Xinduqiao: Map, Scenic & Driving Routes, Must-See Spots and Tips

Welcome to Xinduqiao – the Photographer’s Paradise! Xinduqiao Town (新都桥) — also marked as Xinduqiaozhen on Google Maps — is a tiny gem tucked along the G318 Highway. Just 77 km west of Kangding and 437 km from Chengdu, this highland town sits at 3,300 meters and stretches mainly along a single road.

What makes Xinduqiao special? It’s often called the Corridor of Photographers. Especially in autumn, the valley transforms into a dreamscape — golden poplars, grazing yaks, Tibetan homes, winding streams, and soft alpine light at sunrise and sunset. It’s simply magical.

1. The Scenic Drive: Kangding – Zheduo Mountain Pass – Xinduqiao

I had started that October morning in Kangding with a simple breakfast before setting out west. The Kangding–Xinduqiao driving route had always been on my list. It was part of the legendary G318, a highway many travelers called the “Chinese Route 66.”

The G318 stretched from Shanghai all the way to Tibet. It had linked basins, grasslands, rainforests, and snow-capped mountains. For decades, this highway had carried culture, history, and adventure across China. I had always felt excited to finally drive a section of it myself.

flakes were falling everywhere on the drive from Kangding to Xinduqiao — Once we hit the road, flakes were falling everywhere

Not long after leaving Kangding, I had heard that Zheduo Mountain Pass might be snowy. At 4,298 meters, it was the first true gateway into the Kham Tibetan region. Sure enough, once we hit the road, flakes were falling everywhere, not just at the pass. The road twisted up the mountain, wet and quiet. Few vehicles passed us, only the occasional truck or minivan.

We stopped at small service stations along the highway G318 — We stopped at small service stations along the way

We stopped at small service stations along the way. Local Tibetans ran them, charging a few yuan for toilets and parking. They were basic but offered a welcome break from the winding climb.

By midday we had reached the flat summit. A huge stone engraved with “First Pass to Kham – Zheduo 4298m” stood proudly. Behind it, prayer flags fluttered around a white stupa, bright even in the snowfall. The name “Zheduo” meant zigzag, and the endless switchbacks proved it true.

As we descended, the storm eased from Kangding to Xiduqiao — As we descended, the storm eased

As we descended, the storm eased. The snow stopped, and the sky began to brighten. I felt my spirits lift. Autumn’s fiery colors were hidden beneath white powder, but the silence of the mountains had its own beauty.

2. Arriving in Xinduqiao – A Photographer’s Corridor

By early afternoon, we had descended nearly a thousand meters from snowy Zheduo Mountain. Suddenly, the road opened wide. The colors changed quickly. Green valleys and golden poplar trees stretched along both sides of the highway.

Xinduqiao was in sight — Suddenly, the road opened wide, green and colforful

We couldn’t resist pulling over. Cameras in hand, we started capturing the views. Every few minutes, we stopped again. For the next two hours, the drive itself felt like a moving photography tour of Xinduqiao.

a world of light and shadow in Xinduqiao — A world of light and shadow.

Locals often called this stretch 十里长廊看杨树, meaning “a ten-mile corridor of poplars.” Along the road, tall golden trees reached toward the sky. When sunlight filtered through, the scene looked almost surreal. It truly deserved the title “光与影的世界” — a world of light and shadow.

Cows grazed near clear streams and poplars in Xinduqiao — **Cows grazed** near clear streams and poplars

Xinduqiao (新都桥) had earned another name: 都桥·油画般的摄影天堂 — “a painterly paradise for photography.” Ironically, the town had no grand bridges, yet it became a bridge to beauty for countless photographers. Here, golden leaves, snowy peaks, and shifting light turned ordinary landscapes into living artwork.

