Kongque Mountain (Peacock Mountain) and Mountain Pass Between Gongshan and Deqin

Kongque Mountain (孔雀山), commonly translated as Peacock Mountain, lies on the border between Pengdang Township (捧当乡) in Gongshan County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, and Yunling Township (云岭乡) in Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The mountain belongs to the Biluo Snow Mountains (碧罗雪山), part of the Nu Mountain system, and forms a natural watershed between the Nujiang River (怒江) and the Lancang River (澜沧江).

Peacock Mountain is admired for its pyramid-shaped summit, alpine fir forests, highland meadows, glacial lakes and the former Peacock Mountain Pass (孔雀山垭口) on the old Degong road. It is also associated with the Tianxin Twelve Lakes (天心十二湖), a group of alpine lakes scattered beneath the pass. However, it is not an operating scenic area and must not be presented as an open hiking destination.

Official Access Warning for 2026

Peacock Mountain is an undeveloped and currently prohibited-entry mountain area without an official visitor center, marked rescue system, commercial accommodation, public toilets, established hiking management or reliable telecommunications.

A joint notice issued by Pengdang Township and Yunling Township on May 2, 2025 states that the Peacock Mountain route is undeveloped and not open to the public. It prohibits organizations and individuals from taking visitors into the area for tourism, hiking, camping or exploration and warns of landslides, mountain fires, falls, wildlife encounters, physical exhaustion and extremely difficult rescue conditions. The notice took effect on the date of publication.

Deqin County’s cultural-tourism, forestry, emergency-management and ecological-environment authorities later included Peacock Mountain among the county’s undeveloped areas where unauthorized hiking, mountaineering, camping and exploration are prohibited. Entry may only be considered for approved scientific research, ecological monitoring, heritage protection or emergency work after written authorization from the responsible authorities. People who enter without permission may bear legal responsibility and relevant rescue costs.

The Deqin section of the old Degong road between the Peacock Mountain Tunnel exit and the pass has been fully closed since February 10, 2026. A county-government announcement issued on June 16 confirmed that roadbed damage, missing safety infrastructure and geological hazards had made the road unsafe. All pedestrians and vehicles are prohibited until weather and hazard-remediation conditions permit a change in management.

Unofficial offers to transfer tourists around barriers, drive along the closed road or arrange secret entry do not provide legal access. Private payment does not create a tourism permit, accident insurance or guaranteed rescue support. Visitors should not climb over barriers, follow unlicensed drivers or rely on social-media tracks describing the mountain as a free scenic attraction.

Geographic Setting and Elevation

Peacock Mountain extends broadly from north to south between the highland terrain of Diqing and the deep Nujiang valley. The mountain’s main summit is commonly described as reaching approximately 4,400 metres, while Peacock Mountain Pass, the highest point on the former road, stands at approximately 3,882 metres.

The lower river valleys lie near 1,900 metres, creating a vertical difference of roughly 2,500 metres between the valley floor and the highest ridges. This elevation change produces a pronounced sequence of climatic and ecological zones, with warm valley vegetation gradually giving way to temperate forest, conifer forest, subalpine fir woodland, alpine shrubs, cold grassland and seasonal snow.

Peacock Mountain lies within the wider landscape of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas (云南三江并流保护区). This World Heritage property includes sections of the upper Jinsha, Lancang and Nujiang rivers, which run almost parallel through deep valleys separated by high mountain ranges. UNESCO recognizes the region as one of China’s principal centres of biodiversity and one of the world’s biologically richest temperate areas.

Origin of the Name

The Chinese name Kongque Shan (孔雀山) means “Peacock Mountain.” From certain viewpoints, the central peak and adjoining ridges are said to resemble a peacock standing with its wings extended.

The pass historically provided one of the clearest broad views of the mountain’s outline. Prayer flags and the open highland setting also gave the former viewpoint a strong Tibetan cultural atmosphere, although the platform and approach road are not currently accessible to tourists.

