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Rainbow in Zhongdian, Yunnan is a scenic area known for its stunning multi-colored rock formations and rich Tibetan culture. The most recommended activities include exploring the rainbow-colored landscapes, photographing the vibrant hues of the rocks, and hiking around the area. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those interested in Tibetan culture and scenery.
Yubeng Village, located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, at the eastern foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan Province, is surrounded by mountains and boasts a unique geographical environment. At an altitude of 3,000 meters, it is connected to the outside world only by a post road. Currently, there are no accessible roads, so access to Yubeng is via two post roads: the Xidang and the Ninong. The Xidang Post Road is more convenient, requiring a 12-kilometer hike or mule ride uphill, a 6-kilometer descent, and a 3,700-meter pass.
Yubeng Village, nestled at the foot of Wuzi Peak beneath Niancimu Peak in the Meili Snow Mountain, boasts beautiful scenery and simple folk customs, creating a truly idyllic paradise. The upper village leads to the Sino-Japanese base camp for climbing Mount Kawagebo, while the lower village leads to the Yubeng Divine Waterfall. Along the way, visitors can admire the wonders of ancient seal script and five trees with the same root.
May to July: The scenery is vibrant and green, but June and July are the rainy season, making mountain roads more difficult to navigate.
9-10: Buckwheat flowers bloom in August and September, and wolfsbane flowers turn red in mid-September. Yubeng is a sea of flowers with stunning scenery.
Mid-October to early November: The whole mountain is covered with golden color, the autumn colors are very beautiful, and it is also the most beautiful season to see Meili Snow Mountain.
After December: It usually snows, but the mountain may be closed around the Spring Festival.
Yubeng Waterfall
Yubeng Waterfall is a waterfall formed by the meltwater from the Meili Snow Mountain. Tibetans consider bathing at Yubeng Waterfall a spiritual practice. Visitors can follow Tibetan tradition by walking three clockwise circles around the waterfall to pray for blessings. The scenery of the waterfall changes with the seasons. Normally, it's just a wisp of water hanging from the mountain, resembling a khata. The waterfall is more spectacular during the rainy season, and the melting snow in spring and summer increases the flow of the waterfall.
Yubeng Glacier Lake
Yubeng Glacial Lake, a deep green lake formed by the melting snow from the Meili Snow Mountain glaciers, is the main source of water for Yubeng Village. Standing on the hillside beside the glacial lake, the emerald green water reflects the blue sky and white clouds, and the surrounding white snow-capped peaks are surrounded.
Laughing Farmer Base Camp
Located on the road from Shangyubeng Village to the glacial lake, surrounded by vast snow-capped mountains and vast glaciers, this was the base camp for the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team. It's the only rest stop on the long journey between Shenpu Waterfall and the glacial lake, and it's also the only way to reach the glacial lake. During peak tourist season, local Tibetans sell instant noodles and drinks here.
The entrance fee to Yubeng Village is RMB 80;
Meili Snow Mountain ticket package is 230 yuan (including Jinsha River Bay 60 yuan, Wunongding Observation Deck 60 yuan, Feilai Temple Observation Deck 60 yuan, and Yubeng 80 yuan). An additional 5 yuan management fee will be charged for entering Yubeng.
Rainbow in Zhongdian is famous for its unique geological formations where the rock layers form vibrant, rainbow-like colors. These colors are due to mineral-rich deposits in the rocks over millions of years. The site holds cultural significance for Tibetans, and it’s known as a sacred landscape in Tibetan Buddhism, adding spiritual value to its natural beauty.
Rainbow is located in Zhongdian (also known as Shangri-La), Yunnan Province, China. To get there, you can take a flight to Diqing Shangri-La Airport, and from there, take a taxi or local bus to the site. There are no metro services available in the area, and walking is not recommended due to the distance from the nearest towns.
Rainbow is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are from May to October when the weather is pleasant. However, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon provides better lighting for photography, especially when the sun’s angle highlights the vivid colors of the rocks.
The entrance fee for Rainbow is generally between CNY 80 and 100. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is also possible to purchase tickets through some local travel agencies, especially during peak seasons, but online bookings are not commonly available.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, except during the peak tourist season (summer and Chinese public holidays). It’s recommended to book tickets 1-2 days ahead if you plan to visit during these busy periods.
You will need about 2-3 hours to fully explore Rainbow, including time for photography and hiking around the site. If you’re an avid photographer or nature enthusiast, you might spend a bit longer capturing the stunning views.
The must-see highlights are the rainbow-colored rock formations, which are spread across the area in various shapes and sizes. The most photogenic spots include the large rock faces where the colors are most vivid. The surrounding landscape of Tibetan-style villages and green meadows also adds to the charm of the site.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and possibly Tibetan. English-speaking guides might be limited, but some local tours may offer basic explanations in English. Audio guides are typically not available at this site.
The best viewpoints are located along the main walking trail. The rocks, illuminated by sunlight, offer dramatic contrasts and are perfect for capturing vivid photos. Sunset and sunrise offer the best lighting for dramatic shots of the rainbow formations. The view from the edge of the site, looking over the valley, also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Start at the main entrance and follow the designated walking paths. These paths will guide you through the key geological formations. It's recommended to walk along the upper trail for the best panoramic views and then explore the lower areas to get closer to the rock formations for more detailed photography.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Rainbow. However, the site is especially stunning during early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting highlights the vibrant colors of the rocks. Special photography tours may be available depending on the season.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are typically during weekdays, particularly outside of the summer tourist season. The off-season (November to February) is less crowded and offers a more tranquil experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and small shops are available near the entrance. Snacks and drinks can be purchased, but there are no major restaurants or dining facilities at the site. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to spend more time exploring.
The terrain at Rainbow is rugged and may not be easily accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. The walking paths are somewhat uneven, and some areas require light hiking. Children can visit, but it's recommended to supervise them closely due to the nature of the terrain.
Cash is widely accepted at the entrance and local shops. However, credit cards and mobile payments may be accepted in nearby towns such as Zhongdian (Shangri-La), so it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
There are no restaurants inside the Rainbow site. However, there are local Tibetan-style restaurants in Zhongdian (Shangri-La), where you can enjoy traditional dishes such as yak meat and butter tea.
In Zhongdian, vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, particularly those that cater to Tibetan Buddhist culture. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in larger towns.
There are a number of guesthouses and hotels in Zhongdian (Shangri-La), which is about 20-30 minutes away by car. For more luxurious options, there are also hotels offering comfortable stays with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Nearby attractions include the Songzanlin Monastery (also known as the "Little Potala Palace"), Napa Lake, and the Pudacuo National Park. These attractions are all located within a short drive of Rainbow and can easily be combined for a full day trip.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance of Rainbow, selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, prayer beads, and colorful textiles. Popular souvenirs include yak wool items, Tibetan prayer flags, and locally made jewelry.
The best way to continue your trip is by taxi or private car to nearby attractions such as the Songzanlin Monastery or Napa Lake. Public buses or taxis can also be used to explore Zhongdian (Shangri-La) or head back to the airport for onward travel.
