Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

Chinese Name:玉龙雪山
Best Seasons: November to March
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days
Opening Hours: 6:00-18:00 (May 1st to Oct. 31st); 6:30-18:00 (Nov. 1st to Apr. 30)
Key Words:National AAAAA Tourist Attraction，Natural Alpine Zoo & Botanical Garden，Present Glaciers Museum
Location:about 20 kilometers north from the center of Lijiang, and only about 11 kilometers north from the Baisha Quarter area. It is in northwestern Yunnan Province.（丽江北方20公里处，距离白沙区11公里）
Altitude:5,600 meters

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Why is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain So Special?

Located between 100.04′-100.16’east longitude and 27.03′-27.40′ north latitude, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain) is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), the mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name.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.

Main Attractions in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?

Highlights

Since Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a hot tourist place, it has a series of highlights to make your tour here an unforgettable memory, such as the Blue- Moon Valley, the Glacier Park, the Spruce Plateau, Ganhaizi, Dongba culture, Impression Lijiang, and Baisha Mural, etc. Just go and explore it!

Blue-Moon Valley (White Water River)

There is an extremely blue river meandering through a lush valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Seen from a distance, it resembles a blue crescent moon inlaid at the foot of the mountain. That’s how this place got its beautiful name – Blue Moon Valley. However, blue is not the only looking of the river. If it rains, the white mud and limestone rubbles at the riverbed will be swirl up, making the water as white as milk. Therefore, local Naxi people name it White Water River (Baishui River)

The White Water River is converged by the melted snow and ice running down from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The water is freezing; even in summer, people still cannot bear the piercing cold when they can’t help dabbling in the river. But it is a favorite iced drink in summer. Legend has it that, when two Naxi youngsters fall in love, the boy will be tested by standing barefoot in the cold river in winter to show his committed love for the girl. Folks believe that this tested love will last forever in the presence of the holy snow mountain. So, the river is considered the Love River in local people’s mind.

The Glacier Park

The Glacier Park Cableway is the highest cableway in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the mountain of lowest latitude in Eurasia that has present glaciers, so you can see maybe for the first time the various kinds of present glaciers and the remnants of ancient glaciers that are the essence of the global glaciers. Moreover, you will be amazed at the very charming scenery of the various shapes of serac pillars at the end of the glaciers, which shows blue and green under the sunshine and called the “Green Snow Peaks”. And you can see this wonderful view by taking the tramway up to the park at 4680 m.

Spruce Meadow

The Spruce Meadow Cableway can reach to 3200 meters of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Spruce Meadow is also called the “Third Country for dying for love”, and according to the materials of Dongba, one person can live without worry in the “Jade Dragon Third Country” for the abundant beautiful clothes, delicious food, etc. And if a couple die for love at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, their souls will go to this “country” and live happily. So it is famous worldwide as the place for dying for love.

Yak Meadow

After one hour driving of the sightseeing bus from Ganhaizi Meadow, you can arrive in Yak Meadow Parking Lot and take the Yak Meadow Chairlift to Yak Meadow. Yak Meadow at the northern edge of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has different but various picturesque sightseeing in each season. Here you can both appreciate the splendid image of the snow mountain at the best position, and see the local people driving their domestic animals up to the mountain. You can feel the original and simple life in this great place

Impression Lijiang Show

The Impression Lijiang is a large-scale live-action performance directed by the world famous director Zhang Yimou who is the chief director of both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games held in Beijing in 2008. 500 local people from 10 minority nationalities perform this amazing show at the height of 3100 m. This show provides you a “BOOM” to your eyes and ears, with their wonderful dancing and singing and the unique fine background of the white Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as well as the blue sky.

Watching this great performance, you can know Lijiang from many aspects. The gallant men, respectable women, emotion to life and nature, historical scene on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, love to different people, hope for the sacred kingdom, and the sincere heart to the heaven, etc. all express the pure, hospitality and optimism of the local people in Lijiang.

Yulong Skiing Resort in Yunnan 玉龙雪山滑雪场
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xue Shan), located near Lijiang, is the southernmost glacier found in the northern hemisphere. Its tallest peak has an altitude of 5,596 meters, which is said to be the world’s most difficult climb and thus to this day remains a virgin peak. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 4500m to 4700m and covered in snow all-year-long.Featuring excellent snow quality and long snow season, it attracts countless ski lovers from all over the world. In order to provide the best conditions, the resort bought snowmaker from the United States and snow grooming machine from Canada.

The Best Time To Visit The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is during autumn and winter, especially in January, February and April, when the sky is clear and you can have a better view of the snow mountain the beautiful natural scenery.