Vertical Climate and Vegetation

The lower mountain zone is characterized by evergreen broad-leaved forest, including native oak and evergreen tree communities. At middle elevations, vegetation changes into mixed conifer and broad-leaved woodland with spruce and other cold-tolerant species.

Between approximately 3,200 and 3,800 metres, old-growth fir forest dominates many slopes. Above the forest line, the landscape opens into alpine shrubs, wetlands, meadows, exposed rock and seasonal snowfields.

This vertical structure creates the local expression “four seasons on one mountain.” Weather and temperature may differ sharply between the Nujiang valley, the tunnel entrances and the former pass. Even during summer, wind, rain and fog can make the upper mountain feel cold, while winter and early spring bring extensive ice and snow.

Alpine Plants and Wildlife

Peacock Mountain forms part of a region known for rhododendrons, fir forest, magnolias, primulas, lilies and high-altitude Meconopsis, commonly known as Himalayan blue poppies. Rhododendron flowering is most associated with late spring and early summer, when the forest edges and upper slopes develop patches of yellow, white, pink and purple.

The surrounding Three Parallel Rivers landscape supports a large number of nationally protected animals and plants. Its remote forests and alpine habitats may support musk deer, black bears, blue sheep, pheasants, raptors and other mountain wildlife. The possibility of encountering wild animals is another reason the closed mountain should not be treated as a casual family hiking area.

Visitors legally travelling through the Degong corridor must not collect medicinal herbs, flowers, seeds or firewood. They should also avoid approaching animals, using drones close to wildlife or entering grasslands and forests beyond permitted roadside areas.

Peacock Mountain Pass

Peacock Mountain Pass (孔雀山垭口) was the highest point on the old Degong road and stood close to the administrative boundary between Gongshan and Deqin. At approximately 3,882 metres, it offered open views of the principal Peacock Mountain ridge and surrounding sections of the Biluo Snow Mountains.

Historical travel accounts describe views toward distant snow peaks, alpine forests, meadows and mountain lakes. In particularly clear conditions, sections of the broader Meili Snow Mountain range could be seen from high points along the former road.

The pass also became known for Tibetan prayer flags, sunrise light, clouds moving through the valleys and night skies with little artificial light. These descriptions refer to its historic landscape value; the pass is not currently an authorized roadside stop or public viewpoint.

Tianxin Twelve Lakes

The name Tianxin Twelve Lakes (天心十二湖) is used for a group of high-altitude lakes and wetlands below the pass. Rather than forming a single developed lake attraction, the lakes are distributed through alpine valleys, meadows and forest clearings.

Their appearance changes with weather, snowmelt and seasonal water levels. On clear days, the lakes may reflect surrounding ridges, fir forests and open sky, while fog can hide the entire landscape within minutes.

There are no standardized boardwalks, protective railings, staffed rescue points or officially maintained sightseeing routes around the lakes. Online photographs and historic hiking tracks must not be interpreted as confirmation that the lake area is open.

Old Degong Road

Before the construction of the Peacock Mountain Tunnel, vehicles travelling between Deqin and Gongshan had to climb the old road over the pass. The route followed steep slopes with tight bends, unstable roadbeds and limited passing space.

Snow and ice historically blocked the high section for long periods, especially from December to June. Heavy rain also caused landslides, falling rocks, washouts and repeated road closures. The pass consequently became the principal transport bottleneck between the Lancang and Nujiang valleys.

The old road is now outside the normal public transport corridor. The Deqin approach is under full traffic control, and both vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited. A four-wheel-drive vehicle, mountain-driving experience or payment to a private driver does not exempt anyone from the restriction.

Peacock Mountain Tunnel

The Peacock Mountain Tunnel (孔雀山隧道) is the key modern transport structure on the Degong Highway. It is approximately 2,545 metres long and passes through the Biluo Snow Mountains at an elevation of about 3,400 metres.

