When foreigners search "where to self-drive in China", Meili Snow Mountain is always on the list. The "sunrise golden light" on Kawagebo Peak is one of the most rewarding sights in Yunnan. Here is the route we have driven hundreds of times.

1. Route overview

Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La - Benzilan - Deqin - Feilaisi viewpoint.

One way is about 340 km, normally 8-9 hours of driving. Split it into 3 days. Altitude climbs from 2,400 m in Lijiang to 3,400 m at Feilaisi; pushing through in one day almost guarantees altitude headache.

2. Day 1: Lijiang to Shangri-La (180 km, 4 hours)

  • Leave Lijiang on G214, pass Tiger Leaping Gorge town.
  • Stop 1 hour at Tiger Leaping Gorge viewpoint (ticket 45 RMB, parking 10 RMB).
  • Lunch at Xiaozhongdian, try the yak hot pot at a Tibetan family (around 80 RMB per person).
  • Arrive Shangri-La around 4 pm, stay near Dukezong Old Town.
  • Altitude 2,400 m to 3,300 m: do not shower or drink alcohol on the first night.

Fuel: fill up in Lijiang; PetroChina and Sinopec stations in Shangri-La.

3. Day 2: Shangri-La to Feilaisi (180 km, 4-5 hours)

  • Continue on G214, stop 20 minutes at the Jinsha River bend viewpoint (ticket 30 RMB).
  • Cross the Baima Snow Mountain pass at 4,292 m; it may snow even in summer, take it slow.
  • Arrive Deqin in the afternoon, then drive another 10 km to Feilaisi.
  • Book a room facing the main peak Kawagebo; costs about 100 RMB more but you can watch sunrise from bed.

Fuel: fill up in Shangri-La; there is a PetroChina in Benzilan and stations in Deqin. There is no fuel station at Feilaisi, fill up in Deqin.

4. Day 3: Sunrise and return

  • Wake at 6:30, sunrise around 7:00.
  • Best chance of golden light is November to February; summer monsoon often hides the peak.
  • Drive back to Shangri-La or straight to Lijiang after breakfast.

If you are short on time, drop the car in Shangri-La; we can arrange Lijiang one-way return for 1,500 RMB.

5. What to watch out for

  1. Altitude: Feilaisi 3,400 m, Baima pass 4,292 m. Guests with heart conditions should consult a doctor first.
  2. Winter may bring ice on the pass; our cars carry snow chains.
  3. Do not try the small road to Yubeng Village; sedans cannot make it and SUVs scrape.
  4. Meili is a sacred mountain for Tibetans; no loud noise or littering.

6. Which car to rent

A Lavida or Jetta saloon is enough; the whole route is paved. A Tank 300 gives more comfort if you want to stop at side viewpoints or carry more people. No 4WD needed.

7. Budget (3 days, Lavida example)

  • Car rental: 260 x 3 = 780 RMB
  • Fuel (about 700 km): about 550 RMB
  • Tolls: about 100 RMB
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge ticket: 45 RMB/person
  • Jinsha bend ticket: 30 RMB/person
  • Feilaisi viewpoint ticket: 150 RMB/person

Total around 1,600 RMB (about 220 USD) excluding hotels and food. Split between two people, that is under 110 USD per person for three days of mountain driving.

8. Book your car

Fly into Lijiang Sanyi Airport; we will bring the car to the airport parking lot. Your temporary Chinese driving licence is prepared in advance and handed to you at pickup. Message WeChat qxzj7557 with your dates and preferred car for a firm quote.