Cizhong Village (茨中村) is located in Yanmen Township (燕门乡), Deqin County (德钦县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled on gentle slopes along the Lancang River Valley (澜沧江峡谷), it is a harmonious home where multiple ethnic groups, religions, and cultures coexist.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Cizhong Village (茨中村) enjoys a mild and humid plateau monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Deqin County (德钦县), take the highway to Cizhong Village (茨中村), covering approximately 75 kilometers.
- Public Transportation: Take a bus from Deqin County Bus Station (德钦县客运站) to Cizhong Village (茨中村).
Food
- Local Wine: Cizhong Village (茨中村) is renowned for its rich and aromatic wines.
- Traditional Tibetan Cuisine: Such as Zanba (糌粑) and butter tea.
Shopping
- Ethnic Handicrafts: Including wooden bowls and Zanba boxes (糌粑盒), featuring strong ethnic characteristics.
- Local Wine: High-quality wines produced in the village.
Accommodation
Tibetan-style homestays are available in and around Cizhong Village (茨中村), offering comfortable stays with authentic cultural experiences.
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local religious beliefs and traditions.
- Protect the Environment: Cizhong Village (茨中村) has a pristine ecosystem; please help preserve it.
- Safety Note: The roads to Cizhong Village (茨中村) are rugged; drive carefully if self-driving.
Entertainment Activities
Cizhong Village (茨中村) offers a variety of entertainment activities, including:
Traditional Festival Celebrations
During festivals like the Spring Festival, the village hosts a series of celebratory events, such as:
- “New Year Cup” Basketball Tournament (“贺岁杯”篮球比赛)
- “Dragon vs. Tiger” Tug-of-War (“龙争虎斗”拔河比赛)
- “Voice of the Ethnic Groups” Singing Competition (“民族之声”歌咏比赛)
- Village Evening Gala (“乡村小舞台・家国大变化”村晚文艺汇演)
Ethnic Song and Dance Performances
As a multi-ethnic village, Cizhong (茨中村) showcases diverse cultural performances during special festivals or celebrations. Villagers dress in traditional attire and perform:
- Tibetan Guozhuang (锅庄舞) and Xianzi (弦子舞) dances
- Lisu (傈僳族) Achimugua (阿尺木刮) dance
- Naxi (纳西族) “Lijiang Trilogy” (《丽江三部曲》) dance
Cultural Experiences
Visitors can immerse themselves in the village’s rich cultural heritage through activities like:
- Visiting Cizhong Catholic Church (茨中天主教堂): A national cultural heritage site that reflects the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures.
- Grape Planting and Winemaking: Learn about local grape cultivation and traditional winemaking techniques, and sample the unique Cizhong wine.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cizhong Village (茨中村), visit Cizhong Catholic Church (茨中天主教堂), and experience the blend of ethnic cultures.
Day 2: Participate in local folk activities and traditional sports events.
Day 3: Return to Deqin County (德钦县) or continue to other destinations.
Cizhong Village (茨中村) is a place rich in ethnic charm and cultural heritage, perfect for travelers interested in folk traditions and natural beauty. Here, you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals and appreciate the unique allure of ancient ethnic culture. May your journey to Cizhong Village (茨中村) be rewarding and leave you with unforgettable memories.
The Western image of Tibet is largely one of a vast plateau cradled between snow-capped mountains where peaceful Buddhists devote their lives to prayer and meditation.
Yet this vision of the region does not do justice to the rich, diverse cultures of those who live there. This week as the Christian world celebrates Easter, a sizeable Tibetan community in China’s far-flung west is also celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
Nestorian Christianity arrived in the Tibetan region more than a thousand years ago. The love-hate relations of its faithful with Buddhism and the central government in Beijing reflect the complexity of lives that gives its people in this area a unique identity.
Christianity spread to Tibet and Yunnan province via the trade routes linking Europe and East Asia a millennium ago. As early as the 16th century, the Vatican sent missionaries to evangelise to the local community. By the 19th century, Pope Gregory XVI had created the Vicariate Apostolic of Lhasa and assigned French missionaries the task of converting the Tibetan people.
