Road trip of a lifetime ✨
There are many more sites to visit/ things to do in Western Sichuan, we only covered a very small part of it. This was the route we took to get to our main destination for the trip, Daocheng Yading (tat II/
J), which is a 12-hour drive from Chengdu.
Western Sichuan is also a great getaway for the summer as it is still quite cooling in summer.
Temperatures range around 10+ degrees depending on location.
Day 1:Chengdu - Luding Bridge 泸定桥 - TagongGrassland 塔公草原 - Xinduqiao 新都桥
Day 2:Xinduqiao 新都桥 - Shangari-La Town 香格里拉镇
Day 3: Full day @ Daocheng Yading (TaIT)
Day 4: Shangari-La Town (71a #f €) - Xinduqiao
（新都桥）
Day 5:Xinduqiao（新都桥）- Sidingcuo（斯丁措 ）-Moshi Park（墨石公园）- Chengd（成都）
Save this post as inspiration for your next China trip!
Having just completed this Western Sichuan road trip, I highly recommend preparing thoroughly for the altitudes you'll encounter—ranging from 1,300m at Luding Bridge up to over 4,700m near Daocheng Yading. Bringing altitude sickness medication and staying hydrated really helped me enjoy the breathtaking scenery without discomfort. When it comes to driving, note that distances can be long—for example, the 12-hour drive from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading demands early starts and careful planning. The roads can be winding but are manageable with a reliable vehicle; I found a 4WD especially useful given mountain conditions. Take breaks at free viewing platforms along Highway 318 for great photo stops. Packing summer clothes layered with warmer jackets is best since temperatures hover around 10+ degrees Celsius but can drop sharply at higher elevations. Financially, expect entrance fees like RMB 120 for Yading scenic area and small charges at grasslands—budget accordingly. Finally, accommodations like Homeinn Plus in Xinduqiao and ecological hotels in Shangri-La Town offer comfortable rest spots after long drives. Overall, this route blends exciting driving, cultural immersion, and stunning nature, making for a truly memorable self-drive itinerary in Sichuan.
