Maizhokunggar Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Chuanzang Highway Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
The Western Sichuan Big Loop
2024.4.30
The Western Sichuan Big Loop connects the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Southern Route and the G317 Sichuan-Tibet Northern Route, passing through snow-capped mountains, seas of clouds, grasslands, and lakes along the way. It was an unforgettable graduation trip for me.
I was amazed that six completely strangers from different places could get along so well, landing on the same land, embracing the wilderness and the sunshine with laughter and joy. The beginning of the story is always like this, coincidental and unexpected. The end of the story is always like this, flowers bloom on their own, each in different skies. At the end of the journey, we returned to where we started, but I found the answer I was looking for. If the connections between people are threads, meeting each other, our parallel lines intersect and touch, and then they go back to parallel, each heading to their own life's track. I watch your threads getting farther and farther away, and you tell me with your trails, there is no need to chase.
I hope I will always remember the blizzard when descending from Daocheng, someone was protecting me by my side; during every moment of altitude sickness, friends took care of me meticulously. On the way to Seda, playing the songs of Xu Wei; beside the streets of the ancient town, dazzled by the jewelry made of various colored jade; scattering the five-colored Lungta into the sky surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
I built a Mani stone pile by the babbling stream, and with each gust of wind, I prayed for you all. Lastly, borrowing the words of our team leader, 'Today we took eighteen turns on the heavenly road, wishing us from now on a smooth journey in life.'
318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway attractions, a must-drive in this lifetime!
👍Highly recommended:
The 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a famous tourist route with many beautiful attractions along the way. Here are some of the attractions:
✅Must experience:
Mount Gongga: Located on the Western Sichuan Plateau, it is known as the King of Shu Mountains. Its magnificent scenery can be admired from several viewing platforms along the route.
Xinduqiao: Located on National Highway 318, it is famous as the 'world of light and shadow' and is recognized by many photography enthusiasts as a 'photographer's paradise'. The scenery is most beautiful in summer and autumn.
Litang: The hometown of Ding Zhen, known as the 'City in the Sky'. The bright yellow buildings and the golden roof of the Changqing Chunke'er Monastery reflect each other in the sunlight, shining with devout Buddhist light.
Sister Lakes: Located between Litang and Batang counties, at an altitude of 4685 meters, it is a dazzling pearl on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and the largest ancient glacial relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Maoya Grassland: Located in the Kham area, it is a natural pasture. The summer season is the golden time for tourism, surrounded by mountains, with endless green grass. There are many yaks and wildflowers here.
Cuopugou: Located within Batang County, it is an endless wetland grassland. Various wildflowers compete in beauty, and there are also the crystal-clear Zima Yongcuo and Kangzhulacuo lakes.
Nujiang 72 Turns: The section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway with the largest altitude difference, with a rapid drop of nearly two thousand meters. It consists of continuous winding roads, presenting a great challenge.
Ranwu Lake: A barrier lake on the southern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, it is like a pearl forgotten by God on earth. The lake changes color with the seasons.
Laigu Glacier: One of the three largest glaciers in the world. The different forms of ice lakes and glaciers cleanse and purify the soul. In winter, you can walk 2 kilometers to reach the innermost part of the glacier to see the millennium blue ice.
Namjagbarwa: Known as the most beautiful snow peak in China, with an altitude of 7782 meters, it is covered with snow all year round and shrouded in clouds and mist. It does not easily reveal its true face. Its magnificent scenery can be viewed from places like the Sejila Mountain Pass and Sosong Village on the mountainside.
Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon: Located in the Linzhi region of Tibet
There are many more attractions worth seeing.
Coming to Tibet, a place to cleanse the soul
Tibet is a legendary place for cleansing the soul. After being baptized by the 'holy land', it may change the course of one's life. Every year, countless cyclists cross the Sichuan-Tibet line to Tibet to temper their spirits and seek the true meaning of life; a large number of tourists carrying cameras come to this pure land to search for their souls and question the meaning of life; and there are those who trek dozens of miles a day to purify their inner selves here, away from the troubles of the mundane world.
