Skip to content 
The most straightforward and simple Yubeng guide in 2024 is here: First, I will introduce Yubeng to you. Second, you’ll receive useful tips for the journey. Third, I’ll share some good options for organized trips and accommodations, saving you hours of searching. Sounds good right? If you are a first timer in China, check our FREE ULTIMATE CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE to get prepared for a off-the-beaten-path trip like this 😉
Table of Contents
Where on earth is Yubeng?
“Yubeng” (雨崩) is a small, remote village. The name “Yubeng” in Chinese can be broken down into two characters: “雨” (yǔ), which means “rain,” and “崩” (bēng), which can mean “collapse” or “avalanche.” Rain Collapsing, what a romantic yet majestic name. No one knows where the name comes from.
Yubeng lies in Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Yubeng is isolated from the world amongst the mountains. The village is so so so picturesque and there were no roads towards it not long ago.
The Yubeng hiking route is an epic hiking route, it is hailed by travelers as “the last paradise on earth”, “there is heaven above, but rain collapses below”, “the unparalleled peach garden at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain”, “the paradise under the holy water of the sacred mountain” and “hiker’s paradise”.
Ideal length of your Yubeng adventure
4–6 days. Because you will travel from Shangri-La. So this includes 2 days of commuting. 4 complete days in Yubeng is sufficient to see the most important things. But if you need a month to escape from the outside world in Yubeng would also be fun.
How to get there?
Step1 Start from Shangri-La: Your journey typically begins from Kunming, or directly in Shangri-La. Both are accessible by plane or train. Shangri-La serves as the usual starting point for many travelers due to its closer proximity to Yubeng.
Step 2 Shangri-La to Feilaisi: From Shangri-La, you will need to travel to Feilaisi, a small village approximately 4 hours away. This leg of the journey can be done via bus or by hiring a private car or minivan. Feilaisi is known for its stunning views of the Meili Snow Mountain range and is a common stopover point for travelers heading to Yubeng.
Step 3 Feilaisi to Xidang Village: The next step involves traveling from Feilaisi to Xidang Village. Xidang Village is the primary starting point for the trek to Yubeng Village. The journey to Xidang can be done by bus, minivan, or a pre-arranged local driver.
Step 4 Hike or Drive from Xidang to Yubeng: Once in Xidang, you have two options to reach Yubeng Village. You can either hike for about 6 hours along a windy and steep road, or you can opt to hire an SUV, which is a common local transportation mode for this part of the journey. The SUVs take you to the entrance of Upper Yubeng Village, and from there, you may have to hike a bit more if your accommodation is in Lower Yubeng.
The best time to visit Yubeng
Spring and Autumn are the most popular seasons to visit Yubeng.
- April – July: Your eyes will be filled with lush green. Rivers are flowing fast. It’s a verdant paradise.
- August – October: Autumn, transformation, maturing… It’s Yubeng’s peak blooming season. Mother nature paints the landscape with a brush of vivacity.
- October – December: As the months roll into October and onward to December, the scenery shifts again, this time to a golden spectacle. You will see golden sunrise shining on the Meili Snow Mountains
- December – February: Heavy snow turns Yubeng into a tranquil white paradise. However, this serene beauty is not without its challenges, as the heavy snowfall brings with it the possibility of road closures
Must-see places in Yubeng: The complete list
There are so many places to see in this small village! I’ll show you a complete list so you can decide for yourself what to see and what to skip.
The map of Yubeng
Yubeng Village
Yubeng Village is a mysterious ancient Tibetan village hidden deep in the Meili Snow Mountains. It is divided into Upper Yubeng Village and Lower Yubeng Village. It has scenic spots such as the Divine Waterfall, Ice Lake, and Divine Lake. It is known as a “paradise” and “a hiker’s paradise”. “The last secret place in Yunnan”.
Upper Yubeng (Shang Yubeng)
Yubeng Village is divided into upper and lower villages. You can start hiking from Xidang, cross the Nanzong Pass and go down the mountain to reach Upper Yubeng Village. Upper Yubeng leads to the Sino-Japanese Joint Mountaineering Base Camp for climbing Kawagebo, and is the only way to the glacial lake.
Lower Yubeng (Xia Yubeng)
Yubeng Ice Lake
Yubeng Ice Lake is a stunning deep green pool created by melting snow from Meili Snow Mountain’s glaciers. It’s Yubeng Village’s main water source. From a hillside near the lake, you see the lake’s turquoise waters mirroring the blue sky and white clouds, all set against endless snowy peaks. To get there, you start at base camp and trek up a narrow, steep path for about an hour. But be cautious: the lake, formed from glacier meltwater, is prone to avalanches, so it’s best to keep a safe distance from the glacier’s meltwater.
