Friends of Porsche – Fly and Drive Singapore By Yaso Trip The fifth stop

On the vast land of northwest Yunnan lies a hidden paradise—where majestic snow-capped peaks tower above, mighty gorges carve the earth, and tranquil, time-worn towns whisper stories of old. It’s as if nature herself sculpted a masterpiece, waiting for curious travelers to explore and admire. Today, let us embark on an unforgettable journey through this magical corner of Yunnan.

Itinerary
Route: Zichen Boyue Hotel (紫宸泊阅酒店) → Bingzhongluo (丙中洛)
Distance: 260 km
Speed Limit: 30 km/h
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours
Highlights: Scenic views along the De’gong Highway (德贡公路); arrival in Bingzhongluo (丙中洛)
Overnight: Nujiang Gongshan Yilamila Cloud Residence Hotel (怒江贡山伊拉米拉云居酒店)

Feilai Temple (飞来寺): A Romantic Dawn with Meili Snow Mountain

Perched at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) in Deqin County (迪庆藏族自治州德钦县), Feilai Temple (飞来寺) is a serene Tibetan Buddhist monastery that seems to guard this sacred land. Its crowning glory is the sunrise view: from the temple’s vantage point, the mist-shrouded peaks appear shy, like a maiden unveiling her veil. As the first rays of dawn break over the ridges, the world falls into sacred stillness—every worry melts away, leaving only the pure awe of nature’s spectacle.

Peacock Mountain (孔雀山): Nature’s Mysterious Marvel

Rising over 5,000 meters above sea level in the Dulong River (独龙江) valley of Gongshan County (贡山县), Peacock Mountain (孔雀山) is part of the Gaoligong Range (高黎贡山).

Untouched and steeped in legend, its raw beauty draws adventurers and nature lovers alike. Today, we venture to uncover its mysteries and bask in this pristine wilderness.

Camping at Peacock Mountain’s Foot

• Where to Camp

  • Alulaka Pasture (阿鲁腊卡牧场) & Baihan Pasture (白汉牧场) in Dengdang Township (捧当乡): Open grasslands, fresh air, and sweeping mountain vistas make these perfect for pitching tents and savoring serene nights.

  • Near the Peacock Mountain Pass (孔雀山垭口): For those craving an even closer encounter, set up camp on the high-altitude plateau—just be prepared for sudden weather shifts and occasional wildlife visitors.

• Getting There
  Depart from Gongshan Town (贡山县城) or Bingzhongluo Town (丙中洛镇), follow the De’gong Highway tunnel, and continue up to the pass. A sturdy off-road vehicle and an experienced driver are highly recommended.

• Best Time to Camp
  Spring and autumn offer the most breathtaking views—spring’s lingering snow framed by sunset hues, and autumn’s riot of colors like a painter’s palette come to life.

• Safety Tips
  The terrain here is fragile, with loose stones and potential mud-slide zones. Wildlife is abundant; novice campers should exercise caution and ideally camp with a guide.

First Bend of the Nu River (怒江第一湾): A Geological Wonder

Leaving Peacock Mountain behind, we follow the roaring Nu River (怒江) to its famed First Bend near Ridan Village (日丹村), Bingzhongluo Township (丙中洛乡). Here, a colossal cliff diverts the river’s course from north-south to east-west, carving out a dramatic semicircle—hence the name “First Bend.”

From the lookout, the Nu River’s deep blue waters crash through the canyon, sparkling in sunlight. Encircled by towering peaks in a giant “Ω” shape, the scene pulses with raw power and natural grandeur. Beyond its geological allure, this spot is rich in cultural heritage: Lisu (傈僳族), Nu (怒族), and other ethnic communities have lived in harmony with these lands for generations.

Nujiang Gongshan Yilamila Cloud Residence Hotel (怒江贡山伊拉米拉云居酒店): A Hidden Gem in Bingzhongluo

Nestled deep within the Nujiang Grand Canyon lies the mist-clad township of Bingzhongluo (丙中洛). Here, amidst stunning landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures, stands the Nujiang Gongshan Yilamila Cloud Residence Hotel (怒江贡山伊拉米拉云居酒店)—a jewel in the crown of Jinjiang Hotels (锦江酒店).

Named after the legendary Nu ethnic “Goddess of Happiness,” it offers weary travelers a warm sanctuary, where every stay feels like a blessed encounter with local folklore and natural beauty.