Road trip idea from BeiJingBuzzz – DaLi, YunNan to Lhasa, Tibet / XiZang (2-4 weeks; two alternate routes)

Scenic Road Trip Routes from Dali to Lhasa

Route Overview

Traveling from Dali to Lhasa is an epic journey through some of China's most stunning landscapes. Here are two detailed scenic routes with notable stops along the way:

 

Route 1: Northern Route

Day 1-2: Dali to Lijiang (Approx. 180 km)

Route: Take the G214 National Road north from Dali to Lijiang.

Highlights: Enjoy the scenic views along the way, including Erhai Lake and the ancient town of Lijiang.

Day 3-4: Lijiang to Shangri-La (Zhongdian) (Approx. 180 km)

Route: Continue on G214 National Road north to Shangri-La.

Highlights: Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and enjoy the views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 5: Shangri-La to Deqin (Approx. 180 km)

Route: Stay on G214 National Road heading north to Deqin.

Highlights: Explore Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La and enjoy the panoramic views of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin.

Day 6: Deqin to Markam (Approx. 220 km)

Route: Take the G214 National Road, crossing into Tibet and continue to Markam.

Highlights: Pass through the spectacular mountainous regions and along the Mekong River.

Day 7: Markam to Zogang (Approx. 150 km)

Route: From Markam, take the G318 National Road west towards Zogang.

Highlights: Experience the dramatic high-altitude landscapes and valleys.

Day 8: Zogang to Baxoi (Approx. 120 km)

Route: Continue on the G318 National Road from Zogang to Baxoi.

Highlights: Enjoy the rugged and scenic terrain along the way.

Day 9: Baxoi to Ranwu (Approx. 160 km)

Route: Stay on the G318 National Road heading west to Ranwu.

Highlights: Pass by the beautiful Ranwu Lake, known for its clear waters and stunning reflections.

Day 10: Ranwu to Bomi (Approx. 130 km)

Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Ranwu to Bomi.

Highlights: Drive through lush forests and alongside beautiful rivers.

Day 11: Bomi to Nyingchi (Approx. 230 km)

Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Bomi to Nyingchi.

Highlights: Enjoy the lush scenery of Nyingchi, known for its forests and the Niyang River.

Day 12-13: Nyingchi to Lhasa (Approx. 400 km)

Route: Take the G318 National Road west from Nyingchi to Lhasa.

Highlights: Pass through Mila Mountain and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge. In Lhasa, explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.

 

Route 2: Southern Route

Day 1-2: Dali to Kunming (Approx. 340 km)

Route: Take the G56 Hangrui Expressway east from Dali to Kunming.

Highlights: Kunming, known as the "Spring City," offers attractions like the Stone Forest (Shilin), Dianchi Lake, and Green Lake Park.

Day 3: Kunming to Panzhihua (Approx. 310 km)

Route: Continue on the G56 Hangrui Expressway north to Panzhihua.

Highlights: Panzhihua, a city built around the steel industry, provides access to scenic spots like the Jinsha River and nearby hot springs.

Day 4: Panzhihua to Xichang (Approx. 260 km)

Route: Take the G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway north to Xichang.

Highlights: Xichang is known for Qionghai Lake and the Luoji Mountain scenic area. It's also a gateway to the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

Day 5: Xichang to Kangding (Approx. 380 km)

Route: Continue on the G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway, then take the G318 National Road west to Kangding.

Highlights: Kangding is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, including Gongga Mountain (Minya Konka), and the beautiful Mugecuo Scenic Area.

Day 6: Kangding to Litang (Approx. 280 km)

Route: Take the G318 National Road west from Kangding to Litang.

Highlights: Litang, one of the highest towns in the world at 4,014 meters, is known for its Tibetan culture and the Litang Monastery.

Day 7: Litang to Batang (Approx. 160 km)

Route: Continue on the G318 National Road west to Batang.

Highlights: Batang is a charming Tibetan town with picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Day 8: Batang to Markam (Approx. 160 km)

Route: Cross into Tibet and stay on the G318 National Road to Markam.

Highlights: Scenic mountain vistas and the Mekong River valley.

Day 9: Markam to Zogang (Approx. 150 km)

Route: Continue on the G318 National Road from Markam to Zogang.

Highlights: Stunning high-altitude terrain and valleys.

Day 10: Zogang to Baxoi (Approx. 120 km)

Route: Stay on the G318 National Road heading west to Baxoi.

Highlights: Enjoy the rugged and scenic terrain along the way.

Day 11: Baxoi to Ranwu (Approx. 160 km)

Route: Continue on the G318 National Road from Baxoi to Ranwu.

