Aba Grand Loop Self-Drive Tour
A 1322km epic self-drive journey through the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, featuring vast grasslands, Tibetan culture, and stunning highland scenery along the G317 national highway.
Highlights
Route Map
Explore all attractions along this 5-day itinerary
Why This Route?
Aba has been the filming location for many movies and TV dramas, and its mysterious atmosphere sparks curiosity. Not visiting and experiencing its unique folk customs would be a regret. While the Tibetan region is famous for "Kangding Love Song," Aba is renowned for its unique Amdo Tibetan and Qiang ethnic cultures. The unique fusion of Amdo Tibetan and Qiang cultures within Aba - go discover the legendary "Ali Baba" of Aba. Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture - a wonderful place on Earth. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, such beautiful scenery nearby, are just a small part of Aba. I personally believe all of Sichuan's essence is in Aba - the stunning scenery truly makes you reluctant to leave.
Driving Information
Route
Chengdu → [Highway+G317, 325km] → Shuama Pass → [G248, 120km] → Hongyuan → [G248+G347, 121km] → Aba → [County Road, 166km] → Rangtang → [County Road, 45km] → Lianghekou → [G317, 156km] → Maerkang → [G317, 64km] → Lianglukou → [G317, 325km] → Chengdu
Road Conditions
The entire route includes a small portion of highways and national roads, as well as provincial and county roads. The highway section is located in the western Sichuan Basin. After passing Dujiangyan, you enter the alpine canyon area. At the Yellow River-Yangtze River watershed, you enter the plateau grassland. The area near Aba is highland mountains and river valleys. From Aba to Rangtang to Maerkang, the route passes through alpine canyons and plateau grassland roads. Driving difficulty is relatively high, but the plateau grassland sections are easier. Geological hazards occasionally occur in alpine canyon areas - drive carefully. Gas stations are sparse along the route, so ensure you have sufficient fuel. Use 92# gasoline throughout.
5-Day Itinerary
Chengdu to Hongyuan via Shuama Pass
Depart from Chengdu, take G317 highway through Dujiangyan and Wenchuan. Pass through Miyaluo Scenic Area and cross the Yellow River-Yangtze watershed. Arrive at Hongyuan County, total distance 445km. The route passes through alpine valleys and plateau grasslands.
Activities:
Attractions:
Hongyuan to Aba County
A shorter driving day of 121km from Hongyuan to Aba County. Enjoy the vast grasslands and visit local Tibetan monasteries. Aba County is known for its authentic Tibetan culture and beautiful highland scenery.
Activities:
Aba to Rangtang County
Drive 166km from Aba to the remote Rangtang County. This section features winding mountain roads and pristine natural scenery. Rangtang is one of the most authentic Tibetan areas in Sichuan.
Activities:
Rangtang to Maerkang via Lianghekou
Drive 156km from Rangtang through Lianghekou to Maerkang (Barkam). Pass through beautiful river valleys and Tibetan settlements. Maerkang is the capital of Aba Prefecture with good facilities.
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Attractions:
Maerkang to Chengdu
Final day driving 325km back to Chengdu via G317. Pass through Lixian County and Wenchuan. The route offers beautiful mountain and valley scenery. Arrive in Chengdu by evening.
Activities:
Car Repair & Rescue Services
Shannan Auto Service Co., Ltd.
No. 29 Ruiqing East Road, Hongyuan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
0837-2662168Kangan Auto Repair
West of No. 2 Primary School, Qinghai Street, Aba County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
13909046821Rongfa Auto Repair
Dabali Village, Rangtang County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan (G317 National Road)
18990404021Maerkang Chuanyu Auto Repair
Section 2, Eeryalu Road, Maerkang City, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
13990437805Local Cuisine
Tibetan Butter Tea
Made from butter and strong tea, this is an essential daily drink for Tibetan people. Rich and delicious, it helps resist the cold of the plateau.
Tsampa (Roasted Barley Flour)
Roasted highland barley flour, a Tibetan staple food. Can be eaten with butter tea. Nutritious and easy to carry.
Yak Meat
A plateau specialty with delicious meat and high protein content. Can be made into yak jerky, hand-grabbed yak meat, etc.
Wild Mountain Vegetables
Wild plateau vegetables such as fern and wild onion. Natural and green with unique taste.
Sour Vegetable Noodle Squares
Tibetan-style sour vegetables with noodle pieces. Sour and appetizing, a local specialty noodle dish.
Highland Barley Wine
Low-alcohol wine brewed from highland barley. Mellow taste, a Tibetan hospitality drink.
Potato Ciba (Mashed Potato Cake)
Potatoes mashed into paste, served with chili sauce. Soft and delicious.
Qiang Cured Meat
Traditional Qiang ethnic cured meat. Smoked and air-dried with rich aroma.
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