Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, Diqing

Overview: Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve in Diqing cityIt is located in southeastern Deqen County, is in the eastern part of the northern section of the Yunling Mountains. Most of the peaks are 5,000 meters high, with the highest one-Mount Zhalaqueni-standing at 5,640 meters above sea level. The Yunnan-Tibet Highway passes through the mountain.

The Baimang Snow Mountain Natural Reserve consists of a group of mountains at an altitude of about 5000 metres. The vertical climatic difference is great here. It is the largest natural reserve in Yunnan Province with a perfectly preserved frigid-zone of primeval forests. This area is also the main habitat of Yunnan golden monkeys, a rare animal under strict national protection.

Baimang Snow Mountain is the largest and highest national-level nature reserve. There are well preserved frigid-zone primeval forests of alpine coniferous trees. Most forests are untouched. This area is also the main habitat of Yunnan golden monkeys, a rare animal under national top-class protection.

Baimang Snow Mountain is a good alternative for frustrated climbers. This is a national natural reserve with fantastic views. Located in the mid-section of the Hengdgun Mountain range in Diqing County, all of the peaks here are above 4,000 meters, with the highest topping 5,430 meters. The nature reserve consists of vast virgin forests, animals, plants and geographical wonders. As a result of this, Shangri-La has become something of a Mecca for botanists and zoologists. The area also exerts a strong magnetic force on ordinary travellers, who swarm here in late summer and autumn to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. The attraction is not accessible between December and April when the roads are closed due to heavy snow.

Baimang Snow Mountain, also called Baima(White Horse) Snow Mountain, stands in the mid-section of the Hengdgun Mountain range in southeast Deqin of Yunnan Province, between the Jinsha and Lancang rivers. Most of its perennial snow-capped peaks are over 5,000 meters. Zhalaqueni, the highest peak of Baimang Snow Mountain is 5,640m above sea level, while Xiaruoxiang, the lowest point, is 2,080m. From afar, the peaks look like a cluster of hurtling snow-horses, hence the name “Baima(white horse) Mountain” by local Tibetans. On its west and east are deep canyons carved from the Lancang and Jinsha rivers, while on the bank opposite the Lancang River are the 13 peaks of the Meili Snow Mountain.

The Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve is the largest (180,000 hectares) and the highest nature reserve in Yunnan, with fantastic views of snow peaks, glaciers, lakes and canyons, well-preserved frigid-zone primeval forest, rare highland plants and animals which thrive in cold and temperate zones. It is believed to be the largest primeval forest in the world and its natural ecology is still intact.

The Baimang Mountain is a good alternative for frustrated climbers. The Yunnan-Tibet Highway(G214) cuts through the Baimang Nature Reserve and most of the scenic spots are located on either side of the highway.

How to get there:

The highway between Zhongdian and Deqing cuts through the Baimang Nature Reserve, and most of the scenic spots are located on either side of the highway. If you take the bus from Zhongdian to Diqing, the natural beauty can be seen from the bus. But the best way to really appreciate this spot is to hire a car from Zhongdian and stop at the reserve en route to Meili Mountain.

The Baimang Snow Mountain scenic zone is along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway between Zhongdian and Deqin. Buses run to either direction can get you there.

Best Time to go:

Summer is the best season to visit the Baimang Mountain, with stunning scenery of azure skies, melting snow, flaming azaleas, brooks and romping monkeys. Autumn is also a great time to view the area rich in colors. The attraction is not accessible between December and April when the roads are closed due to heavy snow.

The Baimang Snow Mountain lies in Deqin County of Yunnan Province, between the Jinsha River and Lancang River. The highest peak of the mountain is 5,429.6 meters above sea level, covered with snow all year round. The area of 180,000 hectares that surrounds the mountain is a nature reserve, where complete vertical sight of virgin forest and rare plants and animals could be found. Black snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti), a kind of animals under the first-class national key protection, live in the forest.

Transportation: Planes are available at Kunming and Chengdu airports flying to Shangri-La, Yunnan Province. aiming Snow Mountain is 153 km away from Shangri-La and tourists can go there by bus.