Xinjiang-Tibet Line—

On the eighth day of the Xinjiang-Tibet Line journey, we set off from Dingri, passed through Lazi and Shigatse, and finally reached Jiangzi County, covering a total distance of 340 kilometers, which took about five and a half hours by car. The journey is not very long, and there are no particularly important scenic spots along the way. Shortly after departure in the morning, we got on the familiar National Highway 318, passing by a 5000-kilometer monument. Now, this place has been developed into a large leisure square next to the 318. Thinking back to the days when a few people took photos around a small kilometer marker, the changes are quite significant. In Shigatse, we experienced Tibetan cuisine at a restaurant near Tashilhunpo Monastery. Judging by the menu alone, apart from the slightly more numerous beef and mutton dishes, there is not much difference from ordinary Chinese cuisine. It seems to have been adapted, and the prices are not expensive. Many Tibetans were also dining in the restaurant. Since it was still early, we visited the Palcho Monastery in Jiangzi County. This is a unique monastery where the Sakya, Shalu, and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism coexist. I had never been here before, so I took the opportunity to visit. Tomorrow (September 14), we will set off from Jiangzi, visit the Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake, and reach the final destination of this Xinjiang-Tibet Line journey in the afternoon.