In pics: Meili Snow Mountain in changing light from dawn to dusk

DEQEN — Towering over the rugged terrain of northwest Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain is one of China's most iconic and sacred alpine landscapes, rising majestically in Deqin County near the border of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Known locally as "Thirteen Taizi Peaks", the range comprises thirteen peaks above 6,000 meters, with the pyramid‑shaped Kawagebo Peak — at 6,740 meters — standing as both the highest summit in Yunnan and a revered spiritual symbol in Tibetan Buddhism. None of Meili's major peaks has ever been successfully summited, and climbing attempts have historically been limited out of respect for local beliefs and the mountain's profound spiritual significance.

Meili's dramatic topography has given rise to two of its most celebrated natural spectacles. At dawn on clear mornings, the first rays of sunlight ignite the snow‑capped ridges in a breathtaking display known as "Sunrise on the Golden Mountain," or "Rizhao Jinshan", as light spills across the snowy summits and bathes them in golden hues. Later, under the glow of a full moon, the peaks can transform into an ethereal expanse of silver, a phenomenon often referred to as "Moonlight on the Silver Mountain." These fleeting scenes have captivated explorers, photographers and pilgrims alike, drawing visitors from across China and around the world to witness the range's mystical beauty each year.

Photo taken on Jan. 4, 2026 shows the cloud-wreathed Meili Snow Mountain and the Felilai Temple beneath it, as the sky is tinted pink by the sunset glow, in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken on the evening of Jan. 4, 2026 shows Meili Snow Mountain under the night sky in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken in the early morning of Jan. 5, 2026 shows Peak Kawagarbo of the Meili Snow Mountain bathed in soft pink sunlight in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken in the early morning of Jan. 5, 2026 shows Peak Miancimu of the Meili Snow Mountain bathed in soft pink sunlight in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken later on Jan. 5, 2026 shows Peak Miancimu of the Meili Snow Mountain glowing in golden sunlight in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken later on Jan. 5, 2026 shows Peak Kawagarbo of the Meili Snow Mountain glowing in golden sunlight in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken later on Jan. 5, 2026 shows Peak Bawubameng of the Meili Snow Mountain glowing in golden sunlight in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)

Photo taken later on Jan. 5, 2026 shows the Meili Snow Mountain glowing in golden sunlight in Deqen County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Zhang Andi/Guangming Online)