Xinduqiao, a painterly paradise for photography

The weather was turning bright, we were quite content. The snow had left a gentle touch on the grasslands, while Tibetan houses dotted the valleys. Cows grazed near clear streams, framed by undulating hills. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

Xinduqiao Town has become a buzzword in Chinese photography circles — **Xinduqiao Town** has become a buzzword in Chinese photography circles

In recent decades, Xinduqiao Town had become a buzzword in Chinese photography circles. Tourists with tripods filled the single main street, chasing light and color. This influx had boosted local hotels and restaurants.

We stayed at Muya Se’e Hotel in Xinduqiao

That evening, we stayed at Muya Se’e Hotel (木雅色俄酒店). The room was simple but clean, with warm service and reliable Wi-Fi — a comfortable rest after a long day’s drive.

3. Scenic Drive: From Xinduqiao to Tagong

The next morning, we continued our journey from Xinduqiao Town. After driving just seven kilometers west along the G318, we turned north onto Highway S303. This was the route to Tagong (塔公), only 33 kilometers away.

The road unfolded like a painting from Xinduqiao to Tagong

The road unfolded like a painting. Golden meadows spread wide across the valley. Clear streams sparkled in the sunlight. Poplar trees lined the highway, glowing yellow against the hills. Meanwhile, Tibetan stone houses dotted the slopes, their flat roofs and castle-like walls standing strong. These Muya homes had sheltered generations, cool in summer and warm in winter.

Tibetan stone houses and Yaks and horses grazed in Xinduqiao — **Tibetan stone houses** and **Yaks and horses grazed**

We slowed often. Yaks and horses grazed freely on the grasslands. A woman in traditional dress tended her fields. Sometimes, a cluster of Muya houses gathered on a hillside, framed by tall poplars. Other times, a single family home stood alone in the valley, peaceful and proud. Everywhere I looked, there was another perfect frame for Xinduqiao photography.

Golden meadows, Clear streams, Poplar trees and Tibetan stone houses in Xinduqiao — Golden meadows, Clear streams, Poplar trees and Tibetan stone houses

Soon the road climbed toward Tagong Town (塔公镇), known in Tibetan as Lhagang. At 3,700 meters, this once-small village had grown into a lively stop for travelers. The star attraction was Tagong Monastery, set against the sacred Yala Mountain rising 5,820 meters high. The legend said Princess Wencheng’s statue of the Buddha had chosen this place centuries ago. Since then, Tagong had been called “a place favored by Buddha.”

Just beyond stood the Muya Golden Pagoda (木雅金塔), built in 1997. Its gilded stupa gleamed in the mountain light, encircled by white chortens and endless prayer flags. Behind it, Yala Snow Mountain towered like a silent guardian.

Muya Golden Pagoda in Tagong — **Muya Golden Pagoda**

Here, between earth and sky, I felt time slow. The Xinduqiao–Tagong scenic drive was short, yet it left an unforgettable imprint.

4. Scenic but Challenging Drive: Xinduqiao – Gaoersi Mountain Pass (4412m) – Yajiang

After lunch, we left Tagong and returned to Xinduqiao Town. From there, we continued our journey west on the Xinduqiao–Yajiang drive route. The distance was only 72 kilometers, but the road promised challenges.

Yajiang sat lower than Xinduqiao, at just 2,500 meters compared to 3,450. This drop made it a natural rest stop between Kangding, Xinduqiao, and Litang. Many self-drive travelers, cyclists, and even hikers chose Yajiang for a night’s stay. Beyond its role as a break point, Yajiang (雅江) was a modern town in the heart of Kham. Long ago, it had thrived as a ferry point on the ancient Tea and Horse Road.

The first part of the drive felt easy from Xinduqiao to Yajiang — The first part of the drive felt easy

The first part of the drive felt easy. However, the map warned us of the Gaoersi Mountain Pass at 4,412 (高尔寺山海拔4412) meters. Soon clouds gathered. The sky grew darker, and snowflakes drifted down. At higher elevations, the weather changed quickly.