The tunnel was completed through extremely difficult geological and climatic conditions, including fractured rock, heavy groundwater, frequent rain and snow, landslides and other mountain hazards. It opened a route beneath the pass, removing the need for normal traffic to climb the 3,882-metre old road.

The wider Degong Highway improvement project was completed in 2022 and later passed provincial inspection. Under normal winter conditions, the tunnel allows traffic between Deqin and Gongshan to avoid the former ice- and snow-covered pass, supporting year-round regional transport. Temporary closures can still occur because of storms, landslides, road repairs or emergency controls.

The tunnel is a transport facility, not a sightseeing attraction. Drivers should not stop inside the tunnel, gather near its entrances or attempt to access closed branches leading toward the pass.

Historical Hiking Routes

Before the current restrictions, several unofficial routes circulated on outdoor platforms. They were not formally developed scenic trails and did not have consistent signs, emergency stations or regulated visitor management.

These distances are retained only as historical background and must not be used for navigation. The original starting points lie along closed or controlled roads, and the routes pass through areas without reliable mobile coverage, rescue facilities or standardized markers.

Descriptions such as “beginner-friendly,” “family route” or “easy lake walk” are misleading in the current context. Even technically gentle terrain lies near 3,800–4,000 metres, where acute altitude illness, hypothermia, sudden fog and disorientation can develop rapidly.

Seasonal Landscapes

Spring

From April to June, snow may remain on the upper slopes while rhododendrons begin flowering along forest edges and alpine meadows. Fog, rain and late snow remain possible, and the former road historically stayed blocked for part of this period.

Summer

July and August bring green meadows, fuller wetlands and grazing livestock in parts of the wider mountain region. This is also the main rainy season, when fog, rockfall, landslides and rapidly changing streams create serious hazards. Visibility of distant peaks and lakes is often unreliable.

Autumn

September to early November normally provides clearer skies and stronger colour contrasts. Alpine grass turns gold, while fir forest and mountain shrubs create layers of dark green, red and yellow. Autumn historically offered the most reliable conditions for landscape photography, but seasonal beauty does not alter the prohibition on entering the pass or lake routes.

Winter

From December to March, extensive snow, rime ice and frozen road surfaces may cover the upper mountain. The old road becomes particularly dangerous, while the operational transport route remains the tunnel, subject to current weather and traffic notices.

Legal Driving Routes

The only lawful way to pass through the Peacock Mountain area is to remain on the operating Degong Highway and use the Peacock Mountain Tunnel.

From the Diqing side, travelers normally reach Deqin before continuing west through the Degong corridor toward Gongshan. From the Nujiang side, the route passes through Gongshan and Pengdang Township before entering the tunnel toward Deqin.

Travel from Lijiang or central Shangri-La to Gongshan through Deqin is a long mountain journey and should not be presented as a short two-hour excursion. Actual driving times vary greatly with road conditions, weather, traffic controls and overnight-stop arrangements.

Before departure, drivers should check current announcements from Deqin County, Gongshan County and the Yunnan transport authorities. The tunnel may support normal year-round traffic, but this does not guarantee uninterrupted access during heavy rain, snowfall, maintenance or geological emergencies.

Public Transportation

Regional buses serve Deqin, Gongshan and some surrounding townships, but there is no legal public transport to Peacock Mountain Pass, Tianxin Twelve Lakes or any former hiking trailhead.

Schedules in this remote area may change according to weather and road controls. Travelers relying on buses should confirm departures directly with the relevant county bus station rather than using old online timetables.

The previously stated claim that a low-cost 1.5-hour bus connects Dali directly with Gongshan is geographically inaccurate and should not appear in a published guide. Travel between Dali and Gongshan normally requires a much longer regional journey.

Parking and Roadside Stops

The old pass parking and informal stopping areas are inaccessible because the approach road is closed. Tunnel entrances may contain emergency or road-management spaces, but these are not tourist car parks.

