In October 2019, self-driving travel strategy in western Yunnan and western Sichuan (3) Diqing Prefecture in Northwestern Yunnan—Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng, Balagezong

Yunnan - Deqin - Feilai Temple - Meili Snow Mountain - Rizhao Golden Mountain

Yunnan - Deqin - Feilai Temple - Meili Snow Mountain

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - Meili Snow Mountain - Rizhao Jinshan

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Xiayubeng Village

Tibet - Mangkang - Millennium Ancient Salt Fields

Yunnan-Deqin-White Horse Snow Mountain Pass-White Horse Snow Mountain

Continuing from the previous article "Self-driving tour strategy in western Yunnan and western Sichuan in October 2019 (2) Nujiang Prefecture in western Yunnan - Fugong, Dulongjiang, Bingzhongluo"

D11 October 15th (clear, 7-26 degrees) Bingzhongluo (Gongshan) - Deqin - Feilai Temple (Deqin) (170+20 total 190 kilometers)

Yesterday, as the tour in Bingzhongluo came to an end, the tour in Nujiang Prefecture in western Yunnan also came to an end. Today, we will start from Bingzhongluo, take the "Degong Highway" just opened this year, go straight to Feilai Temple in Deqin County, and start the journey to Diqing Prefecture in Northwest Yunnan.

"Degong Highway" is a new passage between Deqin in Diqing Prefecture and Gongshan in Nujiang Prefecture. According to reports, in the past, it was very inconvenient to go from Nujiang Prefecture to Diqing Prefecture by detouring Dali, Lijiang and other places, and the distance was nearly 1,000 kilometers. After more than ten years of hard work and overcoming difficulties by the builders, the 98-kilometer-long "Degong Highway" was finally opened this year. The opening of this road has greatly facilitated the exchange of personnel and materials between Nujiang and Diqing prefectures, and also played a decisive role in the development of local tourism.

In fact, the 98-kilometer "Degong Highway" only refers to the distance from Bangdang Township in Gongshan County to Yunling Township in Deqin County. And we have to drive more than 20 kilometers from Bingzhongluo to the Bangdang Bridge in Bangdang Township, and turn left after crossing the bridge to enter the "Degong Highway". After arriving in Yunling Township, it took tens of kilometers of provincial road to reach Deqin County, and another 20 kilometers of National Highway 214 to Feilai Temple, where they stayed that night. The total journey of 170 kilometers takes 5 hours, and several sections of gravel roads (about 10 kilometers in total) are still under construction due to landslides and other reasons. There are also a lot of falling rocks along the road, so you must drive carefully, and at the same time, pay attention to leaving enough time, and don't drive at night.

On the way, it will pass through Kongqueshan Pass (3882 meters above sea level) and Shengping Town (3250 meters above sea level) in Deqin County. That is to say, officially enter the high altitude area from today.

Yunnan-Deqin-Degong Highway-Scenery along the way

Yunnan-Deqin-Deqin County-Shengping Town

Feilai Temple (3,400 meters above sea level) is not only the name of a temple, but more importantly, the name of a region. It is famous for being the best place to view Meili Snow Mountain. Later, people built restaurants and inns here, and called the village around the temple Feilai Temple.

The current Feilai Temple has been built very well, and there are many hotels everywhere. Everything here exists and develops for tourists to appreciate Meili Snow Mountain. Many newly-built hotels have great views and angles to watch Meili Snow Mountain from the balcony of the room or the rooftop of the hotel. Of course, the more convenient the location of the hotel and room to watch the snow-capped mountains, the higher the price will naturally be.

Yunnan - Deqin - Feilai Temple - many hotels

Meili Snow Mountain belongs to the Hengduan Mountains, located at the junction of Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture and Zayu County, Tibet, in the world-famous "Three Parallel Rivers" area of Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nujiang River. According to legend, there are 13 peaks in total, known as Taizi Thirteen Peaks, and the main peak, Kawagebo Peak, is 6,740 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain in Yunnan. Meili Snow Mountain is not only a sacred mountain in Tibet, but also a holy place for tourism. It is famous all over the world for its towering magnificence and mystery.

Yunnan-Deqin-Feilai Temple-Pearl Laka Observation Deck

Yunnan - Deqin - Feilai Temple - Main Peak of Meili Snow Mountain and Mingyong Glacier

Yunnan-Deqin-Feilai Temple-Pearl Laka Observation Deck

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - Meili Snow Mountain

At around 3:00 in the afternoon, we arrived at the hotel where we stayed at Feilai Temple. After a short rest, we came to Meili Snow Mountain National Park (Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage), Feilai Temple Scenic Area (Feilai Temple National Forest Park), Feilai Temple Pearl Laka, not far from the hotel. Viewing platform (3400 meters above sea level) and other places for sightseeing.

