Basic Info
Location: 5 km south of Deqin Town, Diqing, Yunnan, gateway shrine for Meili (Kawa Karpo) inner kora pilgrimage toward Yubeng Village
Tibetan full name: Qudeng Xige Rangjiang, literally Natural Crystal Stupa
Altitude: ~3300 m; free admission, open all day for pilgrims & travellers
Religious Core: The “Pilgrimage Key” Legend
It is universally regarded as the official starting spot of inner Meili kora to Yubeng:
Tibetan tradition: Pilgrims must come here first to “collect the invisible sacred key” before heading to Feilaisi, Xidang and Yubeng; without this blessing, the sacred path to Kawa Karpo is deemed unopened.
Myth: The white stupa was magically placed by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) from India; inner crystal veins resemble natural crystal formations, a holy relic from Tantric scriptures Lotus Born Testament.
Local custom: Walk clockwise 3 full circumambulations around the white pagoda, sprinkle white limestone powder onto the stupa to purify karmic obstacles before trekking into Yubeng.
Architecture & Layout
Compound consists of 3 parts:
Main whitewashed crystal stupa (icon landmark)
Dharma hall & guardian deity shrine
Giant outdoor prayer-wheel corridor for devotional spinning
Strings of colourful prayer flags wrap the hillside around the complex.
Position on Yubeng Classic Route
Standard inner kora sequence:
Qudengge → Feilaisi Viewpoint → Xidang → Upper/Lower Yubeng → Holy Waterfall → Binghu Ice Lake
Travel Tips
Most visitors stop here en route from Deqin to Yubeng by car (10-min drive out of Dukezong Ancient Town)
Best visit: early morning for pilgrim activity; avoid heavy rainy July-August
