Wuming Snow Mountain in Xiangcheng County, Garze
Wuming Snow Mountain, also known as Wuming Mountain (无名山), is located on the border between Xiangcheng County (乡城县) and Daocheng County (稻城县) in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省), China. This mountain is part of the Hengduan Mountain Range (横断山脉), which forms an important geographical barrier between the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. It stands at an elevation of 4,708 meters (15,444 feet) and remains largely unrecognized by official names, hence its nickname Wuming Snow Mountain (无名大雪山), which translates to “Unnamed Snow Mountain.”
Geography and Location
-
Location: Wuming Snow Mountain lies along S217 Provincial Road (S217省道) between Sangdui Township (桑堆乡) in Daocheng County (稻城县) and Ranwu Township (然乌乡) in Xiangcheng County (乡城县), in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省).
-
Altitude: The mountain’s highest point stands at 4,708 meters (15,444 feet) at the mountain pass (垭口), which forms the boundary between Xiangcheng County and Daocheng County. The road connecting these two regions winds through the mountain’s slopes and provides stunning views throughout the year.
Scenic Features and Landscape
-
Seasonal Beauty: The Wuming Snow Mountain is famous for its year-round changing beauty. In the winter, it is often covered in thick snow, creating a beautiful white landscape. During the summer, visitors can experience an incredible sea of rhododendron flowers (杜鹃花海) and picturesque stone lakes (石海湖泊). Autumn brings clouds, mist, and vibrant colorful forests (彩林) set against the backdrop of towering snow peaks.
-
Mountain Pass and Surroundings: The pass (垭口) sits at 4,708 meters, and the mountain’s natural beauty is enhanced by its rugged terrain. The road is surrounded by wildflowers and grasslands, and is adorned with prayer flags (经幡) and mani stones (玛尼石), offering a spiritual atmosphere that is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Historical Significance
The Long March of the Red Army
-
In 1936, during the Long March (长征), the Red Sixth Army (红六军团) traversed the Wuming Snow Mountain as part of their journey. They overcame extreme cold and low oxygen levels to successfully cross the pass, marking a significant chapter in Chinese revolutionary history. The pass remains a symbol of endurance and perseverance.
Modern Risks and Challenges
-
Winter Road Closures: In the winter months, the road is often closed due to heavy snowstorms, and extreme weather can lead to dangerous conditions. In 2018, there was an incident where self-driving tourists were stranded due to sudden snowstorms, highlighting the need for caution in the area.
Tourism Tips and Recommendations
Best Time to Visit
-
Autumn (September-November) and Spring (May-June) are considered the best seasons for visiting Wuming Snow Mountain. The autumn months offer beautiful views of the colorful forests and snow-capped peaks, while spring brings the rhododendron bloom.
-
Winter should be avoided due to the heavy snowfalls and slippery conditions.
Hiking and Exploration
-
Hiking Route: For those interested in retracing history, visitors can hike the Long March route, starting from Wengshang Village (翁上村) in Xiangcheng County. The journey involves trekking through the rugged mountain trails, and the hike typically takes three days to complete.
Safety and Travel Tips
-
Winter Gear: It is essential to bring anti-slip chains (防滑链) during winter months to prevent accidents from icy conditions.
-
High Altitude Precautions: Wuming Snow Mountain is a high-altitude region, so visitors should be prepared for the cold weather and practice sun protection.
-
Driving Caution: Wuming Snow Mountain Tunnel (无名山隧道), which connects Sangdui Township and Xiangcheng County, is a single-lane tunnel that limits speeds to 40 km/h. No parking is allowed within the tunnel.
Walking the Long March: A Personal Adventure
In May 2019, a group of adventurers followed in the footsteps of the Red Army’s Long March by hiking over Wuming Snow Mountain. Here’s an overview of their journey:
-
The adventure began in Sangdui Township (桑堆乡), where the hikers embarked on a 3-day trek to cross the snow mountain. Along the way, they encountered narrow, winding roads, steep cliffs, and rockslides.
-
After passing through Mahu Gorge (马熊沟), known for its abundant marmot population, the group ascended to an altitude of 4,700 meters (15,419 feet), where they camped overnight at the foot of the mountain.
-
The following morning, they set out to cross the mountain pass at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet), facing a challenging climb. The snowstorms from the previous night had created treacherous conditions, but the group pressed on and reached the top by noon.
-
The tunnel entrance (隧道口) at the summit was marked with prayer flags and mani stones, adding a spiritual dimension to the journey. From here, they descended toward Daocheng County, completing the historic trek.
Practical Information for Visitors
Opening Hours: No specific opening hours apply as this is an open area, but visitors should be mindful of weather conditions.
Ticket Information: There is no separate ticket for Wuming Snow Mountain; it is included within the general area of the Yading Nature Reserve (稻城亚丁国家级自然保护区).
Access to the Mountain:
-
By Car: Visitors can drive along S217 Provincial Road (S217省道) to the mountain pass. The drive is scenic but can be hazardous in the winter due to snow.
-
By Foot: There are also several trekking routes for those interested in hiking or retracing the Long March trail, though this requires high-altitude preparation.
