China Geography's Top 20 Must-Visit Places in a Lifetime - Meili Snow Mountain, Yunnan

Best Time to Visit

• October to May: Weather is relatively clear, perfect for viewing the golden sunrise on Meili Snow Mountain. December to February offers the most spectacular panoramic views despite cold weather.

• Avoid Rainy Season: June to September is the rainy season with changeable weather and frequent clouds that may affect visibility.

Transportation Guide

• By Air: Fly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport, then take a car to Meili Snow Mountain.

• By Train: Take a train to Lijiang or Dali, then transfer to a car.

• By Bus: Buses are available from Shangri-La, Lijiang, or Dali. Charter or shared cars are also options.

• Self-driving: If you have time and driving experience, self-driving offers flexibility and scenic views along the way. Pay attention to road and weather conditions.

Recommended Attractions

• Feilai Temple: A 400-year-old temple featuring three religions in harmony. Built on the mountainside with multi-level architecture that blends with surrounding rocks and trees. Offers both architectural art and panoramic views of Meili Snow Mountain.

• Mingyong Glacier: Yunnan's largest, longest, and lowest-altitude valley glacier, extending from 6,470m to 2,600m. Features spectacular ice layers, deep crevasses, and mesmerizing glacier lakes.

• Yubeng Village: A picturesque Tibetan village and hiking paradise where you can experience local Tibetan culture and natural scenery.

• Wunong Peak Viewing Platform: Closer to the snow mountain, offering stunning views of the golden sunrise and all thirteen peaks of Meili Snow Mountain.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Feilai Temple Area: Multiple hotels and guesthouses available, convenient for viewing the golden sunrise. Many hotels offer good viewing spots on their rooftops.

• Deqin County Town: An alternative to Feilai Temple, with free shuttle buses to Feilai Temple.

Itinerary Suggestions

• 2-Day Tour:

• Day 1: Shangri-La - Songzanlin Monastery - Benzilan - Baima Snow Mountain - Feilai Temple.

• Day 2: Feilai Temple - Golden Sunrise - Welcome Thirteen Pagodas - Benzilan - Yila Prairie - Shangri-La.

• 4-Day Tour:

• Day 1: Depart from Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Yi Village - Xiaozhongdian Prairie - Dukezong Ancient Town.

• Day 2: Dukezong Ancient Town - Songzanlin Monastery - Benzilan - Baima Snow Mountain - Feilai Temple.

• Day 3: Feilai Temple - Golden Sunrise - Welcome Thirteen Pagodas - Benzilan - Yila Prairie - Shangri-La.

• Day 4: Pudacuo - Return to Lijiang.

• 6-Day Yubeng Village Hiking Tour:

• Day 1: Lijiang or Shangri-La - Feilai Temple.

• Day 2: Meili Snow Mountain Sunrise - Xidan - Nanzhong Pass - Upper Yubeng.

• Day 3: Upper Yubeng Village - Alpine Pass - Xiaonong Base Camp - Ice Lake - Lower Yubeng Village.

• Day 4: Lower Yubeng Village - Primitive Forest - Rest Camp - Sacred Waterfall - Lower Yubeng Village.

• Day 5: Lower Yubeng Village - Ninong Grand Canyon - Ninong Parking Lot - Deqin County - Baima Snow Mountain - Shangri-La.

• Day 6: Shangri-La - Dukezong Ancient Town - Songzanlin Monastery - Xiaozhongdian Prairie - Lijiang Ancient Town.

Important Notes

• Altitude Sickness: After entering Tibetan areas, maintain a positive attitude, avoid strenuous exercise and shouting, eat fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and stay warm.

• Sun Protection and Warmth: High-altitude areas have strong UV rays. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Pack warm clothes for significant temperature differences between morning and evening.

• Respect Local Culture: Meili Snow Mountain is one of the four sacred mountains in Tibetan culture. Follow local customs, respect Tibetan culture, avoid pointing at sacred mountains, and don't damage or step on prayer flags.

Hope this guide helps you better plan your trip to Meili Snow Mountain!