9 Hours of Scenic Mountain Driving Across Lugu Lake to Yading 4K - Episode 15

9 Hours of Scenic Mountain Driving Across Lugu Lake to Yading 4K - Episode 15
Driving alone on the Luya Highway, crossing the Hengduan Mountains, experiencing excitement and thrills, searching for the dreamlike Shangri-La.
On April 8, 2024, I set out alone from Lugu Lake, known as the "Daughter Kingdom", and successfully crossed the Luya Highway after passing through multiple Chinese forest fire prevention checkpoints and police checkpoints. The route took me through Qiansuo Township, Mofanggou Town, Wujiao Mongolian Township, Yiji Township, Eya Township, Lusi Village, Echu Mountain, Jijia Town, and Geka Township. After about 10 hours of driving, I arrived at Yading Village in Daocheng County, Sichuan Province, China, on the same evening.
Where is the Luya Highway?
The Luya Highway is a nickname for the road connecting Lugu Lake and Daocheng Yading. As it has not been officially opened to traffic yet, it cannot be found on navigation systems.
Among Chinese enthusiasts of self-driving and off-road adventures, there's a widespread belief: If the scenery along China's National Highway 318 haven't satisfied your urge for exploration, then a journey on the Luya Highway should be your next destination. And if the thrill and adventure of the Bingchacha route along National Highway 219 leading into Tibet leaves you in awe, then a drive on the Luya Highway is a must.
The Luya Highway is approximately 280 kilometers long and currently takes about 8-10 hours to drive.
Where is Shangri-La?
Years ago, an American-Austrian named Joseph Rock published a series of detailed travelogues about China's Hengduan Mountains, widely spreading the name "Shangri-La" worldwide. Since then, the location of the "Shangri-La" described in his books, which is hidden somewhere in China's Hengduan Mountains, has become a topic of enduring discussion and controversy.
The Tibetan meaning of "Shangri-La" is "the sun and moon in one's heart," which can also be translated as "Xiangrila" or "Xiangbala." Places such as Gannan in Gansu, Linzhi in Tibet, Deqin County in Yunnan, and Daocheng Yading in Sichuan, as well as any other places resembling a utopian paradise, can all be referred to as "Shangri-La" or "Xiangbala." Shangri-La remains an elusive dream that captivates the hearts of many, a paradise longed for by all. As the saying goes, "What you see is what you believe, and what you believe creates your reality." As long as you cherish beauty in your heart, the world will treat you kindly, and Shangri-La exists in the hearts of everyone who cherishes beauty.
This 22-episode documentary offers a detailed and immersive journey along the Luya Highway in China, capturing both the road's unique conditions and the breathtaking natural scenery. Although the challenges along this route may not rival those encountered by Joseph Rock in his legendary expedition, it still promises plenty of excitement and adventure.
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