How to Get to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Lijiang

This article is about the transportation between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountains (玉龙雪山) are a small group of peaks close to the city of Lijiang. The nearest slope is only about 30 kilometers north of the Dayan Ancient City District, and the mountain can be clearly seen from the Black Dragon Pool next to the ancient district.

How to Get to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Lijiang?

By Bus

Take a bus at Yuhe Parking Lot near the northern gate of Lijiang Old Down. You can buy the ticket in Tourist Service Center at the northern end of Lanhua Street, opposite Tianyu Hotel. The bus leaves for the Snow Mountain at 8:30 and returns at 16:30; the bus fare costs CNY 40 per person.

In Red Sun Square of Lijiang, you can take a tour bus to Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area. The No. 7 Bus  can get to Red Sun Square.  There is a shift almost every hour. The price of No. 7 bus is 15 yuan per person.

No.7 Bus

Stops: Department Store – Red Sun Square – Heilongtan – Spruce Pine

By Taxi

If the taxi (one way) does not exceed 30 yuan, it will arrive in less than 20 minutes. But if it’s a chartered car, because the driver is waiting for you at the foot of the mountain, it’s usually around 150 yuan.

Self-Driving

  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
  • Route: Take the G214 road from Lijiang to the scenic area.
  • Details: If you have a rental car, driving allows you to explore at your own pace. Make sure to have a GPS or map app for directions.
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train

Lijiang Day Tour by World’s First Panoramic Sightseeing Train

Traveling by train offers a unique experience! Imagine sipping afternoon tea while watching beautiful landscapes pass by, like scenes from a movie. This train in Lijiang features nearly 2-meter-high windows and is billed as the world’s most beautiful panoramic mountain tourist train, meeting all your expectations for a perfect train trip.

Basic Facts of the Sightseeing Train

  • Route: Lijiang Old Town → Baisha Ancient Town → Yushui Village → Dongba Valley → Ganhaizi Meadow → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Length: 20.5 km (12.7 mi)
  • Maximum Speed: 70 km/h (43 mph)
  • Maximum Capacity: 351 passengers
  • Cost: CNY 3.075 billion
  • Opening Date: End of 2022

The train is part of Line 1 of the Lijiang Rail Transit Network and will operate from the Lijiang Old Town Tourist Center to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It promises a new travel experience through picturesque canyons, meadows, ancient towns, alpine lakes, and majestic snow-capped mountains.

Exterior and Interior Facilities of the Sightseeing Train

The train’s exterior is primarily blue, inspired by the crystal-clear Blue Moon Lake at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It features a super-large curved front window and 1.9-meter (6.2-foot) high side windows, with a transparent curved glass roof that allows for open, bright interiors and expansive views.

Notably, the train’s large side windows have electric dimming capabilities, adjusting the glass color based on outside sunlight intensity, ensuring passengers are protected from excessive glare while enjoying the scenery.

The interior is decorated with Dongba script and Naxi art patterns, immersing passengers in local culture. Each compartment has three spacious and comfortable seats in a row, offering a great experience of connecting with nature as the train travels through the mountains.

Tips:

  • Tickets: Consider purchasing tickets for the scenic area in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Altitude: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at a high altitude, so take precautions if you are sensitive to altitude sickness.
  • Clothing: Dress warmly, as temperatures can be significantly cooler at the mountain compared to Lijiang.

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan