The Dadu River · Luding Bridge
Drop into the Dadu River canyon to Luding, and cross the iron-chain bridge — thirteen chains and planks over a roaring river, one of the most storied crossings in China.
Plan the day
West Erlang to Luding — the road, food, lodging and gear for this stage.
Road & riding
A long, fast descent off Erlang into the hot, dry Dadu River gorge to Luding and its famous iron-chain bridge (1705). Mind your brakes and let your rims cool on the drop.
Food & resupply
Luding is warm and lively — riverside restaurants, fresh fruit and cold drinks are a treat after the descent.
Sleeping
Luding town has hotels for every budget by the bridge — a comfortable low-altitude night before the climb to Kangding.
Gear & body
Hot, dry valley: sun sleeves and high-SPF sunscreen — the gorge bakes at midday.
Landmarks
Erlangshan Tunnel West Portal
The day starts at the tunnel's west mouth near Bietuo, where the long G318 descent toward the Dadu River begins.
Bietuo Village
A small village in Luding County right at the tunnel's west exit, the first settlement on the long roll downhill.
Dadu River
A powerful river roaring through a deep canyon — the day’s long descent follows it down.
Dadu River Gorge
Steep canyon walls press in as the road clings to the river, dropping steadily toward the valley floor.
Zanli Village
A riverside village with a tourist center and a "318" check-in plaza right beneath the towering Xingkang bridge.
Xingkang Grand Bridge
The "first bridge of Sichuan-Tibet," an expressway suspension span soaring 239 m above the Dadu River beside the route.
Luding Town
The day's destination, a warm river town at about 1,330 m where the Dadu valley opens up.
Luding Bridge
The famous 18th-century iron-chain bridge over the Dadu, at around 1,330 m.
Luding Bridge Memorial
A riverside memorial to the 1935 Red Army battle to seize Luding Bridge, right beside the old iron chains.
Hailuogou Glacier
A famous low-altitude glacier and hot springs in the side valley below Gongga — a classic detour from Luding.
Questions about this day
What is the Luding iron-chain bridge?
A famous 18th-century chain bridge over the roaring Dadu River at about 1,330 m — thirteen iron chains with planks laid across, one of the most storied crossings in China. In the game you ride right across the planks above the river.
Is day 4 mostly downhill?
Yes — after the Erlang high point the day is a long descent into the Dadu River canyon down to Luding. It’s a good day to practise feathering the brakes and steering with tilt on the fast, winding drop.
How do I check in and get a postcard at Luding?
Ride up to the bridge viewpoint and the bike stops for a check-in; tap it and the game composes a postcard — your own rider and bike standing in front of the real bridge, stamped with the place, altitude and day — to keep in your 318 passport or share.
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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