Jiaozi Snow Mountain, Kunming

Chinese Name: 轿子雪山
Chinese Pinyin: Jiao Zi Xue Shan
English Name: Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Type: Snow Mountain, Natural Landscape
Altitude: 4223 m
Admission Fee: ¥ 84 (includes shuttle bus)
Visiting Hours: 1-2 Days
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
Location : 188km away from Kunming, on the border of Luquan County and Dongchuan District

 

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Why is Jiaozi Snow Mountain so special?

In winter and spring, the mountain is covered with pure white snow, with beautiful icefalls hanging from cliffs. In summer and autumn, the fragrant azalea flowers are in full blossom with bees humming and butterflies dancing around. In one word, scenery in the Jiaozi Snow Mountain is extraordinary. Enchanting lakes, magnificent waterfalls, attractive cloud sea, charming sunset, exuberant meadows, and beautiful azalea flowers will make you feel like you are stepping into a fairy tale world.

The History of Jiaozi Snow Mountain

Unlike so many places in Yunnan, Jiaozi Snow Mountain does not contain any ancient shrines or picturesque villages built centuries ago. It is a decidedly natural place, and views from its soaring peaks reveal lesser summits, green with forests or terraced farmland, rolling away to the horizon.

The area has been known as a scenic spot for centuries. More than eleven centuries ago, Yunnan was ruled by a small kingdom independent of Chinese imperial rule called Nanzhao. The sixth ruler of this fiefdom, Yi Mouxun (异牟寻), placed special significance on five mountains in his realm, declaring them the most beautiful. They included peaks called Jizu, Gaoligong, Cangshan, Wuliang, Jade Dragon and Jiaozi — the last of which the king named himself.

The area where Jiaozi Mountain sits has long been inhabited by people of the Yi minority. They are the largest ethnic population in Yunnan, known for a vibrant culture that features bullfighting in some parts fo the province, as well as the fiery Torch Festival. Tribes of Yi have called the slopes of Jiaozi Mountain home for at least 2,000 years.

Geology of Jiaozi Snow Mountain

The spectacular cliffs and bluffs making up Jiaozi Mountain were formed by volcanos pushing up through a shallow see hundreds of millions of years ago. Today the basalt rock formations — created long ago by lava flows — nurture a wide variety of plants and, in turn, wildlife.

Plants and Animals in Jiaozi Snow Mountain

The forests of Jiaozi Snow Mountain are composed of all types of pine and other evergreens, but the azalea trees are the main attraction. There are more than 30 different species, each with its own unique and dazzling flowers. The largest type of azalea on the mountain grows up to 12 meters high and has blossoms ten centimeters wide.

These woods are home to musk deer, long-legged goral, pangolin, pine martens and other medium-sized mammals. The area also contains numerous bird species, including hawks, eagles, and the spectacular Lady Amherst’s Pheasant and Crimson-bellied Tragopan. While encounters with these animals are somewhat rare, sightings by tourists are not unheard of. Happy hunting!

Climate of Jiaozi Snow Mountain

There is no particularly bad time to visit the mountain, it just depends on your preference. Snow usually begins to accumulate in November, and by mid-winter, the trees and ground are often completely covered by fluffy white banks of snow. Temperatures during this time can dip well below freezing and the wind can be intense. Make sure to dress accordingly.

The springtime thaw starts in earnest around March, and at this time the slopes of the mountain burst into color as the meadows and forests bloom with spectacular, multi-colored flowers. This is followed by the rainy season, so pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for periods of thick and ghostly fog. From August to October is the dry season, a time of endlessly temperate, cloud-free days and nights punctuated by gorgeous star-lit skies.

The Best Time To Visit Jiaozi Snow Mountain

The ideal time to visit Jiaozi Snow Mountain is from late November to March, when the mountain is covered in a blanket of snow. During this period, the rivers freeze, tree branches are coated in white frost, and the vast grasslands are hidden beneath a thick, snowy carpet. The animals are resting in their caves, and the atmosphere is incredibly tranquil and peaceful.