But for all the myths about peaceful Tibetan Buddhists, the introduction of Catholicism to the region proved violent. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries regularly waged wars against the Catholic followers, killing priests and converts and razing churches and villages.
Worried the clashes would destabilise their rule in the region, the Qing dynasty central government resettled Tibetan Catholics from central Tibet to the neighbouring provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan where many Tibetans live.
Today the legacy of this missionary zeal is still apparent in the village of Cizhong in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest Yunnan.
At the centre of this hamlet rural town is a Gothic-style church with Chinese characteristics, first built in 1905 and rebuilt with government funds in 1914 after the previous incarnation was burned down by local Buddhists.
The Cizhong Catholic church is one of Yunnan’s most important churches and has been listed as a national historic and cultural site since 2006. Out of their liturgical needs for wine during mass, missionaries brought grapes and taught local villagers to produce wine in the French tradition, making it the only place in the country with an indigenous wine culture.
The local population is a mix of ethnic Lisu, Yi, Naxi, Han and Tibetan people. While they are all heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and Tibetan is their main language, 80 per cent of the people are Catholic.
Houses are decorated with icons and religious images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and even Pope Francis. Around many of the larger icons are khatas, ceremonial scarves used in Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism. While the central government is suspicious of Catholicism and Tibetan Buddhism in general, here the authorities are generous in sponsoring the local church.
Hong Xing, a Catholic villager and hotel owner, has decorated his home with icons, pictures of President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan , as well as former Chinese communist leaders.
He does not see the mix of Tibetan, Catholic and communist symbols as conflicting with his religion.
Throughout the town, communist flags are seen on the top of many houses yet not a single national flag is visible.
This melting-pot culture has made the town a tourist destination. The government has poured money into the region, even building a new bridge over the Lancang (Mekong) River to connect Cizhong with the main road to Deqin. In 2008, the official Catholic Church in Beijing sent ethnic Mongolian Yao Fei to be Cizhong’s priest.
“The government has provided a great deal of aid to the region. Even the church renovations were the result of government aid,” Yao said.
Before Yao arrived, church services were conducted entirely in Tibetan. Today, the services are conducted in Putonghua with the hymns in Tibetan. Gradually, Putonghua and Han Chinese culture have taken over.
The language and Chinese customs are widely adopted.
The central government maintains a tight grip on the region. The road to Cizhong has four police and military checkpoints, where visitors are stopped for identification checks.
Today the relationship between Tibetan Catholics and Tibetan Buddhists is generally cordial. The two communities celebrate traditional festivals together and interfaith marriages are no longer rare.
As the central government steps up its crackdown on Christian churches in Zhejiang province and bans university students from celebrating Christmas, Hong said the people in Cizhong had not been affected.
The atmosphere in the church was full of joy and community this year as people gathered to re-enact Christ’s final days and to celebrate the resurrection.
Villagers, tourists and guests from neighbouring areas packed the church courtyard as children ran around playing.
A few hours south of the Khawa Karpo, the sacred mountain that attract several thousands of pilgrims every year, the century old Catholic church of Cizhong (茨中天主教堂) seems out of place in this Tibetan Buddhist land of northern Yunnan province.
The journey from Deqin (德钦) to Cizhong (茨中) is unforgettable. From Deqin, the bus drives south on a half-paved half-dirt road suspended above the Mekong gorges. Beautiful scenery, scary ride. Isolated Tibetan hamlets are scattered in the middle of a tortuous entanglement of chiseled mountain ridges.
Cizhong, Yunnan
After the township of Yunling (云岭县), the road winds down deep in the valley and runs parallel to the Mekong River. In this part of Yunnan, the Mekong is called the “Lancang River” (澜沧江) which means “Blue Green Swelling Waters”, yet the brownish waters flow down impassibly towards the south.
At this latitude, three of Asia’s most important rivers flow in parallels, each separated by a mountain range. The Salween (怒江), the Mekong(澜沧江) in the middle and the Yangze River (长江). This region named the “Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan” (云南三江并流) is a UNESCO protected area.
