Time flies, and the season for road trips that captivates the heart and soul has quietly arrived once again.
Recently, a dreamlike highway, reminiscent of heaven on earth, has sparked a wave of excitement among travel enthusiasts on social media. This highway, with a staggering investment of 38 billion yuan, has generously opened its arms to the world, and the scenery along the way is so breathtakingly beautiful that it feels like being in a painting.
It has a lovely name – the Lalin Highway.
This highway seems to be a perfect combination of nature and human wisdom.
On April 26, 2019, when the Mila Mountain Tunnel on the Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway officially opened for two-way traffic, it was like a giant dragon traversing mountains and rivers, tightly connecting Lhasa and Nyingchi, reducing the originally long 8-hour journey to 5 hours, making people’s dreams and distant places more within reach.
Some say, “The most beautiful scenery is on the road,” and this phrase is undoubtedly apt when applied to the Lalin Highway.
The vastness of the grasslands, the vibrancy of the rivers, the tranquility of the forests, the serenity of the lakes, the solemnity of the glaciers, the majesty of the mountains, the warmth of the villages…
Here, the myriad charms of nature converge, satisfying all imaginings of the beauty of highway landscapes.
Driving swiftly on the Lalin Highway feels like being in a moving blockbuster, with every frame so beautiful that it takes your breath away.
Sometimes crossing lush green grasslands, sometimes climbing towering snow-capped mountains, sometimes entering tranquil villages, every turn feels like an encounter with stunning scenery.
The Lalin Highway is not just a road, but a fantastic tunnel leading to the intertwining of dreams and reality.
Here, you can freely shuttle between grasslands and snow-capped mountains, switch between reality and dreams, and experience an unforgettable self-driving journey.
Lhasa
In Lhasa, a city seemingly shrouded in sacred light, it bestows endless strength upon every traveler who sets foot here with a solemn and mysterious demeanor.
When the majestic silhouette of the Potala Palace stands quietly at the end of the horizon, its solemnity and sacredness seem to penetrate through time, evoking a sense of awe. Strolling in the Norbulingka, known as the “Summer Palace of Lhasa,” every brick and tile seems to be telling an ancient and mysterious story.
On Barkhor Street, the bustling Tibetans devoutly perform circumambulation rituals, their footsteps firm and powerful, as if demonstrating the power of faith to the world. The surface of Yamdrok Lake shimmers with ripples, reflecting different shades of blue, like a jewel embedded in the earth, stunningly beautiful.
And the ever-lingering incense and the never-extinguished butter lamps further elevate the religious atmosphere of Lhasa to its peak. They are not only an expression of faith but also a heritage flowing in the bones, a never-ending force.
At this moment, I deeply understand that Lhasa, this city, is unlike any place I have ever been. It has a unique charm, an irresistible power, making it unforgettable once you set foot here.
Mila Pass
Mila Mountain stands like a natural boundary, quietly standing at the intersection of Lhasa City and Maizhokunggar County, leading to Gongbo’gyamda County in Nyingchi Prefecture. Once crossing the towering mountain pass, you enter Gongbo’gyamda County in Nyingchi Prefecture, as if passing through a tunnel of time into a whole new world.
Therefore, many travelers on the Lalin Highway stop here to check in, as it serves as a symbolic milestone, witnessing their forward steps.
Mila Pass is like a natural observation deck. Standing here and overlooking the surroundings, it feels like being between heaven and earth. The peaks of distant snow-capped mountains dance in the clouds, tightly embracing the sky, as if the floating clouds are within reach.
Looking down through the clouds, sometimes thick and sometimes thin, the clear water surface is like a mirror, quietly reflecting the surrounding mountains. The colorful prayer flags flutter between the earth and the sky, like a flowing scroll painting, evoking endless imagination.
At that moment, faith is no longer an abstract concept but becomes concrete and vivid. It is like the fluttering prayer flags, the towering snow-capped mountains, the clouds within reach, deeply imprinted in the heart of every traveler.
Lake Sigin Lhatso
In the rhythm of the Tibetan language, Sigin Lhatso is like an ode to the sacred lake, meaning “a divine lake with infinite power.” In this ancient and mysterious land, it is regarded as the residence of the “Dragon King of a Hundred Wealthy Patrons,” a holy place favored by the deities.
Every year on the sacred day of the fifteenth day of the sixth month in the Tibetan calendar, generations of Panchen Lamas, Dalai Lamas, and Zhigon Living Buddhas devoutly set foot on this land to offer the highest worship to Lake Sigin Lhatso. They gently throw gold and silver treasures into the lake to express their gratitude for the blessings of the sacred lake. At that moment, the entire lake surface seems to shine with a sacred light, with the brilliance of gold and silver intertwining with the deep blue of the lake water, forming a beautiful painting.
