as a precaution. • Absolutely prohibited: No vigorous running or jumping, no leaving the viewing platform area to walk onto the snow slopes—extremely dangerous. 📸 Photography and Viewing Tips • Golden time: Sunrise. If conditions allow, plan your timing to depart from Deqin or Foshan Township and arrive before sunrise to witness the “golden sunlight on the mountain” illuminating Meili’s western slope. • Alternative time: Afternoon with front light, when the snow mountains are dazzling white and the sky is deep blue, creating strong color contrasts. • Equipment: Use wide-angle lenses for panoramas and telephoto lenses for mountain details. Tripods may malfunction in low temperatures, so be prepared to shoot handheld. 🏡 Warm Accommodations and Itinerary Connections Deqin Fragments · Wuxiang Snow Mountain Lodge: Located at Feilai Temple, some rooms face Meili directly, serving as a warm and well-serviced forward base for heading to Peacock Mountain. Songtsam Meili Mountain Residence: In Gujiunong Village, hidden and luxurious, it is the top choice for an immersive snow mountain cultural experience, about 1.5 hours’ drive to Peacock Mountain. Jixia Mountain · Meili Hotel: A design hotel with an unbeatable viewing terrace, suitable for families with aesthetic demands. Tibet Yanjing Ancient Salt Field Viewing Hotel: If you plan to continue into Tibet, stay on the Tibetan side at Yanjing to experience hot springs and the millennium-old salt fields. 🍲 Energy Supply Suggestions • Have a high-calorie breakfast in Deqin town or your hotel before departure (butter tea, tsampa, noodles). • Carry chocolate, glucose liquid, and a thermos with hot water or cola (to relieve altitude sickness). • Have main meals after returning to Deqin or upon arrival in Yanjing, enjoying yak meat hotpot or Jiajia noodles. The grandeur of Peacock Mountain belongs to travelers willing to rise early and take risks. This is not just a sightseeing trip but a shared witness to the power of nature and family courage.

They say this is the "only surviving original handmade salt field on the Ancient Tea Horse Road." When I actually stood on the cliff by the Lancang River, overlooking the thousands of layered salt fields that look like giant fingerprints, I truly understood the weight of that statement. This is not a cold tourist spot, but a living civilization epic that has been flowing for 1,300 years and is still being written. If you yearn for Tibet but don’t want to take the usual path, this hidden gem on the Yunnan-Tibet route—the Mangkang Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields—is definitely worth a special trip. 📍 Secret Location: Where is Yanjing? - Exact coordinates: Naxi Ethnic Township, Mangkang County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, between the steep gorges on both sides of the Lancang River. - Why unique: This is the only place in the world that has completely preserved the most original handmade salt drying method, and it boasts the unique "red and white salt" (red salt produced on the east bank, white salt on the west bank). - Cultural fusion: Besides Tibetan and Naxi cultures, this place also has Tibet’s only Catholic church, where Eastern and Western civilizations coexist in a wonderful way. 🚗 How to reach this "Earth Fingerprint"? Yanjing is located at the intersection of the Yunnan-Tibet route G214 and the Sichuan-Tibet route G318, making it an excellent stop on the way to Tibet. Two classic routes: 1. From Yunnan to Tibet (Yunnan-Tibet route): - Route: Shangri-La → Deqin (to see Meili Snow Mountain) → Feilai Temple → Yanjing - Driving time: about 5 hours, with snow mountains and gorges along the way, offering magnificent scenery. 2. From Sichuan to Tibet (Sichuan-Tibet route): - Route: Batang → Mangkang → Yanjing - Driving time: about 2.5 hours, mainly on mountain roads, drive carefully. Important tips: - Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card and apply for a border pass in advance (fill in "Mangkang County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region"). - Transportation: It is recommended to rent a car or drive yourself for flexibility. You can also take the daily shuttle bus from Mangkang County (about 80-100 RMB per person). 📸 Photographer’s Guide to the Best Spots (Capture National Geographic-Level Shots) Every step here is a scenic view, but the following spots will help you capture the most iconic images. 1. Upper Yanjing (East Bank of the River · Jiada Village) - Rainbow Salt Fields: From 4 to 6 pm, the slanting sunlight reflects off the brine surface, creating a dreamy rainbow glow, like God’s spilled palette. - Cultural close-ups: Use a telephoto lens to capture salt workers carrying brine, maintaining salt fields, and scraping salt in the village. Remember to keep your distance, smile, and ask for permission before shooting. A small candy is a friendly way to start. 2. Lower Yanjing (West Bank of the River · Naxi Village) - Dusk panorama: At sunset, the crimson glow dyes thousands of wooden frames supporting the salt fields golden, framed with the green Lancang River, creating a majestic scene. This is the golden hour for aerial photography. - Mirror of the sky: During the rainy season in July and August, the salt fields are full of brine, calm as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky and mountains. 3. Hidden Treasure Spots - Zaguxi Gorge Viewing Platform: Located high up, it overlooks the salt fields spread like a chessboard across the entire gorge, offering a breathtaking perspective. - Yanjing Catholic Church: Capture the unusual scene of Tibetan-style white towers alongside crosses, telling a story of cultural fusion. 🏠 Accommodation & Extras: Sleep in the Scenery, Eat in the Story Recommended accommodations - Deep experience: Stay at a local Tibetan guesthouse in Yanjing (150-300 RMB/night), live in a traditional Naxi wooden house, sit around the hearth drinking butter tea, and listen to the host tell stories about the salt fields. - Luxury option: Head to Mangkang or Rumei Town and stay at Songtsam series hotels (such as Songtsam Rumei Mountain Residence, 2500 RMB+/night), enjoying excellent views and Tibetan-style luxury service. Must-try food - Jiajia Noodles (a must-eat!): A fun noodle dish where each bowl has only one bite; after finishing, you add another bowl, counting with small stones beside you. Challenge your record at "Jiajia Noodle House" (highest record 147 bowls!), 25 RMB fills you up, served with pickled radish and butter tea, with a unique flavor. - Tibetan wine: Homemade wine from the Yanjing Catholic Church, a skill left by French missionaries, with a distinctive taste worth trying (about 50 RMB/bottle). - Warning: Most roadside so-called "wild honey" is syrup mixed, buy cautiously. Travel bonus: Quzika Hot Springs Only 5 km from Yanjing, there is the natural Quzika Hot Springs (about 60 RMB/person). Soaking here surrounded by snow mountains and gorges is the ultimate relaxation on your journey. 📅 Best Seasons & Pitfall Avoidance Guide When to go? - Best (March-May): Peak salt drying season, salt fields are most colorful, and work scenes are most vivid. - Magical (November-December): Brine crystallizes into beautiful "salt flowers," like an icy wonderland. - Avoid (July-August): Rainy season, mountain roads prone to landslides, poor brine reflection, and many mosquitoes. Important pitfall reminders 1. Respect culture: The wooden frames of the salt fields are sacred production tools; do not step on or climb them for photos. 2. Safety first: The edges of the salt fields are slippery; wear non-slip shoes and walk carefully. 3. Photography etiquette: Always communicate before taking portraits. A kind smile and asking permission often result in more genuine photos. 4. Altitude adaptation: Yanjing is about 2,400 meters above sea level, usually no altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous exercise and pay attention to warmth and sun protection. When I watched the elderly woman at Yanjing, bent over, carrying buckets of brine from the deep well to her salt fields, sunlight shining on her wrinkled but peaceful face, I realized I was not just seeing a landscape, but a resilient and wise way of life that has coexisted with nature for thousands of years. This millennia-old handmade craft flows slowly and powerfully like the Lancang River. Before it disappears, go see it. I am your online guide. Follow me to unlock more authentic Tibetan hidden gems. Mangkang Yanjing