Jiaozi Snow Mountain by Month:

• January: The peak of winter, with thick snow covering the landscape. Perfect for snow sports and enjoying the winter beauty.
• February: Still very cold and snowy, ideal for those who enjoy the serene, snow-covered scenery and winter activities.
• March: The snow is beginning to melt slightly, but the mountain still offers stunning snow views and a peaceful environment.
• April: Snow starts to melt at lower elevations, but the mountain still retains some winter beauty, making it a great time for hiking.
• May: Spring begins, with some snow remaining at higher altitudes. The lower regions start to show signs of blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
• June: The weather warms up, and the snow is mostly gone. It’s the beginning of the summer season, offering lush landscapes and pleasant weather for hiking.
• July: A summer destination with green slopes and mild temperatures, great for outdoor activities like hiking and trekking.
• August: Still summer, with lush greenery and cool mountain air. It’s a great time for nature walks and exploring the surrounding areas.
• September: The weather starts to cool down, and the mountain begins to show signs of early autumn. A good time for trekking and nature photography.
• October: Autumn colors begin to appear, and the mountain’s foliage offers a beautiful contrast with the remaining snow on the peaks.
• November: Winter begins to return, with the first signs of snow starting to blanket the higher altitudes, making it a good time for early winter activities.
• December: The winter season sets in fully, with snow covering the mountain and creating a stunning white landscape, ideal for winter sports and scenic views.

What to See in Jiaozi Snow Mountain?

Heavenly Lake: Ringed with rocks and crystal clear, Heavenly Pond sits at an elevation of 4,150 meters. Viewed by the Yi people as a holy place, the pond bottom drops off to an astonishing 200 meters in some spots.

Waterfall Path: A series of different cascades, several of them 30 meters or taller. Each is surrounded by lush vegetation in during the warmer months and frozen solid into magnificent shapes during the winter.

Moon-shaped Cliff: A gently bowing and imposing line of cliffs. The rock formations are impressive, as is the marked change between alpine forest and highland meadow that takes place at the bluff’s edge.

Azalea Forest: An endless stand of enormous azaleas stretches across this part of the mountain. When in bloom, these trees are perhaps the most colorful part of the entire Jiaozi Snow Mountain experience.

Icefalls: Another highlight of a winter visit to Jiaozi Snow Mountain is icefalls. Seen from afar, they are like white marble sculptures differing in thousands of ways, which will take away the breath of tourists. On warm spring days, these icefalls melt and become waterfalls cascading down the mountain, which looks splendid and fascinating as well. The falls are mainly distributed at an altitude of 8,202 feet (2,500 meters) to 13,123 feet (4,000 meters), including the Double Waterfalls at the Heroes’ Slope, the Sisters Waterfall, the Flower Stream Waterfall, the waterfall at the Water Dripping Rock, the Lotus Waterfall, and the Flown-over Waterfall.

The Summit: The high point, both literally and figuratively, of a climb up Jiaozi Mountain. The peak has a sitting area where visitors can look out for dozens of kilometers in every direction and savor the accomplishment of reaching the top.

What to Do in Jiaozi Snow Moutain?

1. Exploring Camping Tours

Sleeping under the stars is an option at a dedicated campsite inside the entrance gate — the Sifangjing Visitor’s Center (四方景游客服务中心). It is free if you have your own gear. If not, a two-person tent costs 79 yuan per night. No fires — wood-burning or camp stove — are allowed.

2. Familiar Yi Ethnic Minority’s Life and Culture

The area where Jiaozi Mountain sits has long been inhabited by people of the Yi minority. They are the largest ethnic population in Yunnan, known for a vibrant culture that features bullfighting in some parts fo the province, as well as the fiery Torch Festival. Tribes of Yi have called the slopes of Jiaozi Mountain home for at least 2,000 years.

3. Enjoying Sun Rise and Set

It is also considered one of the best places in the country to see the sun rise and set, no matter the season.

