Name: Xian de Deqin

Chinese name: 德钦县

Province: Yunnan

Status: District

Population: 58,348

Area: 7,596 km²

Nestled in the wild west within the Hengduanshan mountains of Yunnan, Deqin is the last outpost before Tibet. Situated at 3,550 metres altitude, the district sits isolated among mountains crowned with snow-capped peaks.

If altitude doesn't concern you, Deqin is the ideal place for departing on mountain trekking expeditions.

History

More than 6,000 years ago, the region was inhabited by Tubos (the ancient name for Tibetans). This ethnic group shaped the indigenous culture still found here today.

Today

The district, part of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is predominantly Tibetan but is home to a dozen other minorities, including one of China's rare non-Hui Muslim settlements.

Bordered by Sichuan, Tibet and Burma, Deqin is sometimes called Shangri-la in order to attract tourists coming from Zhongdian, which was renamed Shangri-La. The town itself is not particularly attractive. It developed rapidly and numerous cold, characterless buildings have sprouted everywhere. Nevertheless, the surroundings of Deqin make it a perfect base for setting out on treks to discover the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Just a few kilometres from the town, you can admire the splendid panorama of the Meilixue mountain.

Covering the flanks of Kawa Karpo, the Mingyong Glacier, a major pilgrimage site, stretches over 10 km and can also be approached during a trek.

Dotted with Tibetan monasteries, your treks can be punctuated with cultural discoveries.

Climate

Situated in the heart of the mountains at 3,000 metres altitude, you shouldn't expect warm temperatures in Deqin.

In summer, temperatures are mild and pleasant during the day but drop sharply once night falls. It can also snow in August due to the typical plateau climate.

It's best to avoid the rainy season as hiking trails can become slippery and therefore dangerous.

Winter is a good period for mountain trekking. While temperatures are indeed cool, the weather is dry and the landscape is enhanced by snow.

Buses depart Shangri-La for Deqin four times daily. Budget around 5 to 6 hours of travel.

Deqin Airport is actually closer to Shangri-La than to Deqin.

What to Do in Deqin?

• Set out on hiking trails to admire the Meilixue mountain.
• Embark on the adventure to conquer the Mingyong Glacier.