Even as tourists, although we may not be able to deeply feel that devout faith, when we are in the midst of this scenery, we can still savor that sense of sacredness and solemnity.
On the vast wilderness, occasionally creatures pass by, adding a touch of vitality to this tranquil land. Sunlight falls on the lake surface, sparkling with ripples and dazzling brilliance.
The lake is surrounded by piles of mani stones, each one carrying the prayers and blessings of the faithful. Prayer flags gently flutter in the breeze, making a rustling sound, as if telling ancient and mysterious stories.
On this sacred land, we dare not speak loudly, afraid of breaking the tranquility and harmony. We only want to quietly feel this gift from nature, allowing our souls to be purified and elevated on this holy ground.
Niyang River
The Niyang River, one of the four major tributaries of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, is like the soul river of the Gongbo people, nourishing every living being on this land.
As we cross the towering Mila Pass, the Niyang River, like a gentle companion, quietly lies beside the Lalin Highway. It flows slowly from the west, all the way to the east, as if telling its own story. Along the way, it gradually transforms from a small stream into a turbulent river, with crystal-clear water radiating a charming blue glow, like a blue ribbon winding through the earth.
Every spring, the Niyang River bursts with vibrant vitality. The blooming peach blossoms add a touch of liveliness and lightness, with the pink petals gently swaying in the spring breeze, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue river water, forming a stunning painting.
We ride on rafts, drifting with the current on the river. The scenery on both banks unfolds before our eyes like a surreal and magnificent painting. Scattered villages are dotted among the lush green fields, with the green mountains and rivers complementing each other, while herds of cattle and horses graze leisurely, making everything seem so harmonious and peaceful.
Every minute and second here seems to be frozen in time, becoming an eternal treasure in our hearts. The beauty of the Niyang River lies not only in its clarity and vastness but also in the tranquility and serenity it bestows upon us.
Basomtso Lake
In the gentle chanting of the Tibetan language, Basomtso is given the poetic name “green water.” This name seems to carry a hint of fresh greenery, perfectly matching the emerald waves before our eyes, truly captivating our hearts.
Some have praised this place as the “Oriental Switzerland,” but in the eyes of a traveler like me, Basomtso is not a synonym for any other place. The beautiful scenery it possesses is even more stunning and alluring than the distant Switzerland.
Basomtso is like a dazzling pearl, nestled among snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls, and pastures. It embodies countless Tibetan elements, and one can appreciate both cultural relics and famous ancient temples here.
Therefore, even in this magical land of Tibet, with countless beautiful lakes, Basomtso is still lauded as “the only must-see spectacular view among ten thousand lakes.” Its beauty is so unique and unforgettable.
Midui Glacier
When visiting Linzhi, apart from admiring the flowers, one must not miss the Midui Glacier, a secret realm of winter and a kingdom of ice and snow.
The Midui Glacier, praised by “Chinese National Geography” as one of the six most beautiful glaciers in China, shines like a silver ribbon on the earth.
Although its main peak soars into the clouds, with an altitude of about 6,800 meters, the snow line is relatively low, at only around 4,600 meters, and its terminus even descends to 2,400 meters. Thus, it has become the world’s lowest-altitude glacier, showcasing its unique charm.
Many brave souls choose to embark on this glacier and hike to experience the static beauty of water up close. Here, they are surrounded by pure white snow mountains, standing tall like guardian deities.
At the end of the horizon, the snow mountains intertwine with the clouds and mist, forming a dreamlike painting. Its noble temperament seems to be only admired from afar and not to be trifled with, endowing this magnificent land with life and soul.
The grandeur of the glacier and the majesty of the snow mountains complement each other, creating mesmerizing scenes that captivate the heart and mind. Whether it is the crystal clarity of the glacier or the awe-inspiring vastness of the snow mountains, they make people linger and forget to leave, as if they have entered a fairy tale world of ice and snow.
Lulang Forest Sea
Regarding Lulang Forest Sea, there is a moving saying: “Setting foot in Lulang, one forgets their hometown.” This place seems to be the dwelling sought by the immortals in heaven, and as for its wonders, you must come in person to comprehend them.
The mist gently entwines among the forest sea, like a dream. Up close, the trees are lush and verdant, like a delicate watercolor painting; while gazing into the distance, the undulating mountains and the vast forest sea resemble an elegant ink wash landscape.