The "wildest route" in Eastern Tibetan Sichuan, from Chengdu to Lhasa, lets you experience the breathtaking snow mountains, sacred lakes, forest seas, and sky roads all in one trip. This is the ultimate joy of self-driving! ✨ Key Highlights of the Route 1. Yala Snow Mountain: A sacred mountain you encounter just after leaving Danba. The snow-capped peak framed by grasslands and Tibetan villages looks like a painting, and every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy. 2. Sister Lakes: On the road from Litang to Mangkam, two azure lakes nestle at the foot of the snow mountains, serene and sacred. Stopping to feel the breeze is truly healing. 3. Dongda Mountain + Seventy-Two Bends: Iconic sections of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. The high-altitude sea of clouds at Dongda Mountain and the thrilling switchbacks of the Seventy-Two Bends maximize the excitement of self-driving. 4. Ranwu Lake + Lhag Glacier: The lake’s water is as blue as a gem, surrounded by snow mountains and glaciers. Driving along the lakeshore feels like entering a fairy tale world. 5. Namcha Barwa Peak: On the way from Lulang to Nyingchi, this is known as "China’s most beautiful snow mountain." Seeing its full view is definitely the luckiest moment of the trip. 6. Yamdrok Lake: Near Lhasa, this lake’s water shows distinct layers of blue. Every frame while driving around the lake is a visual feast. 7. Nyingchi Peach Blossom Valley: From March to April, peach blossoms bloom wildly at the foot of the snow mountains, allowing you to enjoy peach blossoms and snow mountains at the same time. 🚗 Self-Driving Tips ▫️ Some road sections are complex; it’s recommended to drive a rugged off-road vehicle and prepare snow chains and a spare tire. ▫️ Be mindful of altitude sickness in high-altitude areas; bring oxygen tanks and common medications in advance. ▫️ Supply points are far apart along the way; keep your fuel tank above half and carry some snacks and water with you.

On both banks of the Lancang River in Mangkam, Tibet, there is a breathtaking landscape that leaves a lasting impression—the ancient salt fields of Yanjing, which have existed for thousands of years. Thousands of wooden frames support the salt fields, embedded like piano keys along the steep riverbank, shimmering with red and white hues under the sunlight. Winter is the golden season for salt drying. Bringing your kids here not only allows you to witness the rare ancient salt-making techniques but also deeply understand the great wisdom of how humans utilize nature and survive tenaciously. • ⚙️ On-site Teaching: Understand the Millennia-old Salt-making Method at a Glance Raw material source: Natural brine springs are found along the Lancang River. You can see salt workers channeling brine from the springs to the salt fields. Key facilities: Salt fields (platforms compacted and formed with mud), supporting wooden frames (to withstand floods and save land), water channels. Core process: Relies on strong winds in the river valley and intense plateau sunlight for natural evaporation and crystallization. The difference between red salt and white salt lies in the color of the soil at the bottom of the salt fields (rich in minerals). Work scene: Winter is the busiest time for salt workers. You can see the complete process of carrying brine, scraping salt, and collecting salt, which is very moving. • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How can families with children effectively visit and experience? Best viewing spot: The main viewing platform is on the west bank of the Lancang River (by the road), overlooking the terraced red salt fields of Jiada Village on the opposite (east) bank, presenting a magnificent panorama. Close contact point: Drive across the bridge to Jiada Village on the east bank of the Lancang River, where you can walk down to the salt field area to observe the salt field structure up close, and even have the chance, with the salt workers’ permission, to try scraping some salt crystals with tools (please be polite and offer appropriate thanks). Visiting salt workers’ homes: If the opportunity arises, you can visit salt workers’ families, listen to their stories passed down through generations, and purchase some of their hand-harvested red salt as a souvenir (supporting the local community economy). • 🛣️ Suggested itinerary (how to incorporate the salt fields into Yunnan-Tibet/Sichuan-Tibet trips): The Yanjing ancient salt fields are located at the junction of the G214 Yunnan-Tibet route and the G318 Sichuan-Tibet southern route, usually serving as an important stop when entering or leaving Tibet. Classic stopover tour (entering Tibet from Deqin, Yunnan): Depart from Deqin County in the morning, drive about 2.5 hours along G214 to reach the Yanjing viewing platform. After 1-2 hours of sightseeing, enjoy the famous Jiajia noodles in Yanjing Town, then continue to Mangkam County or Rumei Town for accommodation. In-depth one-day experience (stay in Yanjing): Arrive in Yanjing Town the evening before, rest and acclimate to the altitude. The next morning, when the light is best, first visit the west bank viewing platform for panoramic shots, then cross the bridge to Jiada Village on the east bank for a deeper exploration. In the afternoon, visit the only Catholic church in Tibet located in the town to experience cultural fusion. Stay another night or depart in the evening. • 🏠 Accommodation options: Limited conditions but key locations Yanjing Town accommodation: Mostly family-run guesthouses with simple conditions but convenient locations. Recommended is Quzika Hot Spring Resort (although about a 20-minute drive from the salt field viewing platform), where you can soak in natural hot springs to wash away travel fatigue, making it the best accommodation choice nearby. Mangkam County accommodation: Options like Mangkam Songtsam Rumei Mountain Residence (a quality choice but about 1.5 hours’ drive from Yanjing) or hotels in Mangkam County offer relatively better conditions, suitable for families with higher accommodation requirements. • 🍜 Taste memory: Must-try “Jiajia Noodles” What are Jiajia noodles: Small bowls of noodles served one after another. After finishing one bowl, the waiter immediately serves another until you are full. Before eating, a small stone is placed to count the bowls, adding fun to the experience. Family experience: Kids will love this “game-style” way of eating, making it an interesting interactive part of the trip. The noodle soup is delicious and the portion size is controllable. • ⚠️ Special reminders before traveling to the plateau: Altitude: Yanjing Town is about 2300 meters above sea level, relatively friendly, but still avoid strenuous exercise and prevent altitude sickness. Clothing: In winter, the river valley is windy, dry, and has strong UV rays. Be sure to protect against wind, sun, and keep skin moisturized. Respect: The salt fields are the production resources of the salt workers. When visiting, stay within designated areas, do not step on the salt fields, do not disturb production, and ask permission before taking photos. Road conditions: G214 and G318 roads are in good condition but have many curves. In winter, watch out for black ice and drive carefully.

