2025 Derong Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Mao Wu Grand Canyon: A Lesser-Known but Spectacular Road Trip When planning my trip from Shangri-La to Daocheng, I decided to take the road less traveled and explore the Mao Wu Grand Canyon instead of the usual Xiangdao Highway. This choice not only allowed me to avoid the crowds on the main road, but also gave me the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. My route started in Shangri-La, passing through Guxue Township, Mao Wu Tunnel, and Dongwang Township, before finally reaching Daocheng County. The entire journey is about 315 km and takes around 6 hours to drive. This route, known as the Yunnan-Sichuan Passage, winds along the border of Sichuan and Yunnan, connecting two beautiful Tibetan areas. Road Conditions and Driving Experience The traffic on this route is very light, making for a relaxed and enjoyable drive. Most of the road is in good condition, with only a few sections of gravel road, so even a sedan can easily make the trip. I was able to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way without worrying about traffic jams or difficult road conditions. Scenery Along the Way Mao Wu Grand Canyon is one of the highlights of this route. Located in the southern part of Derong County in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, it is a natural wonder carved by the Yalong River. The canyon's towering cliffs, majestic peaks, and clear streams create a stunning landscape. In autumn, the trees on both sides of the canyon turn golden, with splashes of red leaves like flames burning in the mountains. In addition to Mao Wu Grand Canyon, there are many other beautiful sights along the way. Near Dongwang Township, you can see the picturesque village of Longzu, nestled in the mountains. The Yunnan-Sichuan Passage itself is a breathtaking road, winding through the canyon with towering cliffs on one side and the rushing river on the other, showcasing the incredible power of nature. Travel Tips 1. Allow time for photos: The scenery along the way is so beautiful that you'll want to stop and take photos. Be sure to choose safe parking spots and follow local rules and customs. 2. Prepare necessary equipment: Although the road is generally in good condition, it's a good idea to bring some essential equipment, such as a spare tire and a first aid kit, in case of emergencies. 3. Learn about local culture: Take the opportunity to learn about the local culture and customs, and interact with the local residents to make your trip more interesting and enriching. Overall, the Mao Wu Grand Canyon route is a fantastic road trip experience. It offers not only breathtaking natural scenery, but also the joy and freedom of a road trip. If you're planning a trip from Shangri-La to Daocheng, consider taking this lesser-known but beautiful route!

Derong County is located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is located at the junction of Sichuan and Yunnan, in the dry and hot river valley area of ​​​​the Hengduan Mountains and on the banks of the Jinsha River at the junction of the three provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet. Due to its unique natural conditions, such as abundant sunshine, dry climate, large temperature difference between day and night, and high-quality soil, it has become a region suitable for growing wine grapes. Derong County is known as the "Sun Valley of Western China". The grape planting and wine industry here has developed rapidly in recent years. The wine industry in Derong County started in the early 21st century. After years of development, it has formed a planting base for multiple wine grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines produced here have repeatedly won good results in domestic and international wine quality competitions, which has also enhanced the popularity of Derong wine. Today, Derong County is working hard to build the brand of "Jinsha River Dry and Cool River Valley Alpine Wine Producing Area" in order to build Derong County into a well-known alpine wine producing area in China and even the world. After more than 20 years of development, Derong Red Wine has produced many representative brands of Sichuan alpine wine, such as C-47, Zhaxi Nima Long, Shenchuan Red, and Douqiao. It has won numerous gold and silver medals in international and domestic wine quality competitions. Wine grapes have become an important characteristic industry for local rural revitalization.