Taking advantage of the fine weather, first buy a ticket to enter the Feilai Temple Mingzhu Laka Observation Deck to watch Meili Snow Mountain; then drive along the about 8 km ring road in the Feilai Temple Scenic Area (Feilai Temple National Forest Park) Take a car to see the scenery along the way (the entrance is on the left side of the parking lot inside the Pearl Laka Observation Deck), there are 3 observation decks in the middle, and you can overlook Baima Snow Mountain, Biluo Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain respectively. Not many people know about this circumnavigation route, so there are very few tourists along the way.

Stay overnight at Deqin Tengyue Meili Snow Mountain Resort Hotel, which is opposite to Meili Snow Mountain in Feilai Temple Scenic Area. You can clearly see Meili Snow Mountain from the balcony of the hotel room. A newly opened hotel, the location is excellent, the balcony is excellent, and the parking is convenient.

Today's weather is so good, the store explained that there is a high probability that you can see the "Rizhao Jinshan" landscape at sunrise. Everyone was very happy to hear the good news, and hoped that good luck would come, and that they could see the majesty of the "Rizhao Jinshan" of Meili Snow Mountain tomorrow morning.

Yunnan-Deqin-Feilai Temple Scenic Area

Yunnan - Deqin - Feilai Temple - Meili Snow Mountain

D12 October 16th (clear, 5-22 degrees) Feilai Temple (Deqin) - Xidang (Deqin) - Yubeng (Deqin) (40km)

In the early morning, the beautiful "Sunshine Golden Mountain" of Meili Snow Mountain arrived as scheduled, which is extremely lucky. The balconies, rooftops, and observation decks of various hotels are full of tourists. Everyone opened their eyes wide or pressed the shutter frequently, watching and recording this rare beauty that only lasted for three minutes. According to reports, due to the changeable weather in the local area, especially in the high mountains, Meili Snow Mountain is surrounded by clouds and fog all year round. Some people have been here many times, but they have never even seen what Meili Snow Mountain looks like, let alone the "Rizhao Jinshan". Therefore, the probability of seeing the "Sunshine Golden Mountain" depends on the season, weather and luck. But it is more likely to be seen from October to March each year, and it turns out to be the case. During our 3 days in Feilai Temple and Yubeng Village (a small Tibetan village under the Meili Snow Mountain), we were fortunate enough to see the Rizhao Golden Mountain several times in a row.

Yunnan - Deqin - Feilai Temple - Meili Snow Mountain - Rizhao Golden Mountain

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - Meili Snow Mountain - Rizhao Jinshan

After seeing Rizhao Jinshan, I had breakfast and left my luggage at the hotel. Today and tomorrow I am going to be a "false donkey", that is, to go to Yubeng by car instead of on foot. It can also be regarded as a personal try and experience a little taste of what travel friends always say, "If you don't go to heaven, go to Yubeng". Because it is said that a Yubeng hike is like a journey of the soul.

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - Meili Snow Mountain

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Shangyubeng Village

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Xiayubeng Village

Yubeng, a small Tibetan village at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain is called "Xanadu". Surrounded by mountains on all sides, there is only one post road connecting with the outside world. It is the fairyland of Taoyuan that the world yearns for. Because it is located deep in the mountains, far away from market towns, with inconvenient transportation and simple folk customs, it is known as the epitome of the real "Shangri-La". It is divided into two villages, Shangyubeng and Xiayubeng. Xia Yubeng lies quietly in the mountains and valleys, cows and horses graze leisurely, primitive and peaceful; Shang Yubeng is built against the mountains, and the small white houses are patchwork, especially when it is pictured together with the beautiful snow-capped mountains.

In the past, when going to Yubeng, you could only go in on foot. The 18-kilometer mountain road, including 12 kilometers uphill and 6 kilometers downhill, generally takes 5-8 hours. After arriving in Yubeng, stay for three or more days, including Ice Lake, Xiaonong Base Camp (about 8-9 hours round trip), Shenpu (about 5-6 hours round trip), Shenhu Lake (about 7-8 hours round trip), etc. There are 3 hiking routes in different directions to choose from. People who love hiking, the main purpose of coming here is to enjoy the fun of hiking.

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Xiayubeng Village

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - Meili Snow Mountain - Rizhao Jinshan

Well now, since the second half of last year, I have been able to enter the village on an off-road vehicle. As long as you are willing to spend 260 yuan (the return journey is cheaper than 200 yuan, which is quite expensive) and 50 minutes, it will be OK, which saves energy and time. This may be scornful for donkey friends and young people who like to hike; but for many people, especially those who are old and want to see it, it is undoubtedly a great boon. There are many people waiting in line is the best example. So when we went to Yubeng, we just acted as "false donkeys".

