6-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary: The Road to Paradise – Rock’s Route

What is Rock’s Route?

• In the spring of 1925, American botanist Joseph Rock stood at the border of Sichuan, China, faced with two choices: one road leading directly to Qinghai and another to Gannan. According to Rock’s diaries, preserved at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, he ultimately chose the latter, forming a close friendship with the local chieftain of Zhuoni, Yang Jiqing.
• Rock’s Route centers around the Liulin outpost and consists of two main paths: to the east, one route passes through Boyu Valley to Dayu Valley, tracing the source of the Dayu River up to the main peak of the Die Mountains, Zhaikega. Crossing this mountain brings you to the watershed between the Yellow River and the Yangtze River basins. From here, heading south and crossing Guma Mountain along the Mayagu River leads to the various gorges of Xia Diebu. The western route first passes through Ma’er Valley, Lali Valley, and Kache Valley, before reaching Cheba Valley. Following the Tao River upstream, the path leads to the main peak of Guangai Mountain, Jiubolong. From there, crossing the “Golden Lock of Stone Gate,” the route continues westward through river valleys until reaching the Zagana Mountain, and from there, along the Yihua Valley to the various gorges of Shang Diebu.

In the winter of 1927, Rock and his team trekked through the Min Mountains in heavy snow, making their way towards Diebu.

What is Zagana?

• Zagana, meaning “Stone Box” in Tibetan, is located 28 km from Diebu County in Gannan. Its landscape resembles a massive palace, giving the impression that the local Tibetan people live within a stone city. British explorer Joseph Rock once wrote in his diary: “I have never seen such a magnificent sight in my life. If the author of Genesis had seen the beauty of Diebu, he would have placed the birthplace of Adam and Eve here. It would become a paradise for nature lovers and all visitors.”
• This route was introduced because it is said to be where deities descended to the earthly realm, and indeed, it is incredibly beautiful! The journey offers a combination of stunning scenery, varying road conditions, and well-paced itinerary that will leave you reminiscing about the trip long after you return home.

Detailed 6-Day Cycling Itinerary: The Rock’s Route Adventure

Day 1: Chengdu to Yingxiu to Songpan (318 km)  

• Visit the 512 Earthquake Memorial Site
• Diexi Lake
• the ancient Songzhou City

Day 2: Songpan to Diebu (300 km)  

• Explore the source of the Min River
• the 18 Bends of the Fairy Pool
• Jiuruo Road

Day 3: Diebu to Zagana to Rock’s Route to Xiahe (260 km)  

• Discover Zagana
• the Stone City, and the Rock’s Route

Day 4: Xiahe to Ruoergai (265 km)

• Visit Labrang Monastery
• Sangke Prairie
• Ruoergai Wetlands

Day 5: Ruoergai to Hongyuan to Gurgou (335 km)

• Enjoy the Hongyuan Grassland
• Moon Bay
• the Gurgou Hot Springs

Day 6: Gurgou to Wenchuan to Chengdu (227 km)  

• Explore the Taoping Qiang Village
• Zhipingpu Reservoir

Main Attractions During the Cycling Journey

Zagana

Zagana is acclaimed as one of the “50 Outdoor Paradises in the World” and one of the “Top Ten Lesser-Known Mountains in China,” boasting breathtaking natural scenery. Every valley here offers a unique view, from canyons and seas of clouds to forests and high mountains. The houses, scattered at varying heights, create the impression of a secret realm nestled among the clouds, providing an otherworldly experience.

Zagana is a Tibetan settlement where visitors can immerse themselves in rich Tibetan culture. The ancient town features many old buildings, streets, and displays of traditional Tibetan performances and crafts, showcasing the warmth and simplicity of the Tibetan people.

Songpan (Songzhou)

Songpan, historically known as Songzhou, was a crucial frontier town often referred to as the “Gateway to Western Sichuan.” Since the Han and Tang Dynasties, it has been a significant military outpost. This area is a melting pot of Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han cultures, with these diverse ethnic groups coexisting and blending to create a vibrant array of folk arts. The local flower lantern dances are a vivid representation of this cultural fusion, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry, ethnic customs, and deep history of this ancient plateau city.

Labrang Monastery

Labrang Monastery is renowned for having one of the best Tibetan Buddhist educational systems in the country and is often referred to as the “World’s Tibetan Academy.” It provides an excellent opportunity to delve into Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Hongyuan Grassland

The Hongyuan Grassland features vast prairies and wetlands, making it one of the most picturesque wetland grasslands in the world. Dominated by alpine meadows and marshes, this green sea offers a magnificent view of “the sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, and the wind blows across the grass revealing cattle and sheep,” capturing the essence of the expansive grassland beauty.

Inclusions

• Accommodation Booking
• 5 nights in local high-standard hotels (shared twin rooms; can be paired freely or assigned by the guide; single rooms available for an additional fee).
• Meal Arrangements  
• Meals and specialty dining along the route, alternating between regular and unique local cuisine.
• Ticket Booking
• This trip does not include entrance fees for attractions.
• Support Services
• Luxury groups include support vehicles and food and beverage supplies; premium groups do not have support vehicles but carry emergency supplies.

Exclusions

• Personal Expenses
• All drinks, entertainment, and other personal expenses during the trip.
• Vehicle Expenses
• Fuel, tolls, and other expenses for personal or rented vehicles.
• Additional Costs
• Extra entrance fees and other services not included in the main itinerary.
• Vehicle Transport Fees
• Shipping and packing fees for picking up or returning vehicles in different locations.
• Optional Services
• Any additional optional services during the trip.
• (Note: All costs are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract.)