Li Yaode, a travel influencer who gained widespread attention for his viral short video series “Taking a Taxi All the Way from Chongqing to Lhasa,” recently took to the streets of Lhasa to experience the city’s latest cultural tourism attraction—a double-decker food-themed sightseeing bus that offers a fresh way to explore the holy city. Dubbed a “mobile viewing restaurant,” this trending vehicle, which has been making waves across social media platforms, is custom-built on the Ankai E12S double-decker sightseeing bus platform.

The double-decker food sightseeing bus features four themed routes: Silhouettes of Lhasa’s Time, Half a Leisure Day in Lhasa, Night Glow of Lhasa, and Vibrant Lhasa Nights. These routes connect iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, integrating guided tours, folk performances, authentic Tibetan cuisine, and cultural and creative products to deliver an immersive tourism experience, with distinctive scenery and activities at every turn.

 

Clad in Chinese red as its primary visual tone, the bus is adorned with local cultural elements such as black-necked cranes and Potala Palace motifs, alongside high-definition LED screens showcasing cultural tourism content—effectively serving as a moving city business card.
 

On the upper deck, a panoramic sunroof offers unobstructed 360° views of the plateau’s blue skies and white clouds. As the bus glides through the city, passengers are treated to sweeping vistas of the Potala Palace’s gilded roofs, the incense-burning platforms of the Jokhang Temple in the distance, and the classic Yao wang Mountain overlook. There’s no need to hunt for the perfect photo spot—every angle delivers a stunning shot.

The interior is well organized into distinct functional zones. The lower deck houses a multi-purpose service area featuring cultural and creative product displays, an open kitchen, and restrooms. The upper dining deck accommodates eight tables with 34 seats, and is equipped with professional audio-visual systems and a dedicated performance stage for folk shows. A plateau oxygen supply system is also installed on board, ensuring passengers can ride in comfort without concerns about altitude sickness. Guests can savor authentic Tibetan dishes and sweet butter tea while feasting their eyes on the ever-changing landscape outside.

 

Officially designated as a signature check-in vehicle by Lhasa’s cultural and tourism authorities, the customized Ankai E12S double-decker food sightseeing bus goes beyond basic transportation to form an integrated experience space that seamlessly combines transit, culture, and consumption.

Engineered specifically for Lhasa’s plateau conditions, the vehicle is powered by high-capacity CATL batteries, capable of meeting the full-day mileage demands of multiple routes while reliably adapting to the region’s climate and terrain—supporting seamless transitions between daytime and nighttime tours. Its robust full-load-bearing body, treated with anti-corrosion electrophoretic coating, and multiple active safety early-warning systems ensure a secure journey on every trip. The professionally tuned air suspension effectively cushions road bumps for an exceptionally smooth ride, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking plateau scenery unfolding beyond the windows.