The eternal god of Western Sichuan~ A snow mountain journey on my life's list
Western Sichuan reveals different beauties in all four seasons
It's a place full of mystery and extremely healing
Western Sichuan is not far away, you can just go on a whim
Scarecrow Travel took me to meet three snow mountains and to savor a feast of snow-capped mountains amidst the clouds of Western Sichuan
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Pagsom Co Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Basum Tso in Tibet | A little Switzerland hidden in Tibet
"Basum Tso" also known as Cuogao Lake🌊, in Tibetan means "green water". The lake is at an altitude of 3480 meters, located 36 kilometers from Bahe Town, Gongbujiangda County, in the upper reaches of the Bahe River in the high mountain valley, it is a famous sacred lake and holy land of the Red Sect. In August 2017, it became the first natural scenic 5A tourist area in Tibet.
🎡 Attractions:
1⃣ Island in the heart of Basum Tso
A small island in the middle of Basum Tso, connected to the land by a floating bridge. Tourists can walk up via this bridge or take a small boat. Legend has it that the island is a "hollow island", i.e., it is not connected to the lake bottom and floats on the lake. Although it is just a legend, it makes people feel the magic of nature.
2⃣ Cuozong Gongba Temple
Located on the island in the lake, it is a famous Red Sect Nyingma temple in Tibet, built in the late Tang Dynasty, with a history of more than 1500 years. There is a peach and pine tree in the south of the temple. In spring, the peach blossoms and green pines contrast each other, which is very beautiful.
3⃣ Jieba Village
At the foot of the scenic area of Basum Tso, there is an ancient village hidden -- Jieba Village, located deep in the scenic area in Cuogao Township. Only when you explore deep into the scenic area, you will find a paradise at the end of the lake.
4⃣ Xinco (very beautiful, worth a visit)✨
Xinco is an extended scenic spot inside Basum Tso, very beautiful, suitable for hiking, 6 kilometers, about 3 hours. Xinco is quite far from Basum Tso, about 20~30 kilometers, and the road conditions are poor.
🎈 Admission: 115 yuan/person, sightseeing car 50 yuan/person
🎈 Opening hours of the scenic area:
3.15-10.15, 8:30--20:30
10.16-next year 3.14, 9:30-19:30
🚘 Transportation: Self-driving or group tour
You can also take a train from Lhasa to Nyingchi, and then take a bus from Nyingchi City Passenger Transport Center to Basum Tso, about 120 kilometers, ticket price 62 yuan, journey 2-2.5 hours
🏠 Food and accommodation: Basum Tso has developed into a relatively mature tourist resort in recent years, with convenient food and accommodation. The prices in the restaurants in the scenic area are relatively high, and the sanitary conditions are general
🌟 Best viewing season: Spring, Autumn.
In spring, Basum Tso will present a charming blue, as if it were the blue tears of Nyenchen Tanglha. If you also like blue, why not go and see Basum Tso in spring!
Every autumn, when the air is crisp and clear, the forest is dyed and the lake water is pure and clear.
Super real Songzanlin (Basongtso Store)
1, The hardware is impeccable, the room has a smart toilet, electric towel rack, projector, ambient night light (it's the most reasonable lighting design in the hotels I've stayed in recently), but the standard room bed is tiny! 1.2m X 1.8m, isn't it impossible for tall people to stretch their legs?