Where to stay in Lijiang

Baisha Holiday Resort Lijiang, invested by Yunnan Exploration Travel, is located in Baisha Ancient Town in the Eastern Himalayas of Yunnan Province, in a plush valley at 2450m elevation, at the foothills of majestic, snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Admission Fee:￥230

Opening Hours:6:00-18:00 (May 1st to Oct. 31st); 6:30-18:00 (Nov. 1st to Apr. 30)

Attraction Transportation:Because there is no public bus, tourists need to charter a taxi / car/ mini-van or carpool together from the downtown area. The distance is around 10 miles (15 kilometers). It takes around 40 minutes. The round-trip charter rate is around CNY 200.

Recommended Route to Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Classic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area Route

Enjoy the charming natural landscape and the grand view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at Ganhaizi, and take the tramway to appreciate the wonder of the “Green Glacier Peaks” at the Glacier Park. Then go to the Blue-Moon Valley to see the crystal clear water. After that, enjoy yourself in the natural paradise in Spruce Meadow and the best scenery of the snow mountain. Then, watch the magnificent Impression Show at the outdoor theater in Ganhaizi or Blue-Moon Valley. (For about a half to 1 day)

In-depth Huge Jade Dragon Scenic Area Route

Appreciate the natural landscape at Ganhaizi, and take the tramway to see the wonder of the “Green Glacier Peaks” at the Glacier Park. Enjoy the crystal clear water at Blue-Moon Valley. Next, have a relaxing time at the natural paradise of Spruce Meadow. Then, take the tram to Yak Meadow to see the idyllic view and the picturesque view of the snow mountain. And come down to watch the magnificent Impression Show at the outdoor theater in Ganhaizi Valley. After that, appreciate the characters and carvings of immortals of Dongba. Then, admire the historic Baisha Murals in Baisha Village. (For about 1-2 days)

Attraction Travel Tips:

Tickets and Reservations

Cable Car Tickets

Glacier Park Cable Car (登顶四千六百八十米): Tickets for the Glacier Park Cable Car, which reaches an altitude of 4680 meters, must be reserved seven days in advance via the “Lijiang Tourism Group” app. Please book according to time slots.

Yunshanping / Yak Meadow Cable Car (云杉坪/牦牛坪): Tickets for these cable cars are relatively more available and can be arranged flexibly.

Dynamic Control

During peak seasons such as the Chinese New Year and National Day holidays, there may be temporary visitor limits. It is highly recommended to book tickets for the earliest time slots.

Cable Car Ride Note

Cable car tickets must be used according to the scheduled time. Late arrivals may not be allowed to board.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Oxygen Supply

Oxygen bottles can be purchased in advance at Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城).

Adaptation Tips

Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption one to two days before your climb.

You can start using oxygen during the cable car ride. While walking on the boardwalk, take your time and walk slowly.

Emergency Measures

Free emergency oxygen is available at Parking Lot No. 3. If you feel severe discomfort, immediately descend to lower altitudes.

Recommended Gear

Essential Gear

Windproof jacket (The temperature on the mountaintop usually ranges from 0°C to 10°C year-round).

Sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 50+ (High-altitude UV rays are very strong).

Seasonal Gear

Winter and Spring: Fleece lining and warm gloves.

Summer and Autumn: Quick-dry clothing and a sun hat.

Transportation within the Scenic Area

Free Shuttle Service

To visit Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷), take the scenic area shuttle bus to the “Shuiyue Pavilion” (水月阁) stop, where you can explore by foot.

For Glacier Park (冰川公园) and Yunshanping (云杉坪), you need to transfer to the environmental protection bus.

Tips to Avoid Crowds

The temporary parking lot at Gan Haizi (甘海子) can be full during peak seasons, so it is recommended to arrive early or use public transport.

It takes approximately 40 minutes to walk through Blue Moon Valley. The use of electric carts is optional.

Additional Important Information

High Altitude Environment

The elevation in the scenic area ranges from 3000 meters to 4680 meters. It is advised to bring warm clothing and an oxygen bottle.

Main Peak – Fanziya Peak (扇子陡)

The main peak of Fanziya Peak (扇子陡), which is 5590 meters high, is a restricted climbing area. Visitors are not allowed to climb it.

Essential Items to Bring

Always bring your ID and sunscreen. As food and drinks inside the park can be expensive, it’s recommended to bring your own snacks.

Opening Hours

The scenic area is open from 5:40 AM to 4:40 PM. It’s best to leave early to avoid the peak crowd times.