Challenging the limits, entering Medog, a secret realm on earth, truly as said, the 84th day of the self-driving tour around China

June 6, 2023, the 84th day of the self-driving tour around China, from Ranwu Town in Tibet to Medog County in Tibet, crossing the Galung La Snow Mountain. Medog, the last county in China to be connected by a highway, is also the most mysterious place in Tibet. Due to complex geological conditions, the Medog Highway is difficult to navigate and maintain, plagued by avalanches, landslides, and other natural disasters. Entry into Medog is allowed on even-numbered days, and exit on odd-numbered days. The Medog Highway has been upgraded to G559, also known as the Zhamog Highway because it starts from Bomê Town. Although it is a national highway, geological disasters occur frequently, making each segment of the journey an adventure. Shortly after leaving Bomê Town, you will come to the Galung La Snow Mountain. The mountain marks the boundary between Medog and Bomê counties and is the confrontation zone between the warm and moist air from the Indian Ocean to the south and the cold air from the Tibetan Plateau to the north, with a highly variable climate that is daunting. The Galung La Glacier is an interweaving of ice and snow, a blend of cold and beauty. The glacier cascades down from the mountain top, forming huge icefalls. Passing through the Galung La Tunnel, you enter a winding downhill road, from the top of the glacier to the valley forest. The Medog Highway, with its magnificent scenery and challenging terrain, is a fascinating route. The road, like a dragon, winds through rugged gorges and steep mountains. Amidst the mist, green mountains and clear waters appear intermittently, beautiful and mysterious. As the altitude decreases, the scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon unfolds in its entirety. Ancient trees tower into the sky, and numerous rivers of all sizes cross the road. The Medog Highway is known for its unique and numerous waterfalls. The falls seem to descend from the sky, flowing straight down the mountainside like silver chains, sparkling in the sunlight, with a grandeur that seems to swallow mountains and rivers. The road is famous for its narrow lanes and many sharp turns, combining scenery with challenge. Perseverance and courage are the most touching footnotes to this road. The Guoguotang Hairpin Bend is a hallmark of Medog, located in Dexing Township of Medog County. The Yarlung Tsangpo River rushes by here, forming a horseshoe-shaped bend. Like a dragon winding through the high mountain canyons, the bend is majestic. The ninety-degree turn is breathtaking, rivaling the grandeur of the Jinsha River Bend. Overlooking the Guoguotang Hairpin Bend from above can deeply shake one's soul. The town of Medog County is perched halfway up the mountainside, with layers of green hills, a secluded paradise. You can arrange a visit to the Lotus Pavilion, to encounter the wonders of Medog. You can also climb high for a distant view and meet the most beautiful Yarlung Tsangpo River. At sunset, the mountain peaks are tinged with crimson, a blurry and ever-changing spectacle, indescribably magnificent. Finally, in the night, watch the town of Medog County reflected in the lake, intoxicated amidst the colorful lights.