2, Some thoughtful little things, goodnight drink (in a thermos), prepared a variety of drinks coffee and so on that you can make yourself
3, The scenery is stunning, the swimming pool under the snow mountain, the restaurant with a 270-degree view, the dock where you can sail on the lake, and the horse farm and so on, the soon-to-open Ancestor Bird, it's only a matter of time before it becomes a stop on the journey rather than a night at a hotel
4, Food, dinner is not bad, ordered mushroom stewed rice and vegetables and so on, apart from being expensive there is no problem, breakfast is very rich and delicious, afternoon tea is a bit perfunctory, probably considering that not many guests eat it
5, Service, the biggest complaint this time, the night before they said it was quite good, we checked in very late and didn't get afternoon tea, the room can be delayed until 2 o'clock to check out, if we leave early they can help us pack, breakfast until 10 o'clock and so on, the next morning, they first called to urge us to check out at 11 o'clock, because there are new guests booked? We disagreed, then said that afternoon tea can't be packed, only dine in, and said that breakfast is only until 9 o'clock, our communication process also said that we are very difficult to communicate, can't understand a bit.
Above, can experience, encounter a good manager may have a better experience.
Basum Tso
Basum Tso, also known as Cuogao Lake, means 'green water' in Tibetan. It is about 18 kilometers long, covers an area of approximately 27 square kilometers, and reaches a depth of 120 meters. The lake is situated at an altitude of 3480 meters. Located in the deep valley of the upper Ba River, about 36 kilometers from Baher Town in Gongbo'gyamda County, it is a famous sacred lake and holy site of the Red Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The scenic area encompasses snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls, pastures, cultural relics, and ancient temples, offering a unique and varying landscape throughout the seasons. It is a haven for numerous rare and wild plant species, truly a paradise on earth, and is known as the 'Little Switzerland' of Tibet. About one hundred meters from the shore lies a small island called Tashi Island, which is home to the Tang Dynasty structure 'Tsokar Gongba Monastery,' a renowned Nyingma sect temple of Tibetan Buddhism, built in the late Tang Dynasty, with a history of over 1500 years.
Basum Tso is a must-see, it's so beautiful
Basum Tso is a famous sacred lake and holy site of the Red Sect, and it is the first and currently the only natural scenic national 5A-level tourist attraction in Tibet. Forests, snow-capped mountains, villages, lakes, islands, temples. Basum Tso almost encapsulates all types of southeastern Tibetan scenery and culture. Strolling around Basum Tso, under the blue sky and white clouds, with the snow mountains and clear waters, it feels as if time could stand still.
Exit the highway at Bahe Town, and a thirty-plus kilometer road takes you to the scenic area. Stop the car twice on the way; once for the eye-catching yellow of the rapeseed flowers blooming in the green valley, winding upwards, which irresistibly makes you ask the driver to stop. Another stop is initiated by the driver; the roaring waterfalls from the rolling dam, thundering and stirring up a pile of snow and wind, rolling forward. Standing on the shore, looking down at the rapids from a close distance, one feels dizzy and hastily retreats.
Private cars are not allowed inside the scenic area; you can only take the scenic area bus. The first stop is to the island in the heart of the lake, which is the core of Basum Tso. There is a small local temple on the island. Although it's small, it's said to be a holy temple of the sect, and what's unique is a 'peach embracing pine' tree, where a pine tree grows in the middle of a peach tree. The trees on the island are lush, including a thousand-year-old evergreen oak, majestic like a dragon. The moss on the branches indicates the fresh and moist air here.
You can also feed fish on the floating bridge, using barley cake made by local residents, which costs five yuan each and is not expensive. It just feels like these fish have been fed by tourists and are not interested in what we throw. You can also take a bus to a small hilltop viewing platform in Jieba Village, where the view of the lake under the snow mountains is still very beautiful. In the lush forest, there is such a large expanse of lake water, reflecting the snow mountains, truly experiencing what the 'Jiangnan of Tibet' feels like. There are also boat services on the lake.
There is also a small village called Tsogao Village by Basum Tso, 'Tsogao' in Tibetan means 'head of the lake', which is a mysterious ancient Tibetan village hidden at the end of the sacred lake. After arriving at Basum Tso, continue walking along the lakeside road, passing through tall and straight pine forests with a faint scent of pine, and in about 40 minutes, you will reach Tsogao Village.
