Exploring the Epic G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway: 20 Must-See Classic Attractions

Exploring the Epic G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway: 20 Must-See Classic Attractions

The G318 National Highway, better known as the Sichuan-Tibet Highway or simply the “Heavenly Road to Tibet,” is one of the most breathtaking and challenging drives on Earth. Stretching over 2,100 kilometers from Chengdu to Lhasa, it crosses 14 mountains averaging more than 4,000 meters, fords dozens of raging rivers, and climbs to elevations above 5,000 meters. Along the way, you’ll witness jaw-dropping snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, endless grasslands, deep canyons, and sacred Tibetan Buddhist sites. Here are 20 iconic stops that every traveler, photographer, and adventurer should not miss on this legendary route.

1. Mugecuo (Seven Colors Lake)Mugecuo, also called Seven Colors Lake, lies about 25 km northwest of Kangding at an altitude of 3,700 meters and is praised as a “fairyland on earth.” The scenic area consists of five major zones: Rhododendron Gorge, Racehorse Plain, Seven Colors Lake, Hot Springs, and Fragrant Grass Plain. The lake water magically shifts between sapphire blue, emerald green, dark green, and milky white depending on the light, surrounded by snow mountains and primeval forests. From May to June, the valleys explode with high-altitude rhododendrons — pure magic! The classic route is to take the shuttle bus + hike or ride horseback up to Fragrant Grass Plain for distant views of the Gongga Mountain range. In winter, frozen waterfalls create stunning ice cascades. This is hands-down Kangding’s must-do day trip.

2. Xinduqiao Town Dubbed “Paradise of Light and Shadow” by photographers, Xinduqiao sits at 4,300 meters and marks your first jaw-dropping scenery entering Tibetan areas on G318. Though the town itself is small, it boasts a 10-kilometer photographic corridor of poplar groves, golden Tibetan houses, meandering streams, and snow-mountain backdrops — beautiful in all four seasons. Dawn mist with sunrise glow and golden sunset backlighting produce masterpiece-level shots every time. It’s also the gateway to Tagong Grassland, Muya Holy Land, and Yutong Lotus Lake. Many photographers camp out near Donggu Sunshine Inn or Photography Paradise Hotel waiting for that perfect light.

3. Yala Snow Mountain Rising to 5,884 meters, Yala Snow Mountain is the guardian deity of the Muya region and the closest major snow peak you can photograph on G318. The best viewpoint is Tagong Grassland, where the pyramid-shaped peak, golden stupas, grassland, yaks, and prayer flags create the famous “Oriental Alps” composition. On clear days the main peak is eternally snow-capped and overwhelmingly majestic. Every Dragon Year on the Tibetan calendar, local Muya people circumambulate the mountain — a spectacular sight. Golden autumn grasslands and snowy winters are both prime shooting seasons.