Xidang Village of Meili Snow Mountain, Diqing

🏔️ Overview of Xidang Village

Located in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Xidang Village is part of the Wenhai Village Committee. Its Tibetan name means “Eastern Terrace,” as it sits on a sunny platform facing east.
The village lies at an altitude of approximately 2,234 meters, with an average annual temperature of 15°C. It is home to about 215 households and 1,088 residents, mainly of Tibetan ethnicity. The local economy is primarily supported by tourism and forestry.
Xidang is connected to the power grid and telephone network, and most homes are built with traditional timber-earth structures.

🚗 Transportation & Access

Xidang Village is the main gateway to the popular hiking destination of Yubeng Village. All visitors must disembark at the “Xidang Village Parking Lot” and purchase an entrance ticket to Meili Snow Mountain National Park (55 RMB per person).

🚘 How to Get There

• By car or private hire: Navigate to “Xidang Village Parking Lot.” It’s about a 5–6 hour drive from Shangri-La City.

• By public transport: From Deqin Bus Station, take a minibus to Xidang (around 1 hour). Shared rides typically cost 100–150 RMB per person.

🥾 How to Enter Yubeng Village

• By off-road vehicle: 200 RMB to Upper Yubeng; 260 RMB to Lower Yubeng (including insurance).

• On foot: A challenging 12 km hike takes 3–8 hours, with steep inclines and dusty trails—not recommended for beginners.

• By mule: Suitable for carrying luggage or riders, costing around 300–400 RMB—ideal for those with limited physical stamina.

🌄 Tourism & Economic Highlights

A Gateway to Adventure

As the main trailhead to Yubeng, Xidang plays a vital role in the local tourism economy. Many villagers work as hiking guides, operate guesthouses, or offer mule-riding services. The average annual income per person is around 36,000 RMB.

Trekking Highlights

• Start from Xidang and ascend to the Nazong Pass (elevation: 3,700 m), then descend to Upper Yubeng.

• Continue your journey to Sacred Waterfall and Ice Lake, exploring the hidden paradise beneath Meili Snow Mountain.

Sustainable Tourism

The village enforces strict environmental protection rules. Logging is restricted, and improvements such as proper sewage systems and paved stone trails help maintain ecological balance.

⚠️ Travel Tips

Best Travel Season

June to October offers the best conditions: warm weather, stable trails, and lush scenery. A 4–5 day trip is highly recommended.

Packing Suggestions

Wear non-slip hiking shoes for dusty paths, and bring your own drinking water—supply points in the village are limited.

Seasonal Cautions

During the rainy season (July–September), roads can be slippery. Early mornings can be cold, so pack layers and warm gear.

💎 Signature Experiences

• Gaze over the sea of clouds from Nazong Pass

• Ride a 4×4 through breathtaking gorges

• Immerse yourself in Tibetan songs and dances

• Experience the raw beauty and cultural spirit of this ancient gateway to the Tibetan world.