Self-driving tours around Sichuan – Yaxi Highway Loop
Editor’s note: Self-driving tours have been gaining popularity among Chinese tourists in recent years. One of the popular places for self-driving tours in China is Sichuan, as the province boasts rich tourism resources. China.org.cn has compiled information about some of the best routes for self-driving tours in Sichuan. Here are one of them:
The Yaxi Highway Loop
The route has become very popular among tourists recently. The Yaxi Highway is called “a highway in the clouds”because of its high elevation. Built through high mountains and deep valleys, the road affords breathtaking views of towering mountains and steep precipices. Travelers are often awed by the great wisdom and courage of the builders of this difficult road.
Best time for the tour：Spring, summer and autumn
Day 1: Chengdu City-Ya’an City
Mount Mengding
Itinerary:
Set out from Chengdu, take the G5 Highway, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Ya’an.
Highlights:
Bifeng Gorge: The gorge features extraordinary mountain and water sceneries. It is green with lush plants all year round.
Mount Mengding: Mount Mengding is famous for its tea plantations.
Day 2: Ya’an City-Hanyuan County-Shimian County
Itinerary: Leave Ya’an by the famous Yaxi Highway. Soon after you pass the Qingxi Township, you will arrive at Mount Tuowu, where the Double-Spiral Tunnel lies.
Highlights:
Qingxi Ancient Town in Hanyuan: The town is where the Southern Silk Road, the Ancient Tea and Horse Road, and the Ancient Salt Road converged.
Menghuo City Scenic Area in Shimian: Legend has it that the scenic area, situated in Liziping Township, was the place where Meng Huo and Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdom period had a decisive fight. It is now alpine meadows.
Double-Spiral Tunnel: The tunnel, with a trailblazing design, is the most difficult and amazing part of the Yaxi Highway and is well worth visiting as a scenic spot. The Ganzihai Bridge between the tunnel has set five world records.