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - village trail

From Feilai Temple, walk about 20 kilometers along National Highway 214 to Mangkang, Tibet, turn to the road to Xidang at a viewing platform, and continue for 20 kilometers to the parking lot (there are two or three parking lots up and down. , buy your ticket and board next to the top parking lot). During the period, on the way to Xidang, you can overlook the Mingyong Glacier, watch the Lancangjiang Meili Grand Canyon up close, and then go to the ticket gate (the ticket is 55 yuan). There are a few kilometers of roads that are not paved, and the rest of the roads are in fair condition.

Yunnan-Deqin-Lancang Meili Grand Canyon

Yunnan - Deqin - Lancang River

The off-road vehicle ride to Yubeng was thrilling and extremely bumpy. Arrive at the evening accommodation, Yubeng Impression Boutique Inn (located between Yubeng Upper Village and Lower Village) at around 1:00 p.m. It was already past the time for lunch, so I quickly asked the store to make egg noodles for lunch. Then start the tour of the Yubeng Village Scenic Area, slowly strolling from Xiayubeng Village (3050 meters above sea level) to Shangyubeng Village (3150 meters above sea level), watching and taking pictures while walking, and it took more than 3 hours to return to the inn. The weather in the mountains is changeable, for a while the sun shines, for a while the clouds cover the sky, and for a while it rains sporadically. The plan to watch the sunset and starry sky at night fell through due to weather changes.

Yunnan - Deqin - Yubeng - Meili Snow Mountain

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Xiayubeng Village

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Shangyubeng Village

Yunnan-Deqin-Yubeng-Xiayubeng Village

D13 October 17th (clear, 3-23 degrees) Yubeng (Deqin) - Xidang (Deqin) - Yanjing Millennium Ancient Salt Field (Mangkang) - Feilai Temple (Deqin) (110+110 total 220 kilometers )

It rained a lot last night and the weather has turned really nice again in the morning. In Yubeng Village, I saw the Rizhao Jinshan again at a close distance. After breakfast, we left Yubeng by car and returned to Xidang, ending the full and interesting one-day tour of Yubeng by the "pseudo-donkey".

Today we are going to visit the thousand-year-old salt field salt well (2,300 meters above sea level) in Mangkang County, Tibet. Drive 20 kilometers from Xidang back to National Highway 214, and walk more than 200 kilometers back and forth to see the thousand-year-old salt field. National Highway 214 runs along the Lancang River, which is convenient for viewing the Lancang River Canyon. The road conditions are good along the way, and there are not many vehicles passing by.

Yunnan-Deqin-214 National Highway-Scenery along the way

Tibet - Mangkang - Millennium Ancient Salt Fields

Tibet - Mangkang - Millennium Ancient Salt Field - Tibetan women selling self-produced salt

Yanjing Millennium Ancient Salt Field is located on the east and west banks of the Lancang River in Yanjing Town, with a history of more than 1,300 years. It is the largest salt-producing area in Tibet and the only place in my country that maintains the most primitive manual salt drying method. Up to now, it has preserved a relatively complete ancient salt-making method in my country. The dark brown man-made salt fields of a dozen to tens of square meters form a spectacular salt pond terrace, which forms a sharp contrast with the blue sky and white clouds and the mountains on both sides of the Lancang River. This is a place and microcosm that reflects the hard work and wisdom of the Tibetan people. It is also a good scenic spot with both good landscape and insight. It is said that the local area has started the process of declaring the world heritage. It is definitely worth a special trip to visit.

In the evening, we will continue to stay at Deqin Tengyue Meili Snow Mountain Resort Hotel.

Tibet - Mangkang - Millennium Ancient Salt Fields

D14 October 18th (clear, 3-25 degrees) Feilai Temple (Deqin) - White Horse Snow Mountain Pass (Deqin) - Benzilan (Deqin) - Balagezong (Shangri-La) (55+35+40 130 kilometers in total)

Today's destination is Balagezong in Shangri-La. Along the way, we visited Feilai Temple, Wunongding Welcome Terrace Scenic Spot (it is said that there was a fee before, but there was no charge when we went there), Shengping Town, Deqin County, Baima Snow Mountain Pass (4292 meters above sea level), Baima Snow Mountain Natural Reserve, Baima Snow Mountain Alpine Rhododendron Forest, Three Parallel Rivers National Scenic Area, Jinsha River Canyon and Jinsha River Dawan (Moon Bay), Benzilan, etc. The weather is good, the scenery is beautiful, enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way, and have a good mood all the way.

