The small village at the foot of Meri Snown Mountain is bathing in the morning sunshine.
Meri Snow Mountain is a snow mountain group, and one of the major natural scenic spots of the World Natural Heritage - Three Parallel Rivers National Park. There are ten-plus peaks with an elevation of over 6000 meters, which are mainly located in Deqin County of Yunnan Province. Its major peak, Kagebo Peak, is about 6740 meters and is the highest mountain of Yunnan Province. The crystal glacier extends from the peak all the way to the forest area at an altitude of 2700 meters, which forms the most spectacular low-latitude monsoonal oceanic glacier in the world. The prophase construction of Meri Snow Mountain Naitonal Park has been completed at present.
The grandeur of the Meri Snow Mountain comes from the huge altitude difference. From the main peak Kagebo to the junction of the Lancang River (China's fifth longest river which flows through the foot of Mt. Meri) and Mingyong River, the height difference reaches 4,702 meters (15,426 feet). Thus forms the spectacular and miraculours Meri Grand Canyon.
The huge altitude difference helps form the various climate types within one mountain. Above the snow line are the snow-capped peaks standing in the cloud and mist; below the snow line are the green high mountain meadow, verdant scrub and luxuriant forests. Along the Meri Mountain, you can experience the alternation of four seasons within one day. Due to the complicated climate, Meri Snow Mountain is rich in creatures. Here you can find some rare medicinal herbs such as matsutake, fritillary and aweto. Rare animals like snow leopard, small panda and red deer live vigorously in this paradise of animals.
