Tianlu Shiba Wan: The Breathtaking "Sky Road" of 18 Bends on the G318

A Symphony of Curves on the G318

1.Located in Yajiang: County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Tianlu Shiba Wan Viewing Platform (Sky Road 18 Bends) is one of the most thrilling and visually striking sections of the renowned National Highway 318 (G318). As a vital passage from Yajiang to Litang, this segment is famous for its dramatic elevation gain and serpentine design. The road climbs steeply from the Yajiang river valley at around 2,600 meters to the Jianziwan Mountain Pass at 4,659 meters, creating a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters. The road winds like a giant dragon across the mountains, featuring multiple U-shaped hairpin turns that layer upon one another, earning it the reputation of a "Sky Road" that connects the earth to the clouds.

The Engineering Miracle

The "18 Bends" is not just a scenic spot but a testament to engineering resilience in the face of the harsh plateau environment. The design employs a series of "switchback" turns to safely navigate the steep ridges of Jianziwan Mountain (Scissors Bend Mountain). From the viewing platforms, visitors can gaze down at the asphalt ribbon coiling through the dense forests and alpine meadows. The most popular observation deck is located at an altitude of approximately 3,990 meters, offering a perfect vantage point to see the road's geometric beauty against the backdrop of the rugged highlands. It is often described as a place where "the body is in hell, but the eyes are in heaven," referring to the challenging drive rewarded by heavenly views.

Views of the King of Shu Mountains

Beyond the road itself, the viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramic vistas. On clear days, travelers are treated to a majestic view of Gongga Snow Mountain (Minya Konka), the "King of Sichuan Mountains," rising in the distance. The contrast between the winding grey road, the green or golden slopes (depending on the season), and the silver snow peaks creates a visual shock that attracts photographers from around the world. Additionally, the area is frequently shrouded in a sea of clouds that surge from the valley floor, wrapping the bends in a mystical white veil, making the road appear as if it is floating in the sky.

A Historical Thoroughfare

This route sits atop the historical legacy of the Tea Horse Road. Before the modern highway, this was a perilous mountain pass where mule trains carried tea and cloth to exchange for horses and medicinal herbs in Tibet. The mountain was known in Tibetan as "Bolang Gong" or "Remanazha," meaning "sheep pass," signifying its steepness. Today, the viewing platform serves as a modern spiritual landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet line, where the roar of engines replaces the ancient caravan bells, yet the spirit of conquering the plateau remains unchanged.