Returning to the Snowy Dreamland: From Motuo to Nyingchi, the Paradise of Beauty

Leaving Motuo, it took 4 arduous hours to cover 110 kilometers back to National Highway G318. Traveling along the soaring Parlung Tsangpo River, we were greeted by endless emerald waters and white sandy shores on both sides, with towering snow-capped peaks veiled in mist, lush forests exuding a warm and humid aura, and the winding, picturesque canyon scenery accompanying us all the way. Arriving at the Tongmai Grand Bridge, once known as the "Death Stretch" and the most treacherous section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, the perilous path has now been transformed into a smooth passage. Spanning the Parlung Tsangpo River, the old, new, and newest generations of bridges stand as witnesses to the historical evolution of this route, once dubbed the "Tongmai Graveyard." Passing through the typical alpine meadow of Lulang, flanked by dense forests of fir and pine that rise from low to high, the drifting mist and clouds create a scene as if meticulously arranged by human hands. The neatly aligned meadows, meandering streams, babbling springs, and the rustic fences and bridges characteristic of forested areas, along with the scattered Tibetan-style white-walled and red-roofed buildings, paint a serene and idyllic picture of mountain life. Standing at the Sergyila Mountain viewpoint, the best spot to admire the full grandeur of Mount Namcha Barwa, we offered silent prayers in hopes of catching a glimpse of this "Shy Goddess," reputed as China's most beautiful mountain, whose elusive peak is rarely seen by nine out of ten visitors. Mount Namcha Barwa owes its fame to its sharp, spear-like peak piercing the blue sky, the majestic triangular massif, and the perpetual snow that crowns its summit. Shrouded in mist and clouds, this "Shy Goddess" seldom reveals her true face, adding to her mystique and inspiring countless seekers to pursue her elusive beauty. The wait was long, and the ever-changing mountain weather kept the bashful goddess hidden behind the clouds. It seemed this journey would not grant us the privilege of her presence. With regret and reluctance, we departed, holding onto hope for a future encounter.