[2025 Deqin Attraction] Travel Guide for Mianzimu (Updated Jun)

Yubeng Village Hiking Guide | Encounter the "Heavenly Secret Realm" and Measure Meili with Your Steps I. Preparations (1) Best Time to Visit May - June: Alpine rhododendrons in full bloom, meadows turning green, snowline still visible—experience both flowers and snow-capped mountains simultaneously. September - October: Autumn colors paint the forests, clear weather increases chances of witnessing the "Golden Sunlight over Snow Mountains." November - February: Stunning snowscapes, frequent winter sunshine makes "Golden Sunlight" views easier, fewer tourists ensure tranquility. Avoid: July - August is rainy season—landslides, slippery paths, and clouds often obscure the mountains, diminishing the experience. (2) Gear Checklist Clothing: Quick-dry shirts/pants (base layer for sweat-wicking), fleece/thin down jacket (insulation for mornings/high altitudes), waterproof shell jacket/pants (for unpredictable weather). Choose lightweight, anti-slip hiking shoes with thick socks to prevent blisters. Essentials: 30-40L backpack (for daily items), trekking poles (knee relief, especially downhill), sunglasses (snow/glare protection), high-SPF sunscreen (intense UV), hat (sun/warmth), headlamp (for night hikes/sunrise views), thermos (hot drinks), personal meds (altitude sickness, fever, inflammation, etc.). Supplies: Chocolate, energy bars, sports drinks (energy boost). Stock up on snacks/water before entering Yubeng, as supplies are limited. II. Transportation Guide (1) Major Routes Fly to Shangri-La: Arrive at Shangri-La Airport, then carpool/bus to Deqen (~4hrs), followed by a taxi to "Xidang Hot Springs" (trailhead, ~1hr). From Lijiang: Take a bus from Lijiang Station to Deqen (longer but budget-friendly), then transfer to Xidang. (2) Village Transport Upper Yubeng ↔ Lower Yubeng: ~40min hike or take a pickup truck (¥60/person). Call for a 4WD (¥60) if needed. Exit: Hike through Ninong Gorge (~3hrs, cliffside scenery) or return to Xidang by 4WD. III. Classic Hiking Routes (1) Sacred Waterfall Route (Beginner-Friendly) Distance/Duration: 12km round trip, ~5hrs. Highlights: Tibetan pilgrimage site with sacred waterfall and prayer flags; stone-paved path, easy navigation, rest stops/supply stations. Tips: Wear anti-slip shoes. The final "Despair Slope" is steep—opt for a mule ride (¥500-800 round trip). At the waterfall, remove hats, circle it 1/3/5 times (odd numbers), and drink the pure water. (2) Ice Lake Route (Intermediate, Physically Demanding) Distance/Duration: 14km round trip, ~8hrs. Highlights: Primeval forests, glaciers, rivers, and snow peaks; emerald Ice Lake nestled among mountains—"body in hell, eyes in heaven." Tips: Windy passes require shells. Pre-May, bring crampons. Steep climbs demand stamina—turn back by 3pm for safety. (3) Ninong Gorge Route (Exit Path, Relatively Easy) Distance/Duration: 18km, mostly flat/downhill, ~3hrs. Highlights: Follow the Lancang River through cliffs and rapids—thrilling and majestic "cliffside secret realm." (4) Sacred Lake Route (Expert-Level Challenge) Distance/Duration: 20+km round trip, ~10hrs. Highlights: At 4,500m, face the Goddess Peak with clouds at your fingertips—stunning but grueling, requiring endurance. Tips: Hire a local guide for rugged terrain. Retreat by 4pm. Not for the frail or altitude-sensitive. IV. Sample Itinerary (4D3N) D1: Arrive in Shangri-La → carpool/bus to Deqen → taxi to Xidang → 4WD/hike to Upper Yubeng. Stay at "Butter Tea Inn" with mountain views. D2: Ice Lake hike (depart 7:30am), passing through sea buckthorn forests and Xiaonong Pasture. Evening "Golden Sunlight" photos. D3: Sacred Waterfall hike, then move to Lower Yubeng. Visit "Wild Bistro" café, stay at "Wandering Blue Inn," and shoot starry skies. D4: Exit via Ninong Gorge (~3hrs), then carpool to Shangri-La/Lijiang. V. Food, Lodging & Tips (1) Accommodation Upper Yubeng: Budget-friendly, ideal for acclimatization and panoramic views (e.g., Butter Tea Inn). Lower Yubeng: Rustic charm, closer to Sacred Waterfall, serene (e.g., Wandering Blue Inn). (2) Must-Try Foods Yak hotpot (warming highland delight), butter tea with tsampa (Tibetan breakfast), pine mushroom chicken (seasonal delicacy). (3) Pro Tips Altitude: Carry oxygen/glucose. Avoid showers first two days to prevent colds worsening AMS. Pack Light: Hire mules for luggage (~¥100/item). Eco/Respect: Pack out trash. Circle mani piles left-to-right; avoid stepping on prayer flags—honor local customs. Yubeng’s beauty—a photo-defying, soul-stirring "spiritual utopia"—calls urbanites to tread its snowy peaks, forests, and sacred trails. If you crave an escape, Yubeng Village awaits.