Tsogao Village, built by the lake, with scattered houses, the lake like a belt, and behind it, is the Jieqing Nalagabu Snow Mountain with an altitude of over 6300 meters. The misty clouds spread down from the surrounding mountains, and Tsogao Village is thus serenely nestled between the snow-capped mountains and green waters, a perfect secluded paradise by the mountains and water!
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Lhagang Grassland Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
How to have fun in Western Sichuan in winter?
1. Go ice skating on various lakes, such as the wild horse sea of Zhe Duo Mountain, the Sting Lake of Kangding Airport, the Lake of Black Stone City, the seven mountains and seven lakes of Tagong Grassland, it's really great!
2. If you want to see the golden sunshine on the snow-capped mountains, many places have been closed due to the snow.
There are actually several peaks around Xindu Bridge that you can go to, such as Yuzi West, Gedilam, Mannuka, and the newly built Ze Ren Beng Zeng.
It's only about an hour's drive from Xindu Bridge, and cars can reach directly.
For those who want to go, it hasn't started snowing there yet, set off quickly~ Xindu Bridge
The Romance and Freedom atop the Stunning Snowy Mountains of Western Sichuan in Summer.
Every trip to Western Sichuan feels like a jailbreak from a mundane life. There, the grasslands stretch endlessly; there, the snow-capped mountains stand tall, visible at a glance🏔; there, the pure land is boundless, with clear skies and waters. Go to Western Sichuan, and you'll find the answers on the road, freedom in the wind.
Travel Strategy
DAY 1: Wolong Giant Panda Garden Shenshuping Base → Four Girls Mountain → Danba (overnight stay)
DAY 2: Danba → Moxi Park → Tagong Grassland → Yala Snow Mountain → Kangding (overnight stay)
DAY 3: Kangding → Yuzixi → Sidingcuo → Ganzi Kangding Airport
Recommended Attractions
📍Wolong Giant Panda Garden Shenshuping Base
Currently the world's largest artificial breeding base for giant pandas🐼. It is recommended to enter around 9 a.m., when the pandas are most active and their adorable demeanor is incredibly healing.
📍Four Girls Mountain
Known as the 'Oriental Switzerland', Four Girls Mountain is a place where photos are stunning without the need for filters📸. Strongly recommend visiting Shuangqiao Valley, where the towering snow mountains are breathtakingly beautiful.
📍Moxi Park
A miracle created by nature's extraordinary craftsmanship✔️. The grey-white rocks resemble an alien planet, giving a sense of walking in a black and white world at the end of time➰.
📍Tagong Grassland
The green grassland, golden temples, and colorful prayer flags... The Tagong Grassland in summer is peaceful and romantic💫, restoring the image of Western Sichuan in people's minds.
📍Yala Snow Mountain
One of the four sacred mountains in the Tibetan region, its peak is perennially snow-covered, looking mysterious and holy. The golden sunrise at six or seven o'clock makes one wish time⏳ could stop at that moment.
📍Yuzixi
The sunsets and starry skies🌌 of Yuzixi are always praised, but I have a special fondness for its sunrise—when the sun climbs over the mountain top, the surrounding 360-degree snowy mountains🏔 are gradually tinted champagne color, and the wind carries the Ronda far and wide.
📍Gunong Village
Streams, meadows, snowy mountains, villages... Gunong Village has a primitive ecological beauty🌱. At the end of the journey, enjoy a slow moment in private, gaze at the yaks🐃 across the stream, and take a photo with Yala Snow Mountain.
Planning a trip to Western Sichuan for the holidays? Check out these travel tips first to avoid pitfalls!
