2025 Zayu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

👍️Recommended reasons: Located in Chayu County, Linzhi City, Tibet Autonomous Region, Chayu Shui Moyan is a hidden gem that combines natural wonders and Tibetan culture. The unique Shui Moyan landscape features rocks sculpted by thousands of years of water erosion, forming various stone mortars, troughs, and caves, resembling a masterpiece of natural art. 🌊✨Stroll through the area, with the sound of gurgling water in your ears and the beautiful scenery of strange rocks, snow-capped mountains, and forests before your eyes, as if you are in a fairyland. In addition, Chayu Shui Moyan also has a rich Tibetan culture. It was once a place where local residents used water power to grind flour. The remains of the ancient water mill are still preserved today, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history and the charm of culture. Whether you are a tourist who loves natural scenery or a friend who is interested in Tibetan culture, this place will make you linger! 🌟 Detailed address: Shui Moyan Scenic Area, Chayu County, Linzhi City, Tibet Autonomous Region. Transportation: From downtown Linzhi, you can take a bus or hire a car to Chayu County, which takes about 6-7 hrs. Due to the long distance, it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance. Self-driving tourists should pay attention to driving safety on mountain roads. 🚗 📅Introduction to one photogenic spot: **Shui Moyan Core Area**: This is the essence of Chayu Shui Moyan, where strange rocks and clear streams intertwine, forming a unique landscape of stone mortar clusters. In the early morning or evening, the sun shines on the rocks, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow, making it especially suitable for taking photos of natural scenery and portraits. 📸 🏨Accommodation recommendation: **Chayu Tibetan-style B&B**: Located near the scenic area, this B&B features a Tibetan style, with simple and elegant rooms decorated with Tibetan Thangka paintings and ornaments. Outside the window are snow-capped mountains and forests, offering magnificent views. The B&B also provides Tibetan cuisine, allowing you to experience authentic Tibetan culture while staying there. 🏔️🛏️ Ticket price: Adult ticket: 60 yuan/person; Student ticket: 30 yuan/person (with valid ID). Opening hours: Open all year round, daily 9:00-18:00. Recommended nearby food: 1. **Tibetan Tsampa**: Made from roasted barley flour, it has a firm texture and is eaten with butter tea. It is a traditional staple food of the Tibetan people, rich in nutrients, and has a unique flavor. 🍚 2. **Yak jerky**: Made from local yak meat, it has a firm texture and rich aroma. It is a delicious snack for the journey and also a good gift for friends and family. 🥩 Recommended camera lens: When shooting in front of the **Shui Moyan stone mortar clusters**, with the strange rocks and streams as the background and the distant snow-capped mountains, the picture has rich layers and is especially suitable for capturing stunning effects. 📷 Shopping in the scenic area: It is recommended to buy **Tibetan handicrafts**, such as hand-woven Tibetan carpets and Thangka paintings. They are exquisitely crafted and have strong Tibetan cultural characteristics, making them excellent souvenirs or gifts. 🎨 💗Practical tips: 1. **Altitude sickness**: Chayu has a high altitude. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, pay attention to rest, and avoid strenuous exercise. 💊 2. **Clothing recommendations**: Due to the large temperature difference between day and night, it is recommended to bring warm clothes and wear non-slip hiking shoes, as some areas in the scenic spot are slippery. 🧥👟

