8.19 Current Situation in Western Sichuan, Speaking Some Blunt Truths That Might Offend

Transportation: 【Self-Driving】For Experienced Drivers! 🏔️ - Western Sichuan mountain roads with eighteen sharp turns + high altitude - Not recommended for beginners or those with no mountain driving experience ⚠️ It’s best to have at least two experienced drivers take turns! 【Charter Car】A Blessing for the Lazy ✨ - Best for groups of 3-4 people - Local guides are always reliable - Saves time and effort, plus includes hidden scenic spots 【Group Tours】First Choice for Beginners 👶 =true beginner-friendly =true all meals and accommodation included =true no worries about altitude sickness Make sure to choose a qualified local travel agency! 💡Pitfall Avoidance Tips (Hard-Earned Experience): 1️⃣ Altitude Sickness Warning‼️ ✖️ Direct flights to Daocheng/Kangding (sudden altitude sickness is scary) ✔️ Gradual acclimatization in Chengdu (recommended to stay 2 nights before departure) 2️⃣ Weather Mysteries ☔️ -"Four seasons in one day" is not a myth -Bring an umbrella + rain jacket -Check the weather forecast carefully before setting out 3️⃣ Food Guide 🍚 ✓ Sichuan restaurants are everywhere ✗ Ask prices before ordering fish/wild game ✓ Bring your own snacks for peace of mind 4️⃣ Dressing Rules 👗 =Thin layers inside, thick layers outside =Skirt + jacket = perfect combo =Bright colors make better photos! 5️⃣ Toilet Warning 🚽 - Scenic spots > restaurants > hotels - Dry toilets are very hardcore experiences - Always carry tissues and wet wipes 6️⃣ Slim Down Your Makeup Bag 💄 ✖️ Heavy makeup → risk of smudging ✔️ Light makeup + lipstick = perfect match ⚠️ Avoid pump bottles for skincare products! 7️⃣ Cash is a Must 💰 - 500 RMB for safety - Temples and small stalls only accept cash - Signal can be spotty 8️⃣ Cultural Etiquette 🙏 Spin prayer wheels clockwise Dress appropriately in temples Ask before taking photos 9️⃣ Motion Sickness Medicine is Essential 💊 Warning for winding mountain roads Even experienced drivers can get sick Take it half an hour in advance 🔟 Avoid Group Tour Scams 👀 Check business licenses Choose local qualified agencies Sign formal contracts 🎒Travel Checklist: 【Three Essential Documents】 ID card + student ID + cash 【Four Sunscreen Essentials】 SPF50+ cream Sunglasses Fisherman’s hat Sun/rain umbrella 【Medicine Kit】 Cold medicine Stomach medicine Glucose Rhodiola (start taking 7 days in advance) 【Photography Gear】 Two power banks Mirrorless camera/phone Foldable reflector Stabilizer 🗺️5-Day Classic Route: D1: Chengdu → Kangding (lunch) → 434 Airport Road (popular road) → Honghaizi → Moshigongyuan → Yuzixi (sunset) → Xinduqiao (overnight) 🌟Highlight: Experience four seasons in one day D2: Xinduqiao → Tianlu 18 Bends (drone spot) → Kazila Mountain (4718m) → Litang (Ding Zhen’s hometown) → Tuer Mountain → Haizi Mountain → Riwa (overnight) 📸Check-in: The world’s highest city, Litang D3: Riwa → Yading long trail (Luorong Pasture + Milk Sea) → Daocheng (overnight) 🏔️Main event: 10km hiking challenge D4: Daocheng → Litang → Yajiang → Tagong Grassland → Danba (overnight) 🐎Experience: Grassland horseback riding + Tibetan costume photos D5: Danba → Siguniang Mountain (Shuangqiaogou) → Maobiniang (panorama) → Chengdu 🌸Finale: The Eastern Alps 💌Little Tips: 1. On Day 3, hike Yading according to your ability 2. Don’t miss the photography paradise of Xinduqiao 3. Try Tibetan food in Litang (butter tea is amazing)