[2025 Basu Attraction] Travel Guide for Zig-Zag Mountain Road With 72 Turns (Updated Jan)

🍁 We drove from Rumei Town in Mangkang County to Baxoi County, passing through Zogang County, the most difficult section of the road, and the highest point of the Dongda Mountain Pass. The points we passed in order were: 📍 Bangda Town: At an altitude of 4,444 meters, it is a must-see on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and its residents are mainly Tibetans. 📍 Yela Mountain Pass: At an altitude of 4,658 meters, it is also known as "Nujiang Mountain" because of the winding river valley of the Nujiang River that runs through it. Standing on the viewing platform of the Yela Mountain Pass, you can clearly see the Bangda Grassland on one side and the Nujiang River Valley on the other. From here, you can descend to the famous dangerous pass on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318), the "72 Bends of the Nujiang River." 📍 Check in at the 72 Bends of the Heavenly Road: The 72 Bends of the Nujiang River are also known as the 72 Bends of the Heavenly Road. You can see the steep and sharp elbow bends, one after another, embedded in the mountain, which is a miracle of Chinese highways. 📍 Nujiang Bridge: The Nujiang Bridge is located in Baxoi County and is part of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318) and a major thoroughfare. The heroic deeds of the construction of the Nujiang Bridge moved everyone. Before reaching the bridge, we started honking our horns, and many drivers carefully parked on the side of the road. 🍁 A day's hard work is worth it because the scenery along the way is something we can't see again and again. Tonight, we stayed in Baxoi.

The 72 Turns of Nujiang River, also known as the Nujiang Grand Canyon, is a mysterious and rarely visited place in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China. So, why should you visit the 72 Turns of Nujiang River? The following will expand on the natural scenery, cultural history, folk customs, and more. First, the natural scenery of the 72 Turns of Nujiang River is breathtaking. It is one of the deepest and longest canyons in the world, with a depth of thousands of meters and rapid river currents. Along the way, you can see magnificent snow-capped mountains, unique landforms, rich vegetation, and countless waterfalls and hot springs. Here, nature shows its most primitive and spectacular side, leaving you in awe. Second, the 72 Turns of Nujiang River has a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is home to several ethnic minorities, such as the Lisu, Nu, and Dulong people. These ethnic groups have preserved many ancient traditions, customs, and beliefs, making this land full of mystery and allure. In addition, the 72 Turns of Nujiang River has many historical sites, such as ancient villages, churches, and war relics, taking you through time and space to experience the weight of history. Moreover, the folk customs of the 72 Turns of Nujiang River are uniquely charming. Here, you can experience the traditional "Bathing Festival" of the Lisu people, the "Flower Festival" of the Nu people, and other unique folk activities. These activities are full of fun and exoticism, immersing you in the colorful ethnic culture. In addition, the food of the 72 Turns of Nujiang River is also a highlight, such as the Lisu's lacquer chicken and the Nu's sausages, which will surely satisfy your taste buds. Furthermore, the 72 Turns of Nujiang River has high adventure value. The terrain here is rugged, and the roads are winding, making it a paradise for self-driving tours. Along the way, you can challenge the thrilling Nujiang Bridge, cross the magnificent Tiger's Mouth, and walk along the sky corridor. During the adventure, you will deeply appreciate the grandeur and mystery of the 72 Turns of Nujiang River. Finally, the transportation conditions of the 72 Turns of Nujiang River are gradually improving. With the continuous improvement of China's infrastructure, the journey to the 72 Turns of Nujiang River has become more convenient. Now, you can fly to Kunming and then drive to the 72 Turns of Nujiang River, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way and experiencing the wonders of nature. In conclusion, the 72 Turns of Nujiang River, with its magnificent natural scenery, rich cultural history, unique folk customs, high adventure value, and increasingly convenient transportation conditions, has become a place that many travelers yearn for. Here, you will have an unforgettable travel experience and feel the magic and charm of nature. So, why not take the opportunity to visit the 72 Turns of Nujiang River, uncover the veil of this mysterious land, and let it bring you a soul-stirring experience?