Highlights: Pass by the beautiful Ranwu Lake, known for its clear waters and stunning reflections.

Day 12: Ranwu to Bomi (Approx. 130 km)

Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Ranwu to Bomi.

Highlights: Drive through lush forests and alongside beautiful rivers.

Day 13: Bomi to Nyingchi (Approx. 230 km)

Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Bomi to Nyingchi.

Highlights: Enjoy the lush scenery of Nyingchi, known for its forests and the Niyang River.

Day 14: Nyingchi to Lhasa (Approx. 400 km)

Route: Take the G318 National Road west from Nyingchi to Lhasa.

Highlights: Pass through Mila Mountain and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge. In Lhasa, explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.

 

Tips for the Journey

  • Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits to travel in Tibet. Foreign tourists need a Tibet Travel Permit.
  • Vehicle: A sturdy 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rough terrain and high altitudes.
  • Altitude Sickness: Be prepared for high altitudes. Acclimate gradually and consider medication for altitude sickness.
  • Weather: Check the weather conditions, especially in winter, as some roads may be impassable.
  • Supplies: Carry sufficient food, water, and emergency supplies, as some areas are remote with few facilities.

These road trips offers a blend of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of adventure, making it one of the most scenic routes in China.

 

Dali, located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, is a charming and culturally rich destination that attracts visitors with its stunning natural scenery, ancient history, and vibrant local culture. Here's a guide for visitors to Dali:

Historical and Cultural Significance:
Ancient City: Dali Ancient City, also known as Dali Old Town, is a well-preserved historical town that dates back over 1,000 years. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dali during the Tang Dynasty and later as an important trading post on the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Bai Minority Culture: Dali is home to the Bai ethnic minority, whose unique culture and traditions are evident throughout the region. Visitors can explore Bai villages, interact with locals, and learn about their traditional customs, architecture, and craftsmanship.

Top Attractions:
Erhai Lake: One of Dali's most iconic natural attractions is Erhai Lake, a vast freshwater lake surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Visitors can take boat cruises on the lake, cycle along its shores, or hike to viewpoints for panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: Located just outside Dali Ancient City, the Three Pagodas are iconic symbols of the region and date back to the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas are set against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and are surrounded by lush gardens and temples.

Cangshan Mountain: Cangshan Mountain is a scenic mountain range that towers over Dali and offers numerous hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors can hike to waterfalls, explore alpine meadows, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below.

Xizhou Ancient Town: Xizhou Ancient Town is another well-preserved historical town near Dali, known for its traditional Bai architecture, historic courtyards, and vibrant market streets. Visitors can wander through the town's narrow alleyways, visit ancient temples, and sample local delicacies.

Cultural Experiences:
Bai Architecture: Explore the distinctive Bai architecture found throughout Dali, characterized by white-washed walls, gray tiled roofs, and intricately carved wooden decorations. Visitors can tour traditional Bai homes, visit ancient temples, and learn about local building techniques.

Cultural Performances: Experience traditional Bai music, dance, and theater performances at local venues and cultural centers in Dali. These performances often showcase traditional costumes, musical instruments, and storytelling techniques unique to the Bai culture.

Practical Tips:
Weather: Dali enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most pleasant and the landscapes are lush and green.

Transportation: Getting around Dali is convenient with its network of buses, taxis, and bicycles. Many attractions are within walking distance of Dali Ancient City, while others can be reached by public transportation or organized tours.

Accommodation: Dali offers a range of accommodation options, including boutique hotels, guesthouses, and traditional courtyard homes. Staying in Dali Ancient City allows visitors to immerse themselves in the town's historic atmosphere and vibrant culture.

Dali offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional charm, making it an enchanting destination for visitors seeking to explore the treasures of Yunnan Province. Whether hiking in the mountains, wandering through ancient towns, or immersing oneself in local culture, Dali has something to offer for every traveler.

