Self-driving Trip to Northern Gannan, Sichuan

Self-driving trip to Northern Gannan, Sichuan: Encountering Surprises and Regrets in the Mountains and Wilderness Last night, we stayed at a guesthouse in Zhagana and were gently awakened by the morning light. The moment I drew the curtains, the endless mountain scenery burst into view without reservation. The fresh air seemed to carry the scent of grass, eager for an intimate encounter with this land. My daughter and I decided to walk to the Luoke Viewing Platform. The short half-hour walk made our steps lighter. Upon arrival, the platform was exceptionally quiet. Besides a Tibetan young man focused on live streaming, it was just the two of us enjoying this place alone. Standing on the platform overlooking Yeri Village, surrounded by towering mountains, the morning mist floated like silk, weaving a hazy ink painting. It felt like stepping into a fairyland, and even our breathing softened, afraid to disturb the tranquility. Before leaving Zhagana, we had planned to check in at Fairy Beach, eagerly hoping to capture another beautiful scene. But when we arrived, the queue was densely packed and stretched out of sight. Considering our subsequent itinerary, we reluctantly left with some regret. However, the journey is always full of unknowns, and leaving some longing behind is not bad. The navigation showed two routes to Huahu Scenic Area. My husband decisively chose the smaller road, and unexpectedly, this accidental decision led us to encounter Rural Road 550, a "Little Duku." Along the way, the scenery outside the car window kept changing—mountains, meadows, and streams alternated, each spot so beautiful it made us want to praise it. Indeed, the most beautiful scenery is always on the road. We arrived at Huahu Scenic Area in the afternoon. The 105 yuan ticket per person was not cheap. But after the visit, the experience felt somewhat below expectations, and I silently thought the ticket was a bit overpriced. As night fell, we arrived in Songpan County and stayed near Songzhou Ancient Town. Strolling through the ancient town’s streets, we felt the blend of history and modernity. When tired, we found a steaming hot pot restaurant and ordered a fragrant yak meat soup hot pot. The tender yak meat rolled in the boiling broth, and the moment it touched my tongue, warmth spread through my body, washing away the day’s fatigue and bringing a perfect end to the day’s journey.