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A daily legend is whispered among people in the remote border region of Yunnan (China). It's the story of the "sunlight glistening on the snow-capped peaks of Mount Meili," a moment of "golden sun." More than just a fascinating optical phenomenon, it's considered a spiritual test of one's "character," a sign of good fortune that any traveler longs to witness at least once in their lifetime, hoping for a prosperous new year.
Meili Xue Shan, located at the intersection of Deqin County, Yunnan Province, and Chashu County, Tibet, has long been known as the "Prince of Snow Mountains." With its system of 13 peaks over 6,000 meters high, also known as the "Thirteen Peaks of the Crown Prince," Meili stands majestically like an eternal wall guarding the Buddhist land.
Among them, Mount Kawagebo, at 6,740 meters, is not only the highest peak in Yunnan but also one of the eight most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. For the local people, Meili is an inviolable pilgrimage site, a "pristine" peak untouched by human footsteps, where all attempts at climbing are forbidden to preserve the sanctity of their beliefs and culture.
The legendary "Sunlight Shining on the Golden Mountain" moment atop the sacred Kawagebo peak of the snow-capped Meili Mountain.
The "Sunlight Shining on the Golden Mountain" phenomenon at Mai Ly is not a gift for everyone. According to local guides, there are only about 40 days a year when the sky is clear enough for visitors to fully admire this sight. For most of the rest of the year, the mountain peak is often hidden behind thick layers of fog, as if the mountain god is testing the patience of travelers.
In particular, late autumn and early winter are considered the most ideal times. At that time, the weather is dry, the sky is clear, allowing the first rays of sunlight to penetrate the atmosphere, converging and reflecting onto the eternal white snow. The entire mountain suddenly transforms into a giant, radiant mass of pure gold against the sky.
The majestic Meili snow-capped mountains stand tall in the Yunnan plateau, with 13 peaks over 6,000 meters high forming the "Thirteen Prince Peaks" – an enduring spiritual symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.
The quest for the auspicious light of 2026 often begins very early. At prime locations like the Wunongding Observatory or Feilai Temple, hundreds of travelers are stationed from 4 a.m., their eyes fixed on the misty mountain range shrouded in darkness. As the clock ticks toward dawn, the space becomes utterly silent. When the first rays of light touch the summit of Kawagebo, the pristine white gradually turns to pale yellow, then bursts into a dazzling golden hue. The golden peak stands majestically like a sacred pyramid, radiating vibrant energy down to its base, awakening all things from their long slumber.
Many believe that whoever is fortunate enough to witness this moment will be protected and blessed by the mountain god for the entire year. All worries seem to vanish, giving way to overwhelming emotion and profound gratitude.
Kawagebo Peak (6,740m) – the highest peak in Yunnan, gleams brilliantly in the golden light of dawn.
To have a perfect "test of luck" trip to Mai Ly, tourists need thorough preparation in both itinerary and equipment. The highland weather is extremely harsh, with strong winds and temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, requiring tourists to be fully equipped with wool hats, gloves, and heat patches. In addition, choosing food and beverage services should be done carefully to avoid unpleasant experiences in overcrowded tourist areas.
If you're looking for a reason to start over, or simply want to try your luck, try visiting Shangri-La and standing at the foot of the sacred Kawagebo peak. Perhaps, in that moment of the sun's rays illuminating the golden mountain, you'll find your answer and bring home the same dazzling good fortune as the very golden peak you were lucky enough to glimpse.
