Baima Snow Mt Azalea Forest [Diqing]

"One of Top Ten Most Beautiful Forests in China"
Ranked by China National Geography Magazine

Baima Snow Mountain Azalea Forest in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province

The Baima Snow Mountain, the watershed of the Lancang River and Jinsha River, rises in the central section of the Hengduan Mountains, and is administered by Deqen County in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Diqing, Yunnan Province.
There are few evergreen plants on the Baima Snow Mountain, but azaleas grow in abundance. On high mountains and lofty ridges between 2,600 and 4,200 meters, mountain azaleas blossom every year. Their purpose in life seems to be the production of beautiful flowers. They grow in clusters and blossom together, creating an intoxicating 'sea of flowers' as spring gives way to summer. Mountain azalea forest is not only an important type of the dwarf community, but also is the most delicate and charming. One of the most widely occurring plant species in western Yunnan, it is low, naturally shaped, and highly decorative. In early summer when the ice and snow has melted, mountain azaleas come into flower across the hillside, spreading a magnificent cloak over the bleak and bare slopes.

Best time to go
Spring and Summer especially May and June
The yearly average temperature is from 40.46F to 61.7F in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The hottest temperature is 77.18F and the coldest temperature is -17.32F. From December to April, the mountain pass will be sealed.

Ticket
No ticket but cost much more

Around Landscape
Meili Snow Mountain, Three Parallel Rivers, Baima Snow Mountain Azalea Forest, Hutiao Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, Gedan Songzanlin Temple, Pudacuo National Park, Napa Sea Natural Preserve, Mingyong Glaciers, Feilai Temple, etc.

Local Snacks and Specialties

Qingke-Wine, Milk Sediment, Yak Meat, Silver product, Wood product, Carpet, Butter Sculpture and Tangka, etc.

Travel Tips
Much more cost! Much more difficult! Much more challenge!
Avoid getting AMS. Be sure to respect local customs and traditions.
Sun block, sunglasses, gloves, climbing shoes and wind-proof cloths are necessity.
Please take enough highly caloric foods.

Distance
Beijing (3183 km) Kunming City (774 km) Diqing County (80 km)
Beijing (3183 km) Kunming City (584 km) Shangeri La County (190 km) Diqing County (80 km)
Beijing (3183 km) Kunming City (580 km) Lijiang City (280 km) Diqing County (80 km)