Litang: Map, Scenic Routes, Top Attractions & Travel Tips

Welcome to Litang Town – The Sky City of Western Sichuan. Litang Town, sitting at a breathtaking 4,014 meters, is known as the “Sky City”—one of the highest towns in the world! Its name comes from Tibetan: “Li” means copper, and “Tang” means open plain.

Surrounded by alpine meadows and endless skies, Litang is rich in Tibetan culture and perfect for scenic road trips. If you’re driving the Sichuan-Tibet Highway or heading to Daocheng Yading, you’ll likely pass through this unforgettable highland gem.

1. Driving the G318: Yajiang to Litang via Kazila Pass (4718m)

After a restful night in Yajiang, thanks to its lower altitude, we hit the road early. It was in early October, and today we continued west along the legendary G318 Highway, driving toward Litang Town. Eventually, we would head south to Daocheng, but this stretch from Yajiang to Litang was one of the most breathtaking sections of the journey.

Take a rest at a service stop on route from Yajiang to Litang — Take a rest at a service stop on route

The road climbed fast. Much like the drive from Kangding to Xinduqiao, today’s route reminded me how every mountain pass in western Sichuan had its own character. First came Zheduo Pass (4290m), then Gaoersi Pass (4412m). Now, it wss time for the mighty Kazila Pass (卡子拉山口), soaring at 4718 meters—the highest yet on our route.

Snowy morning drive along Route G318 from Yajiang to Litang Town

As we ascended, snow began to fall again. The golden meadows and autumn-colored trees were dusted with white. In contrast, the dark green pines seemed to glow under the snow. Meanwhile, the winding mountain road kept us focused. We took it slow and steady, stopping when needed at Tibetan-run roadside service huts. These spots offered hot drinks, snacks, and a welcome break from the altitude.

By 10 a.m., we finally reached the top of Kazila Pass (卡子拉山口). The air was thin, but spirits were high. Travelers stopped to pose by the massive stone sign carved with “卡子拉山口” in bold red letters.

The snow cleared and in every direction, colorful valleys unfold close to Litang Town — The snow cleared and in every direction, colorful valleys unfold

Next, we descended toward Litang. The road widened and flattened. The snow cleared. In every direction, colorful valleys unfold—grazing yaks, sparkling streams, and golden grasslands. It feft like the roof of the world, and yet, it was just the beginning of our journey through Litang.

2. Arriving in Litang Town — The Sky City

We rolled into Litang Town (理塘) just past noon. Sitting at 4,014 meters, it’s even higher than Lhasa—by about 400 meters! The name “Litang” comes from Tibetan, meaning “a copper mirror-like plateau”. And honestly, that’s exactly how it feels—wide, flat, and reflective, surrounded by snow-capped mountains like silent giants.

Litang is a key stop for travelers heading either toward Daocheng or deeper west to Lhasa. Despite its high-altitude remoteness, the town is lively. New guesthouses and restaurants have popped up everywhere. At 12:10 p.m., we parked and grabbed lunch before continuing on to Daocheng via the scenic S217.

But first—we explored.

What to See in Litang

1) G318 Landmark at Litang’s City Gates

Litang has two large city gates—东城门 (East Gate) and 西城门 (West Gate). Beneath them, the iconic “此生必驾318” (Drive G318 Once in Your Life) sign has become a favorite photo spot.

The West Gate is clearer and safer for photos in Litang Town — The **West Gate** is clearer and safer for photos

The West Gate is clearer and safer for photos. The East Gate’s landmark sits in the middle of the road, so be cautious. Standing beneath the gate, looking up at Tibetan carvings and clouds like cotton candy, you’ll feel the Sky City magic.

2) Letong Ancient Town (勒通古镇)

Also known as the “Thousand-House Tibetan Village (千户藏寨)”, this old town blends traditional architecture with a more commercial vibe. Still, it’s photogenic and full of charm.

Letong Ancient Town in Litang County — Letong Ancient Town

Walking its cobblestone paths, we passed red-roofed homes, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and local Tibetans greeting us warmly. The scent of butter tea floated in the air. Despite the souvenir shops, real Tibetan families still live here.

3) Changqingchunke’er Monastery (长青春科尔寺)

Perched on the eastern hilltop, this Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monastery is one of the largest in Kham. Founded by the 3rd Dalai Lama, it’s both ancient and majestic.

Changqingchunke’er Monastery in Litang Town — Changqingchunke’er Monastery

From here, the views over Litang’s grasslands are breathtaking. Golden rooftops shine under the blue sky, and the peaceful energy is unforgettable. It might just be the most beautiful monastery I’ve seen in western Sichuan.

3. Scenic Drive: Litang to Daocheng via Rabbit Mountain Pass & Sangdui

After lunch at a lively Sichuan restaurant in Litang Town, we hit the road again – starting the scenic Highway – S217. The place was buzzing with other travelers—most heading south to Daocheng or Yading, just like us.

Yaks and cattle grazing along the S217 from Litang to Daocheng

By early afternoon, although clouds hung low, we felt lucky. The newly built highway from Litang was smooth, wide, and surprisingly quiet. This 148-km S217 ( a provincial highway) stretch felt more like a sightseeing route than a commute. Honestly, it became one of the most beautiful sections of our entire 6,500+ km journey.