Explore the Laigu Glacier and Encounter the Blue Ice Wonders of Tibet Hey there, travelers! Want to experience the stunning scenery of the glaciers in Tibet? Laigu Glacier is worth a visit! ⏰Best travel time: November to March of the following year. During this period, the glacier is frozen, the ice surface is stable, and the blue ice is more spectacular. You can also avoid the rainy season and heavy snowfall. 🚗Transportation: You can first arrive in Lhasa, then rent a car or hire a car to travel to the glacier. The journey is long, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary well. You can also join a local tour group to save time and effort. The distance from Ranwu Lake to Laigu Glacier is about 30 kilometers. 🍜Food expenses: You can dine at Ranwu Lake or nearby towns. Snacks cost about 10–20 yuan per serving, and meals cost about 50–80 yuan per person. Sichuan cuisine is the main choice, but Tibetan cuisine is also available. 🏨Accommodation recommendations: You can stay at hotels or guesthouses near Ranwu Lake. The price is between 200 and 500 yuan. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ranwu Lake and the Laigu Glacier is also nearby. 🌟Attraction recommendations: Laigu Glacier Group: Consists of multiple glaciers, including the Meixi Glacier and the Yalong Glacier. The glaciers are of different shapes and sizes, and are a great place to see glaciers up close. Ranwu Lake: Located next to Laigu Glacier, the lake is clear and blue, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains and glaciers complement each other, creating a picturesque scene. Laigu Village: An ancient village at the foot of the glacier, it is primitive and simple, where you can experience the life of the local Tibetan people and experience the unique Tibetan style. Embark on this journey to the glaciers of Tibet and start your ice and snow adventure!

Tibet Southern Tibet borders three South Asian countries and Myanmar. Pulan County in Ngari Prefecture borders India and Nepal to the south, with the Himalayas as the boundary. Dingjie County in Shigatse City borders Nepal and Sikkim, India to the south. Yadong County borders Sikkim, India to the west and Bhutan to the east. Among these three counties, Pulan and Dingjie have the Pulan Port and the Riwu Port on the China-Nepal border, while Yadong has the Yadong Port on the China-India border at the Nathu La Pass. Cuona County in Shannan City borders Bhutan to the southwest and Assam, India to the south. Chayu County in Nyingchi City borders Assam, India to the southwest and Kachin, Myanmar to the southeast. Cuona, Chayu, and Motuo County between them have large areas of land in the southern Tibet region currently occupied by India. However, ordinary tourists can still visit the subtropical landscapes of Lebu Valley and Mama Township in central Cuona County, and go as far south as Xiachayu Town in Chayu County. Yunnan Yunnan borders three Southeast Asian countries on the Indochina Peninsula: Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Mengla County in Xishuangbanna Prefecture borders Myanmar and Laos. The Lancang River separates it from Shan, Myanmar to the west, while it is surrounded by Phongsaly and Luang Namtha, Laos to the west, south, and southwest. Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County in Pu'er City borders You County in Phongsaly, Laos to the south and Muong Nhe District in Dien Bien, Vietnam to the southeast.

Bingzhongluo (Yunnan) - Chawalung (Tibet) - Zayu (Tibet), with a total length of 305 kilometers, is known as the seventh route to Tibet and is also the closest route from Yunnan to Tibet. Bingchacha is rich in scenic spots, including snow-capped mountains, canyons, virgin forests, etc. It is one of the core areas of the Nujiang, Lancangjiang and Jinshajiang Three Parallel Rivers Nature Reserve. The Nujiang First Bay, Shimen Pass, Wuli Village, Deram Tea Ma Gudao and others converge here. 1️⃣ From Zayu County to Chawalung Township, the more than 200-kilometer journey is still difficult and dangerous. It is all unpaved roads, and you have to cross three snow-capped mountain passes with an altitude of more than 4,400 meters. However, China Communications Construction is already building tunnels. It can be completed within 3 years. Along the way, we climbed the snow-capped mountains and crossed the canyons, and saw the most primitive and magnificent scenery. 2️⃣ From Chawalung to Bingzhongluo, natural disasters frequently occur on this road, so don't take the risk of traveling in rainy or snowy weather. Shell craters and washboards are everywhere, the canyon has a large drop in height, the river is turbulent, the cliffs are steep, and the road along the mountain is dangerous. When driving on such roads, a 4WD SUV is the best choice. We also encountered thrilling moments when passing through the quicksand known as the "Death Valley". The Great Quicksand is a geological structure with perennial landslides. The mountain rock walls are exposed and quicksand is rolling. Whenever there is a strong wind, flying rocks will fall from the sky and rumble into the Nujiang River. A bridge is being built nearby. We will take a detour through the big quicksand and the road will be easier to navigate in the future. 3 The road conditions start to improve at the border between Yunnan and Tibet. It is a world of difference. It is all paved double lanes, with many green plants planted along the way and a viewing plank road built along the Nujiang River.