We traveled from Shangri-La, Yunnan, along National Highway G214 (also known as the "West Scenic Route" or "Yunnan-Tibet Route"). At the border crossing at Gejie River (Yunnan-Tibet boundary river) north of Foshan Township, Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan, we officially entered Naxi Ethnic Township in Mangkang County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region (the Yanjing area). This is the core entry point to Tibet on the Yunnan-Tibet G214 route. In Mangkang, there is an important attraction—the Ancient Salt Fields of Yanjing. It is a unique cultural landscape in the world and one of the best-preserved ancient cultures globally. It is not only the lifeblood and one of the main economic sources for the local people but also a witness to the political, economic, and cultural exchanges between Tibetans and Han Chinese. Passing by this time, this attraction is not to be missed! The Ancient Salt Wells of Mangkang are located on both the east and west banks of the Lancang River in Yanjing Town, Mangkang County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is the only place in China that preserves the most original and complete traditional handmade salt drying method. 1. Historical Origin The history of salt drying at the Ancient Salt Wells of Mangkang dates back to the Tang Dynasty, more than 1,300 years ago. Legend has it that salt fields existed here even before the Tibetan Tubo Kingdom, and historical stories such as the "Battle of Qiangling" are also related to these salt fields. 2. Geographical Distribution The salt fields are mainly distributed along the Lancang River in Naxi Ethnic Township, including Shangyanjing Village, Naxi Village, and Jiada Village. Over 3,400 salt fields are spread in a narrow strip nearly 500 meters long along both banks of the river, arranged from the riverbank up to the mountains. 3. Salt-Making Process In 2008, the "Well Salt Drying Technique" was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Salt workers first draw brine from the salt wells and pour it into brine storage pools for 5-6 days to concentrate it. Then, the brine is poured into the salt fields, where salt crystals form through wind and sun exposure. Finally, the crystallized salt is scraped into arcs to fully dehydrate. 4. Types of Salt Due to soil differences on both sides of the Lancang River, red salt is produced on the west bank, and white salt on the east bank. The west bank has a gentle terrain and wider salt fields, producing light red salt commonly called "Peach Blossom Salt." The east bank has narrower terrain with scattered salt fields, producing pure white salt known as "White Salt." 5. Cultural Value This area was once an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and is now a necessary route on National Highway 214. It has always been a hub for the distribution of various goods and holds significant importance for studying the history, culture, and economic exchanges of the Tibetan region.

Songtsam currently has a total of 18 hotels. During this trip to Yunnan and Tibet, I checked in to 7 of them at once. The 3 Linka series hotels (Shangri-La, Lhasa, Basongcuo) were introduced in previous notes. In the past two days, I hurried to update the Mountain Residence series: Rumei, Laigu, Bomê, and Namjagbarwa, see the collection. . The scenery from Songtsam Laigu to Bomê by car is especially beautiful. Although it was rainy and overcast when I arrived in Bomê, the ethereal atmosphere is another kind of beauty. This place indeed has a very nice environment. If you come in April when the peach blossoms are in full bloom with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop, it would definitely be stunning.

Who would have thought! The moment you turn into Mangkam Yanjing on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318, you are instantly speechless, mesmerized by this millennia-old miracle on the cliff! This is no ordinary salt field; it is a living fossil of intangible cultural heritage, 1,300 years in the making! Since the Tubo period, salt farmers have relied on ancestral skills to “build wooden fields and draw brine to dry salt” on the steep cliffs along both banks of the Lancang River. Over 2,000 salt fields layer upon layer hang on the riverbank like carefully carved colorful gems embedded in the cliffs. The red salt fields in Jiada Village on the west bank shimmer with a deep wine-like ochre, a natural gift from the iron-rich brine; the white salt fields in the Naxi villages on the east bank gleam snowy white, dazzling under the sunlight. When the sun shines obliquely, the red and white salt fields blend into a gentle pink-orange glow, as if stepping into an oil painting by Monet, with a faint salty fragrance lingering in the air. The details of the salt fields hide many little-known surprises! The wooden salt racks supporting the fields have been darkened to deep brown by years of brine soaking, with stalactite-like salt pillars hanging underneath, crystal-clear like jade trees in a crystal palace. A gentle touch leaves fine salt grains on your fingertips, cool to the touch. Salt farmers, called Ajia, wear bright headscarves and walk on narrow wooden ladders between the fields. Using specially made wooden scrapers, they lightly draw layered petal patterns on the brine—this is the origin of “flower salt.” From channeling brine into the fields to drying the salt takes a full 15 days of patient waiting; every grain of salt is a precious gift from the wind and sun. Visiting in different seasons offers unique salt field romances. From March to May is the season for peach blossom salt, which is snow-white with a faint peach blossom pink and a salty-sweet aftertaste, a premium salt; summer rains increase brine concentration, producing plump salt crystals; in autumn and winter, as the Lancang River’s water level drops, the full view of the salt fields is revealed, with a stronger contrast between red and white. Besides edible salt, there is also red salt for dispelling dampness and stalactite salt for viewing—each a crystallization of nature and salt farmers’ wisdom. 📸 Photo Tips for Stunning Shots, Even Beginners Can Capture Masterpieces ▪️ Best Time: 10 AM to 12 PM, when sunlight is soft and not glaring, and the salt fields reflect just right; after 4 PM, the sunset bathes the salt fields in golden light, giving photos a warm filter effect. ▪️ Outfit Suggestions: Wear solid-colored long dresses (white, red, or Tibetan blue are stunning), or rent a full Tibetan costume to create a beautiful color contrast with the vibrant salt fields—every snap is a stunning ethnic-style shot. ▪️ Recommended Spots: ① Mountain-top viewing platform for a panoramic view of the salt fields, with red and white patches arranged harmoniously, and the winding Lancang River in the frame; ② Salt field suspension bridge, where you can shoot silhouette portraits with the vast salt fields and river behind, creating a full atmosphere; ③ Under the salt sheds, for close-up shots of salt pillars with sunlight filtering through the gaps, creating rich light and shadow effects; ④ Take photos with the Ajia salt farmers, capturing their working moments for authentic and storytelling images. 🍜 Food & Practical Tips for a Fun and Smooth Trip ✅ Admission: Free ✅ Must-Try Food: Yanjing Jiajia Noodles, unlimited refills for 30 yuan. The owner serves small porcelain bowls one by one, paired with local yak meat sauce and butter tea made with peach blossom salt—richly savory and full of local flavor. ✅ Souvenirs: Buy a pack of red salt to take home; it’s great for foot baths to dispel dampness; peach blossom salt can be used as seasoning—add a little when cooking to instantly enhance umami. ✅ Altitude Sickness Tip: The altitude here is only about 2,500 meters, so altitude sickness is rare. It’s the perfect first stop when entering Tibet! ✅ Precautions: The wooden ladders in the salt fields are narrow, so walk carefully; brine is corrosive, avoid splashing it on clothes; respect the salt farmers’ work and do not step on the salt fields. Here, there are no noisy crowds, only the bent figures of salt farmers at work, the rushing waters of the Lancang River, and the intangible cultural heritage wisdom accumulated over a thousand years. Walking along the salt field paths, feeling the salty breeze on your cheeks and watching the sparkling salt fields under the sun, you suddenly understand what “peaceful times” truly mean.