Rabbit Mountain Pass (4696m) from Litang to Daocheng — **Rabbit Mountain Pass** (**4696**m)

The first highlight? Rabbit Mountain Pass (兔儿山), rising to 4696 meters. Much of the road leading up was still blanketed in snow. It even started snowing again as we climbed higher into the valleys.

Autumn colors along the S217 from Litang to Daocheng

Crossing the pass, the landscape shifted dramatically. Snow gave way to bursts of color—golden meadows, autumn-red leaves, and deep green pines. Yaks grazed calmly below the rolling alpine slopes.

Wuliang River, a tributary of the Yalong River — **Wuliang River**, a tributary of the **Yalong River**

Soon, we reached the Wuliang River (无量河). We stopped at a scenic platform overlooking the river, a tributary of the Yalong River (雅砻江). The view was postcard-perfect—Tibetan homes nestled between wide grasslands and dry, stone-strewn riverbeds.

By late afternoon, we rolled into Sangdui Town (桑堆镇), about 28 km north of Daocheng. This quiet town sits at a three-way junction: head north to Litang, west to Xiangcheng, or south to Daocheng.

we passed the famous Red Grass Field (红草地) along S217 from Litang to Doacheng — We passed the famous **Red Grass Field (红草地)**

Just 10 km after Sangdui, we passed the famous Red Grass Field (红草地). Even in mid-October, its crimson hues stood out against the yellow poplars and white Tibetan homes.

Finally, at 5:30 p.m., we arrived in Daocheng (稻城). With fewer tourists this time of year, we found a cozy hotel quickly—and at a great price.

4. Driving from Litang to Batang via Haizi Mountain Pass

After exploring Daocheng, we had returned to Litang Town. From there, we rejoined the National Highway G318, heading west toward Batang County (巴塘)—a 170 km drive through stunning highland terrain.

We entered the golden sea of Maoya Grassland along G318 from Litang to Batang — We entered the golden sea of Maoya Grassland along G318

By now, the road felt familiar. Smooth asphalt stretched ahead, wide and well-maintained. About 30 kilometers out of Litang, we entered the golden sea of Maoya Grassland (毛垭大草原).

the golden sea of Maoya Grassland (毛垭大草原). — The golden sea of **Maoya Grassland (毛垭大草原)**.

Framed by snow-dusted mountains on all sides, the grasslands looked like something from another world. In autumn, the colors deepened—golden, orange, and muted green. Although smaller than Hulunbuir or Xilingol in Inner Mongolia, Maoya Grassland had a beauty of its own. Snow-capped peaks reflected in winding streams. The sky felt close enough to touch.

As we climbed westward, the terrain changed. We were now approaching the Haizi Mountain Pass (海子山垭口)—hovering at an average altitude of 4,500 meters. “Haizi” means “lakes,” and this area lives up to its name.

It had begun to snow again. White powder covered the ground, turning the mountain into a frozen moonscape. Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve, also called the Daocheng Ancient Ice Cap (稻城海子山古冰帽), is one of the largest ancient glacial remains on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Trees vanished. Only rocks, frozen lakes, and mist surrounded us.

Then came a highlight. We stopped at a roadside viewpoint where we found the beautiful Haizi Mountain Sister Lakes (海子山姊妹湖)—two glassy, snow-fed lakes lying side by side. Completely still, they reflected the sky and peaks like twin mirrors.

By 3:40 p.m., we reached Xiaqiong Town (夏邛镇), the seat of Batang County, and filled up at a local gas station. After a short rest, we were back on the G318—next stop: Mangkang (芒康), Tibet.

5. Litang Travel Tips – What I Learned the Hard Way

Before heading to Litang, I had heard the altitude could be rough. And yes—altitude sickness is real here!
So first, pack Rhodiola (红景天), oxygen canisters, and take it slow. No sprinting up hills!

The weather swings wildly. Days were warm, but nights got icy cold. I was glad I brought a windproof jacket, sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses—the UV rays at 4,000+ meters are no joke.

Next, don’t forget moisturizer and lip balm. The air was so dry I felt like a lizard! A power bank and your passport or ID are also essentials.

Self-driving was the easiest way to get around. Roads were smooth, and the views—absolutely worth every turn.

In Litang Town, I tried yak meat hot pot and warm butter tea. It was hearty, local, and surprisingly soothing. Tibetan restaurants serve yak dumplings, tsampa, and barley wine, while Sichuan eateries offer simpler rice and noodles.

Remember: don’t point at Buddha statues and always spin prayer wheels clockwise.

I also wandered the old streets—quiet, slow-paced, and full of charm. Tibetan-style cafés and small shops selling yak wool scarves, handmade jewelry, and incense lined the main road.

Would I stay overnight in Litang again? Maybe. The hotels like Shambala, Snowy Love Song, and Meiduo Boutique were clean and comfy. But if you’re altitude-sensitive, consider staying in Yajiang, Batang, or Mangkang, which are all at lower elevations.