Dadu River Overlook
▲ 2,245 mOut of the tunnel and over a small rise near 2,245 m, the Dadu River canyon opens out below the west slope — the start of the long descent toward Luding.
Day 4 of 20 · Act 1 · Out of Chengdu
The Dadu River · Luding Bridge
West Erlang → Luding
2,948 m High point Long descent · history
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.
Landmarks
Dadu River
大渡河
A powerful river roaring through a deep canyon — the day’s long descent follows it down.
Luding Bridge
泸定桥 · 1,330 m
The famous 18th-century iron-chain bridge over the Dadu, at around 1,330 m.
Stops along the way
2 scenic check-in spots on this stage — pull over at any of them for a postcard.
Luding Bridge Memorial Site
▲ 1,336 m"Cold iron chains span the Dadu" — at around 1,330 m, the famous 18th-century Luding Bridge carries thirteen chains and planks over the roaring river, one of the most storied crossings in China.
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.
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.
Coming soon to the App Store