Daocheng-Yading Milk Lake. Kangding-Xinduqiao. Litang-Sky City. Batang-Sister Lakes. Mangkang-Rumei. Basu-Nujiang 72 Bends. Nyingchi-Basongcuo. Lhasa-Potala Palace. Lhasa-Xiaozhao Temple. 🌙 The feelings along the journey are truly indescribable, traveling as if intoxicated. I will only write about the destination of this trip, the world-famous Lhasa landmark—the Potala Palace. Finally arriving here in person, standing below the palace and looking up, the grandeur of the architecture is magnificent, evoking a sense of awe. The courtyard below the Potala Palace is lush with plants, walking there feels refreshing and uplifting. This place has a long history, carrying profound cultural, religious, and political heritage. With the guide we hired, we learned more details about the history of the Potala Palace. Inside, almost every brick and wood is preserved from the past, along with the stunning giant spirit towers, the golden body of the Fifth Dalai Lama, and various solemn Buddha statues and rows of scriptures arranged to create a solemn scene, full of rich cultural atmosphere. 📜 The Potala Palace was originally built by Songtsen Gampo of the Tubo Kingdom to marry Princess Wencheng and Princess Chizun. Later, it became the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas, a venue for major religious and political ceremonies, and a place to enshrine the spirit towers of past Dalai Lamas. In the old days, it served as the center of governance along with the office of the Amban (Qing imperial resident). [Cutlery] The first dinner in Lhasa was arranged by friends here in the courtyard inside the Potala Palace, in what used to be the Qiang warehouse of the palace. Upstairs in a hidden room, fully decorated in Tibetan style, a sumptuous meal was laid out on the table. It looked delicious but tasted just average. [Trunk] A must-visit place in Lhasa, no need to say more. Experience firsthand the heritage of history, the embodiment of ancient religious and political governance, and the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients.

Morning Awakened by the first golden ray of light on the snowy mountain peak. Opening the window, the outline of Namjagbarwa appears faintly through the mist. At Songtsam, time can be very slow, so slow that only a mountain, a cloud, and a self gently embraced remain. The air is crisp, with the scent of pine needles and fir trees.

🏔️Glacier secret realm! Galongla hiking guide revealed! A must-visit snowy world in Bomi! 💎Reasons to go: Tibet's Little Switzerland! Millennia-old glaciers within reach! 🚗Travel tips: 📍Address: G559, Zamu Town, Bomi County, Nyingchi, Tibet (Motuo Highway) Recommended to drive yourself, the scenery along G559 Motuo Highway is stunning! ⚠️Note: In winter, a four-wheel drive vehicle + snow chains are required for self-driving 🌈Highlights route: 1️⃣ Galongla Tunnel Viewing Platform A breathtaking first sight! Overlooking the continuous glacier groups, perfect for roadside photos 📸Photo spot: Small hill on the right side of the tunnel entrance, drone shots are amazing 2️⃣ Glacier Hiking Start Point (Altitude 3800m) 5km easy hiking route, beginner-friendly! Along the way, ice towers and crevasses are super impressive ⏱️Duration: About 4 hours round trip (including photo stops) 🧥Must-have: Outdoor jacket + hiking boots + crampons (essential in winter) 3️⃣ Glacier Tongue End (Altitude 4200m) Reach out and touch the blue ice! Under sunlight, it looks like a giant sapphire 🌌Hidden gem: On clear days, you can capture the glacier reflecting the starry sky 🍛Food and accommodation: ▪️Yak hotpot in Bomi County town: warm and delicious Tibetan flavor ▪️Tibetan family guesthouse at the glacier foot: cozy by the stove watching the snowy mountains 🏡Recommended: Glacier Family Guesthouse (book in advance during peak season) ❗Winter notes: ✅Best season: November to March (most stable ice conditions) ✅Safety first! It is recommended to go with a local guide ✅Return before 3 PM, as temperature drops drastically after dark

✨10 Days 9 Nights · G318 Sichuan-Tibet Line In-Depth Tour to Encounter Snowy Romance From Chengdu to Lhasa, capture every frame of the snowy paradise and experience the romance of China’s most beautiful highway✨ 🗻Every frame is a masterpiece of nature— Yak herds like black pearls on vast grasslands, golden clouds flowing over snowy peaks, 72 hairpin bends spiraling like a ladder to the clouds, lakes scattered like a sapphire necklace from a goddess… ✨Luxury Tibet Tour · Exclusive Customization for Foreign Guests 💎【Foreign Guest Reception】• Tibet Entry Permit Handling • Selected Foreign-Friendly Hotels • Bilingual Tour Guides 💎【High-End Customization】• Your itinerary defined by you, 1-on-1 itinerary designer tailor-made 💎【Ultimate Experience】• Private viewing platforms • Tibetan cultural experiences • Professional travel photography services 💎【Worry-Free Guarantee】• High-standard accommodations • Comfortable vehicles • Zero shopping stops, pure leisure experience 🌟Daily Itinerary Overview🌟 D1✈️Global → Chengdu Check in to a branded hotel to rest or enjoy a half-day city stroll D2🚗Chengdu → Yajiang Kangding Love Song City - Red Sea Secret Spot - Zheduo Mountain 4298m Pass - Xinduqiao Photography Paradise D3🌄Yajiang → Cuopu Valley Entrance 18 Bends of the Heavenly Road - Litang, hometown of Ding Zhen - Maoya Grassland - Sister Lakes Twin Pearls D4💦Cuopu Valley → Mangkang "Hidden Paradise" Cuopu Valley - Snowy Peak Sacred Lake Reflection Photography D5⛰️Mangkang → Basu Dongda Mountain - Nujiang 72 Hairpin Bends D6❄️Basu → Bomi Ranwu Lake Mirror Reflection - Midui Glacier D7🏡Bomi → Nyingchi Lulang Forest Private Hiking - Tibetan Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Activities (Butter Tea + Tsampa DIY + Horseback Archery) D8🌲Nyingchi → Lhasa Basongcuo Emerald Lake Heart Island - "South of the Yangtze in Tibet" Afternoon Tea D9🏛️Lhasa City Walk ▪️Potala Palace Golden Roof Pilgrimage - Jokhang Temple VIP Guided Tour - Barkhor Street Tibetan Costume Photoshoot D10✈️Lhasa Disband 🏨Selected Accommodations · Luxurious Experience ▸Chengdu: International five-star hotel, an urban oasis above the clouds, enjoy luxury facilities and the warm hospitality of the Land of Abundance ▸Along the way: Best local scenic hotels, blending Tibetan style with modern luxury, snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds visible from your window ▸Lhasa: Potala Palace view room + 24-hour diffused oxygen supply, tranquility and awe at the snowy peak within reach 🚗Safety Guarantee · Noble Travel 🔹Professional fleet configuration: • Luxury off-road vehicles, balancing comfort and safety • Equipped with medical-grade oxygen cylinders 🔹Ace driving team: • Experienced Tibetan area drivers • "Living maps" familiar with every bend and weather change Private "number of people + date" to get your VIP customized plan!

