Travel Blog
Discover China through stories, tips, and insights from our travel experts
Latest Articles
I Crashed 3 Drones & Lost 100K RMB – 5 Rules That Save Lives
A battle-scarred Chinese drone pilot who has crashed three expensive machines across famous locations like Qinghai Lake, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Siguniang Mountain openly shares the five non-negotiable safety rules he paid nearly 100,000 RMB to learn. From obsessive flight-map checking and propeller inspection to mandatory 10-second hovers and 360° obstacle scans, every rule is backed by a heart-stopping real-life story. Essential reading for beginners and a cold-sweat reminder for veterans in 2026.
⭐Exploring the Epic G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway: 20 Must-See Classic Attractions
The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is one of the planet’s most spectacular drives. This ultimate guide introduces 20 classic, unmissable attractions — from fairytale lakes and sky-high mountain passes to sacred monasteries and death-defying hairpin turns — that make the journey from Chengdu to Lhasa an unforgettable adventure of nature, culture, and human triumph. Perfect for photographers, overlanders, and anyone seeking the trip of a lifetime!
⭐Tibet & High-Plateau Driving: 5 Rules That Can Literally Save Your Life on the Roof of the World
Self-driving Tibet or any 4000–5000 m plateau? Thin air, endless hairpins, rockfalls and brake-killing descents turn small mistakes into disasters. This guide shares the exact 5 rules that experienced drivers swear by: enter only with brake pads thicker than 5 mm, instantly switch off A/C the moment water hits 100 °C, never overtake long articulated lorries, close windows & recirculate air through landslide zones, and the precise grip-wheel + downshift sequence that stops a high-altitude blowout from becoming a rollover. Follow them and reach the Roof of the World in one piece.
Jiuzhaigou Ultimate Guide: Unveiling the Veil of China’s Most Dreamlike Fairyland
This comprehensive guide explores Jiuzhaigou's breathtaking natural beauty, emphasizing its unrealistically blue lakes formed by travertine reflection, water purity, selective scattering, and aquatic plants. It details the autumn color phases: early (late September to early October) for fewer crowds and emerging yellows/oranges; mid (second half of October) as the peak with vibrant golds, reds, and maximum visitors October 15–25; and late (early November) for serene ochre tones and possible snow. Altitude sickness tips include staying hydrated, avoiding hot baths, using portable oxygen, and pacing slowly at 2,000–3,100m elevation. Comparisons highlight Jiuzhaigou's water-focused tranquility against Zhangjiajie’s thrilling mountains, Guilin’s pastoral karsts, and Huangshan’s cultural peaks. A two-day itinerary covers Zechawa Valley (Long Lake, Five-Color Pond), Rize Valley (Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal, Mirror Lake), and Shuzheng Valley (Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake), recommending early entry and south shore explorations. Crowd avoidance strategies involve weekday visits, early/late park hours, secret viewpoints like Tiger Mouth, and overcast weather. Winter offers blue ice, snow-covered forests, and tranquility, requiring non-slip boots and layering. Tibetan culture is accessible via nearby villages like Zhongcha for homestays and shows like “Jiuzhaigou Eternal Romance.” Practical advice includes advance tickets (169 RMB peak, 80 RMB off-season), transportation from Chengdu (flight, private car, bus), self-heating food, gear like sunscreen and hiking shoes, and drone prohibitions. The guide promotes a regret-free trip with SEO-focused Jiuzhaigou insights.
Under China's visa-free transit policy, is it permissible to travel across different regions, including entering areas without permission?
The blog post explains China's 144-hour and 24-hour transit visa-free policy for foreigners from eligible countries like the United States, emphasizing that it is strictly for transit, not sightseeing. Eligibility requires holding a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region within 144 hours (not returning to the origin country), and applies to specific administrative areas only. Procedures include entering through designated ports and staying within permitted zones; for example, arriving in Shanghai allows travel only within Shanghai Municipality, plus linked areas like Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province (e.g., to Hangzhou or Nanjing), but not to other provinces like Anhui or Jiangxi, or cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, or Guangzhou. Key sections cover core rules, violations, and restricted areas. Topics include strict regional restrictions, the need for confirmed itineraries, and prohibitions on entering military zones, sensitive border regions, or certain nature reserves and cultural sites without permission. Cities involved are highlighted in examples like Shanghai as a hub, with extensions to nearby provinces. Tips for travelers: Strictly adhere to the "geographic bubble" by checking rules on the National Immigration Administration website or embassy; plan itineraries within allowed zones; ensure onward tickets are valid; and apply for a regular L tourist visa in advance if intending multi-province travel to avoid violations. Violations lead to illegal entry treatment, fines, deportation, blacklisting, and future entry bans. This underscores the importance of China's visa-free transit rules for compliant travel.
