The Mountain of Ten Thousand Lakes: Trekking the Sacred Biluo Snow Mountain and its Alpine Wonders

The Vertebrae of the Three Parallel Rivers

1.Located in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous: Prefecture of Yunnan Province, Biluo Snow Mountain (Biluo Xueshan) stands as a colossal natural barrier separating the roaring Nujiang River (Salween) and the Lancang River (Mekong). Stretching approximately 300 kilometers, it is a major range within the Hengduan Mountains and a core landscape of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain's main peak, Laowoshan, rises to an altitude of 4,435.4 meters. Known in ancient books as "Biluo" or "Stone Mountain," it is revered by the local Lisu and Nu people as a sacred ancestral mountain. Unlike a single peak, Biluo Snow Mountain is a vast range that offers one of the most diverse ecological and geological experiences in Southwest China, often described as a "gene bank" of biological diversity due to its relatively untouched state.

The Mountain of Ten Thousand Lakes

2.One of the most poetic names for Biluo: Snow Mountain is the "Mountain of Ten Thousand Lakes" (Wanhu Shan). The high-altitude regions are dotted with numerous glacial lakes, remnants of ancient glacial movements. In the area surrounding the main peak, Laowoshan, alone, there are 15 distinct alpine lakes. These lakes, such as the "Diyong Lake" mentioned in local legends, sit like sapphire gems embedded in the rugged mountain ridges and primitive forests. In spring and summer, the lakes are surrounded by blooming azaleas, creating a stunning contrast between the crystal-clear water, the vibrant flowers, and the lingering snow. The mist that often rises from these lakes adds a layer of mystery, making them a pilgrimage site for both nature lovers and local devotees who believe the lakes are the dwelling places of mountain spirits.

A Vertical Garden of Biodiversity

3.Biluo Snow: Mountain is famous for its "One Mountain, Four Seasons; Ten Miles, Different Weather" vertical climate. Trekking from the river valleys of Nujiang or Lancang up the slopes, visitors traverse a complete spectrum of vegetation zones—from subtropical valleys to temperate forests, and finally to alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. The mountain is a botanical paradise, particularly renowned for its azaleas (rhododendrons). From May to June, the mountain slopes turn into a sea of flowers, with red, white, and yellow blooms carpeting the landscape. The dense primitive forests are home to rare wildlife, including black bears, clouded leopards, and lesser pandas, making it a "Garden of Himalayan Plants" and a sanctuary for diverse species.

Cultural Trails and Ancient Villages

4.The slopes of Biluo Snow: Mountain are not just a wilderness; they are a cultural corridor. Perched on its sides are historic villages like Laomudeng and the abandoned county seat of Zhiziluo ("The City of Memory"). These settlements offer breathtaking views of the Nujiang Grand Canyon and are steeped in the history of the Tea Horse Road, portions of which crisscross the mountain passes. Historically, caravans braved these rugged trails to transport tea and goods between Yunnan and Tibet. Today, adventurous travelers can follow in their footsteps, undertaking the classic trek from Dimaluo on the Nujiang side to Cizhong on the Lancang side, experiencing the fusion of Lisu, Nu, and Tibetan cultures, as well as the unique coexistence of primitive animism and Christianity found in the region.