Ticket Prices and Cable Car Prices for Jiaozi Snow Mountain (轿子雪山)

Ticket Prices:

• Full-price Ticket: 84 CNY, which includes 54 CNY for the entrance ticket and 30 CNY for round-trip shuttle bus.
• Discount Ticket: 57 CNY, which includes 27 CNY for the entrance ticket and 30 CNY for round-trip shuttle bus.

Cable Car Prices:

• One-way Ticket: 35 CNY per person.
• Round-trip Ticket: 70 CNY per person.

Suggested Travel Routes and Attractions

One-Day Tour:

Take the shuttle bus to Xiapingzi (下坪子), then transfer to the cable car to reach Dahei Jing (大黑菁), and begin hiking. Visit attractions such as Jinggua Pond (精怪塘), Jiao Lian (轿帘), and finally reach the summit, Jiaozi Peak (轿子顶). If you have extra time, continue to explore high-altitude lakes and the Rhododendron Sea (杜鹃花海).

Two-Day Tour:

On the first day, arrive at Zhuanlong Town (转龙镇) for rest. On the second day, follow the one-day tour route and return to Kunming (昆明) in the afternoon.

Food Recommendations

Local Restaurants:

Zhuanlong Town (转龙镇) has a variety of local restaurants where you can enjoy dishes like wild mushroom hotpot (野生菌火锅) and Yi ethnic group-style roasted meat (彝族特色烤肉).

On-site Dining:

There are small food stalls and restaurants inside the scenic area offering simple food such as grilled sausages (烤肠), instant noodles (泡面), and fried rice (炒饭).

Nearby Attractions

By Car

For those with cars or who are willing to pay a private driver, the road trip from Yunnan’s capital city of Kunming usually takes between three and four hours, depending on traffic. Cars should use the Jiaozi Mountain Dedicated Tourist Road (轿子山旅游专线). Hiring a car for up to four people for a one-day round-trip journey will cost roughly 1,000 yuan, including meals for the driver.

By Bus

There are three possibilities to get from Kunming to Jiaozi Snow Mountain by bus.
Option One: Chartered vehicles leave daily from the east gate of the Kunming International Convention and Exhibition Center at 7:30am and return at 4:30pm. A one-way ticket costs 60 yuan.
Option Two: A second choice is the bus leaving from the Yunnan Railway Museum in central Kunming. It departs at 8am and returns at 4pm. The cost for a ticket is also 60 yuan.

The Third Alternative: Hop a bus from Kunming’s North Bus Station. This public option departs hourly between 6:20am and 4:40pm. Tickets run 40 yuan per person.
Please note: This option will not drop you at the main entrance to Jiaozi Snow Mountain. Instead, it stops at the Zhuanlong Bus Station, which is 40 kilometers south of the mountain.

From the town’s bus station, you will need to pay a further 30 yuan for a bus the rest of the way and they do not run on the weekends. If you arrive on Saturday or Sunday, instead grab a seat in a private taxi. The last leg of the journey should cost between 30 and 50 yuan per seat depending on how well you bargain.

Recommended Tours

Top 3 Jiaozi Snow Mountain tours chosen by most customers to explore Jiaozi Snow Mountain in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.

1 Day Kunming Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tour
2 Days Jiaozi Snow Mountain Hiking Tour
2 Days Kunming Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tour

Travel Tips:

1. The temperature fluctuates extremely between day and night and due to the rise of elevation on the mountain. It may be sunny during the daytime and at the foot of the mountain, but windy and cold at night or on mountain top. So, you are advised to prepare enough clothes. In addition, you should apply moisturizer and sunscreen cream for your exposed skin, and wear a pair of sunglasses in winter because the snow is quite dazzling.

2. Climbing the Jiaozi Mountain is energy-consuming, so you need to take enough food and water.

3. To climb the undeveloped mountain areas, you’d better hire a local guide who is familiar with the environment.Duration: two days
Trekking mileage: 8-10 km
Route: 190 km from Kunming; Kunming-Jiaozi Mt (Luquan County), or Kunming-Tanfang Village (Dongchuan District)