Things to do in Markam

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.

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.

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.

The Meili Grand Canyon on the Lancang River is located in Deqin County, Diqing, Yunnan, China. It is one of the most beautiful canyons in China and one of the largest and most important nature reserves in China. It focuses on protecting rare species such as the Yunnan golden monkey and the natural landscape of the typical mountain forest vertical belt in the Hengduan Mountains.

The trip was fulfilling: early rising was required; the hotel was well-located, clean, and comfortable; the hotel breakfast was good; the driver was skilled and punctual; there was no shopping; it was great value for money; the scenery was superb; the itinerary was well-planned; the driver was very professional; and the travel experience was excellent.

We were picked up by a private car, and the place felt like a self-entertaining hot pot restaurant; it was packed. There were local performances to watch, and the host was quite humorous. They gave us hada (ceremonial scarves) at the entrance, and the recommended butter tea was delicious.

After having a Tibetan meal in Dukezong Ancient Town, I saw some scenic views online and on a whim, my partner and I decided to drive there. It was winter, so the road conditions were quite dangerous. Because it was night, the roads were covered in black ice and snow. We didn't encounter many vehicles along the way, so it felt rather deserted, but thankfully we made it safely. We were also incredibly lucky to witness the sunrise over the sacred mountains—a sight I'd never seen before. I definitely want to see those sacred mountains again someday!

The horseback riding experience on the grassland was quite cost-effective. We rode for almost an hour, with someone leading the horses. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Napa Sea Grassland, and the children had a great time.

Light and shadow + snow-capped mountains + Tibetan villages + yak hot pot: capture the essence of Western Sichuan in one trip! 📍Xinduqiao is not a tourist attraction, but a small town in western Ganzi and Kangding, at the intersection of G318 and G248 highways, a must-stop station on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. It's renowned: 📸A photographer's paradise, ✨A world of light and shadow. Beauty lies in its 10+ kilometer scenic corridor: golden poplars, streams, Tibetan villages, and snow-capped mountains, like a flowing oil painting. The essence of the trip: Treat it as Western Sichuan base camp, explore during the day, and return to the town at an altitude of approximately 3300 meters to sleep at night, without carrying any luggage. 🗓️When to go? 🍂Late September to early November: Golden season, mid-to-late October when the poplars turn golden, peak photography time. 🌱May-June: Grasslands turn green again, wildflowers bloom everywhere. ☀️July-August: Summer retreat, stargazing, mushroom picking, matsutake season, but be mindful of the weather during the rainy season. ❄️December-February: Like an ink painting, less crowded, tranquil golden sunrise over the mountains. 🎮Core Activities 📸Chasing the Light 🌅7:00-9:00: Photographing the crepuscular rays: 3km poplar forest in Waze Township or Qumogong. 🌇16:00-18:30: Photographing the warm light of Tibetan villages, backlit silhouettes at the Gongga viewing platform. 🛣️Ten-Mile Gallery: Approximately 15km of the most scenic section of G318/G248. Secret code: Photograph the poplar shadows in the early morning, photograph the golden sunrise over the mountains in the evening. 🏔️Mountain Watch Yuzixi: Altitude approximately 4200 meters, 360° views of Gongga, Yala, and Qingrao. Panoramic views in the afternoon, golden sunrise over the mountains in the evening, Milky Way at night. Strong winds, wear a thick coat! SUVs are recommended for gravel roads. Gongga Viewpoint: 5 km from town, offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, villages, and rivers with a telephoto lens. Gaersi Sacred Mountain: Within 1 hour, free and less crowded. 🗺️Northern Route Yuzixi → Gedilam → Tagong Grassland → Gunong Village → Moshi Park. Take photos of Yala Snow Mountain and Muya Golden Pagoda at Tagong, and circumambulate the pagoda; take photos of otherworldly landscapes at Moshi. 🗺️Southern Route Juli Temple Pass → Jiagenba → Lenggacuo. Jiagenba is a pristine Tibetan village with few tourists; the E'se flowers bloom in July. Lenggacuo offers views of Gongga Mountain's reflection; a clear day is ideal. 🍄Local Experience In July and August, go mushroom picking with a guide. Open blind boxes of porcini and oak mushrooms, and cook fresh mushroom soup back at your guesthouse. ⚠️Don't eat anything you don't recognize! 🐎 Horse riding in Tagong; 🏠 Ask permission before visiting a Tibetan village and drinking butter tea; 🛏️ Tibetan-style guesthouses have oxygen-filled underfloor heating, and snow-capped mountains visible from the windows. 🍲 Highland Flavors · 🍲 Yak meat hot pot: The soul of the meal! Warms the body and combats altitude sickness. Recommended at Axi Pottery and Black Barley Estate. · 🍵 Butter tea: Salty and fragrant, relieves altitude sickness; sweet tea is an alternative if you don't like it. · 🥛 Yak yogurt: Thick and tangy, even better with sugar. · 🫓 Barley cakes + Tibetan buns: Authentic breakfast. · 🍄 Wild mushroom soup: A must-try in summer and autumn; red pine mushrooms are harvested from July to September. Restaurants on the main street cost 30-70 RMB per person. Tip: Ask the owner of the guesthouse where you're staying; Tibetan food at guesthouses is often a pleasant surprise. 🚗Transportation + 🛏️Accommodation 🚗Driving: Chengdu → Kangding → Highway 318 (crossing Zheduo Mountain), approximately 5-6 hours; High-speed rail to Kangding, then share a car, approximately 35-50 RMB/person; Charter a car in Chengdu, approximately 800-1000 RMB/day. 🛏️Boutique Tibetan-style guesthouses with snow-capped mountain views from the window; Guesthouses in town, approximately 200-350 RMB/night. ⚠️Tips 🏔️Altitude 3300 meters: Move slowly, start on the first day...

This is the closest place to view Meili Snow Mountain. The viewing platform has a wide open space, and the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain are right in front of you. You can't help but hold your breath and fully appreciate the beauty of the snow mountain. You won't want to leave for a moment!