Divine Waterfall
Yubeng Shen Waterfall, created by melting water from Meili Snow Mountain, holds spiritual significance for Tibetans. Bathing under it is considered a sacred act. Visitors often embrace this tradition, circling the waterfall three times in a clockwise direction to seek blessings.
The waterfall’s appearance varies with the seasons. Usually, it’s a delicate stream draping from the mountain, resembling a traditional Tibetan scarf (‘hada’). During the rainy season, it becomes more dramatic, fed by melting ice and snow in spring and summer.
Along the path to this sacred waterfall, you’ll find piles of stones, known as Mani piles, created by Tibetans visiting the mountains. Tourists are welcome to add stones to these piles, a gesture believed to bring blessings.
Ninong Grand Canyon
Ninong Canyon is a warm, dry valley, quite different from Yubeng’s usual scenery. It stays warmer here, even in winter. This canyon is the only exit route from Yubeng through Ninong. It’s a longer path than the one via Xidang Hot Spring, but it’s all downhill and generally easier. On the other hand, the road to Yubeng is uphill and can be tough to walk.
Most of this trail is about 1 meter wide, and in some spots, it narrows to just 40-50 cm. With steep mountains on one side and cliffs with deep streams on the other, hikers need to be very careful for safety.
Nanzong Pass
Nanzong Pass, sitting at 3,700 meters above sea level, is the main route to Yubeng and a major rest spot. Mules from Xidang stop here since the next part, a descent, leads into Yubeng Village. To get into the village, you’ll walk over 20 kilometers downhill.
Reaching Nanzong Pass marks the end of the uphill journey. If you choose to keep going, there’s an 18-kilometer downhill walk from the pass. This route offers views of the Goddess Peak and the Five Gorges. Fangfo Peak is particularly stunning, and there’s a wooden platform near the pass’s canteen for viewing. However, accessing this platform requires a fee.
Xiaonong Base Camp
Xiaonong Base Camp, found on the route to Binghu Lake from Shang Yubeng Village, is nestled among huge snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It once served as the base for a Sino-Japanese mountaineering team. This camp is the sole rest stop on the long trek to and from Shenfu Waterfall and Ice Lake, and it’s the only path leading to Ice Lake. During the busy tourist season, local Tibetans set up shop here, selling instant noodles and drinks.
Holy Lake
The Holy Lake lies at the base of Goddess Peak, Mantsim Peak, among Meili’s Thirteen Peaks. It’s a sacred spot where Tibetans gather every year on August 15th. The lake’s water, melted from snowy mountains and glaciers, is considered holy. You can drink it but shouldn’t use it for washing.
The hike from Yubeng to the Holy Lake is tough, spanning about 19 kilometers. It usually takes 9-10 hours for a round trip for those with average walking ability, demanding good physical fitness and determination.
Winter and spring are not the best times to visit the Holy Lake due to snow and less vibrant scenery compared to summer and autumn. It’s advisable to hire a local guide and bring enough water and dry food.
When trekking from Yubeng towards Ninong Road, watch out for the path leading up the mountain. There’s a “No Passage” sign on the way to the Holy Lake, indicating the area is undeveloped and visitors proceed at their own risk.
Ice Hell Bridge
The Ice Hell Bridge spans the Yubeng River and is the sole path from Shangyubeng to Yubeng. Below the bridge, there are swift rapids and a deep, quiet gorge, shadowed by dense ancient trees. Legend says that crossing this bridge is like experiencing the mythical eighteen levels of “Ice Hell.”
“Feeding Horses, Chopping Firewood, and Traveling Around the World” Sign
On the road from Shangyubeng to Yubeng, you’ll find “Feeding Horses, Chopping Firewood, and Traveling Around the World” – a line from a poem by Haizi. This spot isn’t officially a tourist attraction, but it’s very photogenic and has become a favorite spot for art and literature enthusiasts.
Xielibeng Temple
Xielibeng Temple, found in the Lower Yubeng Village, is small yet well-known. It’s the only temple in Yubeng. According to the “Holy Land Text,” worshiping at Xielibeng is said to erase the sins of a hundred lifetimes.
Tips for a successful trip in Yubeng
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Here for Han Chinese, the Yubeng area is very different. The local community in Yubeng has its unique traditions and customs, often influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. As a foreign visitor, it’s important to show respect towards their cultural practices, religious sites, and community norms. This includes dressing modestly, asking permission before taking photos of people, and being respectful when visiting temples or religious sites
Bring Sufficient Food and Snacks: Along the Yubeng hiking trail, you’ll find rest stops serving instant noodles and various snacks. Some of these stops even offer beef soup, rice, and other cooked meals, though they tend to be pricier than usual. It’s a good idea to carry high-calorie snacks with you for energy boosts. Additionally, having your own food supply ensures that you have something to eat in case you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions that might not be catered to in the stops.