Tibet map
YunNan map

Related Videos

 

Featured Videos

Planning war on China – part 8
With The New Atlas ... Bonus film - with Daniel Dumbrill ... Bonus film 2 - with NuMuves ... Bonus film 3 - with Professor Michael Hudson ... Bonus film 4 - with George Galloway and Afshin Rattansi ... Bonus film 5 - propaganda theater ...
Sun Kissed in ZhengZhou, HeNan province
Geopolitics update – February 2025 (2)
With Mick Dunford, Michael Hudson and Radhika Desai ... With Wave Media ... With Dialogue Works plus Alex Krainer and Pepe Escobar ... With Stephen Roach ... With Brian Berletic ... With Trip Bitten, on RedNote ... 1. Introduction: The West’s Illusion of Superiority The West has long portrayed itself as the pinnacle of civilization, a beacon of freedom, democracy, and progress. Yet, beneath this self-congratulatory narrative lies a history of exploitation, inequality, and moral decay. From its roots in colonialism and slavery to its modern-day obsession with short-term profits and individualism, the West’s claims to superiority are built on shaky foundations. In contrast, nations like China and many across Asia offer a different vision—one rooted in collective well-being, long-term planning, and a deep respect for cultural heritage. This exploration seeks to uncover the truth behind the West’s facade and highlight the strengths of alternative models. --- 2. The West’s Historical Foundations: Colonialism, Slavery, and Exploitation The West’s rise to global dominance was not achieved through innovation or moral superiority but through the brutal exploitation of others. Colonialism and slavery were not mere historical footnotes—they were the foundation of Western wealth and power. Entire continents were plundered, their resources stolen, and their people subjugated. The transatlantic slave trade, the genocide of indigenous populations, and the exploitation of colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas are indelible stains on the West’s conscience. Even today, the West continues to benefit from the structures of inequality established during the colonial era. Global economic systems are still rigged in favor of Western nations, while former colonies are burdened with debt, poverty, and instability. The West’s refusal to confront this history is a testament to its enduring arrogance and hypocrisy. --- 3. The Myth of Democracy and Free Speech: Tools for Regime Change and Hegemony The West’s promotion of “democracy and free speech” is often portrayed as a noble endeavor to spread freedom and human rights. In reality, these ideals have frequently been used as a smokescreen for regime change, economic exploitation, and the maintenance of Western hegemony. Far from empowering people, the West’s version of democracy has often been a backdoor for imposing its will on other nations, destabilizing governments that resist its dominance, and ensuring that the global order remains tilted in its favor. The West’s emphasis on free speech is equally hypocritical. While people are technically free to say what they want, there are significant social and professional consequences for speaking out against the status quo. Dissent is often met with ridicule, ostracism, or even retaliation, particularly when it challenges powerful institutions or entrenched ideologies. --- 4. Poverty as a Tool for Compliance: The West’s Deliberate Inequality Poverty is not an accident or a natural outcome of economic systems—it is a deliberate tool used by the West to maintain compliance and control. By keeping large segments of the population in a state of economic precarity, the West ensures that people are too preoccupied with survival to question the systems that exploit them. Poverty is not just a condition; it is a mechanism of oppression, designed to perpetuate inequality and servitude. The West’s reliance on poverty as a tool of control comes at a tremendous cost—not just for the poor, but for society as a whole. Poverty undermines social cohesion, fuels inequality, and stifles human potential. It is a barrier to progress, a source of suffering, and a stain on the conscience of any society that allows it to persist. --- 5. The Culture of Fear and Conformity: Why the West is Scared to Be Free When visiting the West, one of the most striking observations is the pervasive sense of fear that seems to grip its people. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of standing out—this culture of fear is not an accident but a deliberate outcome of systems designed to keep people compliant, divided, and isolated. In the West, the illusion of freedom masks a reality of constraint, where people are too scared to be themselves, too scared to speak their minds, and too scared to challenge the status quo. This fear of freedom is rooted in the West’s culture of individualism, which isolates people and undermines collective action. In a society where everyone is focused on their own survival and success, there is little room for solidarity or mutual support. People are taught to see themselves as competitors rather than allies, making it difficult to unite against the systems that oppress them. --- 6. The Infantile Culture of the West: Distraction, Instant Gratification, and Ethical Decay The West’s culture is defined by its obsession with instant gratification. From fast food to fast fashion, from social media to sensationalist news, the West prioritizes quick fixes and superficial pleasures over meaningful, lasting fulfillment. This culture of distraction is not just a byproduct of modernity—it is a tool of control. By keeping people focused on trivialities and immediate desires, the West’s elites ensure that the population remains disengaged from the deeper issues that affect their lives. This infantilization is evident in the West’s media and entertainment industries, which prioritize spectacle over substance. Blockbuster movies, reality TV, and viral social media trends dominate the cultural landscape, offering escapism rather than enlightenment. The result is a society that is intellectually and emotionally stunted, unable to grapple with complex issues or think