😍 Dear friends, this Lijiang + Shangri-La + Meili Snow Mountain trip is absolutely amazing! 🌄 Off-the-beaten-path hiking routes, avoid the crowds, and enjoy an exclusive feast of snow mountains and glaciers. 🏔️ Untouched secret spots, like stepping into a fairyland, every shot looks like a masterpiece. 👀 The Goddess Peak is mysterious and charming, exploring the southeast slope is super thrilling. 🌳 Dense forests and riverbanks full of wild charm, a paradise for hiking, photography, and adventure lovers! 👫 Couples and friends traveling together will feel their bonds strengthen quickly, a must-share experience! 👇 Click below to easily start a 6-day, 5-night small group tour! 👨‍🦯 Led by experienced guides, small groups of fewer than 10 people are super reliable! 💪 Avoid travel pitfalls and enjoy a fun, cost-effective trip! 🎒 This itinerary is packed with highlights! Starting from Lijiang, first head to Shangri-La to experience Tibetan culture. 🏔️ Meili Snow Mountain is the main attraction, the southern slope is exclusive and stunning, with snow mountains and glaciers right before your eyes, leaving you speechless! 🌲 Hike through dense forests and riverbanks, breathe fresh air, and have fun encountering small animals. 📷 Goddess Peak is a photographer’s paradise, capturing different beauties from various angles. Explore the southeast slope, challenge yourself, and feel an overwhelming sense of achievement! 👫 Couples stroll through the secret spots, filling the atmosphere with romance; friends travel together, full of laughter and joy. The professional team takes care of everything, from accommodation to meals, so you can just fully enjoy the journey!

🏔️ About the Golden Sunrise 🌌 When we arrived at Jiexia Mountain Meili, thick clouds covered the entire mountain range. It was snowing that night, and we climbed to the rooftop terrace where we saw a sky full of stars and a fleeting meteor. 🌅 At six o'clock the next morning, we got up early. The weather forecast still predicted snow, and the mountain peak remained shrouded in clouds. However, before sunrise, the thick clouds dispersed, and Kawagebo peak was completely revealed. The golden sunrise appeared before our eyes without any warning. 🌄 In the evening, thick clouds covered the mountain peak again, and I thought we definitely wouldn't see the sunset glow. Suddenly, a ray of light appeared on Shennu Peak. Sunlight penetrated through the thick cloud layer, radiating from a heart-shaped opening. Not only did we see the golden sunrise, but we also witnessed an exceptionally special golden sunset. - 🛏️ About the Rooms We stayed at Jiexia Mountain Meili for two nights. The first day we stayed in "Chongluan" facing the Baima Snow Mountain, and the second day in "Muyun" facing the Meili Snow Mountain. I don't quite agree with the view that "the fourth-floor observation deck has great views so you only need to stay in the cheapest room." Each room has its own special design features, and watching the snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds from your own room is even more moving. Due to its geographical location, transportation and supplies are very inconvenient, and operating costs are high, so I don't think the room rates are excessive. There are indeed some shortcomings, such as the bathroom, which should be the warmest place, doesn't have floor heating; it's excessively dry in winter; and some areas appear a bit old. But overall, I think these minor flaws don't overshadow its merits. (We also visited the most expensive standalone room "Wunong Dingshang," but the viewing angle isn't great and the room is excessively large - not necessary at all 🙈) - 🏞 About the Environment The hotel's public spaces are full of wabi-sabi style, with every corner worth appreciating, not to mention the fourth-floor observation deck. Some people complain that the hotel's exterior looks like an earthy-colored small building similar to a guesthouse. I believe they must not have gone out to see the entire Wunongding Village. The hotel's exterior design is a simplified version of a Tibetan building, distinguishing itself from villagers' homes while incorporating a certain style. Wunongding Village is beautiful. If you're just going with the mindset of taking trendy photos of the golden sunrise through the hotel's floor-to-ceiling windows and then completely dismiss it because you didn't get good weather, it's really not worth enduring hours of mountain roads and risking bad weather just for a check-in photo. On the contrary, if you truly love traveling, you can join the hotel's village hiking activities. This small village has much more to explore and experience. - 💁🏻 About the Service Based on our experience this time, all hotel staff, whether local Tibetans or Han Chinese employees, were very friendly and enthusiastic. They answered all our questions and helped solve all our needs. The enthusiastic management brother (reportedly the vice president?) took us to see the night view of Deqin County and even helped scrape frost off our car windows before we left. After staying for two days, it really felt like coming home. - With an optimistic attitude, all scenery you see is beautiful, while a critical eye can only see unpleasant flaws. -