Drivers should not stop near tunnel portals, barriers, blind bends, rockfall zones or narrow shoulders for photography, picnics or overnight camping. Any stopping must follow road signs and instructions from traffic-management personnel.

There are no official shops, restaurants, public toilets, clinics or overnight facilities at the pass, around the lake group or along the former hiking routes. This lack of infrastructure is specifically reflected in the official prohibition on tourism in the area.

Accommodation and Food

Travelers using the legal Degong transport corridor should stay in established towns. On the eastern side, Deqin County Town (德钦县城) and Feilaisi (飞来寺) provide hotels, restaurants and views toward the Meili Snow Mountains. On the western side, Gongshan County Town (贡山县城) and Bingzhongluo (丙中洛) offer business hotels, local guesthouses, shops and dining.

There is no authorized hotel, guesthouse or campsite at Peacock Mountain Pass or Tianxin Twelve Lakes. Wild camping, tent accommodation and overnight stays in the closed mountain area are prohibited.

Regional food can be experienced in the county towns rather than on the mountain. Deqin commonly offers yak dishes, Tibetan chicken hotpot, barley bread, butter tea and highland potatoes, while Gongshan and the Nujiang valley feature grilled meat, sour and spicy river-fish dishes, mixed-grain foods and seasonal mountain vegetables.

Legal and Safety Risks

Unauthorized entry may lead to official interception, administrative penalties, responsibility for ecological damage and liability for rescue costs. The Deqin notice specifically states that organizations and rescued persons may be required to bear corresponding rescue expenses after illegally entering undeveloped areas.

The former hiking zone lies mainly between approximately 3,800 and 4,000 metres. Acute mountain sickness can progress to life-threatening pulmonary or cerebral oedema, while cold wind, wet clothing and sudden temperature drops create a serious hypothermia risk.

The terrain is also exposed to falling rocks, roadbed collapse, landslides, mudflows, snow, black ice and dense fog. Rescue operations in high-altitude undeveloped areas are complicated by poor communications, uncertain locations, limited access and rapidly changing weather. Recent official reporting from Diqing has repeatedly warned that unauthorized wilderness trips place both visitors and rescuers at extreme risk.

Wildlife should be observed only from within legal public areas. Black bears, snakes and other wild animals may occur in the wider mountain ecosystem, while protected species and their habitats must not be disturbed.

Environmental and Cultural Conduct

Travelers passing through the legal road corridor should carry all waste back to an established town. Food packaging, tissues, bottles and organic waste must not be left beside the road, in forests or near water sources.

Picking rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, blue poppies or medicinal plants is prohibited. Digging turf, removing stones, driving onto meadows and creating unofficial tracks can cause long-lasting damage in the high-altitude environment.

Open fires, barbecues and discarded cigarettes create severe forest and grassland fire risks. Visitors must obey all seasonal fire-control regulations and should never light a fire in roadside forest or grassland areas.

The region is home to Tibetan, Nu, Lisu and other communities. Travelers should avoid disturbing livestock, entering private pasture or photographing residents without permission. Prayer flags, mani stones and religious objects must not be touched, moved or used as photography props.

Practical Road Advice by Season

Spring brings rain, fog and wet surfaces around the tunnel approaches, requiring lower speeds and greater following distance. Summer is the main landslide and rockfall season, so night driving should be avoided during heavy or prolonged rain.

Autumn generally provides the most stable conditions for legal transit, although temporary roadworks and local controls remain possible. Winter drivers should expect ice and snow around high-elevation approaches, carry suitable emergency equipment and travel during daylight whenever possible.

The safest travel plan is to use Peacock Mountain only as part of a lawful Deqin–Gongshan transport route, without attempting to reach the old pass, alpine lakes or historical trails. Peacock Mountain remains an important geographical and ecological landmark, but under the current regulations it is a place to understand and protect rather than a mountain open for recreational exploration.