The Ultimate Sichuan-Tibet Highway Survival Guide: I Drove 5,100 km Solo in 19 Days and Wrote Down Every Single Piece of Hardcore Advice (Lifetime Updates Included)
Gerry Hu, an experienced traveler with multiple drone losses, scams, and plateau visits, completed a solo 5,100 km drive on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway in September 2024, starting from Kunming via high-speed train to Chengdu, renting a Toyota RAV4, entering Tibet via G318, exiting via G317, crossing multiple 5,000m+ passes like Jianziquwan (4,659 m), Dongda Pass (5,130 m), Sejila Pass (5,013 m), and Mila Pass (5,013 m), rivers including Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu (each crossed three times), spending a night in Naqu (4,700 m), and visiting sites such as Dege Scripture Printing House, First Bend of the Jinsha River, and Yachen Gar before returning to Chengdu. The route highlights the G318's extreme geology along the Indian-Eurasian Plate collision, featuring dramatic drops like the 7,000m vertical in Parlung Tsangpo Canyon, rapid elevation changes from 2,900 m subtropical to 4,700 m cold desert in 500 km, experiencing seven climate zones daily, ongoing landslides due to plateau uplift (5–7 mm/year), sapphire-blue Ranwu Lake from glacial rock flour, Haizi Mountain's scraped stone landscape from ancient glaciers, 72 hairpin bends on Nu River with 2,100 m gain over 30 km, fresh glacier-sourced water, and temperature swings of 40°C in 24 hours in Litang-Batang area. Challenges include altitude sickness (potentially fatal, with symptoms like severe headache, purple lips/nails requiring immediate descent and oxygen), vehicle issues like engine overheating in VWs on steep climbs, sparse fuel stations (fill up frequently, risk of shortages), landslides and mudslides (worse in July-August, carry supplies), poor accommodation parking, communication gaps in off-road areas (use China Mobile SIMs or satellite phones), vehicle repairs at high altitudes, and permits (foreigners need tours for Tibet proper, self-drive Western Sichuan with visa and temporary permit). Tips encompass avoiding rainy seasons, pre-trip vehicle inspections (prefer high-chassis SUVs, 1.5T+ engines for solo), carrying oxygen (2 large bags + 5 cans), fuel management (never below 1/4 tank), booking accommodations early, obeying speed limits, adapting slowly to altitude (hydrate, rest, relax), and choosing reliable rentals with full insurance. Resources include a free PDF of 20 must-visit attractions on China National Highway 318 (available via the site's "Get PDF" link), lifetime membership for updated guides, maps, and content on Sichuan-Tibet, Qinghai-Tibet, and Xinjiang-Tibet routes, plus 200+ 4K aerial photos and exclusive Q&A support.