As the gaze penetrates through the layers of mist, a painting utterly different from the snowy plateau slowly unfolds.
The pine and fir trees across the mountains are vibrant green, standing proudly as they guard this mysterious land. Amidst the green grasslands, a few small houses are dotted, as if they are the dwellings of nature’s elves. The winding and clear stream rushes by merrily, its song the purest melody of this land.
Being here, we don’t even have the heart to disturb this beauty with heavy breaths. Every leaf and every drop of water here is full of life’s power, together building a harmonious and tranquil world.
Nyi Valley
Situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters, Nyi Valley seems to be a precious gift bestowed upon us by nature. Its abundant flora and fauna resources are truly astonishing, earning it the reputation of being the “highest green secret land on Earth.”
Although the road leading to Nyi Valley is winding and bumpy, requiring a strenuous journey of more than half an hour, it is all worthwhile. During this journey, you must not let your mind wander, because at any moment, the scenery before your eyes may suddenly open up, leaving you in awe.
The grass is lush and green, the white clouds drift lazily, and the distant mountains stand in layers. Cattle and sheep leisurely roam the grasslands, dotted with wildflowers, while a few small cottages stand quietly, not far from the pristine forest that seems to lead to a fairy tale world.
As you step into this primeval forest, it feels as if you have entered a mysterious realm. The trees are tall and sturdy, as if they have endured thousands of years of wind and rain. Their branches are dark and thick, covered with dense green moss. The ground is littered with dried trees, silently telling the stories of the passage of time. This primeval forest is serene and enigmatic, as if it can shield away all the troubles of the world.
Here, you will understand why the inhabitants are reluctant to leave. They deeply love this land and enjoy all its wonders. They live in harmony with nature, leading a simple yet happy life.
Nyi Valley, this green secret land on Earth, is a precious gift bestowed upon us by nature.
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, like a deep crack on the Earth’s surface, is not only the world’s deepest river canyon but also the last untouched secret land. It is not merely a masterpiece of nature but also the most beautiful scar on Earth, with every part revealing the vicissitudes of time and the wonders of nature.
The towering peaks pierce the clouds, and the magnificent scenery is breathtaking; the deep canyons seem to devour everything, evoking a sense of awe; the moist soil nurtures abundant life, teeming with vitality; in the tranquil forests, one can almost hear the breath of nature; the endless canyon seems to have no end, making people linger and forget to leave.
The precipitous cliffs, the low shrubs, the peculiar landforms, and the picturesque scenery all make people sigh with amazement and admiration!
The gentle and winding Yarlung Tsangpo River flows slowly at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, like a silver ribbon tightly tying this land to the Earth’s embrace. The riverbanks are lush and green, with verdant trees forming a stunningly beautiful painting with the distant snow-capped mountains.
Looking at the scattered villages in the mountains, one cannot help but feel a sense of envy. If one is lucky enough to live here for a while, perhaps even every breath of oxygen would become exceptionally precious, worth savoring for a lifetime.
This place is a gift from nature, a rare pure land in the human world, evoking longing and making people reluctant to leave.
Namcha Barwa Peak
Namcha Barwa Peak, the majestic giant standing at the top of Nyingchi, is not only the highest mountain in the area but also proudly ranks 15th on the global altitude list. “Chinese National Geography” has praised it incessantly, hailing it as “China’s most beautiful snow mountain,” the highest acclaim for its stunning beauty.
However, Namcha Barwa Peak is like a shy maiden, often bashfully hiding behind the clouds and mist, unwilling to easily reveal her true appearance.
The local Tibetan people have a deep understanding of her mysterious veil: “To glimpse the true face of Namcha Barwa, one needs fate, luck, and the blessing of the deities!” This is undoubtedly a poetic interpretation of her rarely seen, stunning beauty.
If you are fortunate enough to witness her appearance, in that instant, you will be shocked by her magnificent aura, as if the entire world is at your feet.
You take a deep breath of the cool air, and the fresh scent instantly opens your pores, as if you have become one with nature.Even when shrouded in clouds and mist, Namcha Barwa Peak’s presence is undiminished.
She is like a noble goddess who, even hidden behind a veil, can still make people feel her charm.It can be said that everyone who comes here will be conquered by her beauty, forever unforgettable.
In this most comfortable and romantic season, Namcha Barwa Peak seems to have become a love poem of the southwest, telling the deep affection between her and nature.
And if you are planning a self-driving tour, then the Lalin Highway is a must-see attraction that you cannot miss. This highway traverses through beautiful natural scenery, allowing you to fully appreciate the charm of this land while driving.
