25 Years of WildChina: Retracing Our First-Ever Trip with Founder, Mei Zhang

Next stop: Baoshan

The joy of travel in China is that even the most routine jumping off point is itself packed with cultural intrigue. The prefecture-level city of Baoshan, sandwiched between the Burmese border and the adolescent Mekong, offers exactly that, the largest urban area in the province this side of Dali. Once the start of a southern trade route to India, the city is home to 2 million people and boasts volcanos, ancient towns and the epic Gaoligong Mountains within its orbit.

Flight to Baoshan

Your WildChina guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the airport and help you check in to your flight. Upon arriving in Baoshan, your local WildChina guide will meet you in the arrival hall with your private vehicle on standby to take you to your accommodation.

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 is predominantly Catholic, a legacy of the early Francophone preachers who scoured these lands. Nestled at the bottom of a deep, thickly forested valley, arriving in Dimaluo is like stumbling upon a hidden world. The village is perpetually shrouded in effervescent clouds, adding to the mystique of what feels like an imagined utopia from the pages of 19th-century fiction. The ride from Baoshan to Dimaluo will take around 6 hours.

On the way: Nujiang Tiger Jump Shoal

Hidden in the heart of Yunnan, beyond the iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge, lies a thrilling secret: the “Tiger Jump Shoal” on Nujiang (Nu River). This dramatic gorge, known as “Lakualuo” or “Lama Dengpei” in the local Lisu language, narrows to a mere 10 meters, unleashing the roaring river in a spectacle of raw power and breathtaking beauty. Experience the dramatic shifts from “Climb the mountain to the clouds, descend into the abyss.” and take in the awe-inspiring views from the observation deck. Witness massive boulders standing defiant against the rushing water, creating a symphony of sound that echoes through the canyon like a tiger’s roar.

A Tibetan Dinner

Step into the heart of the Nujiang Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and experience the warmth of Tibetan hospitality. Indulge in a hearty hotpot featuring local delicacies like yak and Tibetan pig, complemented by a variety of tantalizing mushroom dishes. Savor the unique flavor of highland barley cakes, a staple in Tibetan cuisine. But the feast doesn’t end there. Be captivated by an enchanting display of Tibetan song and dance, transporting you to the very soul of this vibrant culture.

Join the Local Church Service

Attend the church service at the picturesque Cungni Village Catholic Church, nestled by the river’s edge. Experience the mass conducted in the local Tibetan language, a testament to the church’s deep connection with the community. Engage with the local congregation every weekend for a one-hour service, led by a priest, and witness the spiritual life of Cungni Village. This is an opportunity to be a part of something special, a celebration of faith and community in a serene and spiritually enriching setting.

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. If lucky, standing beneath the vaulted ceiling by candlelight is a transcendental experience, as is the wild fruit wine—a legacy of the church’s French origins—said to be among the region’s finest.

Camping Night

WildChina will arrange for you to camp at a local camping spot. Arriving at the campsite after a day of exploration, your tent will be pitched with care by your WildChina guide or assistants, becoming your home for the night amidst the wilderness. Stepping inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a 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, 700m elevation gain)

This exhilarating 7-kilometer mountain hike will journey through a stunning tapestry of landscapes. Starting at 3,300 meters, ancient trails beckon, winding through verdant pastures and vibrant alpine meadows. Towering fir forests immerse the senses on the ascent to the breathtaking summit of Shambhala Gong High Pass at a staggering 4,000 meters, where the name itself, in Tibetan, means ‘Gentle Mountain.’ 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 Night

WildChina will arrange for you to camp at a local camping spot. Arriving at the campsite after a day of exploration, your tent will be pitched with care by your WildChina guide or assistants, becoming your home for the night amidst the wilderness. Stepping inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a 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 the 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 focuses on raw, mountainous beauty, where towering peaks and rugged landscapes dominate the horizon. Reach the pinnacle of your trek at Sila Laka, 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 Night

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

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

Begin this day with an invigorating 1,500-meter descent from the campsite, leading you to the charming village of Cizhong nestled at 1,900 meters. Immerse in the stunning mountain scenery and discover a unique cultural blend. Visit the historic Catholic church, a testament to the village’s rich history, and explore the vineyards first planted by French missionaries. Witness the harmonious coexistence of faith and tradition in this serene environment.

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 1900’s and rebuilt in the center of the town. Originally built in a predominantly European style, you’ll notice today that 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, you’ll see where Red Guards erased religious drawings on the walls and you’ll hear villagers singing Catholic songs in Tibetan as their ancestors once did. The ride from Cizhong to Deqin will take around 1.5 hours.

Next Stop: Deqin County

Located in the Hengduan Mountains, Deqin County is a breathtaking paradise where the Salween, Mekong, and Jinsha Rivers converge. This “auspicious place,” as its name suggests, boasts stunning landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and diverse wildlife. From the snow-capped peaks of the Meili Snow Mountains to the lush forests and cascading waterfalls, Deqin offers a unique blend of adventure and serenity.

Next Stop: Shangri-La

Known as Gyalthang in Tibetan, the city of Zhongdian, was officially rechristened ‘Shangri-La’ after the mythical paradise described in James Hilton’s Lost Horizon. Located on a broad valley on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 3,200 meters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and lakes, the town was a gateway to the historic Tibetan province of Kham and an important station for trade caravans along the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Trail. Today, it remains an important center for Yunnan’s Tibetan community. The ride from Deqin to Shangri-La will take around 3 hours.

On the way: Wunongding Viewing Platform

Wunongding Viewing Platform, perched at 3,920m near Deqin, Yunnan, offers breathtaking panoramas of the Meili Snow Mountain Range. Witness the golden sunrise spectacle—where snow-capped peaks ignite under dawn’s light—and spin the Tibetan prayer wheels to invite good fortune.

On the way: 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, you can venture into the lives and routines of the monks that study and pray on the grounds.

On the way: Bend of Jinsha River

This natural wonder forms a graceful hairpin turn as the river navigates its path among encircling mountains. Explore the perfect U-shaped curve framed by the majestic Rizhui Peak from the observation platform.

Farewell Dinner with a Tibetan Family

Join a farewell dinner hosted in your honor at a local Tibetan home. Enjoy dish after dish of delectable local cuisine and learn more about traditional Tibetan celebrations. After a few samplings of Tibetan whiskey, you may even feel compelled to join in a Tibetan dance.

Bid farewell to Yunnan as your WildChina guide ensures a smooth airport transfer and assists with check-in for your flight home.