Feilaisi a gateway to Meili Snow Mountain

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I. Geographical Location

Feilaisi (飞来寺) is located in Deqin County (德钦县), northwestern Yunnan Province, China. It sits on a mountainside above the Lancang River (澜沧江) canyon in the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉) at an altitude of about 3300 meters. It serves as an important gateway to Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) and Yubeng Village (雨崩村).

II. Cultural and Historical Significance

The name “Feilaisi” originates from a legend. It is said that when the temple was first built, all the construction materials were prepared. However, the main materials such as pillars and beams mysteriously disappeared the night before the groundbreaking ceremony, only to reappear at the current location the next day. Hence, it was named “Feilaisi” (飞来寺), meaning “Flying-Come Temple.” The temple was originally constructed in 1614 during the late Ming Dynasty.

III. Folklore

Feilaisi is a Tibetan-style town where the majority of the local residents are Tibetan. Many traditional customs and festivals are preserved here, such as the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and Butter Lamp Festival. Visitors can experience the rich Tibetan cultural atmosphere.

IV. Weather and Best Travel Times

Feilaisi has a high-mountain monsoon climate, significantly influenced by its altitude. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and cool. The best travel time is from October to May of the following year when the weather is more stable and ideal for viewing the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山).

V. Recommended Attractions

1. Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山)

Feilaisi is an excellent spot for viewing the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain. The main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, Kawagebo (卡瓦格博), stands at an altitude of 6740 meters and is the highest peak in Yunnan Province as well as a sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism.

2. Feilai Temple (飞来寺)

Feilaisi Temple is a landmark building for viewing Meili Snow Mountain. The temple features unique architectural styles with several halls, including the “Descendants Hall,” “Guan Yu Hall,” and “Sea Tide Hall.”

3. Sunrise Viewing Point (日出观赏点)

There are several excellent spots for viewing the sunrise in Feilaisi, with the most famous being the platform in front of Feilai Temple. Here, you can witness the magnificent sight of Meili Snow Mountain glistening under the morning sun.

VI. Transportation

Getting to Feilaisi

From Shangri-La (香格里拉)

• By Bus: Take a bus from Shangri-La to Deqin County. The journey takes about 4 hours, and the ticket costs 58 RMB. Buses are available throughout the day, and you can check the schedule at your hotel or guesthouse.
• By Air: Fly from Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) to Deqin Airport. There are six flights daily, with a flight duration of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From Deqin County (德钦县)

• By Bus: Take a bus from Deqin County to Feilaisi. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and the ticket costs 5 RMB.
• By Carpool or Taxi: If the bus does not go directly, you can choose a carpool or taxi, which costs about 10-15 RMB.

VII. Food

Feilaisi and the surrounding areas offer many local specialties, such as Tibetan butter tea, highland barley cakes, and roasted potatoes. You can also try traditional Tibetan dishes like “Kuoshao Eler” (阔耍俄勒), a type of rice made with green corn and cowpeas.

VIII. Shopping

Feilaisi has many handicraft shops selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts, such as wood carvings, thangkas, and Tibetan incense. These handicrafts are not only great souvenirs but also unique gifts to take back home.

IX. Accommodation

Feilaisi offers a variety of guesthouses and inns at different price points, ranging from budget to high-end. Recommended accommodations include:

• Deqin Feilaisi Temple Shenshan Hotel (德钦飞来寺神山大酒店): Located near Feilaisi Temple, it provides comfortable accommodation and stunning views of the snow mountains.
• Local Guesthouses: Many guesthouses offer homestay services where you can experience local life at a more affordable price.

X. One-Day Tour Recommendation

Morning

• Departure from Shangri-La (香格里拉): Take a bus to Deqin County and then transfer to Feilaisi by bus or carpool. The journey takes about 4 hours.
• Arrival at Feilaisi (飞来寺): Check into your accommodation and take a short rest.
• Visit Feilai Temple (飞来寺): Learn about the history and architectural features of the temple.

Noon

• Lunch: Enjoy local specialties in Feilaisi, such as Tibetan butter tea and highland barley cakes.

Afternoon

• Sunrise Viewing Point (日出观赏点): Head to the platform in front of Feilai Temple to wait for the sunrise.
• Meili Snow Mountain Sunrise (梅里雪山日出): Admire the magnificent sight of Meili Snow Mountain glistening under the morning sun.

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner in Feilaisi and try local traditional dishes.
• Overnight Stay: Spend a peaceful night in a guesthouse or inn, experiencing the tranquility of the countryside.

Hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Feilaisi and enjoy the stunning natural scenery and unique cultural experiences!