The climb tested both our patience and the car. The road near Gaoersi Pass stretched rough and broken for nearly 24 kilometers. It was muddy, uneven, and missing guardrails in places. Looking down into the gorges made my heart race. Trucks and motorbikes still passed, splashing mud as they crawled uphill.

Gaoersi Mountain Pass 4412m on the way from Xinduqiao to Yajiang — **Gaoersi Mountain Pass 4412m**

By late afternoon, we reached the top. A simple sign read “Gaoersi Mountain Pass 4412m.” Nearby stood a small temple. We stayed only minutes, snapped a photo, and offered silent respect. Then the snow grew heavier. The descent was slippery, but slowly the road improved. Guardrails appeared again. The surface widened and smoothed.

Finally, the valley opened, and Yajiang came into view. After hours of tension, arriving felt like a reward.

5. Evening Arrival in Yajiang

By 6:30 p.m., we finally rolled into Yajiang (雅江) after the long Xinduqiao–Yajiang drive route. The descent had been steep, but the reward was clear: a town tucked deep within the Yalong River valley.

The Yalong River (雅砻江) stretched more than 1,300 kilometers as a major tributary of the Yangtze. Here in Yajiang, it divided the town in two, with bridges linking each side.

I only realized after arriving that Yajiang is actually the smallest county town in China. The entire urban area covers just 0.5 square kilometers — about the size of Tiananmen Square!

The houses cling to the cliffs, stacked layer by layer in Yajiang — The houses cling to the cliffs, stacked layer by layer

The houses cling to the cliffs, stacked layer by layer. To me, it felt like a mix of Chongqing’s steep hillside buildings and Lhasa’s mountain-town charm.

Its buildings stacked close together along the riverbanks. Some were plain and dusty, yet tall modern hotels stood proudly in between. Narrow side streets hinted at the town’s older days, when Yajiang had been a vital stop on the ancient Tea and Horse Road.

Yajiang is a tightly packed town nestled in the valley.

However, after hours of high passes and snow, I welcomed the town’s simple comfort. The glow of neon lights reflected on the river, giving the valley a soft evening warmth.

Finding a room was easy. We checked into a small hotel without much effort. Still, during peak season, it would be smarter to book ahead. Yajiang might not be as charming as Xinduqiao, but it was practical — a reliable pause before the next stretch of the G318.

6. Practical Travel Tips for Xinduqiao

After a few days on the road, I realized that practical tips were just as valuable as photos. Xinduqiao Town sits at 3,300 meters, and the climate can be tricky. Xinduqiao weather means big day-to-night differences. The average temperature hovers around 7°C. July and August are warmest, around 15°C. January is coldest, close to 2.5°C.

The best time to visit? Late May to early November. June brings wildflowers. October turns Xinduqiao into its most photogenic season — golden fields glowing under soft sunlight. Winters are freezing, so I wouldn’t recommend a trip then.

Packing was important too. On the plateau, the sun was fierce. I had sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide hat. Warm layers, a rain jacket, and comfortable shoes were essential.

Driving in western Sichuan required care. The Kangding–Xinduqiao driving route had already taught me respect for the mountain roads. I preferred a 4WD SUV for the bends and climbs. The weather shifted quickly, so I always checked the forecast a few days before departure. One more local tip: avoid washing your hair the first two days in high altitude. It actually helped me adjust and avoid altitude sickness.

Food in Xinduqiao and Yajaing was both a mix of Sichuan and Tibetan. I loved the yak meat, tsampa, and butter tea. Restaurants were plenty, and small supermarkets stocked basics. Accommodation in Xinduqiao and Yajiang was also easy. From family guesthouses to modern hotels, there was no shortage of options, especially if booked online ahead of time.

Finally, timing mattered. October’s magic lasted barely 30 days. And for photos? Locals swore by late afternoon, from 5 p.m. until dusk, on a clear day. They were right — the light was unforgettable.