In September 2024, Ngawang and his younger brother Drakpa set off on a bold, seven-month motorbike expedition from Chamdo in the Chinese mainland’s Xizang Autonomous Region to Beijing, covering over 4,000 kilometers.
They rode through soaring mountain passes, steaming valleys and neon-lit urban centers, pausing along the way to meet herders on high-altitude grasslands, sample regional cuisines and swap stories with fellow riders.
A Journey in Numbers
- Route: Chamdo to Beijing via Sichuan, Shaanxi and other landscapes
- Distance: 4,000+ kilometers over rugged terrain
- Duration: 7 months, with an average of 20–25 km of exploration each day
- Stops: 30+ villages and towns, dozens of local homestays and roadside teahouses
For Ngawang and Drakpa, every turn of the wheel was a chance to rediscover familiar sights and uncover hidden gems — from the misty peaks of western Sichuan to the ancient fortifications of the Great Wall.
'This ride was our tribute to the motherland,' says Ngawang, who chalked tire tracks on dusty roads and digital footprints on social media, inspiring thousands to follow their adventure.
With their helmets off, the brothers reflected on what the journey taught them: the power of slow travel to forge deeper connections, the strength of shared roots and the beauty of landscapes that unite a nation.
As they rolled into Beijing in March 2025, their expedition closed one chapter and sparked another: a plan to launch a travel vlog series celebrating the human stories behind China’s sprawling horizons.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