There is always a road that leads to freedom There is always a landscape worth traveling thousands of miles for This time, let’s follow the trajectory of Route 318 From Chengdu straight to Lhasa, crossing snowy lands and secret realms Find your wild self on the Roof of the World 🚗 Trip Overview 𝐷𝑎𝑦0: Gather in Chengdu｜Pre-trip briefing 𝐷𝑎𝑦1: Chengdu - Zheduo Mountain - Snow Mountain Secret Realm - Xinduqiao/Yajiang 𝐷𝑎𝑦2: Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang (Visit the Sky City) 𝐷𝑎𝑦3: Batang - Mangkam - Zuogong (Officially enter Tibet) 𝐷𝑎𝑦4: Zuogong - Basu - Ranwu 𝐷𝑎𝑦5: Ranwu - Midui Glacier - Bomi (First glacier hiking experience) 𝐷𝑎𝑦6: Bomi - Lulang Town - Sejila Pass - Nyingchi 𝐷𝑎𝑦7: Nyingchi - Lhasa (Arrive at the holy city) 𝐷𝑎𝑦8: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa (Lake sightseeing, heart-melting blue) 𝐷𝑎𝑦9: Lhasa one-day tour (Potala Palace + Barkhor Street) 𝐷𝑎𝑦10: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Nagqu/Anduo 𝐷𝑎𝑦11: Nagqu - Tanggula Pass - Hoh Xil - Golmud 𝐷𝑎𝑦12: Golmud - Dacaidan Emerald Lake - Ulan 𝐷𝑎𝑦13: Ulan - Qinghai Lake - Lanzhou 𝐷𝑎𝑦14: Lanzhou (Perfect conclusion) ✨ Traveling together, we can: 🏔 Hang prayer flags and scatter lungta at snowy mountain passes to bless our wishes 📜 Reach the summit of Dongda Mountain and receive the “318 Self-Drive Honor Certificate” 📸 Capture with your lens: glaciers, salt lakes, grasslands, temples, and culture 🎉 Celebrate in Lhasa with a banquet, reminiscing the highlights of the 318 journey 🚙 Stop whenever you want, never miss a heart-stirring moment ✅ About Us: ▫️ Flexible itinerary: Choose the full 14 days or the 10-day half route from Chengdu to Lhasa ▫️ Genuine pure travel experience: No rushing, time reserved for scenery and feelings ▫️ Private car freedom: Choose between off-road vehicles or business vans, spacious and comfortable ▫️ Full photography coverage: DSLR + drone, all raw footage provided + professionally edited video ▫️ Exceptional guides: Skilled in photography, fun, and leading, great at energizing the group ▫️ Warm service: Oxygen concentrators + pulse oximeters accompany the whole trip, worry-free travel 🌄 This is a promise about roads, mountains, rivers, and freedom If you also yearn to hit the road Welcome to join this romantic expedition along the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet routes Together, let’s turn the lines on the map into the roads beneath our feet.

The salt fields in Tibet are distributed along both banks of the Lancang River. The red soil on the west bank produces red salt, while the yellow soil on the east bank produces white salt. From a high altitude, the staggered salt fields resemble a giant eyeshadow palette, breathtakingly beautiful. This ancient salt field has a history of over 1,300 years, with more than 3,200 salt fields built layer upon layer on the beaches and steep cliffs on both sides of the Lancang River, producing millions of jin of salt annually. Here, visitors can watch the entire traditional salt-making process, see unique primitive production tools, experience the hardworking and simple salt workers and the authentic folk customs, gaining a novel and relaxing experience. Come to the Tibet salt fields and feel the wonders of nature and unique cultural charm!

On both sides of the Lancang River in Mangkam, Tibet, unique salt fields are distributed. The west bank's red soil produces red salt, while the east bank's yellow soil produces white salt. Viewed from the air, the salt fields are staggered like a giant eyeshadow palette, with vivid colors, creating a spectacular sight. Here, the thousand-year-old traditional hand-salting technique is used, preserving the vibrant colors. The red salt resembles the earth's lifeblood, and the white salt looks like fragments of the sky, full of both natural and cultural charm. Visitors can not only enjoy the unique two-colored salt field landscape but also experience the heritage and allure of ancient craftsmanship. Come to Mangkam, Tibet, and check in at this most luxurious "eyeshadow palette" to appreciate the wonders of nature and human wisdom!

