Lijiang Rail Transit Line 1 to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang Day Tour by World’s First Panoramic Sightseeing Train

Lijiang is a must-visit destination for many travelers, and if you’ve been there before, it’s worth going again. The exciting news is that the world’s first panoramic sightseeing train will soon be operational, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the comfort of a 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.

Lijiang Urban Comprehensive Rail Transit Project Phase I (Line 1)

Location and Overview: Lijiang Urban Comprehensive Rail Transit Project Phase I (Line 1) is situated on the southern foothills of Yulong Snow Mountain, within Yulong County in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. The total investment for the project is 3.07 billion yuan. The line spans 20.47 kilometers with a designed speed of 70 km/h and includes five stations: Tourist Center Station, Baisha Ancient Town Station, Yushuizhai Station, Dongba Valley Station, and Yulong Snow Mountain Station. Line 1 passed its preliminary safety assessment from October 25 to 26, 2023, and is expected to officially commence operations in December 2023.

Construction Timeline:

• December 23, 2021: The Lijiang Urban Comprehensive Rail Transit Project Phase I (Line 1), constructed by China Railway Eighth Group, completed its first rail laying, marking a significant step towards the project’s timely operation.
• August 2022: The world’s first mountain tourism sightseeing train successfully entered the Lijiang Rail Transit Line 1 on July 20, marking a new milestone for the line, which is jointly invested in by China Railway Construction, China State Railway Group, and Guangzhou Metro.
• November 29, 2022: The Lijiang sightseeing train’s Phase I project conducted an empty load trial run. The project company carried out a three-month empty load trial run in accordance with regulations, followed by safety assessments before the official operation.
• October 25-26, 2023: Line 1 passed its preliminary safety assessment.
• January 4, 2024: People’s Daily reported that Lijiang City attaches great importance to the Phase I project of the Lijiang sightseeing train, holding multiple specialized meetings for coordination and deployment. The city is urging the construction unit, Lijiang Snow Mountain Rail Transit Co., Ltd., and relevant departments to address any deficiencies in accordance with national urban rail transit regulations and accelerate ecological restoration. The line will be opened for preliminary operation upon meeting all legal and compliance conditions and receiving approval from the Lijiang Municipal Government. In the same month, the passenger code of conduct (provisional) for Lijiang Urban Comprehensive Rail Transit Project Phase I (Line 1) was released. In April, preparations for the preliminary operation were underway, and by June, the construction unit and relevant departments were being urged to address any deficiencies and complete the necessary conditions before the project’s opening. The line will proceed with preliminary operation following legal procedures and approval from the Lijiang Municipal Government.

Project Design:

The line connects major tourist attractions and passenger flow distribution points, including the Snow Mountain Tourist Center, Baisha Ancient Town, Yushuizhai, Dongba Valley, and the Ganhai Zi Service Area. It is a key route in the development of Lijiang’s rapid tourism rail transit network.

Basic Information:

The Lijiang Urban Comprehensive Rail Transit Project Phase I (Line 1) has a total length of 20.465 kilometers. It links significant tourist sites and passenger distribution points, including the Yulong Snow Mountain Tourist Center, Baisha Ancient Town, Yushuizhai, Dongba Valley, and the Ganhai Zi Service Area. The line uses 59R2 rail with a standard gauge of 1.435 meters, a standard track spacing of 4 meters, and a designed maximum speed of 70 km/h.

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.

Exceptional Scenery along the Track

This train route connects some of the most iconic cultural and natural attractions in Lijiang, allowing for fantastic photo opportunities at every stop.

1. Lijiang Old Town
   • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is the core of Lijiang’s history. Explore the Mu’s Residence, stroll along Sifang Street, and enjoy local Naxi performances. Climb Lion Mountain for a panoramic view of the town and experience its vibrant nightlife.
   • Best Things to See: Big Waterwheel, Sifang Street, Mu’s Residence, Lion Mountain, Bar Street.
   • Opening Hours: Open all day; some attractions open from 8:30 to 18:00.
   • Recommended Visit Time: One day.
   • Ticket Prices: CNY 50 (Old Town Maintenance Fee); CNY 40 (Mu’s Residence); CNY 35 (Lion Mountain).
2. Baisha Ancient Town
   • This quieter town retains the heritage of the Naxi ethnic group and features the famous Baisha Murals, created between the 14th and 17th centuries. Enjoy a coffee in an outdoor cafe while admiring the views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
   • Best Things to See: Baisha Murals, Dading Hall, Wenchang Palace.
   • Opening Hours: Open all day; Baisha Murals from 8:00 to 17:30.
   • Recommended Visit Time: 2 hours.
   • Ticket Prices: Free for the town; CNY 30 (Baisha Murals).
3. Yushui Village
   • A hidden gem at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this village is a center for Dongba culture. Visit the Sacred Dragon Waterfalls and witness the harmony between man and nature.
   • Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00.
   • Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours.
   • Ticket Prices: CNY 50; combo ticket for the Great Jade Dragon Scenic Area: CNY 204.
4. Dongba Valley
   • On the way to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this valley features waterfalls, stalactites, and unique flora and fauna. Discover Dongba culture at Dongba Square and Craftsman’s Street.
   • Opening Hours: 8:30-22:00.
   • Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours.
   • Ticket Prices: CNY 30; combo ticket for the Great Jade Dragon Scenic Area: CNY 204.
5. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
   • The northernmost major snow mountain in the northern hemisphere, it is sacred to the local Naxi people. Explore Glacier Park, take the Big Cableway, and enjoy stunning alpine meadows and lakes.
   • Best Things to See: Glacier Park, Blue Moon Valley, Spruce Meadow.
   • Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:30 (last ticket sales at 16:30).
   • Recommended Visit Time: 1 day.
   • Ticket Prices: CNY 100 (mountain); CNY 180 (Big Cableway round trip); CNY 20 (sightseeing bus); CNY 204 (combo ticket for the Great Jade Dragon Scenic Area).

This new train route not only enhances transportation in Lijiang but also enriches the travel experience, making it a fantastic opportunity to explore the area in a unique and memorable way!