[2025 Deqin Stay] Travel Guide for Meadow Youth Hostel (Updated Apr)

🌄 Rain Village, a fairyland hidden in the depths of Meili Snow Mountain, is like a pearl forgotten by time, exuding a mysterious and charming glow ✨. Stepping into this pure land is like stepping into a paradise isolated from the world. Every inch of air is filled with the fragrance of nature, and every scene tells the gentleness of time. Next, I'll present a detailed three-day travel guide to Rain Village 📖. Introduction Rain Village is located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, at the eastern foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan. Surrounded by mountains, it has a unique geographical environment and is divided into two natural villages: Upper Rain Village and Lower Rain Village. It retains the most primitive form of Tibetan settlements, with traditional Tibetan buildings scattered across the mountains, complementing the magnificent snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and clear streams, creating picturesque scenery. Due to inconvenient transportation, Rain Village has long been semi-isolated. Because of this, it has perfectly preserved its purity and simplicity, becoming a hiking paradise that countless travel enthusiasts yearn for 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️. Detailed Itinerary 🗓️ Day 1: Xidang Hot Spring - Nanzong Pass - Upper Rain Village - Depart from Deqin County in the morning and take the shuttle bus to Xidang Hot Spring (you can book tickets in advance at the bus station or related travel platforms). After arriving at Xidang Hot Spring, there are two ways to get to Rain Village: one is to take a local off-road vehicle (relatively expensive, but saves energy), and the other is to hike. Hiking is highly recommended, as the scenery along the way is incredibly beautiful and definitely worth exploring on foot. - The starting point of the hike is Xidang Hot Spring. Ascend along the winding mountain road, passing through lush forests, spotting various rare plants, and listening to the cheerful singing of birds 🐦. After about 3–4 hours of hiking, you will reach Nanzong Pass, the highest point of the entire journey and an excellent viewing platform. Standing at the pass, you can overlook the rolling mountains and the magnificent Meili Snow Mountain. The stunning scenery will make you feel that all your fatigue has vanished. - Descend from Nanzong Pass and continue along the winding path. After about 2–3 hours, you will arrive at Upper Rain Village. Check in to the pre-booked inn and take a good rest to relieve the fatigue of the day. In the evening, you can stroll around the village, experience the tranquility and peace of the Tibetan village, and look up to see the bright starry sky 🌃. 🗓️ Day 2: Upper Rain Village - Ice Lake - Upper Rain Village - After breakfast, depart from the inn and head to Ice Lake. Follow the signs through Upper Rain Village and enter the primeval forest. Along the way, thick fallen leaves cover the ground, and dense branches and leaves form a canopy overhead, making you feel like you are in a green fairy tale world. You will pass some small streams with crystal-clear water. You can stop here for a while, drink the sweet stream water, and feel the gifts of nature. - After about 3–4 hours of hiking, you will reach Xiaonong Base Camp, the former site of the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team's camp for climbing Meili Snow Mountain. Now it has become a resting place for hikers. Here you can replenish your energy and enjoy the surrounding scenery. - Continue on from Xiaonong Base Camp. The mountain road becomes steeper, but the scenery is even more magnificent. After about 1–2 hours of arduous climbing, you will finally reach Ice Lake. The lake is like a huge mirror, inlaid among the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The lake water presents a charming blue color, complementing the surrounding white snow-capped mountains and green forests, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Here you can take photos and feel the wonders of nature. - After visiting Ice Lake, return to Upper Rain Village by the same route. The descent is relatively easier, but be careful to avoid slipping. After returning to the inn, take a hot bath and then go to a restaurant in the village to taste the local cuisine. 