Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo Peak)梅里雪山
Meili Snow Mountain rises over Deqin County in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture — foremost of the eight sacred mountains of the Tibetan world, its main peak Kawagebo at 6,740 m the highest point in Yunnan. It is famed for the "sunlight on the golden summit": each autumn and winter tens of thousands of photographers gather at the Feilai Temple viewpoint waiting for the first shaft of light to set the snow peak ablaze.
Deqin · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo Peak) worth visiting?
Foremost of the eight sacred Tibetan mountains — main peak Kawagebo, at 6,740 m, is Yunnan's highest. Feilai Temple viewpoint CNY 40, Mingyong Glacier CNY 78; best October-May, allow 2-4 days.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Feilai Temple viewpoint CNY 40 per person; Mingyong Glacier CNY 78; Yubeng village CNY 55 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Recommended duration | 2-4 days (for a proper visit) |
| Best time to visit | October to May; November-December is the prime window for the golden-summit sunrise |
| How to get there | Coach from Lijiang or Shangri-La to Deqin county (about 5-6 hours); or self-drive / chartered car |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Address | Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan |
| Type | Snow mountain / Tibetan sacred peak |
| Main peak elevation | 6,740 m (Kawagebo) |
| Standing | Foremost of the eight sacred mountains; Yunnan's highest peak |
What to expect
Meili Snow Mountain is the foremost of the eight sacred mountains of the Tibetan world; its main peak, Kawagebo, stands 6,740 m tall — the highest in Yunnan. Part of the Hengduan range between the Nu and Lancang rivers, it strings thirteen peaks above 6,000 m in one unbroken rampart. In Tibetan Buddhism Kawagebo is an emanation of Padmasambhava and a place of profound pilgrimage — and the mountain remains unclimbed: no human has ever stood on its summit.
The mountain's signature spectacle is the "sunlight on the golden summit". As the first morning light strikes, the glow deepens from pale gold to incandescent, setting the white peak alight — reckoned among the most beautiful sunrises on earth. The season runs October to May, with November-December the most stable and clear, when the odds of catching the moment are highest. The Feilai Temple viewpoint is the classic spot, reached from Deqin county town along National Highway G214.
The wider area takes in Mingyong Glacier and Yubeng village. Mingyong is Meili's largest glacier, its tongue reaching down to 2,700 m — one of the few large living glaciers in China you can approach on foot. Yubeng, deep in Meili's heart, is the obligatory waypoint of the kora pilgrimage and reached only by trekking or on horseback; the Yubeng trek is a classic — demanding but spectacular.
How to get there
Coaches run from Lijiang bus station to Deqin (about 5-6 hours, around CNY 130), or from Shangri-La (about 3 hours, around CNY 70). Deqin county town is about 20 minutes' drive from the Feilai Temple viewpoint. Self-drivers take National Highway G214 — good surface, many bends. Lodging around Feilai Temple is plentiful; stay the night to wait for the sunrise.
Best photo spots
- Kawagebo catching the golden-summit light from Feilai Temple viewpoint
- Mingyong Glacier up close
- Reflections of the Shennu and Wuguan peaks at Yubeng village
- Meili veiled in morning cloud and mist
Tips
- The golden summit shows between 6:00 and 8:00 am — stay near Feilai Temple the night before
- Weather decides everything; check forecasts and avoid the rains (June-September)
- The altitude is real: Deqin sits around 3,400 m and Feilai Temple about 3,500 m
- The Yubeng trek demands fitness and acclimatisation — know your limits
Scams to avoid
- Some drivers deliver guests only to commission-paying lodges — book ahead or use reputable platforms
- Horse-hire on the Yubeng trail is rife with unclear pricing; agree fees before setting out
- Food around Feilai Temple is pricey and mediocre — bring your own supplies
Frequently asked questions
Can you really see the golden summit?
Not every day — it is all about the weather. Odds are best in the stable months from October to May; in the rainy season (June-September) cloud often wins. Budget two days of trying.
How hard is the Yubeng trek?
Yubeng splits into upper and lower villages, about 20 km in all over 2-3 days. The gradients are real but not technical; pace yourself at altitude. Some trekking experience is advised.
Can you climb Meili Snow Mountain?
No. Kawagebo has never been summited, and after the deadly 1991 Sino-Japanese expedition the mountain was permanently closed to climbing — in respect for Tibetan religious belief.
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Other things to do in Deqin
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong)
A 5,596 m glaciated peak above Lijiang with a cable car to 4,506 m; 100-180 yuan by season — go at opening time to beat the clouds on this half-day trip.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xue Shan)
The 5,596m sacred mountain above Lijiang — glacier viewing, alpine meadows, and the 4,680m highland glacier park accessible by cable car. ¥100+ park entry. Half-day trip.
Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the Naxi people — a living museum of canals, footbridges, courtyards and ancient Naxi music; the old-town maintenance fee is CNY 80.
Lugu Lake
An alpine lake on the Yunnan-Sichuan border and home of the Mosuo people, whose matrilineal 'walking marriage' traditions survive. Entry CNY 70 from the Yunnan side; allow 2-3 days.
Dukezong Ancient Town (Shangri-La Old Town)
A Tea Horse Road town founded in 676 — 1,300-plus years old, with China's largest Tibetan dwellings. Free entry (CNY 40 maintenance fee); Guishan Park's 21 m prayer wheel is the world's largest.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the world's deepest gorges, where the Jinsha River tears between the Jade Dragon and Haba snow mountains. Entry CNY 45; allow 1-2 days to hike it properly.
Yubeng Village
Remote Tibetan village at 3,200m in the Meili Snow Mountain range. Only accessible by foot or 4WD. Sacred Kawagebo (6,740m) views. ¥60. 2-day minimum.
Museums in Deqin
Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County Museum
Museum of Naxi minority culture at the edge of the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town, documenting the Dongba script and the traditional Naxi music; details verified in 2026.
Lijiang Naxi Museum
Museum of Naxi minority culture at the UNESCO-listed Lijiang old town — the only living hieroglyphic writing (Dongba) and ancient "Tea Horse Road" trade. Free; details verified in 2026.
Lijiang Old Town Museum
The museum inside the UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang old town — documenting the Naxi civilization and the Dongba script. Free with old town entry; about 1 hour.