There’s a saying: “Heaven is to the left, Yubeng is to the right.”

#100waysoftravel #naturalbeauty #chinatrip I never imagined that one day I would embark on a solo journey to hike Yubeng—an adventure that feels like something out of a dream, and yet, part of the #100waysoftravel that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. They say people go to Meili to find themselves, so I decided to experience this journey of self-discovery firsthand. The real challenge of the journey began at Ninong Canyon, at an altitude of 1,900 meters. Carrying a backpack weighing over ten kilograms, I embarked on a 14-kilometer hike, steadily ascending. After four hours, I reached Lower Yubeng at an altitude of 3,031 meters. The moment I finally took off my backpack, it felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders—an experience that redefines the notion of what it means to travel. Along the way, I encountered many Tibetan families making the same journey from Ninong. It was the first or fifteenth day of the Tibetan lunar calendar, and many of them were heading to the Sacred Waterfall to pray. I learned that it’s a lifelong tradition for Tibetans to visit the Sacred Waterfall at least once to seek blessings, which made me even more eager for the days ahead. This was not just a hike; it was a spiritual pilgrimage, one of those rare #100waysoftravel that truly connects you with the culture and the land. The challenge on the second day was even more daunting. I set off at 9 a.m., aiming to reach the Ice Lake at an altitude of 3,860 meters. The 14-kilometer journey was filled with hardship, but the breathtaking scenery that greeted me at Xiaonong Pass made every step worthwhile. The round trip took eight hours, including a steep climb through Upper Yubeng, some much-needed rest, and the simple yet soul-satisfying fried rice I had on the way back—proving that sometimes, the most rewarding travel experiences are the ones that push you to your limits. On the third day, I chose one of Yubeng’s classic routes—the Sacred Waterfall. This is a place of deep reverence for the Tibetan people. As I hiked, I saw countless colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, each one seemingly whispering ancient stories. The Tibetans believe that by walking clockwise around the Sacred Waterfall three times and letting the holy water wash over you, you will be blessed with good health. I took part in this ritual, feeling the sacredness of the place wash over me, marking this journey as not just a part of the #100waysoftravel, but a deeply personal chapter in my own story. On the fourth day, I left Yubeng in the back of a pickup truck. This mystical and sacred place left me with a deep sense of reverence and reflection as I began my journey back, knowing that Yubeng has become an indelible part of my #100waysoftravel—a reminder that the most unforgettable journeys are often the ones that take us far beyond our comfort zones.