The fastest way to reach Yubeng Village from Lijiang is to take the Lixiang high-speed train to Shangri-La (~1.5 hours, CNY 56–70), then a bus to Feilai Temple (~4 hours, CNY 64), followed by a rural minibus to Ninong Village (~1 hour, CNY 20), and finally hike the Ninong Gorge trail up to Yubeng (4–7 hours, 13–14 km). The Xidang vehicle road has been closed for repairs since June 2024 and is expected to reopen in December 2026 — until then, Ninong Gorge is the only way in and out on foot. A direct bus from Shangri-La to Ninong also exists (8:30 AM, CNY 84, 4.5 hours), skipping the Feilai Temple overnight stop. Count on 1.5–2 days for the full journey including the hike.
| Option | Route | Duration | Cost (CNY) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Direct Bus + Hike ⭐ | Lijiang → Shangri-La (train 1.5h) → Ninong (direct bus 4.5h) → Yubeng (hike 4–7h) | 1 day + hike | ~210 total (train 56–70 + bus 84 + ticket 55) | Most travelers — fastest public option |
| Train + Bus via Feilai Temple + Hike | Lijiang → Shangri-La (train) → Feilai Temple (bus 4h) → Ninong (minibus 1h) → Yubeng (hike) | 2 days (overnight in Feilai Temple) | ~270 total (train 56–70 + bus 64 + minibus 20 + ticket 55 + lodging) | Those who want to see Meili sunrise |
| All Bus + Hike | Lijiang → Shangri-La (bus 3h) → Deqin (bus 4h) → Ninong (carpool 1h) → Yubeng (hike) | 2 days | ~200 total (bus 80 + bus 64 + carpool 30 + ticket 55) | Budget travelers |
| Direct Lijiang–Deqin Bus + Hike | Lijiang → Deqin (direct bus 6.5–7h) → Ninong (carpool 1h) → Yubeng (hike) | 1.5–2 days | ~230 total (bus 141–144 + carpool 30 + ticket 55) | Those avoiding transfers |
| Private Car + Hike | Lijiang → Ninong (private car 6–7h) → Yubeng (hike) | 1 day + hike | 600–1,200 per car | Groups, time-sensitive travelers |
Prices and times are approximate and subject to change. Hiking duration varies significantly by fitness level. Last updated 2026-08-13.
This is the most efficient route for most travelers. The high-speed train gets you to Shangri-La in just 1.5 hours, and the direct bus takes you all the way to the Ninong trailhead, skipping the Feilai Temple overnight. Leave Lijiang early morning and start hiking by early afternoon.
The Lixiang Railway (丽香铁路) opened in November 2023 and is now the fastest way to reach Shangri-La from Lijiang. About 10 pairs of C-class intercity trains run daily, with the earliest departing at 7:30 AM and the latest at 9:12 PM. Travel time ranges from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the train [(TravelChinaGuide, Jul 2026)](https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/lijiang-shangrila.htm). Second-class seats cost CNY 56–70 — comparable to the bus but significantly faster.
For Yubeng, take the earliest available train (C989 departs 07:30, arrives 08:54; C441 departs 07:50, arrives 09:25) so you have time to catch the direct bus to Ninong. The train arrives at Shangri-La Railway Station, which is about 5–10 km from the bus station — there are free shuttle buses between the two stations [(8264.com, Apr 2026)](https://www.8264.com/youji/5762563.html). Book train tickets in advance via the official 12306 app or website with your passport.
There is now a direct bus from Shangri-La to Ninong, which is the most convenient way to reach the Yubeng trailhead. The bus departs Shangri-La at approximately 8:30 AM, takes about 4.5 hours, and costs CNY 84 [(Nick Kembel, Jul 2026 reader report)](https://www.nickkembel.com/yubeng-china-hiking-visiting-guide/). The bus makes a transfer at Shengpingzhen (near Deqin) before continuing to Ninong, arriving around 1:00 PM — just in time to start the hike.
You can buy the ticket at Shangri-La Bus Station with your passport, or via the WeChat mini-program 云南省道路客运电子客票 (Yunnan Transport e-ticket) if you have a Chinese phone number. We recommend going to the bus station the day before to confirm times and purchase your ticket, as schedules can change. If you miss the direct bus, take any bus to Deqin/Feilai Temple and arrange a carpool or minibus to Ninong from there.
