Yangquan Travel Guide to Exploring the Bingzhongluo-Chawalong-Zayu Route in Yunnan and Tibet

A Comprehensive Guide to a Self-drive Trip from Yangquan to the Bingzhongluo-Chawalong-Zayu Route: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Yunnan and Tibet I. Route Overview and Itinerary Planning The Bingzhongluo-Chawalong-Zayu route (Bingzhongluo - Chawalong - Zayu) is known as the "New Yunnan-Tibet Corridor" and is a top challenging route for self-driving enthusiasts. Starting from Yangquan, Shanxi Province, embark on this self-drive journey across China, covering a total distance of approximately 4,000 km. The recommended travel time is 15-20 days. Below is a classic segmented itinerary: Yangquan to Bingzhongluo (4-5 days) Day 1: Depart from Yangquan, pass through Taiyuan and Pingyao, and finally arrive in Xi'an. The total distance is 680 km, which takes about 8 hours. In Xi'an, you can visit the Terracotta Army, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and taste local delicacies. Day 2: Depart from Xi'an and head to Chengdu. The total distance is 720 km, which takes about 9 hours. In Chengdu, you can visit Dujiangyan and Kuanzhai Alley. Day 3: Depart from Chengdu, pass through Ya'an and Kangding, and arrive in Litang. The total distance is 650 km, which takes about 10 hours. Along the way, you can admire the magnificent scenery of Zheduo Mountain and experience the vastness of the Maoya Grassland. Day 4: Depart from Litang, pass through Batang and Mangkang, and arrive in Zuogong. The total distance is 500 km, which takes about 8 hours. Along the way, you can visit Sister Lakes and experience the steepness of Jueba Mountain. Day 5: Depart from Zuogong, pass through Basu and Ranwu Lake, and arrive in Zayu. The total distance is 450 km, which takes about 7 hours. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ranwu Lake and experience the wonder of Laigu Glacier. Bingzhongluo-Chawalong-Zayu Core Section (3-4 days) Day 6: Depart from Zayu and head to Chawalong. The total distance is 250 km, which takes about 6 hours. On the way, you will pass through the Sawmill, Muruo Village, and see the magnificent scenery of the Nujiang River Valley. Day 7: Depart from Chawalong and head to Bingzhongluo. The total distance is 180 km, which takes about 5 hours. You can visit Daliusha, the Bingzhongluo viewing platform, and Wuli Village. Day 8: Visit the surrounding areas of Bingzhongluo, such as Qiunatong, the First Bend of the Nujiang River, and Shimenguan. Suggested Return Route Day 9: Depart from Bingzhongluo and head to Dali. The total distance is 500 km, which takes about 8 hours. In Dali, you can visit Erhai Lake and the ancient city. Day 10: Depart from Dali and head to Lijiang. The total distance is 180 km, which takes about 3 hours. In Lijiang, you can visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Shuhe Ancient Town. Day 11: Depart from Lijiang, pass through Panzhihua and Xichang, and arrive in Chengdu. The total distance is 800 km, which takes about 12 hours. Day 12 to Day 14: Return from Chengdu to Yangquan, arranging the itinerary according to your own situation. II. Essential Items Checklist Vehicle Equipment - It is best to choose a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle, such as a Prado or Haval H9. Before departure, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle, including brakes, tires, and suspension. - Prepare a spare tire, jack, tow rope, emergency power supply, fire extinguisher, and snow chains (if traveling in winter). - Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, vehicle rescue phone number, and other relevant documents and information. Personal Equipment - Clothing: Prepare jackets, fleece jackets, down jackets, quick-drying pants, hiking shoes, etc., to cope with different weather and road conditions. - Documents: Include your ID card, border defense permit (if you need to enter Tibet), driver's license, and vehicle registration certificate. - Other items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, thermos cups, rain gear, toiletries, and sleeping bags (if camping) are also essential. Emergency Supplies - Medicine: Prepare cold medicine, antipyretics, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-altitude sickness medicine (such as Rhodiola), and motion sickness medicine. - Food and water: Prepare some high-calorie foods, such as chocolate, beef jerky, and compressed biscuits, as well as sufficient drinking water. - Communication equipment: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, bring a power bank, and preferably a satellite phone in case you lose signal in remote areas. III. Road Conditions and Driving Precautions Road Conditions - Most sections of the Bingzhongluo-Chawalong-Zayu route are gravel roads, which are bumpy and have many curves, requiring careful driving. - During the rainy season (June-August), some sections are prone to landslides and mudslides. Check road conditions in advance. - In winter (November-March), some high-altitude sections will have ice and snow, requiring snow chains. Driving Techniques - Maintain a low speed, especially on curves and downhill sections. Control your speed and avoid sudden braking. - When encountering oncoming vehicles, slow down and yield, especially in narrow sections, to ensure safety. - Avoid fatigued driving. Stop and rest for a while every 2-3 hours to stretch your body. Safety Tips - Obey traffic rules, do not speed, drink and drive, or drive when fatigued. - Pay attention to road conditions. Slow down in advance when encountering dangerous sections and pass only after confirming safety. - Respect local customs and habits. Do not enter pastures or farmland without permission. IV. Accommodation and Dining Recommendations Accommodation - In Bingzhongluo, you can choose Nujiang First Bend Inn, Qiunatong Villa, etc. These inns have beautiful environments and moderate prices. - In Chawalong, you can choose Chawalong Hotel, Snowland Hotel, etc. The accommodation conditions are relatively good. - In Zayu, you can choose Zayu Hotel, Snow Mountain Hotel, etc. The facilities are relatively complete. Dining - Local specialties include Nujiang fish, Qiyou chicken, stone slab baba, and butter tea, which are worth trying. - In the counties and towns along the way, you can taste different flavors of cuisine, such as Sichuan cuisine and Tibetan cuisine. - It is recommended to bring some convenient foods, such as instant noodles and ham sausages, just in case. V. Recommended Attractions Bingzhongluo - First Bend of the Nujiang River: The Nujiang River forms a huge bend here, offering spectacular scenery. - Wuli Village: This is a quiet small village, known as the "Swiss countryside". - Qiunatong: The most remote village in Bingzhongluo, with pristine natural scenery and simple folk customs. Chawalong - Daliusha: A huge landslide, very spectacular, but pay attention to safety. - Jiaying Village: A small village hidden deep in the snow-capped mountains, with unique Tibetan customs. Zayu - Ciba Valley Nature Reserve: Rich in flora and fauna, it is a good place for hiking enthusiasts. - Zayu Martyrs Cemetery: Built to commemorate the martyrs who died in the Sino-Indian border self-defense counterattack. VI. Environmental Protection and Civilized Travel - Protect the natural environment. Do not litter and take your garbage with you after sorting it. - Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Do not take pictures or make loud noises in temples. - Abide by local regulations. Do not enter protected areas or military restricted zones without permission. VII. Conclusion A self-drive trip from Yangquan to the Bingzhongluo-Chawalong-Zayu route is a journey full of challenges and surprises. As long as you are well prepared, obey traffic rules, and respect local customs, you will definitely enjoy this journey. Have a great trip!