Below is a viral-style travel guide specially crafted for Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Toutiao, focusing on "Cuopu Valley, Sichuan," a hidden secret in Western Sichuan cherished by travelers—a stunning place combining sacred lakes, snow mountains, grasslands, hot springs, and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Here is a customized 5-day 4-night high-value deep travel plan with a total budget controlled within 3,000 RMB. 🏔 "Explore Cuopu Valley with just 3,000 RMB per person! 5 days 4 nights revealed: see the sacred lake and holy mountain + soak in wild hot springs + feed Tibetan macaques—so wild!" 📍 Location: Cuopu Valley Scenic Area, Batang County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan (a hidden paradise on the Sichuan-Tibet Southern Route) ⏰ Duration: 5 days 4 nights (recommended departure on Friday | best season: June to October) 💰 Total cost: 2,890 RMB/person (top choice for students, photography lovers, and self-driving travelers) 🌟 Keywords: Western Sichuan secret | Cuopu Lake | Zhangde Grassland | geothermal hot springs | Tibetan beliefs > "Many have been to Daocheng Yading, but those who truly understand the soul of Western Sichuan have all been to Cuopu Valley." > This is where rhododendron seas dance with snow mountain reflections, where hot springs gush from underground, and a pure land of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. 🌿 Why choose Cuopu Valley? ✅ Recommended by "Chinese National Geography" as one of "China’s top 10 self-driving routes" ✅ Home to the sacred Cuopu Lake—waters change colors between blue, green, and gold with the light, said to reveal past and present lives ✅ Close encounters with wild Tibetan macaque groups, feeding and interaction are super healing (please feed responsibly) ✅ Rich geothermal resources, natural hot spring outlets for free foot soaking or stay in hot spring guesthouses ✅ Few tourists, very low commercialization, preserving the original Tibetan area style, extremely photogenic! 📌 Fun facts: - Cuopu Valley is located at the Sichuan-Tibet border, about 3,800 meters above sea level, in the core area of the Kham Tibetan region - Every year in the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, the local "Horse Racing Festival" gathers tens of thousands on Zhangde Grassland, an extraordinary spectacle 🗓 Itinerary | Detailed 5 days 4 nights plan (round trip from Chengdu) ✅ Day 1: Chengdu → Yajiang (via Zheduo Mountain, Xinduqiao) - 🚗 Self-drive or carpool (strongly recommend carpooling in an off-road vehicle for cost-sharing) - Chengdu → Kangding → cross Zheduo Mountain (4,298m, known as "First Pass of Sichuan-Tibet") → Xinduqiao → Yajiang - About 340 km, 7 hours - 🏡 Recommended stay: - "Yajiang Impression Hotel" or "Kangba Family Inn" double room with breakfast, 260 RMB/night - 🍜 Dinner: Tibetan restaurant for yak meat hot pot + highland barley wine + butter tea (about 60 RMB/person) - 🌄 Photo stops: - Xinduqiao "Photographer’s Corridor" for highland light and shadow - Zheduo Mountain pass prayer flags for blessings 👉 Daily cost: about 450 RMB (excluding intercity transport, carpool share about 500 RMB) ✅ Day 2: Yajiang → Litang → Batang (crossing Maoya Grassland) - 🚗 Morning: - Pass through Litang (world’s highest city, 4,014m) - Visit Letong Ancient Town · Thousand Household Tibetan Village (ticket 35 RMB) - Visit Changqing Shakya Monastery—the largest Yellow Sect monastery in Kham - Must-do: take a photo with the "Sky City" sign - 🍱 Lunch: Litang snack shop for tsampa + yak yogurt (about 35 RMB/person) - 🚗 Afternoon: - Cross Maoya Grassland (100 km of alpine meadows, comparable to Hulunbuir) - Pass Haizi Mountain Sister Lakes for a distant view (no stop for photos) - 🏡 Stay overnight in Batang County at "Gesang Meiduo Tibetan-style guesthouse," 280 RMB/night - 🍻 Early rest to adapt to altitude 👉 Daily cost: about 280 RMB (including accommodation + meals + tickets) ✅ Day 3: Batang → Full-day deep tour of Cuopu Valley (core highlight day) - 🚗 Morning: - 7:30 depart for Cuopu Valley Scenic Area (about 90 km from Batang, 2.5 hours, good but winding roads) - Buy tickets upon arrival (currently no official entrance fee, village cleaning fee 20 RMB/person) - 🏞 Official tour route👇 - ✅ Cuopu Lake loop hiking/cycling (bike rental 30 RMB/hour) - Mirror-like lake reflecting Nuoerbazong Sacred Mountain, sunny days resemble "Little Nam Co" - ✅ Zhangde Grassland herding experience - Encounter herders riding horses and driving cattle and sheep, every shot looks like a documentary - ✅ Temple blessing (Cuopu Monastery, free entry) - Residence of Lama Ba Renzhen, prayer wheel wall stretches hundreds of meters - ✅ Feed Tibetan macaques - Feed in designated lakeside areas (no teasing), monkeys are very friendly! - ✅ Geothermal hot spring foot soak - Multiple natural hot springs emerge from rock cracks, water temperature up to 80°C, can boil eggs! - Bring slippers, soak feet safely and relax - 🍱 Lunch: bring your own dry food or buy instant noodles + sausage at village store (about 30 RMB/person) - 🌄 Evening: wait for Nuoerbazong Sacred Mountain sunset, golden light fills the lake, breathtaking - 🏡 Return to Batang for overnight 👉 Daily cost: about 150 RMB ✅ Day 4: Batang free activities + Jinsha River Grand Canyon view - ☀️ Morning: - Stroll Batang old street, experience Tibetan-style residences - Buy supplies: mineral water, chocolate, oxygen bottles (altitude sickness prevention) - 🌄 Noon: - Visit Jinsha River Bridge (Sichuan-Tibet border river) - Monument at bridgehead: "Sichuan · Tibet," one step across two provinces - View Jinsha River Grand Canyon, rapid water flow, majestic - 🍜 Lunch: town "Zangxiangyuan Restaurant" for Tibetan noodles + yak buns (about 40 RMB/person) - 🎨 Afternoon: - Options: - Revisit Cuopu Valley outer non-fee areas for aerial photography - Or experience making tsampa and butter tea by hand (at villagers’ home, 50 RMB/person) - 🌃 Stay in Batang, organize photos and videos 👉 Daily cost: about 180 RMB ✅ Day 5: Batang → Litang → Chengdu (return trip) - 🚗 Morning: - Depart Batang, return via Litang and Yajiang - 🍱 Lunch: Kangding city for authentic "wontons" or "cold noodles" (about 30 RMB/person) - 🚗 Afternoon: - Cross Zheduo Mountain, arrive in Chengdu (around 7 PM) - 🛍 Last-minute shopping at Chunxi Road or IFS 👉 Daily cost: about 140 RMB (excluding carpool fees) 💰 Total budget breakdown (per person) | Item | Cost | |------|------| | Round-trip major transport (high-speed train + carpool) | 800 RMB (Chengdu↔Batang carpool off-road vehicle, cost shared) | | Accommodation (4 nights) | 560 RMB (260×2 + 280×2) | | Local transport (carpool + short taxis) | 150 RMB | | Meals (5 days, 80 RMB/day) | 400 RMB | | Attraction tickets (Litang + cleaning fees, etc.) | 60 RMB | | Emergency expenses + foot soak gear | 120 RMB | | Souvenirs + mountain goods shopping | 120 RMB | | Total | ≈2,870 RMB | ✅ Remaining 130 RMB, enough for extra fuel or more souvenirs! 📸 Photo tips | Shoot like a pro to wow your friends 1. Cuopu Lake reflections: shoot early morning when windless, use a polarizer to remove glare, create "sky mirror" effect 2. Tibetan macaque interaction: low-angle shot capturing people and monkeys with snow mountains and lake background 3. Hot spring steam: slow shutter to capture rising steam + silhouette, full atmosphere 4. Maoya Grassland road shots: drone follow shots of vehicles driving on endless grasslands 5. Prayer flags + sacred mountain combo: wide-angle horizontal shot of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind ❗ Notes - ⚠️ Altitude sickness reminder: elevation 3,500–4,200 meters, recommend taking Rhodiola a week in advance, avoid bathing or strenuous exercise on day one - Want to save money? Stay in Cuopu Valley village guesthouses (from 150 RMB/night) instead of county town - Large temperature difference day and night, bring a windbreaker + fleece liner + sunglasses for sun protection - Respect religious beliefs: do not casually photograph monks, do not step on prayer flags, turn prayer wheels clockwise - The scenic area is still semi-developed, no signal, no gas stations, fill up fuel and download offline maps before departure 📌 Follow me, next trip to Xinjiang Ili, lavender sea + Nalati Grassland, only 3,200 RMB per person!

