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Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain, also called "Prince
Snow Mountain," is located about 10km west of Deqing
city in Diqing prefecture, at the confluence of the Jinsha,
Lancang and Nu rivers.
In this area, strong updrafts meet with
continental cold air masses, forming thick fog and heavy
snow. Yet due to vertical climate differences, Meili Mountain
also features abundant blooming azaleas and verdant trees,
which contrast with the snow-capped peaks, creating a charming
scene here.
Meili Snow Mountain has long been famous
for its main peak, Kagebo Peak, which, at an elevation of
6,470 meters (21,221 feet) above sea level, is the tallest
in Yunnan. Surrounded by 13 lesser peaks, which are the
subject of an enchanting tale, Kagebo Peak is extolled as
the "most beautiful mountain in the world.¡±
On the southern side of the main peak, a waterfall - known
among the local people as "a deluge of rain and God-mandated
cascade" - tumbles down from a breathtaking height
of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
Under Kagebo Peak, low-altitude modern glaciers
can be found, which are of particular interest to those
engaged in geological research. Mingyongqia Glacier and
Siqia Glacier stretch down to the forest at an elevation
of 2,700 meters (8856 feet), only 800 meters (2624 feet)
from the surface of Lancang River. It is an eternal modern
monsoon maritime glacier with low latitude and high altitude.
Towering like a pyramid, Meili Snow Mountain
is regarded as a Holy Mountain by local Tibetans. Although
there are numerous snow-covered mountains between Yunnan
and Tibet, including Mount Everest, the highest mountain
in the world, and Qiaogeli Peak, the second highest in the
world, Meili Snow Mountain is the highest holy Tibetan mountain
-- one shrouded in mist, cloud and mystery. Each autumn,
countless Tibetans living near and far make pilgrimages
to this legendary peak.
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