Wasigou One-Line-Sky Gorge
▲ 1,526 mWhere the Wasigou tributary of the Dadu River pinches into a slot so narrow it's called "a thread of sky," the water roars far below at around 1,526 m — a dramatic gorge stop on the climb toward Kangding.
Day 5 of 20 · Act 1 · Out of Chengdu
City of Love Songs · Kangding
Luding → Kangding
2,560 m High point Up to the Kham gate
Climb the Zheduo River valley to Kangding at 2,560 m — the "City of Love Songs" and the cultural threshold of Kham, the last big town before the high passes begin.
Landmarks
Kangding
康定 · 2,560 m
The "City of Love Songs," gateway to Kham, where the real altitude begins.
Stops along the way
2 scenic check-in spots on this stage — pull over at any of them for a postcard.
Paoma Mountain Viewpoint
▲ 2,536 mThe hill from the famous Kangding Love Song, looking down over the City of Love Songs from about 2,536 m — a cozy spot to take in Kangding, the cultural gate of Kham.
Questions about this day
How high is Kangding?
Kangding sits at about 2,560 m, reached by climbing the Zheduo River valley. It’s the "City of Love Songs" and the cultural gateway into Kham — the last big town before the high passes begin.
Why is day 5 important?
It’s where the real altitude starts. After Kangding every day crosses a pass, several above 4,000 m, so this is the day to rest up, top off your stamina mindset, and get ready for the climb over Zheduo tomorrow.
What is Kangding known for?
The Kangding Love Song — China’s most famous folk tune — and its position as the threshold of the Tibetan Kham region. In the game it’s the warm valley town before the world tilts up onto the plateau.
A shared postcard from Cycling 318
Ride your own 318
Cycling 318 turns the road to Lhasa into a daily, cozy ride. Check in at the landmarks, collect a postcard from each, and fill your 318 passport.
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