Crossing a mountain range at an altitude of 4700 meters to reach a remote Tibetan town | 4K

Driving Overview: Starting Point: Visitor Center at the entrance of Genie Village, Litang County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Destination: Genie Town, Litang County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Mileage: 67.1 km Date of Photography: October 2025 The section from the East Entrance Visitor Center of Genie Tourist Area to Genie Town marks the starting stretch of the Southern Genie Route. Covering a total distance of 67.1 kilometers, it boasts friendly road conditions and showcases unique plateau scenery, making it an ideal opening leg for your self-driving adventure in the hidden Genie. Below is a detailed guide covering route information, road conditions, key attractions, and travel tips: Core Driving Information Route Direction Depart from the East Entrance Visitor Center of Genie Tourist Area and drive along Provincial Highway 460 all the way, passing through Tiejiangshan Pass, before reaching Genie Town. The entire route has almost no complicated forks—simply navigate directly to Genie Town. However, it’s recommended to download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost due to signal interruptions in some sections. Travel Time & Road Conditions The entire road is paved with asphalt and features a two-lane design, offering excellent overall conditions that even regular sedans can handle easily. Normal driving time ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. Note that the route includes winding mountain roads, especially near Tiejiangshan Pass where there are numerous sharp turns. Reduce speed significantly in rainy or snowy weather and watch out for yaks and other livestock that may occasionally appear on the roadside. Must-See Attractions Along the Way Tiejiangshan Pass At an altitude of approximately 4,700 meters, this pass serves as the gateway to Genie Sacred Mountain and offers a prime viewing spot for the eastern slope of Genie Mountain and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The area around the pass is part of the Haizi Mountain paleoglacial relics, with mountains covered in exotic boulders. Below the pass lie several crystal-clear blue lakes—legend has it these were where blacksmiths quenched their tools. On sunny days, the lakes reflect the snow-capped mountains, creating a stunning visual spectacle. A parking area is available near the pass for visitors to stop and admire the view. Litang Grassland Transition Zone Shortly after departing the East Entrance Visitor Center, you’ll drive through the transition zone of Litang Grassland. On both sides of the road stretch vast meadows—covered in wildflowers in summer and turning golden or barren in autumn and winter. Occasionally, herders’ yurts can be seen in the distance, immersing you in the unique charm of the plateau pastoral area. White Pagoda at Genie Town Entrance As you approach Genie Town, you’ll spot a iconic white pagoda, serving as a signal that your destination is near. Formed by the merger of the former Lamaya Township and Zhangna Township, Genie Town has its government seat in Yinda Village. Though small, the town features Tibetan-style buildings and is an excellent place to refuel, rest, and replenish supplies. Practical Travel Tips Vehicle & Supplies Fill up your fuel tank in Litang County before departure—there are no gas stations in Genie Town or along the subsequent Southern Genie Route. For vehicles, off-road vehicles, SUVs, and regular sedans are all suitable; no special modifications are required. Altitude Sickness & Climate Tiejiangshan Pass has a high altitude. If you haven’t fully acclimatized to the altitude in Litang, avoid strenuous activities and carry anti-altitude sickness medications such as Gaoyuan’an or Hongjingtian in advance. The plateau climate is unpredictable, and rain can occur even in summer—bring warm and rainproof gear with you. Other Notes Approximately 3 kilometers before reaching Genie Town, you’ll need to complete a forest fire prevention registration—simply follow the requirements to register. The town offers Sichuan-style restaurants, homestays, and other facilities for dining and accommodation. If time permits, you can also detour from here to attractions such as Ranrika Village (hometown of Dingzhen) and Genie’s Eye. #ChinaStreetView #DrivingTourChina #ImmersiveDriving #4KDriving #LitangGenieDrive #PlateauRoad #TibetanTownView #SnowMountainScenery