From Ninong Village, you must hike up to Yubeng via the Ninong Gorge trail. This is currently the only entry route into Yubeng — the Xidang road has been closed for repairs since June 2024 and is not expected to reopen until December 2026 [(Deqin County Government, Jul 2026)](https://www.deqin.gov.cn/zfxxgk_deqin/fdzdgknr/tzgg/202607/20260702_242417.html). The hike is approximately 13–14 km with about 600 meters of elevation gain (from ~2,200m at Ninong to ~3,100m at Lower Yubeng). Most people take 4–7 hours, depending on fitness and how many photo stops you make.
The trail follows the Yubeng River up a dramatic gorge, with sections of narrow cliffside path (one meter wide in places) and a drainage canal that has improved safety. There are roughly 2 supply points along the way. The Yubeng scenic area entrance fee is CNY 55 per person (environmental protection fee, valid for 3 days), paid at the checkpoint which closes at 17:00 — so start your hike early enough to reach it before closing [(zhunaqu.com, Aug 2026)](https://www.zhunaqu.com/diqing/article/17245). You will reach Lower Yubeng first (~3,050m); Upper Yubeng (~3,150m) is another 30–40 minutes uphill from there.
If you want to see the famous Meili Snow Mountain sunrise at Feilai Temple before heading to Yubeng, take this two-day route. Spend one night in Feilai Temple, catch the sunrise, then proceed to the Ninong trailhead the next morning.
Take a morning train from Lijiang to Shangri-La (1.5 hours), then catch an afternoon bus from Shangri-La Bus Station to Feilai Temple. Buses to Feilai Temple/Deqin run multiple times per day — roughly 3–5 departures between 8:30 AM and 14:30 — costing about CNY 64 and taking ~4 hours [(Nick Kembel, Jul 2026)](https://www.nickkembel.com/yubeng-china-hiking-visiting-guide/). The route follows G214 National Highway with stunning views of the Jinsha River Bend, Baima Snow Mountain, and more. You can also book via the "迪庆交运" (Diqing Transport) WeChat mini-program.
Alternatively, shared vans/carpools from Shangri-La to Feilai Temple cost around CNY 100–150 per person and can be arranged through your guesthouse (TravelChinaGuide, multiple 2026 sources). These offer more flexible timing and photo stops along the way.
There are two rural minibuses per day from Feilai Temple to Ninong, departing at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. The ride takes about 1 hour and costs CNY 20 [(Nick Kembel, firsthand Apr 2025, updated 2026)](https://www.nickkembel.com/yubeng-china-hiking-visiting-guide/). We recommend the 8:30 AM bus to give yourself plenty of time for the hike before dark. The bus picks up near the Feilai Temple viewing platform.
Tickets for the Feilai Temple–Ninong minibus can only be purchased via WeChat (Yunnan Transport mini-program) or by scanning a QR code on the bus. Foreigners without WeChat Pay may need help from the driver, guesthouse staff, or fellow passengers. You can also try calling the local drivers at 13988743022 or 13988724253 (ask a local to call for you). From Ninong, hike up to Yubeng as described above.
There is one direct daily bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Deqin, departing at approximately 9:00 AM, taking 6.5–7 hours, and costing CNY 141–144 [(toutiao.com, Nov 2025 + May 2026)](http://m.toutiao.com/group/7572515544163697152/). This is the cheapest way if you want to avoid the train transfer and save money. The bus travels along G214 through Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La area. From Deqin, arrange a carpool or taxi to Ninong (about 1 hour, CNY 30–40).
Note that with this option you probably won't have time to start the hike to Yubeng the same day — plan to stay overnight in Deqin or Feilai Temple and start hiking early the next morning.
If you're traveling with a group or want maximum flexibility, you can hire a private car from Lijiang or Shangri-La directly to Ninong. From Shangri-La to Ninong, expect to pay around CNY 500–600 per car for a private vehicle [(Nick Kembel, Jul 2026)](https://www.nickkembel.com/yubeng-china-hiking-visiting-guide/). Shared vans are also available for around CNY 120–150 per person, departing Shangri-La around 9:00 AM and reaching Ninong in about 4 hours. From Lijiang, a private car to Ninong takes 6–7 hours and costs roughly CNY 800–1,200 per car.
You can arrange private transport through your guesthouse in Lijiang or Shangri-La, or via WeChat contacts. Some driver numbers reported by travelers (WeChat IDs): ibaoche888, XLG13988719163, and phone numbers 13988777157 and 15008866485 [(Nick Kembel comments, Jun–Jul 2026)](https://www.nickkembel.com/yubeng-china-hiking-visiting-guide/).
Screenshot or copy the Chinese text below and show it to bus station staff, taxi drivers, or ticket agents along the way.