From the Cizhong bridge, there is a short walk to get to the plateau where is located a cluster of hamlets in the middle of rice paddies and vineyards planted by French and Swiss missionaries more than one hundred years ago.
A church in Buddhist land
During the mid-nineteenth century a French missionary disguised as a Chinese merchant traveled on the Tea and Horse Road (茶马古道). He spent two years in the Dongzhulin (东竹林) monastery near Benzilan (奔子栏), half way between Zhongdian (中甸) and Deqin (德钦).
After having mastered Tibetan language he set out to build missions in northern Yunnan , on the border with Tibet. French and Swiss missionaries followed and settled in this remote region of Yunnan province. Their goal was to spread the Gospel, to learn Tibetan language and culture, to translate the Bible in Tibetan and to wait for the gates of the Himalayan Kingdom to open.
French and Swiss missionaries never went to Tibet which remained a forbidden Kingdom, closed to foreigners and their religion. Instead, they settled in Kham, this historical Tibetan region that spreads across northern Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan. They built churches in Batang, Litang, Yerkalo (now in Tibet, a few hours from Deqin), and in the Mekong and Salween valleys of northern Yunnan.
Expelled from China in the 1950s, the missionaries let behind a small but strong Catholic communities in remote regions of north Yunnan province.
A walk in the former apostolic district of Cizhong
Cizhong is home to a population of ethnic Lisu (傈僳族), Yi (彝族) and Tibetan (藏族), 80% of whom is Catholic. They all speak Tibetan, however nobody reads or write it. It seems that everyone lives in harmony. The remaining 20% of Tibetan Buddhist join the Catholic during their celebration of Christmas and vice-verse during the Tibetan new year.
The church is surrounded by vineyards planted by the missionaries 150 years ago. Each household owns a plot of the vineyard. Some villagers sell the grapes on the market of the nearby village of Badi, and other still make red wine following the techniques taught by the missionaries.
Built at the end of the nineteenth century, Cizhong church was destroyed during anti-christian violence in the region in the early 1900s. Some missionaries were killed and they still rest in peace in a graveyard that dominate the Mekong valley and located high in the mountains.
Cizhong church was rebuilt in 1911 and a Chinese-style pavilion-like structure was added on top of the bell tower later. In the 1950s, after the foreign missionaries were forced to leave China and that religion was banned, Cizhong church was transformed into a primary school.
Spared during the Cultural Revolution
Used as a school, Cizhong church was spared during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Wall frescoes that depicted scene of Jesus Christ’s life were erased by the Red Guards.
Fortunately, they spared non-religious decorations on the church’s arches and pillars which were painted during the reconstruction of the structure in 1911. These decorations are in bad shape, yet they show how local symbolism of the dragon, phoenix and lotus have merged with the Catholic church of Cizhong.
A priest-less mass
There are no priest in the valley. Actually,in Dali, there are only two or three priests who are in charge of an area the size of half the French territory.
Nonetheless, villagers gather religiously every Sunday for an improvised mass. Women sit on the left hand side and men on the right. They sing Catholic songs in Tibetan, like the missionaries taught their ancestors 100 years ago.
Before and after the mass, villagers gather in front of the church, in front of the building that used to be the living quarters of the missionaries. They will fight to have the honor to have you over for lunch and some of the elders who were taught by the French and Swiss missionaries have not forgotten their Latin.
Cizhong really comes down as one of the most memorable trip in Yunnan province. It embodies the province rich ethnic and cultural diversity surrounded a beautiful scenery.
In the book Lost Horizon written by Janmes Hilton, a French missionary comes to a beautiful land in the orient named Shangri-La. While there is a village hidden deeply in Diqing Prefecture, the so-called Shangri-La, where a French missionary came here 100 years ago, built up a church, planted grapes and teach local villagers to make wine. And Cizhong（茨中） is the name of this village.