|You must visit the Laigu Glacier once. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

June 3, 2023, the 81st day of the self-driving tour around China, from Zayü County in Tibet to Ranwu Town in Tibet, crossing the Zayü Grand Canyon, and over the Demula Snow Mountain. The short 160 kilometers of G559 climbs from an altitude of over 2000 meters to nearly 5000 meters. The scenery becomes more and more beautiful as you go, as if traveling through a blockbuster landscape. The Zayü Grand Canyon is located in Zayü County, Nyingchi, Tibet, and its natural scenery is extremely magnificent. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it forms a unique landscape where 'one mountain holds four seasons, and ten miles hold different weathers.' The canyon is majestic, with peaks soaring into the clouds and deep and secluded valleys, like a natural painting that leaves one in awe. Historically, this place was where the Tibetan local government exiled prisoners, and due to its remote location and harsh climate, it was considered a place of great hardship and desolation. However, it is precisely such an environment that has nurtured the unique natural and cultural landscape of Zayü. The Demula Mountain Pass is nearly 5000 meters above sea level, a high mountain pass. Due to its high altitude and special geographical location, the climate here is harsh, the air is thin, and altitude sickness is common. From the viewing platform at the pass, the snow-covered mountain ranges appear even more majestic and precipitous, giving a strong sense of shock. After crossing the Demula Mountain, glaciers take the leading role. The spectacular glacier road. From southeast to northwest, there are more than a dozen glaciers, including the Gongza and Laigu glaciers. The grandeur and beauty of the glaciers are like entering a dreamlike world. Gazing at the glaciers is a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Ranwu Lake is like a huge mirror, reflecting the snow mountains and blue sky with white clouds, picturesque. The rolling mountains and dense forests around the lake give a sense of tranquility far from the hustle and bustle. Ranwu Lake shows different colors in different seasons: in spring and summer, the lake is as blue as a gem; in autumn and winter, the lake surface shines with silver light, and the surrounding mountains and forests are dyed with gold and red, colorful and intoxicating. Upon reaching Ranwu Town, the self-driving route converges with the Sichuan-Tibet Southern Route (National Highway 318). On the way to Bomi, there are internet-famous checkpoints: water crossings and electronic speed measurement. The section at 3815KM+200M of National Highway 318, due to its special geographical location and natural environment, has formed a water crossing surface, attracting many travelers to experience it. On the way to Bomi County on National Highway 318, there are three 30-kilometer speed measurement points. Under the guise of safety, the speed limit of 70 suddenly drops to 30 at a cliff. The speed measurement points are all in the visual blind spots after turning, which is really unscrupulous. Reminder to fellow drivers: 3855, 3895, and 3922, speed limit 30, speeding, 6 points deducted, fine of 1200 yuan. Bomi, this mysterious land located in southeastern Tibet. The mountains are stacked, and the clouds are misty, like a flowing painting. Known as 'the Switzerland of Tibet,' its beauty is beyond words. The green forests cover the slopes, the clear rivers meander, and the tops of the snow mountains shine with holy light. Here, you can feel the grandeur and tranquility of nature, and experience the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

