Xueda Village

The following is information about traveling to Xueda Village: Overview Xueda Village, also known as Shuoda Village, is located in Foshan Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, it is a tranquil Tibetan village with only a dozen or so households. Must-See Attractions - Reflection of Meili Snow Mountain: Xueda Lake is the only place in Shangri-La where you can see the reflection of all thirteen peaks of Meili Snow Mountain. In the early morning, the calm lake surface acts as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the entire mountain range, creating a breathtaking view. - Sunrise over the Golden Mountains: With its open terrain, Xueda Lake is an excellent location to witness the sunrise illuminating the golden peaks. As the first rays of morning light touch Meili Snow Mountain, the white peaks are bathed in a golden glow, a truly magnificent sight. - Peach Blossoms and Snow Mountains: Every year from April to May, the peach trees by the lake bloom, and the pink blossoms against the backdrop of the pure white snow-capped mountains create a picturesque scene. - Xueda Gongmulin Monastery: Located in Xueda Village, Jiangpo Village, Foshan Township, Deqin County, this unique monastery combines the Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It houses some murals dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Travel Tips - Transportation: Public transportation is limited, so self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. From Shangri-La, the journey to Shuoda Village via Benzilan, Deqin County, and Foshan Township is about 250 km and takes about 5 hours. From Feilai Temple, it takes about 2 hours. - Accommodation: You can choose to stay with a local family in Shuoda Village, with room rates starting from CNY 600. Alternatively, you can stay in Foshan Township, where accommodation is basic and costs around CNY 100. - Food: Sample local specialties such as cured pork, barley wine, and colorful potatoes. - Best Time to Visit: Autumn and winter offer the best weather and higher chances of clear views of Meili Snow Mountain. The ideal time to see the sunrise over the golden mountains is between 7-8 am. After 10 am, the wind usually picks up, affecting the reflection on the lake.