Things to do in Markam (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated August, 2025) | Trip.com
M85***97:“The Millennium Ancient Salt Fields of Yanjing are located in the Naxi Ethnic Township of Mangkang County, Changdu City, Tibet. In the unique landforms along the Lancang River, it is a cultural wonder that continues the ancient salt-making tradition of more than 1,300 years. The following is a brief review and travel tips:
Core Highlights
Living Fossil of Millennium Salt-making Technology
The salt fields still use the "sunlight salt drying method" circulated in the Tang Dynasty: locals use wooden frames to build salt pools, and guide the Lancang River brine to evaporate and crystallize naturally, forming red and white salt (red salt is produced in Jiangdong, and white salt is produced in Jiangxi). This wisdom of symbiosis with the natural environment has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Spectacular Cascading Salt Field Landscape
Thousands of salt fields are scattered along the river, reflecting the sky like a mirror. Especially in the early morning or at sunset, the salt fields, the Lancang River Canyon, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance form a very visually impactful picture, which photography enthusiasts should not miss.
Multicultural fusion in eastern Tibet
Yanjing is an important node on the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Tibetans and Naxi people live together here. You can also see the only Catholic church in Tibet (built by French missionaries in the 19th century), forming a unique fusion of beliefs and cultures.
Travel experience suggestions
Watch the salt workers work: In the early morning, you can see villagers carrying brine and collecting salt, and experience the magical process of "salt being born from the river water".
Taste special food: The local salt field red salt pickled in Laoyanjing Jiajia noodles (with Tibetan pork) and Yanjing wine have a unique flavor.
Visit the ancient village: The surrounding Tibetan watchtowers, Catholic churches, and Yantian Museum are worth visiting to experience the collision of multiple cultures.
Precautions
Transportation: It is recommended to drive or charter a car (about 2 hours from Mangkang County to Yanjing). Some sections are rugged and need to be cautious in the rainy season.
Altitude adaptation: Yanjing is about 2,300 meters above sea level, which is milder than other areas in Tibet, but you still need to pay attention to altitude sickness.
Best season: March-May (peak season for salt drying, pleasant climate) or September-November (autumn colors against the salt pans), avoid the rainy season from July to August.
Respect customs: Please communicate before photographing the salt workers to avoid interfering with their work; keep the church and the village quiet.
Summary
The ancient salt pans of Yanjing are not only a visual wonder, but also a civilized witness of the coexistence of man and nature. This place is suitable for travelers who pursue a deep cultural experience, and feel the thousand-year salt rhyme frozen in time in the quiet Lancang River Canyon.”
Please contact the attraction to confirm specific opening hours
倩ang🍓🍉🍑🍒:“Dongda Mountain, the "cloud checkpoint" of the Tibetan Sky Road, boasts a 5,130-meter-high pass, the commanding height of the southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
Here, the wind, carrying the chill of snow, sweeps over mani piles draped with fluttering prayer flags; the clouds, so low they seem pluckable, linger over the perpetually snow-capped peaks. Standing at the pass, the silvery road snakes beneath you, and in the distance, glaciers stretch to the horizon. Here, the world becomes pure—only blue sky, white snow, brown mountains, and the vibrant colors of the prayer flags dancing.
The dizziness of hypoxia hides the most visceral awe. Every breath resonates with the snow-capped mountains, and every glance ushers you into the embrace of nature. This place is a medal of courage, and a high ground that brings peace to the soul. Once you've been here, you'll never forget the faith in the wind and the vastness of the mountaintop.”
Geographer:“After crossing the Lancang River on 318, you will start to climb the mountain along the Lancang River valley on the cliff. This mountain is Jueba Mountain. The altitude is not high, and the pass is less than 4,000 meters, but the route is really dangerous. The Jueba Mountain Tunnel has begun construction.”
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Sine23sine:“👒💐✈️ Tibet is one of our dream destinations that we have pinned as a place we want to visit once in our lives.
👒💐✈️ Tibet is full of natural beauty, mountains, plateaus, lakes, and cool climate, including various Buddhist architectures that are everywhere.
. #Happy to go worship the sacred things in various temples.”
enjoyzent:“Rumei Village is located in the west of Mangkang County, at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. It is a small village in the valley under Jueba Mountain.
Rumei Village is a poor village, mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, half farming and half animal husbandry, raising livestock and poultry such as yaks, horses, sheep, Tibetan fragrant pigs, and planting crops such as corn, barley, radix and walnuts. Therefore, it is not a traditional tourist attraction. It is a resting place chosen by many travelers who enter Tibet by hiking or cycling when crossing the long slope of Jueba Mountain.
Perhaps while bringing convenience to tired people, Rumei Village also left an impression of "beauty", just like an oasis in the desert, rooted in people's memory.”