Nowadays, most young people's time is occupied by life and work 😭
When it comes to travel, often the only option is to browse videos online 📱
The only chance to travel is to take advantage of the various holidays
So many people take the opportunity to travel during May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, or National Day
But once you go out, it's either traffic jams or overcrowded scenic spots with no sense of experience ‼️
Western Sichuan has become a must-visit for many, with fewer people, more niche, and no traffic jams
Sharing my experience from visiting Western Sichuan N times!!
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📍Location: Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (mostly grasslands, streams, and snow-capped mountains, quite vast)
🚗Transportation: It's quite difficult to drive a sedan on the local roads, better to drive an off-road SUV
🌲Scenery: From May to September is the time when flowers bloom and the grass is lush and green, suitable for visiting
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Our route was very relaxing overall, ⏰ waking up naturally at 7:00 AM and starting from Chengdu, passing through Xinjin Service Area 🔛 Tianquan, a very unique service area where you can check in ✔️ at the 318 road sign, and usually arriving in Kangding by 12:00 (⚠️ but we won't stay here, it's hard to park), following road 434 to Zhonggu Village, where you can start to witness and appreciate the natural beauty of Western Sichuan 🏔️
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1. If you're 1⃣️ or 2⃣️ people, I really don't recommend self-driving, especially if you're not familiar with the road conditions in Western Sichuan, there are many curves and large vehicles
2. It's advisable to drive a more fuel-efficient car, as a 3-5 day trip will cover at least a thousand kilometers, and the fuel cost ⛽️ is not small
3. There are quite a few gas stations near Western Sichuan, like in Kangding, Tagong, Bamei Town, and Xinduqiao, but it's recommended to fill up in advance during peak season, as you'll have to queue up to refuel locally
4. Rhodiola/Rhodiola rosea 💊 doesn't really have much effect on altitude sickness, the way to avoid it is to walk slowly when you get out of the car and not to exercise vigorously
5. Don't wash your hair or take a bath 🛁 when you reach the plateau, if you must, wait 2-3 days to adapt to the altitude sickness before doing so
6. I really don't recommend buying barbecue or beef jerky from roadside stalls, many of us got diarrhea after eating them
7. Secret places to visit in summer: Jiagenba, Gunong Village, Moon Lake, Lavender Sea, Yuzixi, Daocheng, Four Girls Mountain, these places are especially beautiful
8. Many girls want to take photos in short sleeves, but the UV rays outside are really strong, it's recommended to wear a dress 👗 with a sun protection jacket over it, and take off the jacket when you see a beautiful view to take photos
9. Always spray sunscreen to avoid sunburn
10. Essentials for high-altitude travel: sunglasses, sun hat, thermos
11. Many people ask if cola can relieve altitude sickness, and it actually can
12. May to June is the snow season in Western Sichuan, and July to August is the rainy season, so be prepared with an umbrella ☔️
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🚘【Classic Western Sichuan Itinerary】
D1: Chengdu - Kangding Airport Road - Yuzixi - Xinduqiao
D2: Tagong Grassland - Muya Monastery - Moxi Park - Xinduqiao
D3: Zheduo Mountain - Kangding - Chengdu
Wandering through the Tagong Grassland in Western Sichuan
【The Prayer Flags of Tagong Grassland】In the southern part of Western Sichuan, on the Tagong Grassland, lie the Huiyuan Temple, Muya Golden Pagoda, and other Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. It seems that no matter which direction you look from, you can catch a glimpse of the figure of Mount Yala. Across the vast grassland, prayer flags are everywhere, and the spirits also walk with the wind.
Standard self-driving route:
D1: Chengdu - Kangding - Zheduo Mountain - Airport Road - Sky City - Tagong Grassland;
D2: Tagong - Xinduqiao - Upper/Lower Chikeshi Village - Lenggacuo/Guandejie - Xinduqiao;
D3: Xinduqiao - Sidingcuo - Zhonggu - Chengdu.
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Duku Highway Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Duku Highway: A magnificent journey across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you long for a spontaneous trip to experience the grandeur of nature and the charm of Xinjiang? Then, Duku Highway is your best choice!