June 1, 2023, the 79th and 80th days of the self-driving tour around China, from Bingzhongluo, Yunnan to Zayu, Tibet, a distance of nearly 300 kilometers. Bingchacha is known as "the ultimate crossing road in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts." For those who like self-driving and adventure, this is a must-drive route in their lifetime. It is full of challenges and surprises, allowing people to continue to grow and gain along the way. Bingchacha connects Bingzhongluo Township of Gongshan County, Yunnan Province and Chawalung Township of Zayu County, Tibet, and then leads to Zayu County. The road is located on a cliff and faces the Nujiang River. The road condition is very dangerous. The road is almost entirely in bad condition, often blocked, and traffic is extremely low. There are endless mountains to climb, endless dirt roads to turn on, potholes to avoid, and unbearable bumps, so it is called the "Devil's Route to Tibet." The entire Bingchacha route is 287 kilometers, but as the vehicle speed is around 30 kilometers per hour, it basically takes more than eleven hours. Therefore, although it is theoretically possible to cross it in one day, it is still recommended to divide it into two sections: the first day, Bingzhongluo to Chawalung, 80 kilometers; the second day, Chawalung to Chayu, 210 kilometers. The Nachaluo Canyon on the Nujiang River has a drop of 3,000 to 4,000 meters, and the Bingchacha Highway hangs on the cliffs, which is thrilling and spectacular. After saying goodbye to Bingzhongluo, we entered Tibet. The tall trees turned into low bushes, the vegetation became increasingly sparse, and the scenery on both sides of the Nujiang River became more barren and desolate. After passing through Longpo Village, you can see a huge gray-white sandstone waterfall in the distance. This is the legendary beautiful yet dangerous and deadly "Big Quicksand", the most famous death section on the Bingchacha Line. Chawalung Township is located in the southeast of Zayu County, at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain. There is sparse vegetation on the open river valley terrace, and the heat is overwhelming under the scorching sun. Before 2005, Chawalung Township was like an "isolated island" and had experienced many vicissitudes. In 2009, the Chacha Highway was completed, and Chawalon’s infrastructure began to take off. Today, Chawalon is full of hotels and is thriving. As "Bingchacha" continues to gain popularity, it has become a "net celebrity destination" for self-driving tours. Not long after leaving Chawalon, we arrived at the Nujiang Bridge, which is the confluence of the Nujiang River and the Yuqu River. After crossing the Nujiang Bridge, towering mountains come into view. The famous Eighteen Bends look like a spiral. The magnificent Yuqu Canyon and the clear Shequ River dance among the mountains like a ribbon. Arriving at the Yuqu River Valley, we start driving through the primeval forest. On both sides of the mountain road, there are towering old trees with lichen hanging all over the tree trunks. The distant mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, and the mountain streams are gurgling. It feels like a fairyland. After bidding farewell to Yuqu Canyon, we will cross the Xiongzhula Pass at an altitude of 4,636 meters. The mountain road is serpentine, the mountains are high and the slopes are steep, and the rock mass is broken and severely weathered and eroded. The original old road can still be vaguely seen, which was once known as the last off-road road. Remember, do not turn the steering wheel suddenly to avoid falling rocks to avoid falling off the vehicle. Because of the high altitude, the climate near the mountain pass is cold and the air is thin. Standing at the pass, the infinite scenery on the dangerous peaks, everything is self-explanatory. Leaving Xiongzhula Pass and going down to the bottom of the mountain is Muruo Village. Although it is a small mountain village, it is an important post station on the Bingcha Line. There were no potholes to avoid, so we continued to move forward towards Changla Pass. The original forests are gradually decreasing, and large areas of meadows and grass slopes are appearing. Take the worst dirt road and see the most beautiful scenery at the 4498-meter Changla Pass. Changla Mountain is the Chinese translation of Ciwangla Mountain, and Changla Pass is the Ciwangla Mountain Pass. There is an inscription on a stone at the pass, with the inscription reading: The mountain is for those with blessings and virtues. Yixiu La Pass, the highest pass on the Bingchacha Line, is 4,706 meters above sea level. The snowy plateau, the vast painting, a long sigh, who is in charge of the rise and fall. What’s even more exciting is that the magical “snow wall” spectacle appeared. The road runs entirely through two snow walls, barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other. On Bingchacha Road, I actually saw a female knight. I really admire her. By the way, tunnels at the foot of Changla Pass and Yixiu La Pass are being dug. In a few years, these two passes will be eliminated from history. After crossing the Yixiu La Pass and passing Sangjiu Village, you will reach Chayu County. Zayu County is located in the southeast of Tibet and is a county of Nyingchi City. It is 2,330 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides, and the Sangqu River runs through the city. The city's buildings are Tibetan style, and the streets are neat and clean. Driving to Bingchacha is like being on an adventure into an unknown world. Steep mountain roads, turbulent Nujiang River, magnificent canyons, every step is full of unknowns and excitement. The scenery along the way is picturesque and breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, primeval forests, plateau meadows... every scene is like a masterpiece of nature, making people intoxicated. In the past, the journey was difficult due to gravel, potholes, rocks, landslides, quicksand and rolling stones, so Bingchacha became a holy land for off-road driving. There is a saying that "after running through Bingchacha, you will never think of bad roads again." Now that it has been planned as National Highway 219, the entire Bingchacha line has completed projects such as roadbed reconstruction, road widening, and installation of guardrails. At present, the road from Bingzhongluo to the Yunnan-Tibet border has been paved with oil. Although the road from the Yunnan-Tibet border to Chayu is still a gravel road with potholes of various sizes, the road condition is much better than before. Except in winter and rainy season, there is no pressure on SUVs and off-road vehicles. The key is to choose good tires. The Bingchacha Road is not an ordinary traffic route, but an adventure journey full of challenges and thrills. Only those who dare to face difficulties and take risks can find the motivation to move forward on this road.