With mainly gothic style, the church in Cizhong also combines Tibetan and Yunnan ethnic architectural styles. According to the father, this church was built in 1909. Among more than 1000 villagers, around 600 are Catholic, including Tibetans, Naxi people, Lisu people and Bai people. Other villagers believe in Tibetan Buddhism. Hence, it is quite common to see a church next to a Mani stones and one house with a cross on the roof adjoining a house with Tibetan prayer flags fluttering under the eave in this village.
It is said that the French missionary came to Cizhong and found the soil and climate conditions here were quite suitable for planting grapes. Therefore, he brought French grape seeds and the formula of making wine together with religion . Nowadays, every Cizhong family plants grapes and makes wine. What’s more, a grand vineyard sits beside the church of Cizhong. Grape planted in Cizhong is Rose Honey which belongs to French Bordeaux and has been cultivated for more than 500 years. As time goes by, the Bordeaux grapes planted in France has variated. While Cizhong, a small and remote village in the orient keeps the original quality of the grapes instead.
Benzilan Internet Bar
Address: 214 State Road,Benzilan town(south of benzilan rural finance,Deqin County)
Benzilan Guozhuang Dance
Benzilan Guozhuang Dance is typical of Diqing Tibetan Zhuang pot to Guozhuang Dance in the form of performance series etiquette program, there is a “blessing pot Zhuang”, “Zhuke pot Zhuang,” “Praise pot Zhuang,” “Meet the Guozhuang Dance”, “Farewell Guozhuang Dance” “retain Guozhuang Dance”, “Farewell Guozhuang Dance”, “blessing Guozhuang Dance” and other types of Tibetan areas in the country is very rare. Benzilan pot village dance tune deep and elegant, vigorous and bold, condensed deep, multi-drawl and long, undulating like waves; dance stretch and easy, bold sound, like eagle wings, light and lively and uninhibited with mercy. Benzilan Guozhuang most prominent feature is its manifestation from content to have been beyond the scope of the art of dance in general, it has been extended to a variety of programs and content of this area’s unique etiquette program even covers all cultural content. Its value lies in the form of traditional dance heritage preservation and history, culture and customs of their native etiquette, history and reflects the ingenuity of a nation. Thus, Benzilan pot village dance in the Tibetan areas in a single show, to be included in the national intangible cultural heritage, also named provincial “national traditional cultural and ecological protection zone.” Today, the village has benzilan pan across the sea to go abroad, in 1999 at the invitation of the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs, benzilan pot village as a typical Tibetan characteristics Tibetan folk songs and dances to participate in the Fourth International Folk Festival, and went to Japan Yamanashi Aomori, Keio University, Tokyo performances; 2000 to Malaysia, Singapore performances; 2002 participated in by China, Japan, the United Kingdom, held in Hiroshima, Japan “on Tibetan arts and crafts and folk culture and its present and future.” International Workshop. Benzilan pot village contains a wealth of Tibetan culture, in the form of complete diversity, geographical and distinctive features, ethnic style rich, there is a strong mass base, which contains the traditional friendship, solidarity and other human spirit, have high artistic and social value .
Benzilan Town (奔子栏镇) is situated in the southeast of Deqen County (德钦县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州). Nestled between the towering Baimang Snow Mountain (白茫雪山) and the Jinsha River (金沙江), it borders Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) to the east and Derong County (得荣县) of Sichuan Province across the river. National Highway 214 runs through the town, making it a vital passage along the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).
Climate Wonders
As part of the “Three Parallel Rivers” (三江并流) World Natural Heritage site, Benzilan showcases remarkable climatic diversity. Despite lying just 110 kilometers from Dulong (独龙), where annual rainfall reaches 4,600 mm, Benzilan receives only 374 mm of precipitation annually—a stark contrast that forms a dry-hot valley climate. IUCN experts have hailed this drastic variation within such short distances as “a global natural wonder.”
