Yunnan's version of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Overview - Location: Situated in the southeastern part of Shangri-La City, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province, it lies in the transitional zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Yunnan Plateau. It is an important part of the Hengduan Mountains and the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site. Its geographical coordinates range from 100°02'18"E to 100°14'30"E and 27°10'00"N to 27°24'28"N. - Name origin: "Haba" is derived from the Naxi language, meaning "golden flower." - Topography: The mountain range runs northwest to southeast, with steep slopes on the southeast side and gentler slopes on the northwest side. It stretches approximately 25 kilometers north to south and 22 kilometers east to west. The main peak has an elevation of 5,396 meters, with a relative height difference of 3,846 meters. It is one of the extremely high mountains in northwestern Yunnan, featuring typical modern maritime alpine glaciers. Natural Features - Climate: Due to the significant elevation difference from the river valley to the mountain summit, there are seven vertical climate zones: subtropical valley, northern subtropical valley, warm temperate mountain zone, mid-temperate mountain zone, cold temperate mountain zone, alpine cold zone, and alpine permanent snow zone. - Vegetation: The area boasts diverse vegetation types ranging from tropical rainforests to cold temperate coniferous forests. It is rich in plant species and is known as the "Mother of World Gardens," concentrating the rhododendron species of northwestern Yunnan. - Glacial Lakes: At an altitude of around 4,100 meters, there are numerous moraine lakes, such as Black Sea Lake. Above 5,000 meters, the area is covered with snow and features modern glaciers. The summit glaciers are hanging glaciers, and remnants of glacial landforms like horn peaks, arêtes, U-shaped valleys, and roche moutonnées can still be observed. Culture and Tourism - Mountaineering: Haba Snow Mountain is the only 5,000-meter-level snow mountain in Yunnan Province open for climbing. It is considered an entry-level snow mountain for mountaineers. Starting from Haba Village, the summit can typically be reached in two to three days. The best climbing seasons are from April to June and September to December. - Local Culture: The residents of Haba Village are deeply influenced by the Tea Horse Road caravan culture. They have traditionally followed a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle, with most villagers now participating in eco-tourism activities related to Haba Snow Mountain. - Facilities: The Haba Snow Mountain viewing platform is located along G214 (Western Scenic Route) in Shangri-La City. Visitors can reach it via the eastern loop road from Shangri-La City. Haba Village serves as a base for tourists, offering accommodation and meals.