Super detailed guide is here! Follow this route and you definitely won’t go wrong✨ 【Daily Itinerary Overview】🚗💨 Day1️⃣ 📍Honghaizi → Stingo · Mirror of the Sky 📌Altitude 3000+ meters, rest well! The first stop is a stunning check-in spot💙 Day2️⃣ 🏡 Gesaling · Boutique Homestay (Kangding Xinduqiao Branch) → Eye of Genie 👀 → Genie Mountain ✨Popular homestay, recommend booking one month in advance! Day3️⃣ 🏨 Mangkam Green Wild Hotel → Ranwu Lake → Laigu Glacier🧊 → Nujiang 72 Bends⚠️ → Nujiang Bridge 💡Even experienced drivers’ legs shake at the 72 bends, beginners be cautious! Day4️⃣ 🌊 Lanhu Bay Hotel → Metuo Mirage Viewing Platform → Guoguotang Big Bend 📸 Photographer’s paradise! Snap amazing shots anytime~ Day5️⃣ 🏡 Metuo Qingluan Hotel → Qingjing Courtyard 💤 Rest day, highly recommend taking it easy Day6️⃣ ☁️ Yunshang Four Seasons Oxygen-rich Hotel 💊Altitude 4000+ meters, prepare oxygen tanks Day7️⃣ 🏔️ Zhongba Grand Hotel → Mapam Yumco → La’ang Co → Namonani Peak → Mount Kailash ⛰️ See the sacred mountain and holy lakes all at once! Day8️⃣ 🏨 Pulan Huanyue Oxygen-rich Hotel → Zhada Earth Forest → Guge Kingdom Ruins 🕌 Mysterious ancient kingdom ruins, super impressive! Day9️⃣ 🌅 Chenxi Hotel → Bangong Lake 🦢 Excellent birdwatching spot! Day🔟 🐐 Vienna Hotel → Tree of Life → Changtang Nature Reserve → Dangreyong Co 🌿 Watch out for wild animals! Day1️⃣1️⃣ ⭐ Star Century Hotel → Selincuo → Holy Elephant Gate → Damu Monastery Skull Wall 💀 Off-the-beaten-path spots, be cautious but very special! 【Must-Visit TOP 5】📌 1️⃣ Laigu Glacier 🧊 The blue ice secret realm is amazing! 2️⃣ Mount Kailash 🙏 A must-visit for pilgrims circling the mountain 3️⃣ Ranwu Lake 🌊 Snow mountain reflections are breathtaking 4️⃣ Honghaizi 🌅 Stunning at sunrise and sunset 5️⃣ Eye of Genie 👁️ The sapphire God left behind 【Self-Driving TIPS】💡 ✅ Apply for border permits one month in advance ✅ Bring enough oxygen tanks and altitude sickness medicine ✅ Choose a 4WD off-road vehicle ✅ Download offline maps ✅ Prepare sufficient snacks and cash [Quickly save this super detailed guide! Feel free to leave questions if you want to go~✨]

Under the vast Tibetan sky, as sunlight bathed the land, golden rays intertwined with the azure heavens to create a breathtaking masterpiece. My journey led me to Rumei Town in Markam, a gateway to Tibet via National Highways 318 and 214, and a place brimming with natural beauty that lingers in the heart. For this trip, I chose a special hotel—Markam Rumei Town Yunshanjiang Impression Hotel (Zhuka Bridge Branch). Let me take you through this heartwarming and delightful stay.🌟🏞️ 🚗 Hassle-Free Parking, Effortless Check-In 🚘 Upon arrival, I was immediately drawn to the hotel’s spacious private courtyard-style parking lot—a dream come true for road-trippers. Secure and free, it eliminated the post-drive hassle of finding a spot. After parking, I stepped into the lobby, greeted by a warm ambiance and the welcoming smiles of the front desk staff, making me feel right at home. 🛏️ Cozy Rooms, A Home Away From Home 🏠 The modern decor of the room was refreshing. Equipped with central air conditioning and underfloor heating, it felt like spring even on chilly winter nights. The plush bed and perfectly firm pillows ensured a restful sleep. A delightful surprise was the humidifier in every room—a lifesaver in Tibet’s dry climate. Lying in bed at night, I watched the Lancang River flow gently outside the window, its soothing breeze whisking away all fatigue. 🌄 River-View Rooms, Scenic Splendor 👀 For nature lovers, this place is a paradise. The river-view rooms are ingeniously designed, with nearly every window framing the Lancang River’s beauty. Waking up at dawn, I drew the curtains to sunlight dancing on the misty river—a mesmerizing sight. Sipping coffee by the window, I savored the tranquility, as if time stood still. 🍽️ Culinary Delights, A Journey for the Taste Buds 🍲 The hotel’s restaurant serves authentic Tibetan cuisine alongside dishes catering to diverse palates. From warm tsampa to savory yak meat, every bite was memorable. Their homemade butter tea, rich and subtly creamy, was irresistible. Dining here was not just about nourishment but also a joyful part of the journey. This trip became unforgettable thanks to Markam Rumei Town Yunshanjiang Impression Hotel (Zhuka Bridge Branch). The cozy rooms, stunning views, and delicious food added vibrant hues to my Tibetan adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Tibet, consider staying here—it might just surprise you in the best way.✨

The Markam Ancient Salt Fields are undoubtedly Tibet's most unique scenic attraction! Save this ultra-detailed guide now~ 🏞️ Itinerary: 【Morning】Explore the Millennium-Old Salt Field Wonder 📍 Address: Jiada Village, Naxi Ethnic Township, Markam County, Qamdo City 🌟 Highlights: - Over 3,000 salt fields cascade along the Lancang River - breathtakingly spectacular! - Witness the Tang Dynasty-era "sun-drying salt method" and watch salt workers carry brine and harvest salt - Discover the striking differences between red salt & white salt production zones - an educational experience 📸 Best photography time: Morning light is soft, perfect for stunning salt field shots! 🍜【Noon】Tibetan Flavors on the Tip of Your Tongue 🔥 Must-try: Yanjing Authentic One-Bite Noodles (featured on "A Bite of China") 💰 Only 30 RMB/person for unlimited servings! 💯 Recommended pairings: ✔️ Jiajia Noodles (one bowl per bite - super unique) ✔️ Yanjing Tofu Pudding (silky smooth) ✔️ Hazelnut Rice (fragrant and delicious) ⛪【Afternoon】Cultural Hidden Gems Tour 📍 Yanjing Catholic Church (Tibet's only one!) 👉 East-meets-West architectural style 👉 Serene interior + healing backyard garden 🐷 Bonus: Spot Tibetan fragrant pigs strolling through the village - unbearably cute~ 🚗 Transportation Tips: ✈️ Major transport: - Lijiang/Shangri-La Airport → 4-7 hour transfer - Kunming → Dali/Lijiang → more flexible transfer options 🚐 Local transport: Walkable within town; recommend taxis/carpool for distant sites 💰 Ticket Info: 🎫 Free! Free! Free! ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (open year-round) 🏨 Accommodation Picks: 1️⃣ Songtsam Retreat Markam 📍 Zhuka Village, Rumei Town 🌿 Wooden Instagrammable style with picture-perfect window views 2️⃣ Markam Yunqu Manor Hotel 📍 Juewa Road, Quzika Township ♨️ Natural hot springs + Meili Snow Mountain views - heavenly luxury! ⚠️ Pro Tips: 🌡️ 2,300m altitude - beware of altitude sickness 🧥 Large day-night temperature swings - bring jackets ☀️ Sun protection trio: sunglasses + sunscreen + lip balm 🙏 Respect local customs - ask permission before photographing~

