An original tribe nestled between snowy mountains and canyons, unlocking a secret realm untouched by 99% of tourists

Deep in the mountains of northwest Yunnan, hidden are ancient secluded villages of ethnic minorities dating back thousands of years. Take advantage of the summer vacation to trek through the mountains, seeking that pure land in your heart for a deeply cleansing journey. Traveling along the winding mountain roads, let your eyes be refreshed by the greenery and your breath filled with the joy brought by negative oxygen ions.

Suitable for: Self-driving enthusiasts who love photography and are willing to endure hardships during the trip. Those who enjoy adventure and have an interest in ethnic cultures and customs.

📍 Itinerary Overview

⏳ Recommended Duration: 7-10 days

🚗 Transportation: Chartered car/self-driving (some sections require an off-road vehicle)

🌤️ Best Seasons: May-June (Alpine rhododendron bloom) / September-October (stunning autumn colors)

🏡 Must-Visit Secluded Villages

1. Nujiang · Laomudeng Village (Cloud Church and Nu ethnic ballads)

• Highlights:

◦ Listen to the Lisu four-part sacred hymns in Laomudeng Christian Church (Sunday 8 AM)

◦ Stay at the cliffside inn "1503" facing Crown Mountain, with sea of clouds within reach

◦ Taste Nu ethnic hand-grabbed rice, paired with lacquer oil chicken and Xiala wine

• Secret extension: Hike 2 hours to Zhiziluo (an abandoned 1980s county town)

2. Diqing · Tongle Village (Lisu Hanging Fortress)

• Activities:

◦ Stay in a log house and experience the firepit culture (recommended "Achi Mugua" guesthouse)

◦ Learn the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage Achi Mugua dance (a goat-inspired tap dance)

◦ Hike to Nanji Luo Lake to search for wild Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys

• Transportation: 3-hour charter from Weixi County (caution during rainy season)

3. Deqin · Yubeng Village (A hidden peach blossom land at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain)

• Hardcore experiences:

◦ Trek the Ice Lake trail (12km) or the Divine Waterfall trail (8km), a pilgrimage to Meili Snow Mountain

◦ Stay at "Wild Language" guesthouse, stargaze at night with an astronomical telescope

◦ Drink butter tea with barley cakes, listen to Tibetan legends of Kawagebo

• Note: Must hike or take an off-road vehicle into the village (200 RMB/person)

🗺️ Off-the-beaten-path Route Design

Day 1-3: Lijiang → Nujiang Prefecture (Liuku) → Laomudeng → Zhiziluo

Day 4-6: Laomudeng → Weixi Tongle Village → Hike Nanji Luo

Day 7-10: Deqin Feilai Temple → Yubeng Village → Return

⚠️ Important Tips

• Border Permit: Required to enter Nujiang, must be applied in advance at your place of residence

• Altitude Sickness Prevention: Yubeng Village is over 3000m altitude, bring glucose

• Cultural Respect:

◦ The Lisu firepit is sacred; do not cross or litter

◦ Obtain permission before photographing tattooed elders

🌿 Seasonal Limited Experiences

• May: Tongle Village’s alpine rhododendrons in full bloom

• September: Yubeng Village barley harvest season, participate in threshing work

• November: Nujiang Gorge’s rare "double-layer sea of clouds" phenomenon

These villages hold the soul of northwest Yunnan—the church bells and chanting intertwine, and stories by the firepit last longer than the starry sky. Bring a copy of "Lost Horizon," meet the smiling tattooed grandmother, and drink a bowl of butter tea brewed with snowmelt water from the mountains—this is the true Shangri-La.