🗓️ Day 3: Upper Rain Village - Lower Rain Village - Sacred Waterfall - Nylon Grand Canyon - Exit Rain Village - After breakfast, depart from Upper Rain Village and head to Lower Rain Village. This section of the journey is relatively short, taking about 30 minutes–1 hour. Lower Rain Village is located at a lower altitude than Upper Rain Village and is even more tranquil and peaceful. Here you can enjoy the beautiful snow-capped mountains from different angles and see some Tibetan villagers working in the fields, experiencing the rich pastoral atmosphere. - Depart from Lower Rain Village and head to the Sacred Waterfall. Walk along the mountain path, passing by Mani stones and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, as if telling ancient stories. After about 2–3 hours of hiking, you will reach the Sacred Waterfall. The waterfall is formed by the snowmelt of Meili Snow Mountain cascading down from the cliffs. Legend has it that as long as you circle the waterfall clockwise three times, you can wash away your sins and receive the blessing of the gods. Here, you can experience the majestic momentum of the waterfall up close and taste its sweet water. - After visiting the Sacred Waterfall, take the path below the waterfall to the Nylon Grand Canyon. The canyon is another natural wonder of Rain Village. It is deep and secluded, with steep cliffs on both sides and a rushing river at the bottom. Walk along the path in the canyon, admiring the magnificent scenery and feeling the magical power of nature. After about 2–3 hours of hiking, you will walk out of the Nylon Grand Canyon and arrive at Nylon Village. Here you can take a shuttle bus back to Deqin County, ending your pleasant Rain Village trip. Local Cuisine 🍜 Qingke Cake: This is one of the most common staple foods in Rain Village. It is made from roasted barley flour and has a crispy texture with a light wheat aroma. It tastes even better when paired with butter tea. 🥘 Tibetan Hot Pot: The main ingredients are yak meat, various vegetables, and mushrooms, cooked in a special hot pot base. The hot pot soup is rich and delicious, and the yak meat is tender and nutritious, making it an excellent dish in cold weather. 🧀 Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink made by mixing butter and strong tea. Butter tea has a rich taste and can both refresh the mind and ward off the cold. You can taste authentic butter tea in every inn and restaurant in Rain Village. 🍙 Tsampa: Roasted barley is ground into flour, and when eaten, it is mixed with butter tea or barley wine and kneaded into small balls. Tsampa is a traditional staple food of the Tibetan people. It is easy to carry and store, making it a good choice for hiking trips. Accommodation Guide 🏡 Upper Rain Village: There are relatively more accommodation options here, with various grades of inns and homestays to choose from. Some inns with better locations offer direct views of the snow-capped mountains and are relatively more expensive, while some ordinary inns are more affordable. Staying in Upper Rain Village is more convenient for trips to Ice Lake. 🏡 Lower Rain Village: There are relatively fewer accommodations here, but it is quieter and the scenery is also very beautiful. If you like a quiet environment, you can choose to stay in Lower Rain Village. It is closer to the Sacred Waterfall from Lower Rain Village, saving hiking time. When booking accommodation, you can check reviews from other tourists on major travel platforms in advance and choose inns or homestays with good reputations and attentive service. At the same time, pay attention to the sanitary conditions and heating facilities of the accommodation, as the temperature difference between day and night in Rain Village is relatively large. Travel Tips 👟 Equipment Preparation: Hiking in Rain Village requires a certain level of physical strength and endurance, so be prepared with appropriate equipment. It is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, waterproof jackets, hats, gloves, sunglasses, etc. Also, bring enough drinking water and food, as well as some common medicines, such as cold medicine, antipyretics, and gastrointestinal medicine. 🌡️ Weather Changes: The weather in Rain Village is unpredictable, sometimes sunny and sometimes rainy. So be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast before traveling and be prepared for different weather conditions. If it rains, pay attention to preventing slips and avoid walking on steep mountain roads. 🙌 Respect Local Customs: Rain Village is a Tibetan settlement, so respect local customs and religious beliefs. When visiting temples and turning prayer wheels, walk clockwise, do not make loud noises, and do not touch Buddha statues and prayer flags at will. 📸 Photography Tips: The scenery in Rain Village is very beautiful and a good place for taking photos. When taking photos, pay attention to the choice of light and angle. Try to choose to shoot in the morning or evening, when the light is soft and the photos are more beautiful. At the same time, you can use the surrounding natural elements, such as trees, streams, and snow-capped mountains, to add layers and beauty to your photos. 🌳 Rain Village, a place full of mystery and charm, every encounter is like a wonderful邂逅. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, get close to nature, and feel its tranquility and power. I hope this travel guide can help you embark on an unforgettable journey to Rain Village and leave beautiful memories of your own 💕.

