Batang lies on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, on a broad highland plain at about 2,600 metres, near the Jinsha river, the upper Yangtze, which forms the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region. The town is Tibetan in culture, with a large monastery, prayer flags on every hill and a population of Tibetan herders and traders, and it has been a staging post on the route between Sichuan and Lhasa for centuries.
The ride from Kangding to Batang on the southern branch of the G318 is a serious piece of high-altitude touring. The road climbs over passes of more than 4,000 metres, crosses grasslands where yaks graze and prayer flags flutter on every ridge, and drops into deep river gorges. It passes Litang, one of the highest towns in the world at around 4,000 metres, famous for its horse festival in August, when riders in colourful costumes race across the grass. The surface is mostly paved, but there are sections of roadwork and landslides, and the weather can change from sun to snow within an hour.
Altitude is the main challenge here. Take things slowly, drink water, and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness. The wind on the high passes is bitterly cold, even in summer, so bring warm gloves and layers. The light on the high grasslands is brilliant, and the sky is a deep blue, with the clouds low and fast. Wildlife includes marmots, eagles, and the odd fox trotting across the grass.
There are no large nearby towns, and fuel is a practical concern. Fill up in Litang and Batang, and carry extra if you can. Travel rules for foreign riders in China, including permits and guides in some regions, are strict and change often, so check before you go. Spring and autumn offer the clearest views, and the winter is cold and icy. A bowl of noodles or a cup of butter tea in a roadside tent is the best way to warm up.