Xianuo Duoji Peak in Daocheng County, Garze

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Xianuo Duoji, also known as Xia Nuo Duo Ji (夏诺多吉) or Qialang Duo Ji (恰郎多吉), is a sacred peak located at the junction of Muli Tibetan Autonomous County (木里藏族自治县) in Liangshan (凉山州) and Daocheng County (稻城县) in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜州), Sichuan Province (四川省), China. The name “Xianuo Duoji” means “Vajrapani” (金刚手菩萨), a Buddhist deity who represents strength and protection. The peak, standing at 5,958 meters (19,511 feet), is the eastern peak of the “Three Protectors” (三怙主) Snow Mountain Range, making it one of the most important spiritual sites in Tibetan Buddhism.

Geographical Location

Elevation: 5,958 meters (19,511 feet)
Location: Border of Muli County (木里县), Liangshan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (凉山州) and Daocheng County (稻城县), Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜州), Sichuan Province (四川省), China.
Significance: Part of the “Three Protectors” (三怙主) Snow Mountain Range, Xianuo Duoji is the third of the three sacred peaks, each representing different aspects of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

Scenic Wonders

Holy Water Gate (圣水门)

One of the most mystical landmarks at Xianuo Duoji is the Holy Water Gate, which is naturally carved into the cliffs by erosion. Every year, on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar, milk-colored holy water is said to flow from the gate. The gate is believed to be a doorway to the Shambhala Kingdom (香巴拉王国), a mystical realm in Tibetan Buddhism. According to legend, those who reach a high level of spiritual attainment may see visions through the gate.

In June 1998, the Dingzhen Lama (丁真活佛) and his followers reported witnessing monks emerging from the glaciers of Mount Yangmaiyong (央迈勇), located nearby, as they approached the Holy Water Gate.

Unique Mountains and Rocks

The landscape surrounding Xianuo Duoji features extraordinary rock formations and towering peaks. These formations have been shaped by wind erosion and geological uplift, creating dramatic cliffs and boulders. Notable features in the area include:

Sleeping Buddha Mountain
Inaccessible Pillar
Strange Rocks: The Luorong Pasture (洛绒牛场) is known for its distinctive Danxia landforms (丹霞地貌), which are characterized by colorful, layered rocks that resemble traditional Chinese landscapes.

Gonga Silver Gorge (贡嘎银沟)

At the base of Xianuo Duoji lies the Gonga Silver Gorge, a pristine area filled with rugged terrain, glaciers, and rock formations. This area is also home to snow lotus flowers, which are considered sacred in Tibetan culture.

Mythology and Legends

The Legend of Xianuo Duoji

Xianuo Duoji is steeped in Tibetan mythology, including the legend of Chong Ruan Duo Ji (冲绕多吉), a hunter who roamed the mountains. It is said that the hunter would offer one leg of his prey to a hermit who lived in a cave on the cliffs. Over time, the hunter became remorseful for his actions and sought redemption. One day, after a hunt, he threw himself off the cliffs with his rifle and hunting dogs. Miraculously, his dogs grew wings and carried him to safety. The hermit, seeing this, believed that the hunter had been purified and ascended to heaven.

This tale represents the deep connection between the Tibetan people and the mountain, which is considered a site of spiritual transformation.

John Claude Rock and the Discovery of the Sacred Peaks

John Claude Rock (洛克) is widely credited with bringing global attention to the beauty of the Yading Nature Reserve and its three sacred mountains. Between 1922 and 1949, Rock, an explorer, writer, and photographer, spent 27 years traveling through Yunnan and Sichuan, including a journey through the Yading region. In June 1928, Rock ventured from Muli County to Daocheng and explored the peaks of Mount Yangmaiyong, Xianuo Duoji, and Mount Xianren (仙人山). Rock described the peaks as some of the most beautiful he had ever encountered and referred to the region as the most mysterious and adventure-worthy destination he had ever explored.

Practical Information

Suggested Visit Duration

Recommended time: 0.5 days

Opening Hours

Time: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Entrance Fee

Admission: The entrance to Xianuo Duoji Peak is included with the Yading Nature Reserve ticket, which costs 150 RMB.
Additional Fees: Horseback riding is available for 168 RMB per day.