Starting from Feilai Temple, take National Highway 214 to Shengping Town, Deqin County, to see this mountain city in the gap between two mountains. Go forward about 30 kilometers and come to the fork to the Baima Snow Mountain Pass. Be careful to go to the old National Highway 214. Now that 3 tunnels in Baima Snow Mountain have been built, National Highway 214 no longer needs to cross mountains and ridges to pass through the pass of Baima Snow Mountain. At the pass on the mountain, there is a 4292 landmark monument (4292 meters above sea level), where you can overlook the Baima Snow Mountain.

Yunnan-Deqin-White Horse Snow Mountain Pass

Yunnan-Deqin-Baima Snow Mountain Pass-Scenery along the way

This area belongs to the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, and it is also the main area of the alpine rhododendron forest in Baima Snow Mountain. Along the way, I saw too many alpine rhododendrons, many of which looked like big trees. If the rhododendrons are in full bloom in May and June, the mountains and plains are full of colorful colors, it must be extremely beautiful.

This section of the old national road is about 20 kilometers long, and the scenery along the way is picturesque. At present, the road conditions are mostly good, and there are few vehicles passing by, so it is convenient to stop at any time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. And there is no need to go back, go to the front and meet the new 214 National Road.

Just imagine, isn’t the tourism industry being vigorously developed in various places now? If this section is well managed and maintained, and some tourist facilities are added to the mountain, it will become a great scenic spot. There are too many examples that after the tunnel is built, the road going up the mountain via the pass will be abolished or blocked. "The infinite scenery is on the dangerous peak"! What a pity to think about it.

Yunnan-Deqin-Baima Snow Mountain Pass-Scenery along the way

Continue to go forward and come to the Three Parallel Rivers National Scenic Area, Jinsha River Dawan (Moon Bay). The scenic spot is on the side of the main road, and parking is also convenient. It is more than half an hour to go in and see the Jinsha River Dawan. But you have to enter the scenic spot to see the whole picture of Dawan, which is quite spectacular and distinctive.

Then walk from the 214 National Highway to Benzilan Town, and then turn to the 20-kilometer trail to Balagezong with good road conditions, and come to the night accommodation, Shangri-La Bala, which is diagonally opposite to the Tourist Reception Center of Balage Scenic Area Gezong Tibetan Ecological Hotel.

Yunnan-Deqin-Benzilan-Jinsha River Dawan

Yunnan-Deqin-Benzilan Town

D15 October 19th (cloudy, 5-22 degrees) Balagezong

When I came to Balagezong, I saw the introduction of "Shangri-La of the world, the magical Balagezong" on TV, and I felt good; second, I was out for more than ten days and wanted to find a place to rest and recuperate. Here The altitude is not too high, which is just right; third, and most importantly, I saw that the hotel here is advertising on the Internet, and the VIP suite of about 70 square meters is less than 30% off, which is extremely cost-effective. When I came to the hotel, I saw that the room was really tall. It was the best hotel to stay in this trip, but the price was not very high. I even stayed for two nights in a row. Why not do it!

Today is a one-day tour of Balagezong Scenic Area (Shangri-La Canyon National Park, 2700-4050 meters above sea level), because I live at the gate of the scenic spot, with more time and a relatively easy itinerary, which meets the needs of strolling and resting here. Before entering the gate of the scenic spot, I first went to see the Renmayi Road, then bought a ticket to enter the scenic spot and took a bus, and then visited the Balazang Cultural Experience Center (Balazhuoma Lakang), the Echo Wall, the Glass Plank Road Observation Deck, and the Millennium The ancient village of Bala Village, Shangri-La Grand Canyon (Balagezong Canyon, Birong Canyon), Gangqu River, Tongtian Gorge and other scenic spots, and then return to the entrance of the scenic spot to see the millennium Bodhi tree.

Yunnan - Shangri-La - Balagezong - Scenery along the way

Yunnan - Shangri-La - Balagezong - Bala Village

Scenic buses, scenic spots, and time are all fixed arrangements. We arrived at Bala Village just at noon, and there are places to eat here. Touring the attractions in this way is not very convenient and comfortable for tourists, but it is only convenient for the managers themselves. It took more than 5 hours to finish the tour and go back to the hotel to rest.

The advertising and publicity of the Balagezong Scenic Area is very strong, and it is indeed a good place for leisure and vacation; but as a tourist passing by in a hurry, it is not a good choice because of the general scenery.

Reposted below "October 2019 West Yunnan, Western Sichuan Self-driving Tour Raiders (4) Ganzi Prefecture in Western Sichuan - Daocheng, Yading, "Three God Mountains""

Yunnan - Shangri-La - Balagezong - Shangri-La Grand Canyon

Yunnan-Shangri-La-Balagezong-Glass Plank Road