The Sacred Gateway to Meili: Deqin Welcoming Thirteen Pagodas and the Golden Sunrise

The Sacred Gateway on the Cloud Ridge

1.Located on the: Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214), just before reaching the county seat of Deqin in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, stands a magnificent row of white stupas known as the Deqin Welcoming Thirteen Pagodas (Shi San Ying Bin Ta). Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters in the Feilaisi scenic area, these pagodas serve as a spiritual and physical gateway to the sacred Meili Snow Mountain range. For travelers journeying towards Tibet or exploring the "Shangri-La" region, these pagodas are often the first major landmark where the awe-inspiring presence of the snow-capped peaks is fully revealed. Standing neatly in a line along the mountain ridge, they act as a solemn guard of honor, welcoming pilgrims and visitors to this holy land where the earth touches the sky,.

Symbolism of the Thirteen Peaks

2.The Thirteen: Pagodas are not merely decorative; they hold profound religious significance. In Tibetan Buddhism, Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo) is revered as one of the Eight Sacred Mountains. The mountain range consists of thirteen distinct peaks, with the main peak, Kawagebo, rising to 6,740 meters. The Thirteen Pagodas were built to represent these thirteen mountain gods. The arrangement of the pagodas mirrors the hierarchy of the peaks, creating a spiritual connection between the architectural tribute and the natural wonder it faces. For Tibetan pilgrims who come to perform the sacred "kora" (circumambulation) of the mountain, these pagodas are a vital stop for worship, offering prayers, burning incense, and hanging prayer flags before embarking on their arduous journey,.

A Front Row Seat to "Sunshine over Golden Mountain"

3.The viewing platform at the Thirteen: Pagodas offers one of the most spectacular vistas in Yunnan. It is widely considered one of the best locations to witness the phenomenon known as "Sunshine over the Golden Mountain" (Ri Zhao Jin Shan). At sunrise, the first rays of the sun strike the snow-covered tip of Kawagebo and the surrounding peaks, turning the cold, white snow into a brilliant, burning gold. This breathtaking transformation spreads down the mountain face, creating a stark contrast against the deep blue sky. Photographers and travelers gather here in the freezing dawn, waiting for this fleeting moment of divine beauty, which is believed to bring good fortune to those who witness it,.

Pilgrimage and Prayer Flags

The area around the pagodas is alive with the vibrant colors of Tibetan culture. Thousands of prayer flags (Lung ta) flutter in the strong highland wind, carrying mantras and prayers to the heavens with every gust. Visitors will often see local Tibetans and pilgrims from afar circumambulating the pagodas in a clockwise direction, spinning hand-held prayer wheels and chanting mantras. This deep religious atmosphere adds a layer of solemnity and peace to the scenic beauty. The white bodies of the pagodas, topped with golden spires, stand in stark contrast to the rugged mountains and the colorful sea of flags, creating a scene of immense visual impact,.

The Grand Canyon Below

Beyond the view of the snow mountains above, the Thirteen Pagodas also offer a dizzying perspective of the landscape below. Standing on the edge of the ridge, visitors can look down into the profound depths of the Lancang River (Mekong) Grand Canyon. The vertical drop from the snow-capped peaks to the turbulent river at the bottom of the valley creates a dramatic topographical contrast that defines the geography of the Three Parallel Rivers region. The combination of the holy pagodas, the majestic snow mountains, and the deep river canyon makes this spot a microcosm of the grandeur of the entire Diqing plateau.