Duku Highway, connecting the north and south of Xinjiang, crossing grasslands, canyons, snow mountains, Gobi and other places, is a must-visit place for tourists. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons and feel the magic of nature.
Tourist Route
The entire Duku Highway is divided into the north, middle and south sections.
North section: From Dushanzi to Qia'erma
Starting from Dushanzi and heading south, you will pass through large canyons, snow mountains, grasslands, etc., to feel the grandeur of nature. In the north section, you can see the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, which is a shocking place, with towering cliffs, like a knife and axe, which is amazing. In addition, you can also try extreme projects such as step-by-step surprises, and feel the excitement of accelerating heartbeat.
Middle section: From Qia'erma via Narati to Bayinbuluke
Starting from the middle section, you will enter the Narati grassland, which is a vast green ocean, which is refreshing. Here, you can ride horses, slide grass, watch folk performances, etc., to experience the local customs of Xinjiang. Then, you will go to Bayinbuluke grassland, where there are beautiful lakes and winding rivers, and the scenery is pleasant.
South section: From Bayinbuluke to Kuche
In the south section, you will see the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, which is a place full of mystery. The reddish-brown mountains shine under the sun, making people feel the mysterious charm of nature. Here, you can hike and explore, and feel the magic of nature. Finally, you will arrive in Kuche, a city full of historical heritage, with many scenic spots worth visiting.
Ticket Price
There are many scenic spots along the Duku Highway, and the ticket prices of each scenic spot are different. Generally speaking, the ticket price ranges from tens to hundreds of yuan. When buying tickets, you need to prepare in advance, you can check and buy tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the scene.
Precautions
During the trip, there are some precautions you need to keep in mind. First, protect the environment, do not litter, do not destroy vegetation. Second, respect local customs and cultural traditions. Finally, pay attention to safety issues, especially when doing some extreme projects, ensure your own safety.
In general, Duku Highway is a tourist route full of surprises and challenges. Here, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature and feel the local customs of Xinjiang. Whether you like adventure or natural scenery, it can meet your needs. Come on a spontaneous trip!
This road, stringing together the miracles of the four seasons, is Xinjiang's Duku Highway
🌟 Imagine a road that strings together the miracles of the four seasons, this is Xinjiang's Duku Highway, a dream paradise for self-drivers! 🚗✨ As a dazzling pearl among China's top ten self-driving routes, the Duku Highway is not just a road; it is an ode to heroes, an eternal tribute to the 168 souls who built it 🌹. A magnificent scroll 562 kilometers long, laid out over ten years, each inch a testament to nature and courage.
🔥 Northern section: From Dushanzi to Nalati, 215 kilometers of continuous surprises! From the awe-inspiring start at the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, to the three-thousand-feet drop of the Heavenly Waterfall, to the silent tribute at the Qiaolma Martyrs' Cemetery, and finally, getting lost in the endless greenery of Tangbula and the Nalati Grassland. 🏞️ Fill up the tank, bring your mood, and set off! ⛽
🌄 Middle section: Short but exquisite, 65 kilometers between Nalati and Bayinbuluke, as if crossing the boundary between two worlds. Endless grasslands under the blue sky, flocks of cattle and sheep, a beauty that refreshes the soul. 🐑
🌌 Southern section: From Bayinbuluke to Kuqa, a 270-kilometer journey, a feast of colors and landforms. The Dragon Pools, large and small, are like emeralds inlaid, and the Kuqa Grand Canyon holds the secrets of the Earth. Don't forget, at the small toll station at the southern end, just 20 yuan buys you a ticket to the wonders. 💰
⏰ Important reminder! The Duku Highway is not a secret garden open all year round~ Approximately from June to mid-October, it opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, with entry but no exit, all depending on the weather, so remember to follow the official news from Dushanzi Traffic. ☀️💨
🚘 Vehicle tips: Exclusively for small cars, the moment to test your driving skills has arrived! Sharp turns, steep slopes, the dance of two-way traffic, safety first, hold steady, we can win! 👀
🚗 Pre-departure ritual: Full vehicle check, full gas tank, plenty of snacks and drinks, just in case. 🥤
📸 Photography tips: With beautiful scenery ahead, please park civilly, watch out for falling rocks and cliffs, and don't let your selfie turn into a live broadcast of danger. 📸
🌈 Lastly, the weather on the Duku Highway changes faster than a child's face, don't panic if you encounter traffic control, the traffic police are always online to protect your journey. 🚨
Unveiling Xinjiang: 10 Must-Understand Doubts Before Traveling (Part 1)
🌸Xinjiang, that mysterious and charming land, always inspires longing in people's hearts. But before you set off, do you also have various doubts and anxieties like me? Today, let me unveil them for you one by one! 🔍
1️⃣ When is the best time to visit Xinjiang?