#Mainland Travel Rumei Town, Mangkam County is a famous tourist area in Tibet, China. Thousands of tourists come here for sightseeing every day. This time I will introduce a travel guide here. Must-see attractions: Tibet Border Gate Tower: Take photos and check in at the Tibet Border Gate Tower on every route into Tibet, the commemorative significance is above all else. Mangkang Salt Well Ancient Salt Field: With a history of 1,300 years, it is located on the east and west banks of the Lancang River in Yanjing Town, Mangkang County, Tibet. It is the only place in my country that retains the most complete and original method of manual salt drying. •When you come to Yanjing, you must try the salt [Yanjing Jiajia Noodles] The atmosphere is great. • Approximately 2,300 meters above sea level Hongla Mountain Pass: Hongla Mountain is the first high mountain in Tibet from Yunnan to Tibet, and it is the first pass that the Yunnan-Tibet Highway crosses in Tibet. The three-dimensional ecological landscape of Hongla Mountain is spectacular, with natural scenery such as snow-capped mountains, forests, canyons, high mountains and deep valleys. • 4438 meters above sea level Lawu Mountain Pass: The pass gate and the grassland check-in are both stunning. • 4338 meters above sea level Game guide: •Deqin County - Yanjing - Rumei Town, Mangkang County• •The whole journey is 269 km, and the driving time is about 6 hours.• Accommodation tips: The recommended accommodation is in Rumei Town, which has a relatively low altitude of about 2,700 meters, which is more suitable for adapting to the plateau. The town has complete facilities and many hotels to choose from. Other tips: • Travel in a civilized manner and protect the environment • The road conditions in the plateau area are complex, so please drive carefully • The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, the climate is dry, and the sunshine is strong. Please take care of your personal Protective measures

#Mainland Travel The Millennium Ancient Salt Fields of Yanjing are one of the famous scenic spots in Qamdo City, Tibet, China. Thousands of tourists come here for sightseeing every day. This time I will introduce a travel guide here. Transportation Starting from the urban area of ​​​​Chamdo, go south along the G214 National Highway, pass through Mangkam County, and you will reach Yanjing Town. Visitors can choose to drive themselves or join a tour group. As the journey is quite long, it is recommended to set out in the morning so that there is enough time to explore. Tour suggestions What to wear: Comfortable sneakers or non-slip shoes are recommended as the dirt slope from the road to the salt pans is steep and slippery. At the same time, due to the strong ultraviolet rays in the plateau area, it is recommended to bring sun protection products such as sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Photography: During the tour, you can take photos of the beautiful scenery of the salt fields and the salt-making process. But please be careful to take photos in a civilized manner, do not litter, and protect this beautiful natural heritage. At the same time, it is best to ask local villagers if you can take pictures to respect their wishes. Experience: If you have the opportunity, you can participate in local salt-making activities and experience the ancient salt-making techniques firsthand. This will be an unforgettable experience that will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Mangkang Salt Fields.

Zogang County, located in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, is a tourist destination full of natural beauty and cultural charm. Here are some recommended tourist attractions and activities: Natural Landscapes: Meili Snow Mountain: Located on the border between Yunnan and Tibet, its northern slope is within Zogang County and is known for its magnificent snow-capped mountains and rich ecological resources. Dongda Mountain Pass: An important landmark on the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway, with an altitude of 5,130 meters, it offers different scenery in each season. Yela Mountain Pass: Attracts many tourists with its spectacular natural landscape. Meiyu Grassland: Vast and boundless, it is an excellent place to watch wild animals and experience grassland life. Cultural Landscapes: Zogang Monastery: The largest temple in Zogang County, Chamdo City, it has a unique Tibetan architectural style. Tianto Monastery: With a long history and magnificent architecture, the temple houses numerous Buddha statues. Dongba Residential Houses: Integrate various architectural styles of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi ethnic groups, with exquisite interior decoration. Tourist Activities: Hiking and Exploration: Go hiking and exploring in places like the Lancang River Grand Canyon and the Nu River Grand Canyon to appreciate the wonders of nature. Experience Tibetan Culture: Visit local temples and participate in traditional Tibetan activities such as horse racing, singing, and dancing performances. Enjoy Hot Springs: Zogang Hot Springs are known for their excellent water quality and fatigue-relieving effects. Before traveling, it is recommended to make sufficient preparations, including applying for a border defense permit (if you need to go to border areas), preparing warm clothes, sunscreen, and common medicines. Choose a suitable mode of transportation, such as an off-road vehicle, to cope with the complex terrain. I hope you have a pleasant journey in Zogang County!

#chinatravelitinerary – China’s Remote Tibetan Paradise (A hidden Tibetan county with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient temples! 🏔️ Perfect for adventurers, road-trippers, and nature lovers. 🚗✨) 🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Tibetan Highlands ✈️ Flight: Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (CTU) (~4 hrs) 🚗 **Drive to Mangkang (~8 hrs, part of the epic Sichuan-Tibet Highway! 🚗) 🏡 Stay in a Traditional Tibetan Lodge ⸻ 🏯 Afternoon: Visit a Hidden Tibetan Monastery Nestled in the Mountains 📸 Stop by a Scenic Viewpoint Overlooking the Deep Valleys 🍽️ Dinner: Tibetan Butter Tea & Handmade Noodles 🌙 Evening: Relax Under a Sky Full of Stars ✨ ⸻ 🗓️ Day 2: Sacred Lakes & Grassland Adventures 🏞️ Morning: Drive to a Stunning Turquoise Lake Surrounded by Snowy Peaks 🐂 Afternoon: Visit a Remote Nomadic Camp & Learn About Tibetan Life 🚗 Drive Back to Chengdu & Fly Home ✈️

Along the Lancang River, the ancient Tea-Horse Road, and the thousand-year-old salt fields. In the wind, I seemed to hear the call of 1,300 years. The thousand-year-old salt fields in Yanjing are the only salt fields in the world that have completely preserved the most original manual salt-drying method. They have a history of more than 1,300 years. Located beside National Highway 214, on the east and west sides of the Lancang River, they are the only surviving original artificial salt-drying landscape on the "Ancient Tea-Horse Road" and are known as "the work of the sun and the wind." Yanjing is called "Chakalo" in Tibetan. Historically, Yanjing was the main road from Tibet Tubo to Nanzhao in Yunnan, an important salt administration town in eastern Tibet, and the only way from the "Ancient Tea-Horse Road" to Tibet. According to legend, King Gesar and King Mugan of Naxi fought the "Battle of Qiangling" over the salt well. In the end, King Gesar defeated King Mugan of Naxi and occupied the salt well, and captured King Mugan's son Youla alive. In the late Tubo Dynasty, Youla became the Naxi minister, responsible for managing the salt wells. The main salt producing area is Naxi Township, where there are more than 320 households engaged in salt production and more than 3,000 salt fields.