A few days ago, I went to Yunnan, primarily to visit the newly opened Songzan Bingzhongluo Mountain Lodge!
We set off from Shangri-La to Bingzhongluo. Besides exploring the new hotel, the owner also arranged a private tour with Songzan for us, what a big win!
The route we took was Shangri-La – Meili – Bingzhongluo – Shiyueliang, which essentially reversed the route that Caisai had previously written about: Shiyueliang – Bingzhongluo – Meili – Shangri-La.
To make it easier for everyone to understand, today’s report will primarily follow our route.
Previous product guidance:
Great products, great prices! In the place where the three rivers converge and humans and deities coexist.
The scenery along the way from Shangri-La to Shiyueliang was breathtaking at the next level.
On the way, we witnessed landscapes transforming from barren canyons to lush mountains, from white snow-capped peaks to endless seas of clouds, and finally, to the ever-setting Shiyueliang… Many times it felt as if we were drifting outside of the Earth.
The camera shutter could hardly keep up; indeed, Yunnan is known as the last secret paradise.
The private tour with Songzan has also elevated my travel threshold infinitely; it turns out you don’t need to experience “hell on Earth” for your eyes to see heaven.
The entire journey had experienced drivers at the wheel, and there were snacks, oxygen, and water available in the car, allowing us to enjoy the scenic journey with peace of mind.
If we spotted a beautiful scene on the road, we could stop at any time to take photos, provided it was safe to do so. As long as we didn’t exceed the daily mileage limit, we could also make detours to capture the scenery along the way.
Every night we stayed at Songzan’s hotels, which truly represent the pinnacle of the area. Whether it’s the scenery or the accommodation experience, everything was perfect, making it the top choice for a retreat from the world.
**Songzan Meili Mountain Lodge**
Let’s start talking about Meili Mountain Lodge. After getting off at Shangri-La station, the driver took us directly to Meili Mountain Lodge.
The journey was somewhat long, taking about half a day, but luckily the scenery along the way was beautiful, and with water and snacks in the car, we never felt bored.
We passed by the “Golden Sand River Bend,” also known as the “world’s number one bend,” where the Jinsha River flows majestically through towering mountains—truly spectacular. Everyone can get off the car to take some pictures.
By the time we arrived at Meili Mountain Lodge, it was nearing evening, and to our delight, we discovered three peach trees blooming profusely at the hotel. As the wind blew, flower petals fell like rain, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Upon entering the hotel, there were many places where you could look out at the peach blossoms and the sea of clouds. The romance of spring seemed to spread infinitely through the window view.
The check-in process at Songzan is something many guests might be familiar with by now; you sit on the sofa enjoying some biscuits and tea.
The staff will assist everyone with check-in and present a pair of traditional cloth shoes from Songzan, which are quite suitable for the nearby hiking trails (and the shoes are yours to keep).
Meili Mountain Lodge is not very large, with only 35 guest rooms, most of which face Meili Snow Mountain, allowing you to see the snow-capped peaks without leaving your room.
I stayed in the advanced snow mountain room with the photographer Xiao Yun. The room’s design was consistent with the traditional Tibetan style, making it feel like returning to one’s home in Tibet.
During check-in, the staff introduced the basic facilities of the room, which included an oxygen diffuser, complimentary mini-bar, and tea bags.
What I loved most was the tatami in front of our window; lying on the tatami, leaning against the soft cushions, while looking at the snow mountain, immediately brought that retreat from the world sensation.
We stayed in a twin room, where the front window had tatami, while similar-level king bed rooms featured a small balcony where you could sit and enjoy tea while gazing at the snow mountain.
Guests can prioritize selecting a king bed room upon check-in for an even better experience!
I have always liked Songzan’s bedding; the mattresses are from King Koil, making for a comfortable sleep.
Also, Meili Mountain Lodge is situated at a relatively high altitude, approximately 3,600 meters, so all rooms are equipped with oxygen diffusers. If you still feel the altitude is affecting you, there’s a separate oxygen machine in the lobby. Bottled oxygen is also available in the vehicle; guests can ask the driver for some to take to their room.
Meili’s restaurant has a very high aesthetic, combining Tibetan style with a view of the snow mountains outside; the harmonious touch is outstanding!
Furthermore, no one told me before coming here that the food at Meili Mountain Lodge would be so delicious!
Songzan hotels usually provide several meal packages for guests to choose from. We tried most of them, and in the end, our palates were completely conquered by the restaurant’s mini hot pot.
The beef bone broth was incredibly flavorful; just drinking the broth was satisfying enough. All dishes can be ordered endlessly, including fresh beef and wild morels. Over these few days, we felt we had truly indulged in the luxury of wild mushrooms, which was both extravagant and fulfilling.
The longer the soup was cooked, the tastier it became. We suggest adding a couple of tomato slices to the soup, and after filling up, pour yourself a bowl of soup; the broth absorbs the essence of the beef and mushrooms, along with a faint sweetness and acidity from the tomatoes—extremely satisfying.
Afternoon tea is served at the 6th-floor Quniqa from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Afternoon tea is complimentary (the complimentary afternoon tea at Songzan hotels is generally available at consistent times). Find a window-side seat to enjoy fruit desserts while gazing at the snow mountains—it’s quite pleasant.
