If you’re going to Kangding, you must drive this provincial road!

Now is the most beautiful time of autumn in Western Sichuan, with fallen leaves covering the ten-mile corridor and colorful forests spreading across the mountains beneath the snowy peaks 🍂. If you love the scenery of Western Sichuan, you can spend two days experiencing the most authentic autumn colors of the region. Starting from Chengdu, head west along Provincial Road S434. The scenery along the way looks like it’s been enchanted, breathtakingly beautiful. 1. Trip Overview Day 1: Chengdu → Kangding (expressway route) --- Provincial Road S434 → Kangding Airport (Seven Color Sea, Golden Sand Beach) → Provincial Road S434 → Zheduo Mountain Viewing Platform --- Provincial Road S434 → Tagong Town → Kangding City (overnight stay) 2. Photography Guide The autumn scenery in Western Sichuan is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Here are the most worthwhile photo spots: Our route goes from Kangding city along Provincial Road S434 toward Tagong Town. The scenery along the way is very nice and worth taking your time to enjoy. There are many good spots for photography, and if you have good skills, you can discover your own. The drive involves climbing hills, with the highest altitude around 3,800 meters. Personally, I experienced mild altitude sickness with dizziness, but after a while, I adapted. If you have a weaker constitution, it’s best to bring medication for altitude sickness. 3. Food Recommendations On the first day, we tried yak meat mushroom hotpot and mushroom chicken hotpot to experience local specialties. You can also visit Tagong Town to try yak milk and locally homemade fermented yogurt. Remember to add more sugar to the yogurt—it tastes better that way!!! 4. Hiking Gear Checklist Light hiking is an important part of traveling in Western Sichuan. Here is the basic gear list: - Clothing: - Windproof jacket: The plateau is windy and cold, so a warm, windproof jacket is essential. - Hiking pants: Windproof and waterproof, suitable for hiking. - Quick-dry underwear: Keeps your body dry and prevents catching a cold. - Fleece jacket: For temperature differences between morning and evening, warm and lightweight. - Warm socks: Since you’ll be walking a lot on the plateau, a good pair of warm socks will protect your feet. 5. Self-Driving Safety Tips Mountain roads in Western Sichuan are complex and changeable, so pay special attention to safety when driving. 6. Summary Autumn in Western Sichuan is a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Starting from Chengdu and heading west along Provincial Road S434, you will see golden colorful forests, pure white snowy mountains, leisurely yaks, and ever-changing plateau light and shadow. Although the two-day trip is short, it’s enough to let you appreciate the grandeur and poetry of Western Sichuan.