"After all the 72 twists and turns, life will be smooth from now on." How many people are there because of this slogan? And I’m starting to yearn for the 72nd Turn on the Nujiang River🏎️ This is a place I am looking forward to on the 318 Sichuan-Tibet line Bangda Town🔜Basu County, you can see the winding mountain road from a long distance, overlooking the continuous sharp turns and steep slopes, and you can feel your heart beating faster before you get there🏔️ ✔️Bangda Town, with an altitude of 4,100 meters, climbs to the Yela Pass at 4,651 meters, then spirals down to 3,100 meters, with a total length of 12 kilometers. It is the most dangerous section of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Line and is thrilling. ✔️There is a viewing platform near Yela Pass where you can see the full view of the 72nd Turn and the classic road sign 318🚸. Just take a photo of it and it will be a road blockbuster. There are also photographers who can help you take photos for free. ✔️Surrounding tours🔛Nujiang 72 Turn Grand Canyon Scenic Area/Bangda Grassland/Ranwu Lake/Laigu Glacier 💡Tips ✅The road section is steep, there are many large trucks, and there may be water accumulation or falling rocks. Be sure to pay attention to self-driving safety ✅Do not overtake or stop to take photos at curves⛔️, and try to avoid driving at night ✅The altitude here is relatively high and the weather is changeable, so be careful about altitude sickness and keep warm🧣 ✅Road closures may occur at irregular times and at varying lengths😖Be sure to leave early if you have to catch a flight or something like that

Sichuan-Tibet Highway Self-Driving Tour (24) Sichuan-Tibet Highway - "Nujiang 72 Turns" Chamdo, Tibet September 22, 2024 The weather in Basu is cloudy, with a temperature of 7-19 degrees. The highest altitude today is 4658 meters, National Highway 318. "Nujiang 72 Turns" (Figure 1) is a famous mountain road between Basu County and Bangda Town on National Highway 318, crossing the Nujiang River, with steep slopes and dangerous roads, about 12 kilometers long. From the lowest point of 3100 meters above sea level, it climbs all the way to the highest point of Yela Mountain Pass at 4658 meters above sea level, and then spirals down to 4100 meters above sea level, with a drop of nearly 1500 meters. A section of the cliff-hanging road intuitively presents what is a sky road (Figure 2). There is a naturally formed "Tianmen Cave" at Yela Mountain Pass (Figure 3). The road builders are considerate and set up a viewing platform (Figure 4) above the "Nujiang 72 Turns". Under the national flag, there is still that familiar inspirational saying (Figure 5). From here, you can overlook the beautiful curves of the "Nujiang 72 Turns" carved between the mountains and rivers (Figure 6). It is said that the country has begun to build tunnels and pave roads here, and it is expected that the "Nujiang 72 Turns" will become a permanent memory of people from afar in the near future (Figure 7). National Highway 318 is not only a scenic road, but also the main road of Sichuan-Tibet, with many types of vehicles, among which the westward traffic flow is much higher than the eastward traffic flow; it is also a pilgrimage road, and you can see male and female believers walking on this road every day. , Some even kowtow all the way. They have different starting points, but they all go west with the same goal. Looking at their tired figures and persistent steps, we can't bear to disturb, and silently bless them all the way. This morning, I set off from Ranwu Town at 8:15 and headed to Zogang County along National Highway 318. On the way, I encountered a road repair and staggered traffic at 3700 kilometers, which was blocked for half an hour; the first section of the Nujiang 72 Turns was blocked for an hour and a half due to the breakdown of a long truck (Figures 8-9); there are about 30 kilometers before and after Zogang County. It is under repair, closed at night and open during the day. The distance of 287 kilometers, including rest and sightseeing, took a full 10 hours. Every car that has passed this dusty and muddy road looks very "vicissitudes of life". Stay in Zogang County tonight (altitude 3810 meters), and will bid farewell to Tibet and return to Sichuan via Mangkang tomorrow, planning to arrive in Batang.

In the vast land of eastern Tibet, there is a magical place that captivates the heart and soul—Chamdo·Nujiang 72 Turns. Here, nature and human courage have created a masterpiece, a journey that shocks both the visual and spiritual senses. As you step onto this mysterious land, it's as if you've entered a secluded fairyland. The sky is clear, the clouds are drifting, the snow-capped mountains are dazzling, and the grasslands are boundless. The Nujiang 72 Turns winds through the mountains like a dragon, waiting for the brave to conquer. Traveling along the winding mountain roads, each turn is a challenge to the heartbeat. The car spirals up the steep slopes, with the scenery outside the window changing in an instant. On one side, there are cliffs that are bottomless, causing one's heart to race with fear; on the other side, there are majestic mountains, awe-inspiring and breathtaking. However, it is this thrill and excitement that makes you feel the passion and vitality of life. Standing on the observation deck, looking down at the winding roads, what surges in your heart is not only awe for the natural wonders but also admiration for the indomitable spirit of humanity. The Nujiang River roars in the valley below, as if telling the ancient legends of this land. The smoke from distant villages rises gently, tranquil and peaceful, forming a stark contrast with the thrilling mountain roads. During the journey through Nujiang 72 Turns, you can also experience the rich Tibetan culture. Prayer flags flutter in the wind along the way, and Mani stone piles carry people's good wishes. The warm and hospitable Tibetan people welcome guests from afar with their bright smiles and rich butter tea. At night, the stars twinkle, illuminating this magical land. Lying in the tent, listening to the sound of the Nujiang River, it feels like becoming one with nature. At this moment, all fatigue and worries vanish, leaving only inner peace and satisfaction. Chamdo·Nujiang 72 Turns is not just a road, but also a challenge, a belief, a yearning for a beautiful life. Whether you are an adventurer seeking thrills, a nature-loving photographer, or a traveler longing for a spiritual cleansing, this is a dream destination you cannot miss.