🌿The summer in Xinjiang is lush with grasslands and brilliant wildflowers; in autumn, the poplar trees turn golden and the light creates a mottled effect. From June to August, places like Ili and the Duku Highway are incredibly beautiful; from September to October, the poplar forests by Zepu Golden Lake and Kanas are even more picturesque. 🌾
2️⃣ How long should the trip be?
🏞Xinjiang is divided into southern and northern parts, and it takes 40-50 days to travel through the entire region at once. But don't worry, an 8-15 day grand northern Xinjiang loop or a 5-10 day Ili loop will let you thoroughly enjoy your journey! 🚗
3️⃣ Independent travel or join a tour group?
💡Xinjiang is vast and transportation is inconvenient, so planning is essential for self-driving. However, for ease and convenience, joining a tour group is better! Choose a reliable travel group to make your trip twice as effective with half the effort! 🎈
4️⃣ Is it good to go to northern Xinjiang in June?
🌸Northern Xinjiang in June has its own unique beauty! Besides the lavender fields in Ili, there are many other beautiful sights waiting for you to discover. Every season, Xinjiang has its unique charm! 🌼
5️⃣ How to plan the route?
🚏There are 3 major routes into Xinjiang: the G219 Sino-Tibetan Highway, the G315 Mars Highway, and the G30 Lianhuo Expressway. It is recommended to enter Xinjiang from Gansu and exit through Qinghai, where the altitude is moderate and the scenery is excellent! 🛣
Xinjiang, that beautiful land, is waiting for you to explore! With these answers in hand, set off on your journey!
7-Day Essence Tour of Northern Xinjiang
Sayram Lake is the highest-altitude, largest, and most scenic alpine lake in Xinjiang. It is also the last place cherished by the warm and humid Atlantic air currents, hence the saying that it is 'the last tear of the Atlantic'. The summer season is the perfect time to visit Sayram Lake, and for friends who want to play at Sayram Lake, this travel guide is highly recommended. Like and save it, and you'll definitely not get lost!
🌺Recommended Itinerary:
🎉A: 7-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop
🎄D1: Urumqi - Colorful Beach - Burqin
🎄D2: Burqin - Kanas
🎄D3: Jiadengyu - Hemu
🎄D4: Hemu - Urho Ghost City - Urho
🎄D5: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining/Qingshui River
🎄D6: Yining/Qingshui River - Nalati - Bayanbulak
🎄D7: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi
🎉B: 8-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop
🎄D1: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun/Koktokay.
