Yunnan's Yubeng Village: A Journey for the Soul.

Deep within the colorful Yunnan Province lies a secluded village, nestled in the embrace of the Meili Snow Mountains, like a pearl forgotten by time. This is Yubeng Village. Here, the mountains are silent poems, the water a flowing melody, and every breath of air is filled with the purity and mystery of nature. Stepping onto this land is like entering a dreamlike realm far from the hustle and bustle of the world, embarking on a pilgrimage for the soul.🌄 📍 Location and Introduction Yubeng Village is located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, at the foot of the Meili Snow Mountain's Shennv Peak, at an altitude of about 3,000m. Surrounded by mountains, it has a unique geographical environment. Since ancient times, only one horse trail has connected it to the outside world, making it a veritable Shangri-La. The village has only 34 households, all Tibetan, who still maintain a traditional lifestyle of farming and herding. The village is divided into Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng. Upper Yubeng is at an altitude of 3,228m, and Lower Yubeng is at 3,054m. Although the straight-line distance between the two is short, the rugged mountain path requires a walk of about 40 mins. 🚗 Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - From Lijiang: Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Deqin (approx. 4–5 hrs). From Deqin, hire a car or share a ride to Xidang Village, the entrance to Yubeng (approx. 1 hr). You can also share a ride directly from Lijiang to Xidang Hot Spring (approx. 7 hrs), costing around CNY 260 per person. - From Shangri-La: Take a bus from Shangri-La Bus Station to Deqin (approx. 4 hrs), then transfer to Xidang Village. Alternatively, share a ride directly to Xidang Hot Spring (approx. 4 hrs), costing around CNY 200 per person. - Internal Transportation: From Xidang Village to Yubeng Village, you can hike, ride a horse, or take a scenic off-road vehicle. Hiking the entire 18 km takes 6–8 hrs and involves crossing the 3,800m-high Nanzong Pass. Horse riding is more expensive and requires advance booking. Off-road vehicles cost CNY 200 per person to Upper Yubeng and CNY 260 per person to Lower Yubeng. 🌟 Must-See Attractions - Yubeng Sacred Waterfall: A sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists, located on the south side of Kawagebo Peak. In spring and summer, as the ice and snow melt, the waterfall swells, becoming a magnificent sight. In autumn and winter, the water flow decreases, resembling flowing silk. It is said that bathing here can eliminate disasters and bring blessings, so believers often come here to worship and bathe. The round trip is about 12 km, at an altitude of 3,600m. The difficulty level is low, suitable for beginners, and it takes about 5 hrs round trip. - Yubeng Ice Lake: Also known as "Base Camp Ice Lake," it sits at an altitude of about 3,800m and is the highest point in Yubeng Village. Formed by glacial erosion, the emerald green lake water contrasts beautifully with the deep blue glacier. The round trip takes 7–8 hrs. The first half of the trail is muddy, the middle section involves climbing while enjoying views of the snow-capped mountains, and the last section, from base camp to the ice lake, is the most challenging climb. - Xiongnong Base Camp: This was once the campsite for the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team that climbed Kawagebo Peak, and some climbing relics remain. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams. It is a must-see on the way to the Ice Lake. - Ninong Canyon: One of the hiking routes out of Yubeng Village. It's downhill all the way, and the latter half offers beautiful scenery, including magnificent views of canyons, rivers, and high mountains. The entire route is about 15 km and takes 4–6 hrs. - Ancient Seal Script: On the way to Yubeng Sacred Waterfall, there is a magical boulder with markings resembling ancient writing. Locals call it the "Ancient Seal Script," and it is shrouded in mystery. - Five Trees Sharing One Root: Also on the Sacred Waterfall route, you can see five different kinds of trees growing from the same root, forming a unique sight. 🍜 Food Recommendations - Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink with a rich flavor that warms the body and alleviates altitude sickness. - Barley Cakes: Baked from barley flour, these are crispy and delicious, a good choice for replenishing energy. - Yak Hot Pot: A highland specialty, yak meat is firm and the soup is delicious. 🏠 Accommodation Guide - Upper Yubeng: If you plan to hike to the Ice Lake and along the Nise route, staying in Upper Yubeng is more convenient. Juese Butter Tea Guesthouse is recommended for its delicious food and convenient location. - Lower Yubeng: Closer to the Sacred Waterfall, Sacred Lake, and Ninong routes, Snow Dragon Guesthouse offers good value and tasty meals. ❗ Important Notes - Altitude Sickness Prevention: Take precautions against altitude sickness, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medication in advance and avoiding strenuous activity upon arrival. - Warm Clothing: Yubeng has large temperature differences between day and night, so be sure to bring warm clothing such as a jacket and thermal underwear. - Sun Protection: The plateau has strong UV rays, so prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. - Hiking Gear: Trekking poles, suitable hiking shoes, and rain gear are essential. Crampons are also needed before May. - Environmental Protection: Please protect the local environment and do not litter.