Carry Common Medications and a First-Aid Kit: There’s no hospital in Yubeng, for medical needs, you’d have to go to Deqin County. It’s crucial to bring a well-stocked first-aid kit and common medications. This should include remedies for altitude sickness, pain relief, anti-diarrhea medication, and any prescription medications you might need. Also, consider packing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and basic wound care supplies. Preparing for minor health issues and having the necessary medical supplies can be a lifesaver in such remote areas.
Understand Altitude Sickness: Yubeng Village is located at a high altitude, and travelers might experience altitude sickness. It is important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and take it slow during the initial days of your trip. If you feel any symptoms like headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, it’s important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention if necessary.
Prepare for Limited Connectivity: Mobile and internet connectivity can be quite limited or unreliable in Yubeng. Inform your family and friends about your travel plans and the possibility of being out of touch while in the village. It’s also a good idea to download offline maps and important information before your trip
For hiking in Yubeng, here are the essential gear to pack:
- Sturdy hiking shoes for tough terrains.
- Trekking poles and knee pads for additional support.
- A durable hiking backpack.
- Warm clothing and jackets for cold weather.
- Sun hats and sunglasses for protection against the sun.
- Several pairs of socks (as water may seep into your shoes at some point).
- Extra underwear (for the same reason as socks).
- Raincoats for unpredictable weather.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated.”
Organized Trips
Ready to explore Yubeng but not so keen on all the nitty-gritty planning stuff? I’ve got you covered! The organized trips are like your easy button for travel – perfect for those who’d rather skip the hassle of bookings and itineraries.
There are several organized group trips including accommodations on Klook. It’s great for people who want to visit Yubeng but hate planning and booking. You just need to check with them if they have English guides: Popular Organized Trips to Yubeng
For example, this group is very popular amongst Chinese travelers and it hits almost all the destinations in Yubeng I told you about: Yunnan Xingyin Yubeng 5th Day
Since you are already in Shangri-La, you most likely would like to explore this area too! Here is an English friendly Shangri-La Area Private Day Tour
It’s easier to book your private transfer in the region with Viator. They also have this very nice 4 Days Yubeng Trekking Tour in English. It’s a bit expensive. But they hit most of the import locations I introduced.
Hotel Recommendations
You already know that Yubeng is a small village. So not many options to choose from. But since it gained its popularity online, there are some fancy options now. You are guaranteed to have the exact same views as you see on my Instagram Reels. And yes, they have wifi so you can post on your social media in real time😉
Snow Mountain Nuo luxury tent hotel
Tent-shaped hotel rooms with splendid views. The most popular one amongst influencers (not sure if influencer is a good word here but the hotel is so nice)
Yubeng NO.2 Yuan Fang De Jia (“Home Away From Home”)
Crazy view in the room as well. They even have a gym so you gym rats have no excuse to skip any workout session
YOLO Guesthouse
Natural, woody, nude coloros, and minimalistic. Great view. Dyson hair dryer at your service and their shampoo & shower gel smell like heaven.
There are more budget options. The view from their public space is also amazing! Just that the ensuite view might not be as breathtaking as the fancy ones above:
Shan Yu Guesthouse
Their rooms are smaller but still very cute and cozy. Some of the rooms have nicer views than the others. You can request the guesthouse for a better view room before arrival (depending on their availability of course)
KIM’S YOUTH HOSTEL
It’s a hostel but they also have private rooms. The food they sell is yummy!
Yubeng Impression Boutique Inn
The price is good and their open space has a nice view.
Conclusion
Picture this: You’re trekking through breathtaking scenery, chilling in a village that’s the very definition of ‘off the beaten path’, and getting those Insta-worthy shots of the Meili Snow Mountain, watching sunset with the ones you loved on the hotel terrace (covered in warm blankets. It’s all about soaking up the culture, the views, and the experience. How do you feel about Yubeng? Let me know! Send me a DM on instagram @chinatravel.club or send me an email.
Our Travel Products
Get the Complete Ultimate China Travel Guide
Available for only $5.90! It’s not just a great way to support our community—it’s also an excellent resource to prepare for your trips to China. Our full version includes verified information on visas, safety, essential apps, and tips for both inter-city and intra-city travel, plus many more honest insights to get you ready for your China trips. From zero to hero, this guide book is all you need😉
We’ve Done the Work for Your Shanghai Trip!
Skip the hassle of trip planning with China Insider’s 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary. Designed by local travel experts, our itinerary packs in the best sights, flavors, and experiences Shanghai has to offer😎
Want Our Experts to Plan Your Trip?
Let us take the guesswork out of your China travels. Create the China trip of your dreams with China Insider. Begin with a personal consultation to tailor every detail to your preferences, from hidden gems to must-see landmarks. Our expert planners ensure a seamless experience with custom itineraries and insider tips.
