Back from Rain Village (Yubeng), trying to persuade everyone I can to go.

🌄Some say there should be at least two impulsive moments in life: one for reckless love, and one for a spontaneous trip. Rain Village is the place that will make you grab your backpack without hesitation and head for the mountains and seas. Here's a super detailed three-day itinerary for Rain Village! 📍Rain Village (Yubeng) is located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, at the foot of the Kawagebo Peak of Meili Snow Mountain. It is divided into Upper Rain Village and Lower Rain Village. The upper village leads to the Sino-Japanese Joint Mountaineering Base Camp for climbing Kawagebo, while the lower village leads to the sacred Rain Waterfall. Surrounded by mountains and with a unique geographical environment, it has always been known as "the last Shangri-La on Earth." 🗺️Itinerary: - Day 1: Lijiang - Feilai Temple Take a bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Deqin, which takes about 6-7 hours. The journey passes by Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of the Yangtze River, which are masterpieces of nature, so don't miss the chance to admire them. After arriving in Deqin, head to Feilai Temple for your stay. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise illuminate Meili Snow Mountain. Imagine the first rays of morning sun casting a golden glow on the snow-capped peaks—an absolutely breathtaking sight! - Day 2: Feilai Temple - Xidang Hot Spring - Rain Village - Sacred Waterfall After watching the sunrise, take a chartered car or shared ride to Xidang Hot Spring, which takes about an hour. From Xidang Hot Spring, there are two ways to get to the village: - Hiking: The entire hike is about 12 kilometers and requires crossing the Nanzong Pass, with the altitude rising from 2,600 meters to 3,700 meters. Although it's physically demanding, the scenery along the way, including primeval forests, snow-capped mountains, and canyons, makes it all worthwhile. The hike takes about 5-6 hours. - Take an off-road vehicle: This is more expensive but saves energy, taking about 40 minutes to reach Rain Village. After arriving in the village and taking a short rest, you can head to the sacred waterfall. The round trip to the waterfall takes about 6-8 hours, following the path marked by Mani stones and prayer flags. The route passes through alpine meadows, forests, and streams. It is said that the Rain Waterfall is holy water brought back from heaven by the god Kawagebo. It can predict people's destinies, ward off disasters, and bless all beings. Tibetan Buddhists who worship Meili Snow Mountain must bathe in the sacred waterfall. - Day 3: Rain Village - Ice Lake - Lijiang After breakfast, head to the Ice Lake. The hike to the Ice Lake is relatively difficult, taking about 8-10 hours round trip. First, follow the Nylon Grand Canyon, then cross the primeval forest, and finally climb a steep slope to reach the lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Ice Lake's clear blue water resembles a sparkling gem. After returning from the Ice Lake, pack your bags and head back to Lijiang, concluding your wonderful Rain Village journey. Nearby Attractions: - Meili Snow Mountain: Part of the Hengduan Mountains, 849 kilometers from Kunming, it is located in the "Three Parallel Rivers" area of the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu Rivers. The thirteen continuous peaks are magnificent, combining the grandeur of the snowy plateau with the elegance of southern China. - Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest canyons in China, it is famous for its danger. Towering mountains flank the canyon, and the river surges through with immense power. - First Bend of the Yangtze River: Also known as Moon Bay, the Dingqu River runs from north to south, joining the Mai and Shuo Rivers before flowing into the Jinsha River. At the confluence, it forms a spectacular "three walls and two rivers" landscape. 🎯Must-do's in Rain Village: - Watch the sunrise illuminate the golden mountain: At Feilai Temple or Rain Village, quietly wait for the sunlight to grace Meili Snow Mountain and experience that sacred and spectacular moment. - Circle the sacred waterfall: Walk clockwise around the waterfall three times, receive the blessing of the holy water, and pray for peace and good luck. - Taste local cuisine: Try Tibetan specialties such as butter tea, barley cakes, and yak meat to experience the unique flavors. 🌌This three-day Rain Village journey offers majestic snow-capped mountains, lush forests, clear lakes, and a mystical religious culture. Every step is like entering a beautiful painting, and every scene touches the soul. If you long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle, a return to nature, then Rain Village is definitely the perfect choice. Pack your bags and set off towards the Shangri-La in your heart!