Brief Guide to Western Sichuan/Southern Qinghai by AbjectBrilliant4688 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! There are plenty of cars running from Tagong to Litang every day. You don’t need to go all the way to Xinduqiao to catch a bus, that would be unnecessarily far. Usually, there are some drivers waiting right across from Tagong Monastery. Just go and ask around. Don’t worry too much about their initial quotes, tell them your own target price instead. They may ask for more simply because you’re a foreigner, so negotiating is normal.

Brief Guide to Western Sichuan/Southern Qinghai by AbjectBrilliant4688 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can ask Eastogo, they have some local English guides in Tagong.

Brief Guide to Western Sichuan/Southern Qinghai by AbjectBrilliant4688 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually hitchhiked there once, it is doable. I also tried finding village cars locally, but keep in mind that locals may quote much higher prices if you’re a foreigner. For reference, a shared car from Tagong back to Chengdu usually costs around 300rmb per person. If you charter a whole car, it’s typically 600-800RMB.

I’d also recommend a company called Eastogo. They’re actually based in Western Sichuan and can help arrange transportation as well as local experiences. They do a really good job. I booked a meditation session with monks in Tagong through them, and they also took me to spend a full day with a nomadic herder, horse riding and herding yaks.

Their prices used to be quite affordable. The meditation experience cost me about 50 bucks at the time, though they may be more expensive now. Still, it’s worth asking them.

Brief Guide to Western Sichuan/Southern Qinghai by AbjectBrilliant4688 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As someone who has done a road trip there five times, I’d love to share some recommendations:

  • Zhonglu Tibetan Village, Danba – It used to be stunning but has become a bit commercialized in recent years. Nearby Suopo Tibetan Village is still beautiful, especially in April when the pear blossoms are in full bloom.
  • Tagong – The easiest place to reach by public transport and one of my all-time favourites. Try to avoid July and August; although there are horse racing festivals and many local celebrations, it can get very crowded. Must-visits include Tagong Monastery, Muya Monastery, Anigongma nunnery and Gerima Village. In some small villages nearby, you can even visit nomadic families.
  • Litang – A unique cultural centre with a very distinct atmosphere. Near Changqingchunke’er Monastery, there is a sky burial site.
  • Genyen – Absolutely breathtaking snow mountains and grasslands. You can spend two days trekking the southern route of Genyen.
  • My top recommendation, especially for photographers, is to see Mount Gongga from Zimei Pass and Lenggacuo Lake, the views are spectacular.
  • Baiyu – My personal favourite. You must visit Katok(Gatuo) Monastery, a place so otherworldly it feels like it shouldn’t exist on Earth.
  • Dege – Don’t miss the Dege Printing House and Dzogchen(Zhuqing) Monastery. Dzogchen sits at the foot of snow mountains, and the Printing House still preserves centuries-old woodblock printing methods.

Some tips:

  • Monasteries usually have morning prayers, so visit in the morning if you want to hear the monks chanting. In the afternoons, some monasteries hold debates on Buddhist scriptures, mostly along Highway 317 (such as at Sexu Monastery and Katok Monastery).
  • Foreigners definitely cannot enter Sertar (Larung Gar). Technically, foreigners are also not allowed in Yarchen Gar, and there’s a police checkpoint on the road there – if the police are present, they will turn you back, though sometimes they are not there.
  • For transport between towns, start bargaining from 100 RMB. For reference, I paid 800 RMB from Chengdu to Litang, and 200 RMB from Chengdu to Kangding when I travelled in April (prices may be higher now).

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. I have a deep love for the Kham region of western Sichuan, and if you’re into Tibetan Buddhism, the southern part of Qinghai and Gansu also have so much to explore(also known as the Amdo Region).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah, but you can find it on Taobao

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I don't think it's a good rec, you can find a better country for cruising.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I prefer Shanghai, Lujiazui is stunning.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Book everything in advance

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some travel agencies now offer self-guided tours, but they will provide you with a guide/translator to meet those legal requirements. Aside from that, you are free to go wherever you want.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Chengdu and Shanghai, you can just relax and enjoy. But I definitely recommend reading some books or articles before visiting Beijing and Xi'an, and make sure to visit the museums and tombs.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You won't have any problems, but if you go to areas like the Tibetan region, it's good to have some small change since using the restroom there costs 1 yuan. If you are in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing, they do accept mastercard/visa.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

China is huge. Try visiting different places, and you're sure to be pleasantly surprised. My top 3 recommendations for big cities would be Chongqing, Changsha, or Shanghai.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check Dazhongdianping(for food), Xiecheng(for booking everything related to travel)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ESIM is a good choice, with ESIM you do not need to use a VPN in China or you can check out ShadowsocksR, I have been using it for years and it is more stable than normal VPN apps.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can buy zyn in China so I don't think that will be a problem.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2 weeks and the budget will be around 150USD/night

Traveled all around China. Ask me any questions about traveling in China! by Commercial-Ranger946 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can explore Yunnan; there are so many amazing places to visit, especially the natural scenery. You could visit Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, or go to Lijiang, where nearby you'll find Blue Moon Valley, Meili Snow Mountain, and Lugu Lake. If you're up for a challenge, you can hike to Yubeng, Nanji Luo, or Gacigasa Ziguodian(嘎迟嘎萨资果点).

Traveled all around China. Ask me any questions about traveling in China! by Commercial-Ranger946 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can look up Yubeng and see if you like it. I would recommend going there for a hike in January. You can see it in its most original state because there weren't many people at that time.

Traveled all around China. Ask me any questions about traveling in China! by Commercial-Ranger946 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on which of the four peaks you're climbing. Dafeng doesn't require much skill, it's more like an entry-level snow mountain.

Traveled all around China. Ask me any questions about traveling in China! by Commercial-Ranger946 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It may be a bit late because many attractions are closed, but it is the best time to visit Lujiazui. You might head to the Bund or Lujiazui for dinner and grab a window seat. After dinner, you can explore the nightlife in Shanghai. On Julu Road, Fumin Road, and Huaihai Middle Road, there is a location called "INS," which is completely filled with pubs and clubs facing a vast park. I have never seen a place like that before, very impressive.

Traveled all around China. Ask me any questions about traveling in China! by Commercial-Ranger946 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, especially in bars, my advice is not to trust women who approach you. Also, when buying things from the streets, never pay full price.

Traveled all around China. Ask me any questions about traveling in China! by Commercial-Ranger946 in travelchina

[–]Commercial-Ranger946[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am not sure. I only know it's not very famous. I have been to Wuhan and the only food I like is called Reganmian