Driving in Jinchuan: An Encounter with the Beauty of a Snowy Pear Orchard

After a long time in the hustle and bustle of the city, I yearned for the tranquility of the mountains and countryside. This spring, I finally embarked on a self-driving trip to Jinchuan, a land I've long dreamed of, for a romantic encounter with mountains, snowfields, and pear blossoms. Early Preparation: Everything Ready, Worry-free Travel Vehicle Inspection A thorough vehicle inspection is crucial before departure. Ensure that the tire pressure is normal, the wear and tear is within a safe range, and carefully check the brakes, engine oil, coolant, etc. After all, the self-driving journey is long, and the condition of the vehicle directly relates to the safety of the trip. I took my car to a familiar repair shop a week in advance, had the mechanic do a full inspection, replaced worn parts, and prepared a spare tire and simple repair tools. Supplies Jinchuan is located on a plateau with a large temperature difference between day and night, so warm clothing is essential. I brought a light down jacket and warm fleece clothing. At the same time, sun protection items such as high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also indispensable, as the plateau's ultraviolet rays are strong and can effectively prevent sunburn. In terms of medicine, I prepared cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, and anti-altitude sickness medicine in case of physical discomfort. In addition, I also stocked up on drinking water, convenient food, and snacks to cope with possible dining inconveniences along the way. Route Planning When planning the route, I chose to depart from Chengdu, take the Chengguan Expressway to Duwen Expressway, and then follow National Highway G317, passing through Li County and Malkang, and finally arriving at Jinchuan. This route not only allows you to enjoy the magnificent plateau scenery along the way but also ensures good road conditions, suitable for self-driving. I downloaded offline maps in advance using navigation software and also checked real-time road condition sharing on some self-driving tour forums, marking sections where falling rocks or road repairs might occur, so I was well-prepared. Trip Highlights: Scenic Beauty and Surprises All the Way Entering Jinchuan: Picturesque Snowfields Driving into Jinchuan, the snow scene near Sha'er Township made me feel like I was in a fairy tale world. The trees were covered in silver, the rocks were half-hidden under the white snow, and the sunlight sprinkled down, sparkling with tiny rays of light. I parked the car in a safe place and strolled along the path. The snow under my feet crunched, as if it were a winter love song played by the earth. Taking photos at this time, with the blue sky and white snow as the background, and the person blending into it, every shot is a masterpiece. Riverside Mountains: Majestic and Vast Along Provincial Highway S211, the Dajin River flows alongside. The river surges, crashing against boulders and splashing up white water. The mountains on both sides are layered, and the brown mountains intertwine with the snow, majestic and magnificent. I stopped at the viewing platform along the way and looked out at the rolling mountains stretching to the horizon. When the clouds and mist linger, the peaks appear and disappear, like a fairyland. This is also a good place to shoot time-lapse photography, recording the changing clouds and the interplay of light and shadow. Shenxianbao: Panoramic Views The Shenxianbao viewing platform is a must-visit place in Jinchuan. The wooden viewing platform offers excellent views. Standing on the platform, you can see the continuous mountains and the scattered villages in the valley. If you're lucky, you can see the sea of clouds churning, with the mountains floating like islands. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening. In the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise and the sea of clouds, and in the evening, you can watch the magnificent sunset. The golden sunlight sprinkles on the mountains and villages, creating a breathtakingly beautiful picture. Pear Blossoms: Romantic and Overflowing When you come to Jinchuan, how can you miss the pear blossoms? Sha'er Township and Guer Township are the core areas for pear blossom viewing. In early spring, tens of thousands of acres of pear blossoms bloom, covering the mountains and plains like snow on the branches. Walking into the pear blossom forest, a faint fragrance lingers, and the petals fall with the wind, like a dream. When photographing pear blossoms, you can choose a large scene to show its vastness or focus on a single flower to capture its delicate texture. You can also combine it with local Tibetan houses to capture the unique charm of the integration of humanity and nature. Food and Accommodation Recommendations: Local Flavors and Comfortable Rest Food Jinchuan cuisine has its own unique characteristics. The local Tibetan hot pot is not to be missed. Charcoal fire burns in the middle of the copper pot, surrounded by yak beef, Tibetan pork, various mushrooms, and vegetables. The soup base is rich and fragrant, and the ingredients absorb the soup after being boiled. One bite is incredibly satisfying. There is also butter tea, which is rich and mellow, and can both warm the body and alleviate altitude sickness. The roasted potatoes in the street stalls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with local spices, simple but delicious. Accommodation In Jinchuan, you can choose hotels in the county seat, which have relatively complete facilities and convenient transportation. If you want to be closer to nature, homestays in Sha'er Township are a good choice. Some homestays offer views of pear blossom forests or mountains right outside the window. Wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and fall asleep under the stars at night. Booking online in advance allows you to choose your preferred room with a view. This self-driving trip to Jinchuan allowed me to experience the power of nature among the mountains and immerse myself in the beauty of the snowfields and pear blossoms. It was not only a visual feast but also a journey of healing for the soul. I believe that everyone who sets foot on this land will be conquered by its beauty and leave with unforgettable memories.