Before Hiking Meili Snow Mountain, Be Sure to Visit Feilai Temple

If you plan to hike to Rainstorm Village (Yubeng) or Mingyong Glacier, you'll inevitably pass through Feilai Temple. This small town, known as the best viewing spot for Meili Snow Mountain, is not only the starting point for many hiking routes but also the most unmissable place to witness the "Golden Mountain" sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain. 📌 What is the "Golden Mountain" sunrise? * "Golden Mountain" refers to the spectacular sight of the sun's rays illuminating the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, Kawagebo (6,740m above sea level), in a golden glow during early morning or evening. * Due to the year-round clouds and mist surrounding Meili Snow Mountain, the chance of seeing a complete "Golden Mountain" sunrise is rare, making it a truly special experience. Best Viewing Locations * Feilai Temple Viewing Platform (recommended, widest view) * Hotel balconies near Feilai Temple (some rooms offer direct views of the snow mountain) * First Bend of the Yangtze River Viewpoint (slightly further away, different perspective) ⏰ Best Viewing Time * Winter (November to February): Clear weather offers the highest probability of witnessing the "Golden Mountain" sunrise. * Early morning 6:30-7:30 (sunrise): The most magnificent moment, as golden light bathes Kawagebo Peak. * Evening 18:00-19:00 (sunset): The changing light and shadow on the snow mountain at sunset are also beautiful. 📷 Photography Tips ✅ Arrive early: Secure a good spot half an hour before sunrise to avoid crowds. ✅ Camera settings: Use manual mode to adjust exposure and prevent overexposure of the snow mountain. ✅ Tripod + telephoto lens: Ensures stability for long-distance shots; a focal length of 70-200mm is recommended. 🚶 Recommended Hiking Routes from Feilai Temple 1️⃣ Feilai Temple → Rainstorm Village (Yubeng) (Classic Hiking Route) 🔹 Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ 🔹 Hiking time: 6-8 hours one way 🔹 Route: Feilai Temple → Xidang Village (40-minute drive) → Nanzong Pass (3,700m) → Rainstorm Village (Yubeng) 🔹 Highlights: Hike through primeval forests, close-up views of Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng God Waterfall, and Ice Lake 🚩 Tips: * You can take a car to Xidang Village (the starting point of the hike) and then begin your trek over Nanzong Pass. The scenery is spectacular but demanding. * After arriving at Rainstorm Village (Yubeng), you can continue to explore the Ice Lake (3,900m above sea level) or the God Waterfall (a Tibetan pilgrimage site). 2️⃣ Feilai Temple → Mingyong Glacier (Easy Hike) 🔹 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ 🔹 Hiking time: 2-3 hours one way 🔹 Route: Feilai Temple → Mingyong Village (1-hour drive) → Mingyong Glacier boardwalk (hike) 🔹 Highlights: Close-up views of Meili Snow Mountain glacier and Tibetan villages 🚩 Tips: * Suitable for visitors with average physical fitness. The entire route is a wooden boardwalk with beautiful scenery. * The glacier is spectacular in winter, while some areas experience snowmelt in summer. 🚗 Transportation Guide How to reach Feilai Temple: 🛫 By air: * Shangri-La Diqing Airport → Feilai Temple (approx. 5 hours by car) 🚌 By bus: * Lijiang/Shangri-La → Deqin County (8-10 hours by bus) * Deqin County → Feilai Temple (30 minutes by minibus) 🚗 By car: * Lijiang → Shangri-La → Deqin → Feilai Temple (approx. 8-10 hours, challenging road conditions)