The Ultimate 5100km Solo Drive: Leaving Tibet via G317 – Jinsha River, Dege Parkhang & 19-Day Goodbye – PART 6
In Part 6, the traveler departs Tibet via G317 after entering via G318, focusing on the eastward journey from Dingqing through eastern Tibet into Sichuan over several days. From Dingqing to Changdu on Day 15, the route includes skipping the bumpy, unpaved 11 km dirt road to Zizhu Temple at 5,000 meters due to poor conditions, opting instead for drone shots of the temple on Zizhu Mountain. Stops feature the massive Naicha Mani Stone Pile, a 3 km-long sacred site where pilgrims pray, and Qiangbalin Temple, the largest in Kham with roots in the Ming Dynasty. Evening brings a serene stroll at Qiangbalin Square, witnessing the crystal-clear Zhaqu River merging with the muddy Ngomqu to form the Lancang River (Mekong). On Day 16, from Changdu to Dege, the path crosses the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze) at the Sichuan-Tibet border, passing solar farms, red Aga-soil houses, and the Gangtuo 18th Army Crossing Memorial Hall. Entering Sichuan after a checkpoint, Dege offers peace, with a night visit to the majestic Dege Parkhang, a historic Tibetan printing house emitting chants and printing scents. Day 17 detours via Baiyu for superior scenery along Jinsha River, visiting Yanbi Village's mural, Jinsha River First Bend confluence, Baiyu Temple atop a steep climb with prayer wheels and incense, Changtai Grassland, Yachen Gar (largest nunnery in western Sichuan, remote and tranquil), and Lalong Cuo Lake, a shrinking tectonic lake with salt flats and herder tents. The route includes Zhuo Da La Mountain's photo spot and a long tunnel descent to Garzê County. Day 18 covers Garzê to Maerkang with gentle downhill, autumn colors, monkey encounters, and cautious navigation through extensive gravel construction zones with rockfall risks. The 19-day trip concludes on Day 19 with a smooth expressway drive to Chengdu, reflecting on plateaus, monasteries, and inner calm. Survival tips include early starts to avoid packed schedules, confident driving for narrow, steep accesses like Baiyu Temple, careful slow driving on unpaved or gravel sections, drone use limited by altitude, and awareness of high-plateau winds, cold, and emotional reluctance at borders.
The Ultimate 5100km Solo Drive: I Ended Up in Hospital at 4500m & Still Say G317 Is Worth It – Here’s Exactly How to Survive It PART 5
Part 5 of the blog details the G317 Northern Route from Lhasa to Naqu and beyond, emphasizing high-altitude survival challenges. Starting at Lhasa's 3,650 meters, the drive north to Naqu (around 4,500 meters) involves steady climbs, with landscapes shifting to vast plateaus, grasslands, and snow-capped peaks under Bön religious influences. High passes and elevations exceed those on the G318 Southern Route, making altitude sickness the primary challenge; the author experienced severe oxygen deprivation at Naqu due to a poorly ventilated hotel without supplemental oxygen, leading to a midnight hospital visit for oxygen therapy at Naqu City People’s Hospital, where 10–15 minutes of treatment provided significant relief, and staying until morning ensured rest. Descending to Suo County (3,800 meters) alleviated symptoms, with tips like sipping glucose water for mild issues. High passes include the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains viewpoint, but the route features smoother, flatter roads with lighter traffic—one-third of G318’s—and fewer steep climbs. Wildlife is minimally mentioned, with no specific encounters noted. Travel advice includes booking oxygen-supplied hotels (200–300 yuan extra), checking vehicles thoroughly before Lhasa departure due to remote repairs, carrying portable oxygen cans if altitude-sensitive, knowing personal limits, and preparing for profound, peaceful scenery in quieter northern Tibet.
The Ultimate 5100km Solo Drive: Sacred Lakes, Mila Pass & The Guide to High-Altitude Safety PART 4
In Part 4, the journey covers the drive from Nyingchi to Lhasa via Mila Pass (5,013 meters), a key climatic divide where altitude sickness must be monitored. The author exits the expressway to take the national highway for the pass, enjoying its tranquil setting with prayer flags and snow-capped mountains, then descends while flying a drone outside restricted zones to capture the Yarlung Tsangpo River's shallow riverbed and sandbanks. From Lhasa, the route shifts to the G318 National Highway to Shigatse, offering scenic views of the river, farmlands, and mountains at the Qushui Bridge. Cultural highlights include visits to Drepung Monastery (famous for its Buddha Unfolding Festival), Tashilhunpo Monastery (seat of Panchen Lamas), and Shigatse Municipal Museum with its exhibits. On the return via a different route, stops feature Jiangsa National Wetland Park, Pelkor Chode Monastery with its 100,000-Buddha Kumbum Stupa, Gyantse Dzong Fortress (symbolizing historical resistance), and Manla Reservoir, described as a stunning blue sapphire reflecting peaks. The trip culminates at Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's Three Great Sacred Lakes at 4,441 meters, with its elegant, color-shifting waters like the Eye of the Earth, deemed worth any entrance fee for its unique beauty. Driving tips emphasize caution on mountain passes, avoiding strenuous activity at high altitudes, checking weather and road conditions to prevent landslides or fog-related risks, and adapting to extreme temperature differences with warm clothing and sun protection. Drone use is forbidden in Lhasa to avoid penalties.