critically about the world around them. --- 7. Short-Term Profits vs. Long-Term Planning: The West’s Unsustainable Model One of the most striking differences between China and the West is their approach to time. China’s governance is defined by its commitment to long-term planning, with a focus on sustainable development, infrastructure, and the well-being of future generations. In contrast, the West is dominated by a culture of short-term profits, where immediate gains are prioritized over long-term stability and progress. This obsession with short-term profits has led to a culture of instability and insecurity. In the West, workers are often treated as disposable, with little job security or access to benefits. Corporations prioritize shareholder returns over the well-being of their employees, leading to a cycle of layoffs, outsourcing, and wage stagnation. The result is a society where people are constantly struggling to keep up, with little hope for a stable or prosperous future. --- 8. China’s Alternative: A Civilization Rooted in Harmony, Collective Well-Being, and Progress In contrast to the West’s infantile culture, China represents a mature and grounded civilization, rooted in thousands of years of cultural heritage and philosophical wisdom. China’s approach to governance and society is defined by its commitment to harmony, collective well-being, and long-term thinking. This is not just a matter of policy—it is a reflection of a deep cultural understanding of what it means to build a just and equitable society. China’s emphasis on education, moral values, and social responsibility fosters a culture of maturity and depth. Rather than being distracted by superficial pleasures, the Chinese people are encouraged to contribute to the collective good and to think critically about the future. This sense of purpose and responsibility stands in stark contrast to the West’s culture of distraction and instant gratification. --- 9. Asia’s Distinct Friendliness and Helpfulness: A Culture of Community and Respect In contrast to the West’s ethical decline, many Asian cultures are characterized by a distinct sense of friendliness, helpfulness, and community. This is not just a superficial difference but a reflection of deeper cultural values that prioritize harmony, respect, and collective well-being. For visitors to Asia, this warmth and generosity are often immediately apparent, creating a stark contrast with the individualism and alienation often experienced in the West. This sense of harmony is evident in everyday interactions. In many Asian countries, people go out of their way to assist strangers, whether by giving directions, offering a seat on public transport, or simply sharing a smile. This friendliness is not just a matter of politeness but a reflection of a deeper cultural commitment to creating a positive and supportive social environment. --- 10. Conclusion: A Choice Between Two Paths The West’s ethical decline and Asia’s distinct friendliness and helpfulness represent two very different approaches to society and culture. The West’s focus on individualism, profit, and power has led to a culture of alienation and moral decay, while Asia’s emphasis on harmony, community, and mutual support has created a culture of warmth and resilience. The choice between these two paths is not just a matter of cultural preference but a question of values. The West’s ethical decline is a reminder of the dangers of prioritizing power and profit over people, while Asia’s friendliness and helpfulness offer a vision of a more just and equitable world. In this new era, it is clear that the West has much to learn from Asia’s example—not just about how to treat others, but about how to build a society that truly values harmony, respect, and collective well-being. Quality of life FOR ALL is what we need.
The MeiXi Lake International Culture and Arts Center, ChangSha, HuNan province
With China Walking Tour ... The Meixi Lake International Culture and Arts Center, located in Changsha, HuNan province, is a stunning example of contemporary architecture, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect known for her avant-garde style. The center covers an expansive area and features an array of cultural facilities, including a grand concert hall, exhibition spaces, and multifunctional areas that host various events and performances. Opened in 2019, the center's design is characterized by its fluid, organic forms that mimic the natural landscape of the Meixi Lake area. The exterior is composed of white, sculptural elements that create a striking contrast against the blue waters of the lake, giving the impression of an otherworldly structure. This innovative design not only serves aesthetic purposes but also enhances the acoustic and visual experiences within. Inside, the concert hall boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, making it an ideal venue for music performances, while the exhibition spaces are versatile, allowing for a wide range of artistic displays, from traditional art exhibitions to modern installations. The center is not just a cultural venue; it represents Changsha's ambition to become a cultural beacon in the region. Visitors can enjoy not only the impressive architecture but also the surrounding parkland, which offers picturesque views of the lake and landscaped gardens, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and outdoor events. The Meixi Lake International Culture and Arts Center is a testament to modern design and a vibrant addition to Changsha's cultural landscape.
BingLing Temple 炳灵寺 Grottoes, YongJing, GanSu province
A beautiful series of grottoes filled with Buddhist sculpture carved into natural caves and caverns in a canyon along the Yellow River. It lies just north of where the Yellow River empties into the LiuJiaXia Reservoir.
NanJing 南京 time-lapse and aerial drone film
QingHai lake 青海湖 and plateau
With CCTV's Travelogue ...
XiaMen City Singers 醒耳人声乐团 – music
Mr. Q - pure perfection - don't miss it ! ...
Jean-Michele Jarre at the Forbidden City, BeiJing – video
A flashback to October 2004 ...

Tag search ?