Historical Significance
With roots tracing back to the Tibetan Tubo Dynasty (吐蕃王朝), Benzilan served as a military outpost and later flourished as a commercial hub on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road. Known as the “Jiangnan of Kham” (康巴江南), it became renowned for:
- Fresh fruit production (rare in Tibetan regions)
- Riverside restaurants serving Jinsha River fish
- The historic trade of “Himduzi” (himself away child, 马帮) horse caravans
Cultural and Economic Features
The Tibetan name “Benzilan” (奔子栏) means “golden sand shoal.” As Deqen’s second-largest trading center, it preserves unique geographical adaptations of Tibetan culture, notably:
- Handicrafts: Exquisitely crafted wooden bowls and tsamba (糌粑) boxes embodying Tibetan traditions
- Agriculture: Cultivation of wheat, corn, and highland barley, alongside cash crops like grapes and walnuts
- Biodiversity: Proximity to the Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve (白茫雪山自然保护区)
Key Landmarks
- Dongzhulin Temple (东竹林寺): A provincial-level cultural heritage site
- Kham’s Sole Tibetan Buddhist Nunnery: A significant religious landmark
- Traditional Villages: Showcasing preserved Tibetan dance, clothing, and architecture
Benzilan remains a living museum of ethnic craftsmanship and cross-cultural exchange, where the legacy of the Tea Horse Road continues to thrive.
During the Tang and Song dynasties, Benzilan emerged as a vital southwestern gateway to Tibet and the throat of the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road (茶马古道). In 1719 (the 58th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign), Han Chinese immigrants – including soldiers, artisans, and prospectors – settled here through military campaigns. Their intermarriage with Tibetans created lineages that have endured in Benzilan for generations. The Tibetan name “Doll Pull” (意为”美丽的沙洲”), later transliterated as “Benzilan”, remains in use today.
Geographic and Architectural Heritage
Benzilan features both valley villages and alpine mountains, with fertile soil supporting high grain yields. The area boasts:
- Ancient famous trees in pristine ecological environments
- The Jinsha River (金沙江) flowing north-south through its territory
- Sacred mountains like “Day Niba Wu” (达尼巴乌) and “Buyong Science Cloth” (布永科学布)
- Waterside temples and Sule Pagodas (苏勒塔) with rotating temple structures
Over 99% of residential buildings preserve traditional wooden tower architecture. The Qing Dynasty murals in Benzilan’s pagoda temple, covering 270+ square meters across three halls, demonstrate exquisite craftsmanship and are protected as Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics.
Cultural and Religious Traditions
The five villages of Benzilan each maintain Buddhist community organizations called “Ancient Tiles” (古老瓦), which arrange annual rituals and deity worship. Tibetan Buddhism and Bon (苯教) permeate all aspects of life, manifested in:
- Architectural customs: Strict site selection, material preparation, and consecration rituals
- Festivals: Managed by “Warehouse Pakistan” (仓巴, ritual masters), including mountain deity worship
- Funerary practices: Incorporating sky burials, water burials, cremation, and stupa burials
Performing Arts and Traditions
Recognized in 1999 as a “Traditional Art Village” by Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州), Benzilan preserves:
Folk songs: Work songs, love songs, children’s rhymes, and riddle tunes with resonant melodies
Dance forms:
- The renowned Pot Village Dance (锅庄舞) featuring vigorous movements and dropped trousers
- Love Dances where couples face each other in rows, dancing with sleeve movements
- Harp dances and religious dances
Traditional Sports and Festivals
The community maintains unique athletic traditions:
- Cattle-pulling “Georgia on Me” (格斗)
- Stone-throwing “Called Off” (叫停)
- Bullfighting, wrestling, and boulder-lifting competitions
Major festivals include:
- Losar (藏历新年, Tibetan New Year)
- The July 15 Mountain God Festival (卡米山节)
- August Lotus Lantern Festival (莲花灯节)
- October 25 memorial for Tsongkhapa (宗喀巴), founder of Gelug Buddhism (格鲁派)
Traditional Crafts and Attire
Benzilan’s material culture showcases:
- Women’s attire: Colorful Tibetan robes adorned with coral, agate, and turquoise
- Men’s clothing: Animal fur-free designs reflecting ecological values
- Woodcrafts: Famous barley wine containers, wooden bowls (木碗), and tsamba boxes (糌粑盒)
- Textiles: Wool rubbing, pulu weaving (氆氇), and yak hair blankets
The community continues using Tibetan calendar systems adapted to snowy seasons, preserving this living heritage along the ancient Tea Horse Road.
Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博), the highest peak of the Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) range at 6,740 meters, has been worshipped as a sacred mountain by Tibetan Buddhists for over 1,300 years. As one of the eight holy mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, it holds deep spiritual significance in the local Kagyu (噶举) tradition.
Early Historical Records
The mountain first appeared in historical texts during the Tang Dynasty (唐代) when Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布) designated it as a sacred Buddhist site. The 17th century saw the establishment of pilgrimage routes that continue to this day.
Mountaineering History
Despite its spiritual status, Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博) attracted mountaineering attempts:
- 1902: First recorded attempt by British expedition
- 1987-1996: Multiple Japanese-Chinese joint expeditions failed to summit
- 1991: Deadliest accident when 17 climbers perished in an avalanche
- 2001: Chinese government banned climbing to respect local beliefs
Cultural Significance
The mountain features prominently in:
- Tibetan Buddhist scriptures
- Local folklore and oral traditions
- Annual pilgrimage ceremonies like the Kangkar (转山) circumambulation
Natural Preservation
In 2019, the Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州) government established strict conservation measures to protect the mountain’s fragile ecosystem while respecting its cultural importance.
Modern Recognition
- 1986: Listed as a provincial nature reserve
- 2003: Included in the Three Parallel Rivers (三江并流) UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 2020: Officially recognized as a “Holy Mountain” under Chinese law
The history of Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博) reflects the harmonious coexistence of natural wonder, spiritual tradition, and cultural preservation in the Diqing (迪庆) region.
Sacred Mountain Worship
Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), known as Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博) in Tibetan, represents:
- One of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism
- The spiritual center of the Khampa (康巴) Tibetan culture
- A living cultural landscape where nature and faith intertwine
Religious Traditions
The mountain holds profound meaning in Tibetan Buddhism:
- Pilgrimage Culture: Annual kora (转山) circumambulation draws thousands of devotees
- Monasteries: Surrounding temples like Yongzhi Lamasery (永芝寺) serve as spiritual centers
- Prayer Flags: Colorful mantras blanket the mountain passes, carrying prayers to heaven
Ethnic Customs
Local Tibetan communities maintain unique traditions:
- Festivals: Gangkar (岗嘎尔) Festival celebrates the mountain deity each spring
- Oral Traditions: Epic poems recount the mountain’s creation myths
- Taboos: Strict prohibitions against pointing at or disrespecting the mountain
Artistic Inspiration
Meili’s grandeur has inspired:
- Thangka Paintings: Sacred depictions of the snow-capped peaks
- Folk Songs: Ballads praising the mountain’s beauty
- Literature: Numerous works by Tibetan and Han Chinese writers
Conservation Ethos
The local culture embodies environmental protection:
- Sacred geography beliefs prevent over-exploitation
- Traditional grazing practices maintain ecological balance
- Community-based tourism respects carrying capacity
UNESCO Recognition
The mountain’s cultural value contributed to:
- 2003 inclusion in Three Parallel Rivers (三江并流) World Heritage Site
- 2020 designation as National Park with cultural preservation components
This living cultural landscape continues to shape Tibetan identity while attracting respectful visitors seeking spiritual connection with nature’s majesty.
English-speaking Mountain Guide of Haba Snow Mountain Climbing
1, Ashu Du
2,
Mandarin Chinese-speaking Mountain Guide of Haba Snow Mountain Climbing
My name is Steven Wen (Chinese: 文志鹏, Pinyin: Wen Zhipeng). I work as a driver and English-speaking tour guide for Yunnan Exploration for 8 years as a driver and English-speaking tour guide. I am from neighbor Sichuan province (pandas’ hometown) and I have been living in Lijiang for ten years. I used to work at the Lijiang International Travel Agency as a travel consultant for two years, organized many tours for travelers from worldwidely. From those tours, I’ve gained plenty of experience, resources and contacts, and received favorable reviews, Now I provide a private car/driver service. I have a Ford NEW FOCUS sedan, which is suitable for a small group with 1 ~ 3 passengers. About me, I am outgoing, thoughtful, careful and with a good sense of humor. Safety first; Have fun foremost!