On the 6th floor, there are also plenty of books available for borrowing. Guests can enjoy their afternoon tea while immersing themselves in reading time.
Next, we finally need to address the question everyone is most concerned about: from Songzan Meili, where is the best place to view the snow mountain?
The first choices are the viewing platforms on the 5th and 6th floors, followed by the window seats in the restaurants on these two floors. During our stay at Meili Mountain Lodge, we couldn’t help but take pictures every time we entered the restaurant; my memory card was almost full.
By the way, there are phone stands outside on the 5th floor, where guests can set their phones for time-lapse photography—very practical.
Here are two angles of photos for everyone:
▲ 5th-floor restaurant
▲ 6th-floor Quniqa
You can also view the snow mountains from your room, although the angle may be a bit off. However, for those who cannot get up, this option works.
The hotel offers a wake-up service; if there are snow mountains visible that day, they will notify you in advance by phone. However, catching the golden sunlight on the mountains requires a bit of luck, so it’s best to remain calm.
I suggest staying for 2 nights at Meili. On the first day, after arriving at the hotel, you can relax in your room or go to the restaurant to view the snow mountains. On the second day, you can explore the surrounding area.
Now that you’re here, the Wudong Mountain and Feilai Temple are definitely worth visiting. They are the two best platforms for viewing Meili Snow Mountain.
Additionally, if you enjoy exercising, I recommend hiking at the back mountain, which is not far from Feilai Temple, with a total round trip of around eight kilometers. During the hike, not only can you see the snow mountains at all times, but the blooming rhododendrons and fluttering prayer flags create a sacred beauty.
**Songzan Bingzhongluo Mountain Lodge**
From Meili to Bingzhongluo, you can clearly see the transition from a high plateau to a lower altitude. The scenery progresses from continuous snow-capped mountains to exposed rock formations, and then to lush forests and billowing seas of clouds, as if traversing through the four seasons.
As the vehicle entered the Nujiang Grand Canyon, we saw the spectacular Nujiang First Bay from the viewing platform of Gongdang Sacred Mountain.
Remember not to sleep along the way; the car window serves as the best viewfinder; capturing the breathtaking scenery at any moment is unavoidable!
We arrived at Bingzhongluo Mountain Lodge just on the opening day, fortuitously catching the welcoming ceremony and bonfire party, which had a great sense of occasion. Even before the car entered the gate, we could already hear melodious singing. Staff dressed in ethnic costumes began to play traditional instruments and sang welcoming songs, which was truly delightful.
The check-in process here is similar to Meili, but the welcome drink is particularly unique—a staff-made wheatgrass and kiwi juice, which tastes amazing.
The lobby also displays a daily activity schedule, allowing everyone to choose experiences based on their interests.
Since it was the first day of business, there was also a bonfire dinner that night. Everyone sat around the fire, sipping champagne and enjoying delicious food, while being entertained by talented staff performers, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The finale included fireworks, with rare blue and purple colors—absolutely stunning.
Next, let’s take a closer look at this Songzan Bingzhongluo Mountain Lodge!
Every location chosen by Songzan never disappoints, and this one even more so. After ten years of planning, Songzan has finally brought a hotel to this land where humans and gods coexist—Bingzhongluo.
This is the last secret paradise of Yunnan and a must-pass location along the Bingchacha route to Tibet!
Nestled within the Nujiang Grand Canyon, Bingzhongluo, with views of the Gaoligong Mountain and the Biluo Snow Mountain, is where the hotel is situated, backed by snow-capped mountains and a Buddhist temple, overlooking canyon terraces; it is simply breathtaking.
This hotel is also one that I have anticipated for a long time. Its opening signifies that Songzan has finally completed an exquisite circuit through the three river basins, unlocking the last secret paradise of Yunnan.
From now on, guests can start from Baoshan, enjoy beautiful sites along the way including Shiyueliang, Bingzhongluo, and Meili… checking off Yunnan’s most stunning scenic route and enjoying a retreat from the world.
While maintaining the aesthetic of Songzan, Bingzhongluo Mountain Lodge also incorporates local characteristics, such as the yellow rammed earth walls, a style commonly found in local village houses.
However, the hotel’s entrance, the cloud-pattern designs within the guest rooms, and the handcrafted brass basins all reflect Tibetan style.
The hotel is small yet exquisite, featuring gardens, small bridges over streams, a gym, a swimming pool, and a spa, and the guest rooms are equipped with smart toilets, B&O speakers, etc.
Despite being in a remote area with challenging material deliveries, they have still created a modern living experience for us. Experiencing such comforts in such a primitive location is truly a wonderful surprise.
This hotel also isn’t large, with a total of 45 guest rooms, roughly categorized into garden view and countryside view types. The garden-view rooms are mainly located on the first floor, facing the hotel garden, while the countryside-view rooms provide a view of the distant terraced fields and mountains, offering more privacy.
The room design here is slightly different from previous Songzan hotels; it is minimalistic with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, with the bedroom decorated in a simple and natural style.
I love the floor-to-ceiling windows and the balcony in the room, which offer stunning views; without leaving the room, one can immerse in the natural beauty of Yunnan’s secret paradise.