我要去香格里拉火车站，请问怎么坐车？
I'm going to Shangri-La Railway Station. How do I get there?
我要买一张去德钦/飞来寺的汽车票。
I'd like to buy a bus ticket to Deqin / Feilai Temple.
去尼农村（雨崩徒步入口）多少钱？几点发车？
How much to Ninong Village (Yubeng hike entrance)? What time does it leave?
请带我到这个地址：云南省迪庆州德钦县云岭乡雨崩村
Please take me to: Yubeng Village, Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing, Yunnan
💡 Tip: Take a screenshot of the Chinese text above and keep it on your phone. You can also copy it into Baidu Translate for audio playback.
To return to Lijiang, hike back down to Ninong Village (3–5 hours, mostly downhill — much faster than going up), then take a bus or shared vehicle back to Shangri-La, and finally the train to Lijiang. There are 3 daily buses from Ninong back to Shangri-La at approximately 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM, costing CNY 82–84 [(Nick Kembel reader reports, Jun–Jul 2026)](https://www.nickkembel.com/yubeng-china-hiking-visiting-guide/). For the fastest return, leave Yubeng early (6:30–7:00 AM), hike down to Ninong by 10–11 AM, and catch the 11:30 AM bus back to Shangri-La, arriving by 4:00 PM. If you miss the last bus, you can arrange a private car from Ninong to Shangri-La for around CNY 500–600.
From Shangri-La, take the train back to Lijiang — the last train departs around 8:25 PM (C644 departs 07:22 AM is the first; C990 departs 20:25). The entire return journey from Yubeng to Lijiang can be done in one long day if you start hiking out at dawn.
Many travelers combine Yubeng with other Yunnan hiking destinations:
Schedules, fares, and road conditions may change seasonally. Always confirm locally before travel.
Not currently. The Xidang-to-Yubeng vehicle road has been closed for repairs since June 2024, and the reconstruction project runs until December 2026 [(Deqin County Gov, Jul 2026)](https://www.deqin.gov.cn/zfxxgk_deqin/fdzdgknr/tzgg/202607/20260702_242417.html). Until the road reopens, the only way in and out of Yubeng is on foot via the Ninong Gorge trail. When the road does reopen, the 4WD fare from Xidang to Upper Yubeng was CNY 200 per person (uphill) and CNY 150 downhill — though prices may change upon reopening.
Plan for 1.5–2 days total. The fastest public transport route (train to Shangri-La + direct bus to Ninong) takes about 6–7 hours of travel time, plus a 4–7 hour hike. Most people take two days: day one to travel to Ninong or Feilai Temple, day two to hike into Yubeng. If you leave Lijiang very early (before 7:30 AM), it is technically possible to reach Yubeng on the same day if you take the earliest train + direct bus and start hiking by 1:00 PM — but this is tight and only recommended for fast hikers in good weather.
Yes — at the bus station counter. All Chinese long-distance bus stations accept foreign passports for ticket purchase at manual counters. Automated ticket machines generally do not accept passports. For WeChat-based mini-program bookings, you typically need a Chinese phone number — ask your guesthouse to help, or just buy your ticket in person at the station counter [(SinoTales, Jun 2026)](https://sinotales.com/destinations/yunnan/beyond-the-bullet-train-a-practical-guide-to-regional-buses-in-yunnan/).
Upper Yubeng (上雨崩, ~3,150m) sits on a hillside with better mountain views and is the starting point for the Ice Lake hike. Lower Yubeng (下雨崩, ~3,050m) is in the valley bottom, closer to the Sacred Waterfall trailhead and the Ninong exit, with more guesthouse options at lower prices. The walk between them takes 30–40 minutes uphill, 20–30 minutes downhill. A local pickup shuttle between villages costs CNY 60 per person one-way.
The Ninong Gorge trail is generally safe for fit hikers, but it has some narrow cliffside sections with steep drop-offs. Stay on the mountain side of the path, especially when passing mule trains. The biggest danger is rockfall during and after heavy rain — avoid the trail during the rainy season (June–August) if storms are forecast. Check weather conditions before starting and hike with proper footwear and a hiking pole. The trail is well-marked and there are usually other hikers around.
Schedules and fares may change seasonally. Road conditions (especially the Xidang road reopening) can significantly affect this route. This information was last cross-checked on 2026-08-13 across multiple independent sources including the Deqin County Transportation Bureau official announcement.
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Last verified: 2026-08-13 · Verification method: Multi-Source Cross-Checked (official + blog + UGC)