Background and Experience
- Hometown: Sichuan Province, famous for its pandas
- Residence: Lijiang for ten years
- Professional Experience:
- Eight years with Yunnan Exploration as a driver and tour guide
- Former travel consultant at Lijiang International Travel Agency for two years
- Organized numerous tours for international travelers, gaining extensive experience and resources
Services Offered
- Private Car/Driver Service:
- Vehicle: Ford NEW FOCUS sedan
- Capacity: Suitable for small groups (1-3 passengers)
Personal Attributes
- Personality: Outgoing, thoughtful, careful, and humorous
- Guiding Philosophy: Safety first, fun foremost
I look forward to providing you with a safe and enjoyable travel experience in Lijiang. Thank you!
Introduction to Haba Snow Mountain
Haba Snow Mountain is located in Haba Village, Sanba Naxi Township, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The main peak reaches an altitude of 5,396 meters and stands across the Jinsha River from Yulong Snow Mountain. It is a crucial part of the “Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan” World Natural Heritage site. In the Naxi language, “Haba” means “golden flower.” The mountain exhibits distinct vertical climate zones, ranging from subtropical to frigid zones, with a temperature difference of about 22.8°C between the base and the summit. Its vegetation is distributed in a layered manner, covering alpine tundra, alpine meadows, alpine shrubs, fir and spruce forests, evergreen broadleaf forests, and dry-hot valley scrublands, making it exceptionally rich in plant species. As the only 5,000-meter snow mountain in Yunnan that permits climbing, Haba Snow Mountain offers a unique geographical and ecological environment, providing climbers with diverse and spectacular mountaineering experiences.
Climbing History
With the rise of outdoor sports, Haba Snow Mountain has become a popular climbing destination due to its many advantages. Organizations such as Western Impression Outdoor have guided thousands of climbers over the years. Through continuous exploration and practice, climbing routes have become well-established, and safety systems have been perfected, allowing more mountaineering enthusiasts to challenge the mountain. It has become a preferred entry-level snow mountain for many, witnessing countless climbers’ passion for exploration and personal growth.
Climbing Routes
The climbing route is well-defined, starting from Haba Village at 2,650 meters and ascending to the summit at 5,396 meters. Its reasonable length and elevation gain make it a “touchstone for snow mountain climbing.” The overall route consists of:
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Departing from Haba Village, passing through forests and grassland trails to reach the base camp at 4,100 meters.
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Continuing along stone and gravel paths to the “Despair Slope.”
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Passing through Moon Bay and finally reaching the summit.
The specific climbing timeline is as follows:
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3:30 AM: Depart from base camp.
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5:30 AM: After climbing two small slopes, reach the large stone slab.
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6:00 AM: Enter the gravel zone.
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7:00 AM: Enter the mixed ice and snow zone.
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8:00 AM: Around 4,900 meters, put on crampons for the Despair Slope.
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9:30 AM: Reach Moon Bay.
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10:00 AM: Summit and take photos.
Best Seasons
Haba Snow Mountain can be climbed year-round, with climbing windows available in all seasons. However, spring and autumn are the most stable and favorable times due to moderate temperatures and fewer snowstorms, ensuring clear visibility.
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Spring: The mountain is full of blooming flowers, creating a vibrant and lively landscape.
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Autumn: Dry and crisp weather provides excellent views of surrounding snow mountains and forests, allowing climbers to focus on their ascent.
Essential Gear
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Warm Clothing: Down jackets, insulated trekking suits, and windproof gear to combat extreme cold at the summit.
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Mountaineering Boots: Waterproof, anti-slip, and supportive boots suitable for various terrains, especially icy and snowy sections.
