Midui

The "Most Beautiful Glacier in China"

1.Located in Yupu: Township, Bomi County, Nyingchi City, approximately 100 kilometers from the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Midui Glacier is widely acclaimed as "China's Most Beautiful Glacier" and a "World-class Glacier Wonder",. Unlike many glaciers that remain inaccessible in high-altitude death zones, Midui is famous for being one of the most accessible low-altitude glaciers in Tibet. The main glacier originates from a snow peak at 6,800 meters and winds down like a silver-blue dragon to the glacier tongue at approximately 4,600 meters, crashing directly into lush primitive forests,. This dramatic vertical drop creates a rare coexistence of ice and greenery, where crystal palaces of ice stand amidst blooming flowers and ancient trees.

A Geological Miracle: The Oceanic Glacier

Midui Glacier is a prime example of a monsoonal marine (oceanic) glacier, formed by the heavy influence of warm, moist airflow from the Indian Ocean colliding with the Himalayas. It is characterized by its dynamic movement, frequent avalanches, and spectacular ice formations. The glacier features a massive "Ice Tower Forest" (Seracs) where ice structures rise tens of meters high, resembling temples, pagodas, and crystal palaces. The glacier terminus meets a stunning glacial lake, where floating ice blocks and the reflection of snow-capped peaks create a dreamlike, sapphire-blue spectacle.

Legends of the Snow Mountain

The glacier is not only a geological marvel but also a spiritual sanctuary. In local Tibetan folklore and the ancient Bon religion, Midui Glacier is regarded as the soul of the divine mountain Bershula Ling. Legends tell that the 8th-century master Padmasambhava, during his journey to spread Buddhism in Tibet, subdued evil spirits here and transformed them into this protective glacier to guard the Bomi region. Locals believe the changing colors of the glacial lake reflect the mood of the deities, and the thriving forests and meltwater are gifts from the mountain gods.

The Visitor Experience

2.Visiting Midui: Glacier offers a unique hiking experience. From the parking area, visitors trek approximately 2 kilometers along a boardwalk that winds through primitive forests and fields of azaleas (in spring) to reach the observation deck. This trail allows travelers to witness a complete vertical landscape zone—from meadows and broadleaf forests to the raw, icy power of the glacier tongue. The viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the main glacier, the branch glaciers, and the majestic ice waterfall that thunders down into the forest, creating a scene of overwhelming natural power.