3 Days Cizhong, Meili Snow Mountain and Shangri-La Hidden Journey

Route: Lijiang – Shaxi Ancient Town – Weixi – Badi – Cizhong – Deqin – Meili Snow Mountain – Baima Snow Mountain – Jinsha River Moon Bay – Napa Lake – Shangri-La – Lijiang

This three-day journey explores the Lancang River Gorge and Meili Snow Mountain region of northwestern Yunnan, combining Ancient Tea Horse Road heritage, multicultural villages, snow mountain viewpoints, deep river valleys and Shangri-La’s highland wetlands. The itinerary follows officially open roads and public sightseeing areas and does not enter Kongque Mountain (孔雀山), Tianxin Twelve Lakes (天心十二湖) or any undeveloped restricted zone.

Day 0 Arrival in Lijiang

Take a suitable flight or train to Lijiang (丽江) and arrange your own hotel accommodation. Travelers arriving early may explore Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), including Sifang Street, the surrounding canals and traditional Naxi neighborhoods.

Lijiang stands at an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters, making it a suitable place to rest and gradually adapt before traveling farther into the highlands of northwestern Yunnan.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Not included

Day 1 Lijiang – Shaxi Ancient Town – Weixi – Badi – Cizhong

Meet at the designated location in Lijiang at 8:00 a.m. and drive to Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇).

Shaxi was once an important trading station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and preserves one of the best surviving historic market squares along the former caravan route. Its stone streets, ancient stage, traditional houses and the quiet Heihui River create a peaceful atmosphere very different from the busier ancient towns of Yunnan.

After lunch, continue north toward Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县), located in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers region. The road follows the Lancang River through deep valleys surrounded by the Biluo Snow Mountains and the Yunling Mountains.

Pass through Badi (巴迪), an area characterized by high mountains, steep river valleys and scattered villages, before continuing to Cizhong Village (茨中村).

Cizhong is one of northwestern Yunnan’s most distinctive multicultural villages. The village is known for its century-old Catholic church, traditional vineyards and the long interaction between Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi and Han communities. Local families continue to produce wine from traditional grape varieties introduced to the region more than a century ago.

Check in at a local hotel and rest in preparation for the following day.

Accommodation: Standard room in Cizhong
Meals: Not included; meals shared and paid individually
Driving distance: Approximately 380 kilometers
Driving time: Approximately 6–7 hours

Day 2 Cizhong Village – Lancang River Gorge – Wunongding Viewpoint – Deqin

After breakfast, visit Cizhong Catholic Church (茨中天主教堂) and walk through the surrounding village.

The church combines European religious architecture with local northwestern Yunnan building traditions. Nearby vineyards, traditional houses and farmland along the Lancang River reflect the village’s distinctive cultural and agricultural history.

Travelers may learn about the coexistence of different ethnic communities and visit legally operated local businesses offering village food and traditional grape wine.

Continue north along the officially open highway toward Deqin County (德钦县). The journey follows the Lancang River Gorge through mountain villages, terraced farmland and dramatic highland landscapes.

This itinerary does not enter the old Kongque Mountain road, Kongque Mountain Pass, Tianxin Twelve Lakes or any closed hiking area.

In the afternoon, arrive at Wunongding Viewpoint (雾浓顶观景台). In clear weather, the viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Meili Snow Mountain Range (梅里雪山), including Kawagarbo Peak (卡瓦格博峰), the highest mountain in Yunnan.

Late-afternoon light often creates excellent conditions for photographing the snow peaks, Tibetan villages and the Lancang River valley. After sightseeing, transfer to a hotel in Deqin County or the Feilaisi area.

Accommodation: Standard room in Deqin or Feilaisi
Meals: Not included
Recommended local food: Tibetan chicken hotpot, yak beef, highland potatoes and barley dishes
Activity level: Easy sightseeing without long-distance high-altitude hiking

Day 3 Deqin – Meili Snow Mountain – Baima Snow Mountain – Jinsha River Moon Bay – Napa Lake – Shangri-La – Lijiang

Wake early and visit an officially open public viewpoint at Wunongding (雾浓顶) or Feilaisi (飞来寺) to watch the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain.