🎄D2: Fuyun/Koktokay - Koktokay - Colorful Beach - Burqin
🎄D3: Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu
🎄D4: Jiadengyu - Hemu
🎄D5: Hemu - Ghost City - Urho
🎄D6: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining
🎄D7: Yining - Nalati Grassland in the Sky - Bayanbulak
🎄D8: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi
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Suosong Village Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Namchabarwa, hardest to see the panorama
Namchabarwa is the highest mountain in Nyingchi City, Tibet, peak at 7,782 meters, and has the title of Father of Tibetan Mountains. The body of Nanga Bawa is covered with snow all year round and the clouds are lingering. It never reveals its true face easily, so it is also called Shy Girl Mountain in Chinese. We were really lucky this time. In the evening, the mountain peaks were still clouded and misty. When the sun set at 8:07 pm in the evening, all the clouds and mist were dispersed. We even saw the magnificent sight of that the golden sun shines on the mountain. It is said that this mountain range is like a girl lying down, from right to left are her head, chest and feet. The best view point is in Suosong Village in the Yarlung Zangbo River Gorge. There is a milk tea shop in the village. We just drank milk tea and watched all the mountains exposed. It was so shocking!
#summervacation
Meet in Suosong Village amidst ten miles of peach blossoms
Nestled deep in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, at the foot of Mount Namjagbarwa, Suosong Village is located on the north bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The entire village is surrounded by a vast expanse of peach blossoms. The peach blossoms in Suosong are the last to bloom in Nyingchi, usually between April 8th and April 15th each year. During the peak bloom, there is also a considerable amount of snow on Mount Namjagbarwa, which, in reflection of each other, creates an exceptionally beautiful scene.
Capturing Fairy Tale Scenes | No Need to Go to Suosong Village for Peach Blossoms in Nyingchi Anymore
Capturing scenes straight out of a fairy tale in Nyingchi. The Peach Blossom Festival is about to commence, lasting only fifteen days a year, so hurry up! Suosong Village doesn't need much introduction, but be careful not to follow the navigation to get there. Usually, the navigation recommends taking the south bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, but if you zoom in on the map, you can see there's another route on the north bank. This route has more speed limits and is narrower, but the scenery is absolutely stunning and is a must-visit.
This set of photos was taken near Molang Village on the north bank, with a large peach blossom forest by the river and Mount Namcha Barwa in the background. It only costs 10 or 15 yuan per person to enter, which is much cheaper than Suosong Village. There are many beautiful scenes on the north bank, and you can even see the most beautiful scenery without going to Suosong Village. More shares to come in the future. Tibet Chengdu Xinjiang
Do not come to Sosong Village in Linzhi, Tibet! Otherwise
Otherwise, you will definitely be dazzled by its beauty!
★Please recommend to big data to find travel companions for Tibet from July to September!
❷Tibet is very popular during the summer, and Linzhi is truly a hidden gem! I highly recommend everyone to explore Sosong Village by the Yarlung Tsangpo River, avoiding the traditional tourist hotspots. It's a completely different experience: no need to rush for sightseeing and photo ops, just quietly enjoy the mornings and evenings of Sosong, listen to the roar of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, watch the sunlight gilding the peaks of Namjagbarwa, and it will surely become a beautiful memory of your trip.
Chen stayed in Sosong Village, Linzhi, Tibet for three days and two nights, staying at the best scenic location in Sosong Village, Namjagbarwa Mountain Residence, and dining at the hotel's Nanfeng Huayin Restaurant, with the best view of Namjagbarwa Peak.
During the stay, I was lucky enough to see the sunlight gilding the peaks, which was spectacular! It's like a real-life Shangri-La. The restaurant has delicious Tibetan pork, dry pot ribs, shredded potatoes, and fish-flavored shredded pork. Every day, after eating and drinking to my heart's content, I would relax in the hotel courtyard, not caring about anything else. I didn't want to leave this comfortable life at all, and I highly recommend this accommodation!
Touring Tips:
1. The altitude from Linzhi to Sosong Village will rise from 2800 meters to 3500 meters, be aware of altitude sickness at all times.
2. There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so be sure to add clothes.
3. Nanfeng Huayin Restaurant is highly recommended for their boiled yak meat and yak meat mushroom soup pot. The locally sourced fresh yak meat is full of flavor, and once you start eating, you can't stop.
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