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喜悦的帽子姐姐:“🏔️ Conquer 5130 meters! Touch the sky in the ice and snow world! Guide to the storm at the mouth of Mangkang Dongda Mountain! 🌬️ The top of the Sichuan-Tibet line! Challenge the ice and snow kingdom of the life-limited area! 📍 Address: Within Mangkang County, Tibet (318 National Road Sichuan-Tibet Line Section) 🚗 Transportation Tips: Self-driving suggestion 4 driving off-road vehicles + anti-slip chain | Mangkang County departure about 2.5 hours ⛰️ Must go reason 1 ️⃣ Climbing to the first height of the Sichuan-Tibet Line! 5130 meters punching monument is super shocking 2 ️⃣ year-round ice and snow wonders! In June, the magical zone where you can also play snowball 📸 Two God-level seats ㊙️ Jingxuan Observation Deck: Colorful Jingxuan + Continuous Snow Peak (Pay attention to high anti-reverse!) ㊙️ Elevation Monument punch card point: you must take a photo of your life achievement! It is recommended to wear bright clothes ⚠️ plateau survival guide ✅ Essential items: oxygen cylinders (20L), sunglasses, sunscreen ✅ slow action! No running and jumping ✅ eat Rhodiola in advance! Stay at the mouth for no more than 30 minutes 🚗 Classic Route Mangkang County ➡️ Jueba Mountain (3911 meters) ➡️ Dongda Mountain (5130 meters) ➡️ Zuogong County ✨ Tips: It is recommended to leave at 8 am to avoid the afternoon wind and snow #Tibet Self-driving #This life must drive 318 #Highland Travel #Ice and Snow #Mangkang Raiders”
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gz当地向导伊妹儿:“The Jinsha River Bridge has pleasant scenery, fresh air, nature, comfort, and fun. It gives you a refreshing feeling, makes you feel relaxed and happy, and is shocking. It is very cost-effective. You can drive by and take pictures.”
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倩ang🍓🍉🍑🍒:“The magnificent picture of the Sichuan-Tibet line, such as the Meizhuka Bridge, is like a bright pearl, shining on the Lancang River. Standing on the bridge, looking far away, the river bank is vertical cliff, bare rock is exposed, the turbid river water in the narrow cliff, as if telling the vicissitudes of the years. Such as the Meizhuka Bridge, not only a traffic road, but also a witness to history. The unsung hero monument at the bridgehead, engraved with Chairman Mao's inscription "Death for the benefit of the people, heavier than Mount Tai", reminds people of the PLA soldiers who died for the protection of the bridge in the past, their heroic deeds and dedication, passed down from generation to generation. The scenery around the bridge is also picturesque. The golden barley is distributed in a terraced pattern, and the surrounding greenery is contrasted with the surrounding greenery, like an oasis in the desert. The mountains in the distance are rolling and rolling, under the sun, and the bridge and river water together constitute a magnificent landscape painting. Whether it is self-driving, cycling or hiking, such as the Meizhuka Bridge can bring you unparalleled shock and touch, so that you can feel the weight and greatness of history while enjoying the natural beauty.”
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格格巴:“On a sunny afternoon, I was driving on the road, listening to country music in the car, looking at the distant Mangcuo Lake and the towering snow-capped mountains behind it. This is in Qamdo, Tibet.
This is due to the excellent environmental protection. Perhaps from another perspective, it is because the road here is not convenient, or it has not been commercialized and is not known by more tourists. Therefore, we should start with you and me to protect every place.”
Where to stay
Discover the most popular places to stay in Markam, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
非典型师奶:“If you pass by Mangkang on the way to Tibet, you must try the Jiajia noodles. This is the specialty here. After you finish a bowl of noodles, the boss will be very enthusiastic to give you more. You use a small stone to count the number of bowls you eat. If you can't eat anymore, put a fork with chopsticks. The boss said that whoever can challenge the record can get a free meal. Don't think it's easy. I felt full after eating a few bowls. It's fun. You might as well try it if you pass by here~”
滇国剑客:“Because it is close to Chengdu, a food capital, the cuisine of Chengdu pays attention to taste and color. It is very popular here and has become a must-have food for people on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.”
M51***02:“Grape wine reflects the moonlight
After a bumpy ride, we finally arrived at the Quzika Yunqu Manor Hotel. Stepping into the hotel, we were greeted by a grand lobby, a blend of rich Tibetan elements and modern design. It instantly felt worth the trip.
The core charm of Yunqu Manor lies in its unique vineyards, situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters, the 1865 Winery, and its natural radon hot springs. We participated in a wine tasting at the hotel. Gently swirling the glass, we savored the ruby-like "Highland Black Pearl," a smooth and delicate sip. The cultural and creative series' Little Train Red Wine gift box is also a great gift.
A special mention must be made about the guest rooms. We had a twin room, which was very spacious and clean, with a great view of the Lancang River. The hotel also provided a complimentary bottle of red wine 🍦, which was delicious and had a rich red wine aroma 😋. #TheseHotelsAmazingViews”
渝泾先生:“In the morning, after following the Tibetan believers around the Weise Temple, we came out to have breakfast. This is a Tibetan teahouse. The waiter inside does not speak Chinese. Later, the waiter at the next table who can speak Chinese helped to translate. Local characteristics, Tibetan flavor, very authentic.”