Nujiang 72 Turns is a must-pass place on the southern Sichuan-Tibet line. After passing the 72 Turns and driving for 4 hours, you can see the Lancang River flowing down with yellow sand. The Zhuka Bridge, which spans the Lancang River, is the boundary river between Sichuan and Tibet. About an hour after crossing the bridge, you can reach the eastern gate of Tibet—Mangkam County.
Tibet Yanjing Scenic Area
Starting from Mangkang, head south along the Dian-Tibet Line G214. This route out of Tibet is in excellent condition and is safer than G318. While driving, you only need to pay attention to slopes, curves, and mountain passes. The route passes through the Yanjing Scenic Area.
Feilai Temple Scenic Area
Travel 100 kilometers south to reach the Feilai Temple Scenic Area, which is 8 kilometers away from Deqin County. The ticket for the viewing platform is 60 yuan. If the weather is clear, you can see the full view of Kawagebo Peak, the highest peak of Meili Snow Mountain, from the second and third viewing platforms.
Meili Snow Mountain is shrouded in snow and clouds all year round. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the spectacular 'Sunset Glow' in the afternoon, and in the early morning, you might catch a glimpse of the rare 'Golden Mountain'.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Before arriving in Lijiang, you can first visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area in Lijiang. The Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area is about 90 kilometers away from Lijiang city center, located in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River. The Tiger Leaping Gorge area is divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. The Lijiang Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area belongs to the lower section, offering the best viewing angles.
Lijiang Ancient Town is the closest to the city center, about a ten-minute drive. Lijiang Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and motor vehicles are prohibited within the town. There are 8 parking lots near the ancient town, making parking convenient, and you can explore on foot afterwards.
Yulong Snow Mountain
Yulong Snow Mountain is about a 40-minute drive from Lijiang city center. If your schedule is tight for the day, you can visit the next morning. The lighting is good in the morning, and there is plenty of time for sightseeing and photography. Yulong Snow Mountain has 13 peaks stretching from south to north, with a total length of 75 kilometers. Visitors can take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy the magnificent view of the continuous snow-capped peaks. If you are not in a hurry, you can explore all the attractions within the Yulong Snow Mountain scenic area.
Shuanglang Town
Departing from Lijiang along G5611 heading south, you will reach Shuanglang Bus Terminal in about 2 hours. A few more minutes of driving will take you to Shuanglang Town. Shuanglang is known as the 'First Town of Cang'er Scenery'. Attractions such as Nanzhao Folk Island and Xiao Putuo are also located here. Shuanglang is situated on the northeast shore of Erhai Lake. Continuing south along the East Ring Road, you can enjoy the scenic views of Erhai Lake. This entire route is a 50-kilometer two-lane asphalt road built along the Yuyan Mountain, with slightly undulating and winding surfaces. Be sure to control your speed while driving.
Huanhai East Road
Shuanglang is located on the northeast shore of Erhai Lake. Continuing south along Huanhai East Road, you can enjoy the scenery of Erhai Lake all the way. This entire route is a 50-kilometer two-lane asphalt road built along the Yuyan Mountain, with slightly undulating and winding road surfaces. Pay attention to controlling your speed while driving. Dali is a city where you can fully enjoy a slow-paced life. If you're not in a hurry to go home, you can stay in Dali for a few more days to appreciate the scenery at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and the shores of Erhai Lake.
West Coast of Erhai Lake
The west coast of Erhai Lake has more attractions than the east coast. The ancient city of Dali and the Three Pagodas of Dali, which are the starting points of the journey, are located on the west coast. In addition, the west coast also has Xizhou Ancient Town and Butterfly Spring, where you can visit all the attractions that interest you.
Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Mountain is also located on the west bank of Erhai Lake, about a 20-minute drive from Dali Ancient City and the Three Pagodas Scenic Area. The Cangshan Scenic Area has several cableways, and you can also choose to drive up the mountain.