As soon as you step into the Grand Canyon, you feel like you have entered a natural art gallery. The glass-like river is hidden at the bottom of the valley, with crystal clear water, forming a sharp contrast with the cliffs on both sides. . 📍Detailed address: Maowu Tunnel, Derong County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province . ✨Practical tips: 1️⃣ The roads in the canyon are rugged and there are many falling rocks, so be sure to drive safely! 2️⃣ The climate is changeable, remember to bring enough warm clothes. 3️⃣ Since Maowu Grand Canyon is located in a plateau area, pay attention to sun protection. 4️⃣ Don't forget to stop at the viewing platform, it is an excellent spot for taking photos! Standing on the boardwalk, you can look far into the distance at the sparkling green river under the sunlight and closely observe the unique shapes of the cliff rocks. You can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire canyon and feel the craftsmanship of nature.

Gaga Jin Snow Mountain is located 42 kilometers northwest of Derong County, and is the main peak of the 'Gaga Jin Zang Gang' mountain range, with an elevation of 4921 meters. It is the second highest peak within the Sun Valley, and 'Gaga Jin' in Tibetan means 'pure white and tall'. Regardless of the season, Gaga Jin Snow Mountain stands like a towering jade pillar, majestic and spectacular yet pure and transcendent. Clouds and mist wrap around the waist of the mountain, resembling a pristine white Hada. Below the main peak of the snow mountain, there is a pot-bottom-shaped depression, which is said to be the hoof print left by King Gesar when he passed by. Standing on the summit of Gaga Jin Snow Mountain, one can worship Wengjia God Mountain to the east and gaze upon the famous Yunnan Baimang Snow Mountain to the southwest. The best spot to view the dozens of miles of snow-capped ridges of Baimang Snow Mountain, which resembles a giant dragon soaring across the sky. Its majestic presence and spectacular view are enough to shake one's soul. Looking into the distance, floating clouds embrace the mountains, and the white clouds and blue sky above hang high in one's heart. At this moment, one feels the vastness of the world and the grandeur of Gaga Jin Snow Mountain. This area is the main forest region of Derong County and a paradise for flora and fauna. The road to Gaga Jin Snow Mountain is flanked by continuous cold fir, spruce, larch, and Masson pine trees. The area also has broad-leaved willows, ancient cypresses, birches, and Gaga Jin rhododendrons, and is rich in precious medicinal materials such as snow lotus and fritillaria. In Gaga Jin Snow Mountain, herds of argali, snow chickens, antelopes, black bears, squirrels, troops of monkeys, and deer roam freely in the forest. The national first-class protected animal, the Yunnan golden monkey of Gaga Jin Snow Mountain, is revered by the locals as a divine guardian. It is said that only those with great fortune can have an unexpected encounter with them. Here, mountains connect with mountains, trees depend on each other, and beautiful grasslands and herders' sheds built in the forest between the front and back mountains coexist harmoniously with groups of animals and plants, continuously transmitting happiness and energy. Derong has towering mountains, vast pastures, and broad lakes. What is enchanting is the unique Kangba cultural charm. Along the way to Gaga Jin God Mountain, there are mountain villages and Tibetan villages. The villagers have created a unique Kangba culture in the special natural environment, and the oldest of the long-standing string instrument songs and dances - 'Rong Xie' is passed down. Baimang Snow Mountain, like a giant dragon that has emerged from nowhere, soars across the sky with its majestic presence and spectacular view, enough to shake one's soul. Gaga Jin Snow Mountain, where mountains connect with mountains, trees depend on each other, and the beautiful grasslands and herders' sheds built between the front and back mountains make it the best place to view the scenery, especially in autumn and winter. On festive days, these villagers living in the mid-mountain areas put on the ancient and simple 'Xia Tao' (one of the oldest Tibetan costumes in Derong) and dance the joyful 'Rong Xie', expressing through song and dance their work, life, love, and also praying for the protection of the gods. Tip: In the hearts of many, describing Gaga Jin Snow Mountain as 'majestic' still seems insufficient. Its high-altitude mountains, vast and beautiful alpine scenery, and unique Kangba culture charm every part of it, making people yearn endlessly. Derong is so vast, with many unseen landscapes and unknown cultures. Worthy of slow appreciation.