I have finally arrived at the other side of the Anywhere Door - Tibet Today is the seventh day of my trip to Tibet, I visited the Qiangbalin Monastery and the Tea Horse Square. Today, I will pass the 72 turns of the Nu River, and when I reach the viewing platform, I can get off the car. This is the best perspective to overlook the 72 turns of the Nu River. There are restrooms here, use drones with caution, as they are prone to crash. On the way, reaching the Nu River Bridge, cars honk their horns, and many people will place fruits, drinks, and other 'offerings' by the bridge to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed themselves in the construction of the Nu River Bridge. The 72 turns of the Nu River on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318, also known as the 99 bends, are higher in altitude and have a greater drop than the Panlong Ancient Road in Xinjiang; the 72 turns are also one of the most famous check-in spots on the Sichuan-Tibet line, and almost everyone who travels to Tibet wants to witness its charm, just like the slogan says 'After passing all the bends of the Nu River's 72 turns, the rest of life will be a smooth journey', from the perilous 72 turns of the Nu River, it is not hard to see the hardships of constructing the 318 highway back then. The '72 turns of the Nu River' on National Highway 318: A cliff road of several tens of kilometers, descending 1.5 kilometers in altitude, connecting Shanghai to Tibet, with a total length of more than 5000 kilometers; this section is the essence of the long '318'. It travels along the 30th parallel north, crossing 12 mountain ridges of the Hengduan Mountains, over 11 rivers, with a total distance of more than 2000 kilometers, from basins, plains to plateaus, from hills, high mountains to extremely high mountains, rainforests, shrubs, grasslands, meadows, deserts, gradually presenting themselves, the stunning landscape is either on both sides of the road or within a hundred kilometers north or south of the road.

For many years, I wish to enter the area and feel the water of the mountain! Nowadays, I am immersed in the mountains! Several times I experienced a mountain road, from Linzhi Bomi to the 72nd turn of the Nujiang. It is a challenge to drive a car! Maybe look at the endless horizon! Can feel the freedom of the soul! A farewell, let the white clouds into a thousand years of ice and snow. Looking back on the past, I have regretted that it is a long way to go. The ruggedness of this road, the current predicament was once lost in the heart. Those distant ambitions were once stagnant due to obstacles under their feet. I am now defeated by me! Looking at this vast world. Everything is relieved, this is my longing for life!

After entering Tibet, with more and more friends on the roadside, it is more and more difficult to get on the bus. At noon of the day, I, Xixi and Laoheng arrived at Bangda. In the evening, we were still in Bangda. Just when we had given up and walked back to the county town and planned to stay in Bangda for one day, a miracle happened. I got on a car of a Henan master who could arrive at eight nights tonight. Counting the drivers, the two SUVs are full of 5 people, and the three people in the back seat, including me, are half-way riders. I hugged the big bag on the right side of the back seat, next to the Henan guy who was very happy with the driver, and the boy next to him seemed to be familiar. The magical moment is about to appear. I patted the buddy's shoulder and asked him if we had seen it in the Aden scenic spot. Although my heart is still quite sure that he is the one who alone walked on the 80L Kitty outdoor mountaineering bag in Aden, but after all, he did not say anything. He seemed to be shocked and immediately showed a happy smile. In this way, I met the northeast handsome guy who had met in Daocheng several times before in the car! And because his backpack looks taller, we all call him the Northeast. Ever since, this Northeast has officially joined our team. can ride the same car with the one who has seen it in thousands of vehicles, and have to feel the magic of fate. And this big northeast has also been on our journey, with us from Lhasa to Nepal.