🌄Some say there should be at least two impulsive moments in life: one for reckless love, and one for a spontaneous trip. Rain Village is the place that will make you grab your backpack without hesitation and head for the mountains and seas. Here's a super detailed three-day itinerary for Rain Village! 📍Rain Village (Yubeng) is located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, at the foot of the Kawagebo Peak of Meili Snow Mountain. It is divided into Upper Rain Village and Lower Rain Village. The upper village leads to the Sino-Japanese Joint Mountaineering Base Camp for climbing Kawagebo, while the lower village leads to the sacred Rain Waterfall. Surrounded by mountains and with a unique geographical environment, it has always been known as "the last Shangri-La on Earth." 🗺️Itinerary: - Day 1: Lijiang - Feilai Temple Take a bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Deqin, which takes about 6-7 hours. The journey passes by Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of the Yangtze River, which are masterpieces of nature, so don't miss the chance to admire them. After arriving in Deqin, head to Feilai Temple for your stay. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise illuminate Meili Snow Mountain. Imagine the first rays of morning sun casting a golden glow on the snow-capped peaks—an absolutely breathtaking sight! - Day 2: Feilai Temple - Xidang Hot Spring - Rain Village - Sacred Waterfall After watching the sunrise, take a chartered car or shared ride to Xidang Hot Spring, which takes about an hour. From Xidang Hot Spring, there are two ways to get to the village: - Hiking: The entire hike is about 12 kilometers and requires crossing the Nanzong Pass, with the altitude rising from 2,600 meters to 3,700 meters. Although it's physically demanding, the scenery along the way, including primeval forests, snow-capped mountains, and canyons, makes it all worthwhile. The hike takes about 5-6 hours. - Take an off-road vehicle: This is more expensive but saves energy, taking about 40 minutes to reach Rain Village. After arriving in the village and taking a short rest, you can head to the sacred waterfall. The round trip to the waterfall takes about 6-8 hours, following the path marked by Mani stones and prayer flags. The route passes through alpine meadows, forests, and streams. It is said that the Rain Waterfall is holy water brought back from heaven by the god Kawagebo. It can predict people's destinies, ward off disasters, and bless all beings. Tibetan Buddhists who worship Meili Snow Mountain must bathe in the sacred waterfall. - Day 3: Rain Village - Ice Lake - Lijiang After breakfast, head to the Ice Lake. The hike to the Ice Lake is relatively difficult, taking about 8-10 hours round trip. First, follow the Nylon Grand Canyon, then cross the primeval forest, and finally climb a steep slope to reach the lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Ice Lake's clear blue water resembles a sparkling gem. After returning from the Ice Lake, pack your bags and head back to Lijiang, concluding your wonderful Rain Village journey. Nearby Attractions: - Meili Snow Mountain: Part of the Hengduan Mountains, 849 kilometers from Kunming, it is located in the "Three Parallel Rivers" area of the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu Rivers. The thirteen continuous peaks are magnificent, combining the grandeur of the snowy plateau with the elegance of southern China. - Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest canyons in China, it is famous for its danger. Towering mountains flank the canyon, and the river surges through with immense power. - First Bend of the Yangtze River: Also known as Moon Bay, the Dingqu River runs from north to south, joining the Mai and Shuo Rivers before flowing into the Jinsha River. At the confluence, it forms a spectacular "three walls and two rivers" landscape. 🎯Must-do's in Rain Village: - Watch the sunrise illuminate the golden mountain: At Feilai Temple or Rain Village, quietly wait for the sunlight to grace Meili Snow Mountain and experience that sacred and spectacular moment. - Circle the sacred waterfall: Walk clockwise around the waterfall three times, receive the blessing of the holy water, and pray for peace and good luck. - Taste local cuisine: Try Tibetan specialties such as butter tea, barley cakes, and yak meat to experience the unique flavors. 🌌This three-day Rain Village journey offers majestic snow-capped mountains, lush forests, clear lakes, and a mystical religious culture. Every step is like entering a beautiful painting, and every scene touches the soul. If you long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle, a return to nature, then Rain Village is definitely the perfect choice. Pack your bags and set off towards the Shangri-La in your heart!