When the weather and cloud conditions are favorable, the first sunlight illuminates the mountain summits and creates the famous Golden Sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain. As this is a natural phenomenon, its appearance cannot be guaranteed.

After breakfast, drive south along National Highway G214 and pass through the Baima Snow Mountain (白马雪山) region. Stops will only be made at legally open roadside viewpoints. The group will not enter restricted nature reserve zones, closed roads or undeveloped mountain areas.

Continue to Jinsha River Moon Bay (金沙江月亮湾), where the river curves around a pyramid-shaped mountain and forms a dramatic omega-shaped bend. This is one of the most recognizable river-valley landscapes in northwestern Yunnan.

Travel onward toward Shangri-La and stop at a public viewpoint overlooking Napa Lake (纳帕海). The landscape changes throughout the year: during the wetter season it becomes a broad lake and wetland, while in the drier months it resembles an open grassland. Migratory birds are often seen in autumn and winter.

After the visit, continue through Shangri-La and return to Lijiang. The tour ends at the designated drop-off point.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Not included
Driving distance: Approximately 380 kilometers
Driving time: Approximately 6.5–8 hours, depending on weather, road conditions and traffic controls

Tour Highlights

This journey combines the cultural heritage of Shaxi Ancient Town with the remote river-valley scenery of Weixi and Cizhong. Travelers can explore a century-old Catholic village, admire the Lancang River Gorge and view the snow-covered peaks of Meili Snow Mountain from officially open viewpoints.

The route also includes Baima Snow Mountain, the dramatic Jinsha River Moon Bay and the seasonal wetland scenery of Napa Lake, creating a varied journey through ancient towns, ethnic villages, deep valleys, snowy mountains and highland grasslands.

Unlike an intensive trekking tour, this itinerary focuses on scenic driving, cultural exploration and comfortable sightseeing, making it suitable for travelers who want to experience northwestern Yunnan without undertaking a demanding high-altitude hike.

Important Access and Safety Notice

This tour does not include Kongque Mountain (孔雀山), Kongque Mountain Pass (孔雀山垭口), Tianxin Twelve Lakes (天心十二湖) or the closed section of the old Degong Highway.

Private vehicle transfers, unofficial local guides, climbing over barriers or entering the mountain through unmarked roads are not included or permitted. These arrangements do not provide legal access, travel insurance or reliable rescue support.

Roads in northwestern Yunnan contain steep slopes, sharp bends and high-altitude sections. Driving times may change because of rain, snow, falling rocks, road construction or temporary traffic controls. The driver and tour leader may adjust the route or cancel unsafe stops according to real-time conditions.

Weather and Packing Advice

Meili Snow Mountain, cloud seas and golden sunrise views depend entirely on natural weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Warm layered clothing is required throughout the year. During winter and early spring, travelers should bring a down jacket, windproof outer layer, gloves and non-slip shoes. During the rainy season, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are necessary.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking water and basic personal medicine are recommended. Travelers sensitive to altitude should avoid strenuous activity and inform the tour leader immediately if they experience persistent headache, dizziness, chest discomfort or breathing difficulty.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation is arranged in Cizhong and Deqin or Feilaisi. Hotel standards may vary because some destinations are located in remote mountain areas.

Meals are not included and are paid individually. The tour leader may assist the group in choosing suitable restaurants and arranging shared meals.

Local specialties may include Tibetan chicken hotpot, yak beef, highland potatoes, barley bread, butter tea, river fish, seasonal mountain vegetables and locally produced grape wine in Cizhong.

Recommended Tour Name

3 Days Cizhong, Meili Snow Mountain and Shangri-La Hidden Journey

This name accurately represents the legal destinations included in the itinerary and avoids presenting Kongque Mountain as an open hiking attraction.