GUDAO (Yunnan Ancient Trail): Hiking the Missionary Trail Across Biluo Snow Mountain

Drive to Deqin

The journey from Benzilan to Deqin will take approximately 1.5 hours.

On the way: Bend of Jinsha River

Stop at the scenic gem along the upper Jinsha River: the Moon-shaped Bend. This natural wonder forms a graceful hairpin turn as the river winds its way through encircling mountains. With the stunning U-shaped curve and the majestic Rizhui Peak as a backdrop, this site exemplifies nature’s exquisite artistry. Explore the scenic views and serene surroundings from the observation platform.

Drive: Deqin to Dimaluo

After lunch in Deqin, continue with a 3-hour drive toward Dimaluo, passing by a roadside viewing platform that offers a chance to glimpse the majestic Meili Snow Mountain range. Often veiled in mist and clouds, the mountains reveal their grandeur only to the fortunate. If luck is on your side, pause to admire the sacred and awe-inspiring “Thirteen Peaks of Meili,” a breathtaking panorama that crowns this unforgettable journey.

Next Stop: Dimaluo Village

Once the domain of missionaries and explorers, Dimaluo is an anomaly in this remote part of Yunnan. The town is an enclave of Tibetan culture in an area otherwise inhabited by Lisu, Nu, and Dulong peoples, and it is predominantly Catholic, a legacy of the early Francophone preachers who scoured these lands. Situated at the bottom of a deep, thickly forested valley, arriving in Dimaluo feels like stumbling upon a hidden world. The village is perpetually shrouded in effervescent clouds, adding to the mystique of what seems like an imagined utopia from the pages of 19th-century fiction.

8km Mountain Hike (6 hours, 1,500m elevation gain)

Embark on an invigorating 6-hour trek through breathtaking landscapes from Dimaluo to Daladang, an 8-kilometer journey ascending 1,500 meters through breathtaking landscapes. Traverse ancient mountain paths, surrounded by fragrant pine forests and walnut groves. Follow the ridgeline for panoramic views of Gaoligong Mountain and the Nu River Grand Canyon and witness the villagers’ farming and livestock rearing traditions while passing by local homesteads. Discover the rich 300-year history of Baihanluo, a unique village where Tibetan and Nu cultures intertwine, and where Catholicism has surprisingly taken root.

On the way: Baihanluo Church

A mystifying blend of western and Chinese architecture, Baihanluo is a church like no other, set in the bucolic wilds of northwest Yunnan. Built by French catholic missionary Annet Genestier at the end of the 19th century, the structure was razed to the ground by an angry mob in 1905, only to be rebuilt soon after.

Camping at Night

Arriving at the campsite after a day of exploration, your tent will be pitched with care by your WildChina guide, becoming your home for the night amidst the wilderness. Stepping inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a camping pillow, allowing you to have a restful night under the stars surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the nature.

7km Mountain Hike (6 hours, 2,200m elevation gain)

This exhilarating 7-kilometer mountain hike will journey through a stunning tapestry of landscapes. Starting at 3,000 meters, ancient trails beckon, winding through verdant pastures and vibrant alpine meadows. Towering fir forests and vibrant rhododendron groves immerse the senses on the ascent to the breathtaking summit of Shambhala Gong High Pass at a staggering 4,000 meters. A gradual descent follows to the picturesque campsite, nestled at 3,200 meters. Lace up those boots and prepare to be amazed by panoramic views and invigorated by the crisp mountain air.

Camping at Night

Arriving at the campsite after a day of exploration, your tent will be pitched with care by your WildChina guide, becoming your home for the night amidst the wilderness. Stepping inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a camping pillow, allowing you to have a restful night under the stars surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the nature.

10km Mountain Hike (8 hours, 1,100m elevation gain)

Embark on an epic 10-kilometer mountain hike through the heart of Biluo Snow Mountain, a challenging yet rewarding 8-hour adventure. Starting from the campsite, ascend through dramatic alpine valleys and across expansive high-altitude meadows, dotted with charming, isolated cabins. This day’s journey highlights the raw, mountainous beauty, where towering peaks and rugged landscapes dominate the horizon. Reach the pinnacle of your trek at Silalaka, a high mountain pass perched at a breathtaking 4,300 meters. Then, descend to Diwa Zacha, nestled at 3,400 meters, and reflect on the grandeur of the day’s journey.

Camping at Night

Arriving at the campsite after a day of exploration, your tent will be pitched with care by your WildChina guide, becoming your home for the night amidst the wilderness. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and camping pillow, ensuring a restful night under the stars, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature.

10km Mountain Hike (5 hours, 1,500m elevation decline)

Begin the day with a refreshing 1,500-meter descent from the campsite, leading to the village of Cizhong at 1,900 meters. Enjoy the mountain scenery and discover the mix of Tibetan and Catholic influences. Visit the historic Catholic church, a reflection of the village’s rich history, and tour the vineyards originally planted by French missionaries. See how faith and tradition coexist in this peaceful setting.

On the way: Cizhong Church

Cizhong Church was first built in 1867 by French missionaries from the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. It was destroyed during the Tibetan Revolt of the early 1900s and later rebuilt in the center of the town. Originally constructed in a predominantly European style, today, during the reconstruction, a Chinese pavilion was added to the top of the bell tower. The church survived the wrath of the Cultural Revolution as it was being used as a primary school at the time, and even today, it continues to be the center of the local community. Inside the church, traces of where Red Guards erased religious drawings on the walls can still be seen, and villagers continue to sing Catholic hymns in Tibetan, just as their ancestors once did.

Drive to Shangri-La

Drive for 5.5 hours from Cizhong to Shangri-La, where the journey itself becomes a path of discovery. Along the way, stop to explore three serene temples, each offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.

Feilai Temple

Feilai Temple is located to the east of Meili Snow Mountain and was originally built in the 42nd year of the Ming Wanli reign (1614 AD), with a history of nearly 385 years. Facing northwest, the temple was established according to the terrain, offering a commanding view of the mountain and the village. The temple is known for being warm in winter and cool in summer. Historically, scholars would visit the temple to paint, write poetry, and meditate at various times of the year.

Dongzhulin Temple

Dongzhulin is the second-largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan, a thriving, vibrant center for prayer and study 3,000 meters above sea level. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the lives and routines of the monks who study and pray on the grounds.

Songzanlin Monastery

Known as the Little Potala for its resemblance to the Dalai Lama’s palace in Lhasa, Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan and is currently home to 700 monks. Wander through incense-filled halls and past gilded copper pillars while mingling with the red-robed devotees who gather here in their hundreds to study Buddhist scriptures and meditate by the orange glow of butter-oil lamps.

Departure from Shangri-La

Your WildChina guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.