🌄You must go to Yubeng at least once, to see the golden mountain in the sun, to feel the joy of hiking, and to encounter the scenery like a paradise on earth. Today I will give you a super detailed travel guide to Yubeng Village, so that your journey will not leave any regrets! 🌍Overview: Yubeng Village is located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is located at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, with an altitude of about 3,000 meters. It is divided into Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng. The original Tibetan village style is preserved here, with snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes and meadows complementing each other, like a paradise on earth. Due to its remote geographical location, there used to be only one horse and post road leading to the outside world. Although there have been some improvements today, it still retains its secluded tranquility and is known as "the last secret place on earth." 🗺Detailed tour route: Day 1: Morning: Depart from Xidang Hot Spring (you can also choose to hike into the village from Ninong. Currently, due to road conditions and seasons, you may only be able to enter from Ninong during certain periods of time), hike or take a local off-road vehicle to Yubeng Village. This section of road is about 13 kilometers, which takes about 6-8 hours on foot and about 1 hour by off-road vehicle. Along the way you can enjoy views of pristine forests and stunning mountains. Noon: Arrive at Shangyubeng Village, take a short rest at the inn, taste the local butter tea and barley cakes, and replenish energy. Afternoon: Go to Shen Waterfall, a round trip hike of about 14 kilometers, which takes about 6-8 hours. Along the way, you can see wonders such as the ancient seal script and five trees with the same root, and feel the power of Tibetan Buddhist faith. Shenpu is a holy place in the hearts of Tibetans. It is said that bathing in Shenpu can purify the soul. If you are lucky, you can also see the beautiful sight of a rainbow when the sun is shining obliquely. the next day: Morning: Depart from Shangyubeng Village and head to the Ice Lake. The round trip is about 18 kilometers, which is relatively difficult and takes 8-10 hours. Along the way, you will pass Xiaonong Base Camp, which was once the camp where the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team climbed Mount Kawagebo. Continue walking and you will see an emerald green ice lake, which is formed by the meltwater from snow-capped mountains. It is surrounded by spectacular glaciers and snow-capped mountains, and the scenery is breathtaking. Noon: Enjoy the dry food you brought with you at a rest stop near the glacial lake, admire the beauty of the glacial lake, and feel the magic of nature. Afternoon: Return to Shangyubeng Village from Binghu Lake, pack your luggage, and leave the village according to your own arrangements. If you have enough time, you can also stroll around Yubeng Village, chat with local Tibetans and learn about their way of life. 📸Photographing and checking in at scenic spots: • Meili Snow Mountain Observation Deck: Take photos of the golden mountain in the early morning here. The golden sunlight shining on the snow-capped mountains is spectacular. It is recommended to use a telephoto lens to capture the layered texture of the snow-capped mountains. • Yubeng Waterfall: Stand below the waterfall and take photos of people and nature blending into one, with the waterfall and snow-capped mountains as the background. Take waterproof measures to prevent the camera from getting wet. • Yubeng Glacier Lake: At the edge of the glacier lake, you can capture the beautiful scenery of the blue glacier and the emerald green lake water. Using a wide-angle lens can better show the magnificence of the glacial lake. • Feeding horses, chopping firewood and traveling around the world: This is a popular literary check-in spot on the road from Shang Yubeng to Xia Yubeng, where you can take literary and fresh photos. 🍜Must-eat food: • Tibetan Yak Beef Hotpot: Made with yak beef as the main ingredient and paired with a variety of vegetables, the soup is rich and the meat is tender, making it perfect for warming up after a hike. • Butter tea: A traditional Tibetan drink with a rich taste and high calories, it can relieve altitude sickness and refresh the mind. • Barley cake: Made from highland barley flour, it is crispy and delicious and can be carried as dry food while hiking. • Tsampa: Roasted highland barley, ground into flour, added with butter tea or highland barley wine, kneaded into small balls by hand and eaten. It is one of the traditional staple foods of the Tibetan people. 🏠Accommodation tips: • Shang Yubeng: Close to the Ice Lake and Xiaonong Base Camp, it would be convenient to stay here if you plan to go to the Ice Lake the next day. Recommended inns include "Hiker's Home" and others. The price is about 200-400 yuan per night in the peak season and is relatively cheaper in the off-season. • Xiayubeng: It is close to the Shen Waterfall and the Ni Nong Line, and is suitable for tourists who want to go to the Shen Waterfall or leave the village from the Ni Nong Line. There are relatively more choices, such as "Songtsan Yubeng Mountain Residence", which has good accommodation conditions and scenery, but the prices are also relatively high. ❗Tips: • Altitude sickness: Prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance, such as Rhodiola rosea, etc. Do not do strenuous exercise when you first arrive in Yubeng, and let your body slowly adapt to the plateau environment. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache and difficulty breathing, you can relieve the symptoms with appropriate oxygen inhalation. • Equipment preparation: waterproof hiking shoes, windbreaker, warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, trekking poles, backpack, etc. If you go there in winter, you will also need to bring crampons. • Pay attention to safety: Pay attention to safety during hiking, do not leave the established route, the signal is weak in some areas, download offline maps in advance. In addition, respect local religious beliefs and customs, and do not touch Mani piles and prayer flags at will. • Environmental awareness: Please take your trash away and keep Yubeng’s beautiful environment. 🌈Yubeng is a place where the soul can be healed, and every scenery here is worth feeling with your heart. I hope this guide can help you start an unforgettable trip to Yubeng and leave beautiful memories in this paradise.