🚗 Zayü County, under the jurisdiction of Nyingchi City of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, is located in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It borders Deqin County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Gongshan Drung-Nu Autonomous County of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province to the east, Zogang County of Chamdo to the northeast, Mêdog County to the west, Myanmar and India to the south, and Bomi County and Baxoi County of Chamdo to the north. The total area of the county is 31,530 square kilometers, with an average altitude of 2,800 meters. It is rich in natural resources, with the terrain sloping from northwest to southeast, and enjoys a mild climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. Situated at an important node of the new Yunnan-Tibet corridor, it lies on the Greater Shangri-La Ecotourism Circle and is a necessary stop on the new Sichuan-Yunnan-Tibet transportation loop; the forest coverage rate in the county reaches 60%, with a wealth of precious understory resources and numerous rare and protected animal species. The area also contains dozens of rare minerals such as gold, silver, copper, and tin, offering great potential for development; the total length of the border line is 588.64 kilometers. 🚗 On this trip, I made a spontaneous decision to take the Bingcha-Cha route to Yunnan, and to my surprise, the winter here is much warmer than in Ranwu Lake and Bomi. The county town is not very large, but it actually has buses and taxis, and the town center is bustling with many people. The entire county town stretches along the Sangqu River, whose waters are incredibly clear and transparent. 🚗 If you want to get a high view of the county town, you can go to the Hero Monument, and if time allows, you can also take a walk along the riverside trail, which offers beautiful scenery. There is a so-called hot spring hotel, but I don't really recommend it, as it feels like a fake hot spring.

Yunnan-Tibet trip 41 ‣.09.18 Yunnan-Tibet trip arrived at Muruo Village, Chayu County, Nyingchi City, Tibet at 13:00 for rest. The altitude here is 3,990 meters. It is a Tibetan farmer and herdsman residential area, and the main economy is agriculture and animal husbandry. It is the main post station on the Yunnan-Tibet New Channel - Bingchacha Highway, and one of the five 3A scenic spots in Zayu County to create the "Yunnan-Tibet Scenic Corridor". The beautiful grasslands, pastures, valleys and rivers form a series of colorful natural landscape paintings. Some people have praised it for having the characteristics of a small Switzerland in Tibet.

Yunnan-Tibet Trip 34 2023.09.17 Beijing Time 13:50, the Yunnan-Tibet trip finally arrived at the boundary point between Yunnan and Tibet. I checked the altitude here is 1679 meters. On the cliff along the Nujiang Highway here, the big signs of "Yunnan" and "Tibet" are carved respectively, and the rolling Nujiang River is next to it. However, after entering Tibet from Yunnan, although it is still along the Nujiang River, you can no longer enjoy the flat and comfortable asphalt road, but a road full of soil smoke pits and unevenness.