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Crampons: Essential for traction and safety in icy areas around 4,900 meters and beyond.
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Helmet: Protects against falling rocks and head injuries.
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Backpack: For carrying food, water, first-aid supplies, and essential gear.
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Gloves, Hat, and Scarf: Shields hands, head, and neck from freezing winds.
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Sunglasses: Prevents snow blindness and protects eyes from strong UV reflections.
Important Considerations
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Safety First: Climbing snow mountains carries risks. If faced with severe weather, such as strong winds, climbers must retreat immediately, regardless of proximity to the summit. Respect nature and prioritize safety.
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Hiring a Guide: It is recommended to hire experienced guides, such as those selected by Western Impression Outdoor, who are familiar with the terrain and can significantly increase summit success rates while ensuring safety.
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Energy Management: The trek from Haba Village to the base camp involves a 1,400-meter ascent over approximately 11 kilometers. If needed, climbers can rent horses or mules to conserve energy for the later stages.
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Altitude Acclimatization: Arrive early to adapt to the altitude and minimize altitude sickness. Haba Village is at 2,700 meters, and the base camp is at 4,100 meters. Gradual acclimatization improves climbing success.
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Environmental Awareness: Properly dispose of waste, protect the mountain’s ecosystem, and maintain its pristine beauty.
Haba Snow Mountain is located in the southeastern part of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, 120 kilometers from Shangri-La County. It is the main ridge of the Yunling Mountain Range, an extension of the Shaluli Mountains, and an important part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site. Here’s a detailed introduction to Haba Snow Mountain:
Geographic Location
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Coordinates: 27°19′19″ N, 100°6′22″ E.
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Surrounding Landmarks: To the northwest lies Tiger Leaping Gorge, opposite Yulong Snow Mountain, with the Jinsha River flowing between the two mountains.
Natural Scenery
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Main Peak and Mountain Features: The main peak stands at an altitude of 5,396 meters. The upper part of the mountain is relatively gentle, while the lower part is steep and imposing, giving it a majestic and mysterious appearance. The main peak is proud and isolated, surrounded by four smaller peaks, resembling a silver-crowned treasure cauldron from afar.
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Glaciers and Lakes: At an altitude of around 4,700 meters, the steep cliffs are covered with China’s southernmost maritime temperate glacier. The icefalls resemble frozen waterfalls cascading down the steep slopes. Additionally, ancient glacial activity has left behind relics such as horn peaks, arêtes, U-shaped valleys, and roche moutonnées. Glacial meltwater has formed several glacial lakes, such as Wanhai, Hei Hai, Huang Hai, and Xiao Hai, among which Hei Hai is the most famous.
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Vegetation and Wildlife: Due to the significant altitude difference, Haba Snow Mountain features a distinct alpine vertical climate, with successive zones of subtropical, temperate, subfrigid, and frigid climates. This supports a complete and typical alpine vertical vegetation system, which provides habitats for numerous plants and animals, earning it the title of “Mother of the World’s Gardens” and “Natural Zoo” among biologists.
Tourism Information
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Best Time to Visit: May, September to November are the best times for climbing and hiking, and it is advisable to avoid the rainy season from June to August.
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Transportation: You can take a bus from Lijiang to Haba Village, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.
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Hiking Routes:
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Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Haba Village.
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Day 2: Haba Village → Primeval Forest/Snow Mountain Meadow → Snow Mountain Valley → Haba Base Camp.
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Day 3: Haba Base Camp → Da Shi Ban → Moon Bay → Summit Haba Snow Mountain → Haba Village.
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Day 4: Haba Village → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lashi Lake → Lijiang Ancient Town.
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Accommodation and Facilities: Haba Village is the first stop and tourist hub for the Haba Snow Mountain hiking and climbing route, with several guesthouses available. The Haba Base Camp, at an altitude of over 4,100 meters, has relatively complete living facilities, including basic medical services, with tents, prefabricated houses, and stone slab houses available for climbers and tourists.
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