The Ultimate 5100km Solo Drive: 4 Defining Days (5-8) Navigating the G318/G317's Highest Passes Part 3
In Part 3, the journey crosses from Sichuan into Tibet, starting in Batang (2,800 m) and entering via the Jinsha River Bridge into Mangkang, surrounded by flaming-red mountains. Day 5 involves conquering three high passes—Yela Shan, Jueba Shan, and Dongda Shan (5,130 m, the highest on G318 & G317)—with elevations up to 5,130 m, followed by a downhill to Zuogong (3,750 m). Precautions include watching for landslides and mud-rock flows. Day 6 features foggy starts in Zuogong, a revisit to Yela Shan (4,658 m), and the terrifying Nu River 72 Turns with narrow roads, crumbling rocks, sheer drops, potholes, and a 3-hour traffic jam from a landslide. Attractions include Bangda Grassland viewpoint. Overnight in Basu. Day 7 offers rewards like Ranwu Lake at sunrise (mirror-calm waters reflecting peaks) and Laigu Glacier (gigantic white glacier with boardwalk), with drone tips for cold winds. Day 8 includes Sutong Horseshoe Bend on Palong Zangbo River, Lulang Gongcuo Lake, Lulang Forest Sea, and Sejila Mountain (4,728 m). Ends in Nyingchi (Linzhi), Tibet's mild "Jiangnan." The Batang to Basu segment (~360 km) crosses three rivers (Jinsha, Lancang, Nu) and four major passes (Lawu at 4,338 m, Jueba at 3,940 m, Dongda at 5,130 m, Yela at 4,658 m), noted as the most epic and demanding. Advice: Check road conditions nightly via WeChat, avoid tired driving, book hotels and parking ahead, especially for plateau inexperience.
The Ultimate 5100km Solo Drive: Chengdu → Lhasa & Back via G318 + G317 PART 2
The blog post details the solo drive along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway starting from Chengdu after arriving via high-speed train from Kunming. Day 1 (September 3, 2024) involves arrival in Chengdu, checking into a hotel near the station, eating spicy noodles, and resting early. Day 2 (September 4) covers picking up a Toyota RAV4 from Ehi Car Rental, stocking supplies at Shuangliu Wanda Plaza, and driving to Ya’an, where the traveler strolls along the Qingyi River amid Ya Rain mist and enjoys tata noodles. Day 3 (September 5) starts with departure from Ya’an, passing through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel (3,437 m), Luding Bridge over the Daduo River, and expressway tunnels to Kangding; after a quick stop, the climb over Jianziwan Mountain (4,659 m) features the Heavenly Road 18 Bends with hairpin switchbacks, leading to vast plateau views, prayer flags, and snowy peaks, ending in Yajiang’s steep canyon town—with a warning on poor parking, advising advance hotel reservations. Day 4 (September 6) involves driving from Yajiang along G318, through Ga’ersi Mountain Tunnel to Maoya Grassland under snowy peaks, Haizi Mountain (4,618 m) with glacial rocks and lakes, Litang (4,014 m, world’s highest city) with drone flight and Sisters Lakes’ deep blue waters, arriving in Batang by evening for drone use over Zhongshan Park and street food. Landscapes shift from misty rivers and golden fields to high-altitude canyons, grasslands, moonscapes, and sapphire lakes amid endless skies and stupas. Tips include checking road conditions due to construction and weather, managing altitude sickness above 4,000 m with glucose and rest, filling fuel often, respecting Tibetan customs like not touching prayer flags, booking accommodations in advance via Ctrip or Meituan, planning overnight stops in county towns below 3,500 m, and noting tunnels improve safety but hide scenic passes.
Stay Updated
Get the latest travel tips and destination guides delivered to your inbox