Rural Tibet Exploration: Yanjing's Cliff Town & Mountain Majesty

What Rural Tibet Is REALLY Like I S2, EP80

Destination:ChinaProvince:TibetCity:Lhasa
What Rural Tibet Is REALLY Like I S2, EP80
Little Chinese Everywhere2024-06-2923 min

I have crossed the border to Tibet (Xizang) and travelled to a quite famous region around Yanjing City. It's a small cliff town located in eastern Tibet close to Yunnan Province. The area is famous as an ancient trade route connecting Tibet with Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces. Besides, it offers a stunning mountain landscape with mountains that are higher than 6000 meters in altitude. I also tried the famous Jiajiamian, which are quite popular Tibetan Noodles. The peculiarity is that you only get a very small portion that you can refill an unlimited amount of time. Eventually, I refilled 7 times.

In the end, I rode up the Lawu Mountain Pass to reach my final destination after 200 km.

--- Little Chinese Everywhere
June 29, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 1:50Village Tour
  3. 7:09Tibetan Church
  4. 9:22Jiajiamian (Tibetan Noodles)
  5. 12:31Tibetan Salt Farm
  6. 16:45Yanjing City (Gateway of Tibet and Sichaun)
  7. 18:04Lawu Mountain Pass

Little Chinese Everywhere explores rural Tibet's Yanjing town, discovering unique traditions and stunning landscapes. A memorable noodle feast and challenging mountain pass ride create an unforgettable experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Motorbikes in Yanjing town don't require license plates, offering a unique insight into local transportation and regulations. This demonstrates a different approach to vehicle management compared to other regions. (2:54)
  2. Tip 2The Jiajia noodles in Yanjing are a must-try. Served in small bowls with unlimited refills, it's a unique dining experience emphasizing mindful eating and minimizing food waste. The price remains consistent regardless of the number of bowls consumed. (9:11)
  3. Tip 3The salt farm near Yanjing showcases a traditional method of salt production that dates back to the Tibetan Empire. This offers a glimpse into the region's history and sustainable practices. (12:33)
  4. Tip 4Yanjing's location on the ancient Cha-ma-gu-dao (horse and tea road) provides a historical context to its development and importance as a trade route connecting Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. (17:01)
  5. Tip 5Refueling in Tibet might involve using buckets, highlighting the unique challenges and logistical considerations of traveling in this region. It is advisable to have a good estimate of fuel needed. (21:10)
  6. Tip 6Parts of the G318 national road in Tibet are under constant repair due to heavy traffic and large trucks. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays and rough road conditions. (22:22)

Little Chinese Everywhere's journey through rural Tibet takes us to Yanjing town, a hidden gem nestled in eastern Tibet near Yunnan. This isn't your typical tourist spot; it's a place where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. She explores a unique Catholic church, the only one in the entire Tibetan Autonomous Region, and witnesses the age-old process of salt making along the Lancang River. The highlight? Little Chinese Everywhere's experience with Jiajia noodles, a local specialty served in tiny bowls, refillable until your heart's content! Her adventure culminates in a challenging but rewarding motorcycle ride over two 4000m mountain passes, showcasing the raw beauty of the region.

More about the current video:( 2 / 19 )

What Rural Tibet Is REALLY Like I S2, EP80

This travelogue follows Little Chinese Everywhere as she journeys through the captivating landscapes and unique culture of rural Tibet, specifically the Yanjing town in the Xizang region. The video begins with a glimpse into her comfortable yet modestly priced hotel room, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the town itself.

Little Chinese Everywhere highlights two particularly interesting aspects of Yanjing: the only Catholic church in the entire Tibetan Autonomous Region, a testament to the region's diverse religious landscape, and a millennium-old salt mine where traditional salt production continues along the Lancang River. She interacts with locals, gaining insights into their daily lives and the unique absence of license plates on motorbikes.

A significant part of her experience revolves around the local delicacy, Jiajia noodles. This dish is served in small portions, encouraging refills and promoting mindful eating. Little Chinese Everywhere's enthusiastic participation in this tradition, refilling her bowl multiple times, adds a personal and humorous touch to the narrative. The video also showcases the stunning views from the Lawu Mountain Pass, a significant part of her 200km journey.

Beyond the culinary and cultural exploration, the video beautifully captures the dramatic changes in landscape during Little Chinese Everywhere's motorcycle ride. She documents the transition from barren, red mountains to lush, forested areas, emphasizing the region's diverse geography. The challenges of the journey, such as refilling her motorbike's fuel with a bucket, add an element of adventure and authenticity to her story. Overall, the video offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending cultural immersion with breathtaking scenery, and creating a compelling narrative of Little Chinese Everywhere's Tibetan adventure.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the deal with the Jiajia noodles?
A: They're served in tiny bowls, you eat one, they give you another! It's all you can eat for 20 yuan, and they count how many you eat with stones!
Q: Why are there no license plates on the motorbikes?
A: They just don't need them here!
Q: What's the story behind the salt?
A: This salt was once used to feed the whole Tibetan Empire! They still make it the traditional way, letting the brine from the well dry in the sun.
Q: How was the ride over the mountain passes?
A: Challenging! I climbed two passes over 4000m, but the views were amazing.
Q: What's the deal with refilling gas?
A: You have to use a bucket! It's annoying, but that's how they do it here.

Rural Tibet Exploration: Yanjing's Cliff Town & Mountain Majesty

Solo traveler explores rural Tibet's stunning mountains and unique culture, savoring local noodles and breathtaking views. An unforgettable journey!

Rural Tibet Travel Vlog: Yanjing Town Exploration

Little Chinese Everywhere embarks on a solo journey to a captivating cliff town near the border of Tibet and Yunnan. This ancient trade route boasts breathtaking mountains exceeding 6000 meters. The adventure includes a delightful culinary experience with Jiajiamian, refillable Tibetan noodles, and a visit to a Tibetan salt farm. The journey culminates with a scenic drive up the Lawu Mountain Pass, showcasing the raw beauty of rural Tibet. This is a must-watch for those seeking an authentic cultural immersion.

Attractions in this video: Catholic Church, Salt Mine, Lawu Mountain Pass, Lancang River