Xueling Peak (4334 Meters) of Gongwangshan Mountain in Kunming
Overview
Xueling Peak (雪岭) is located between Jiaozi Snow Mountain (轿子雪山) and Jiulong Scenic Area (九龙风景区). Known as the “First Peak of Central Yunnan,” Xueling stands at an elevation of 4,344 meters, making it the main peak of Gongwangshan Mountain (拱王山). The peak is covered in snow for much of the year.
- Chinese Name: 雪岭
- English Name: Setsurei
- Location: Dongchuan District, Kunming City (昆明市东川区)
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
- Famous Attractions: Glacial landforms, vast fields of rhododendrons, alpine lakes, and colorful waterfalls
- Elevation: 4,344 meters
Geographical Features
Xueling Peak is characterized by its steep terrain and significant vertical climate variations. The unique glacial landforms, extensive rhododendron fields, high-altitude lakes, and multicolored waterfalls combine to create the breathtaking scenery of the “First Peak of Central Yunnan.”
Name Origin
According to historical records, the name “Xueling” first appeared in the “Dongchuan Prefecture Chronicle” during the Qing Dynasty’s Yongzheng era, where it was referred to as “Xueshan” (雪山). Many legends surround Xueling, one of which claims that the mountain features five peaks, with the highest being Luomi Peak (露觅峰). This peak reportedly grows upward periodically but is struck by lightning each time it does, leading to Xueling also being known as “Thunderstrike Mountain” (雷打山).
Plant Characteristics
Xueling spruce (雪岭云杉) is a unique tree species found in the Tianshan Mountain forest region. Towering and evergreen, this species thrives in the heart of Tianshan, forming a green wall along the mountainside. The leaves are needle-shaped and slightly curved, while the cones are elongated and brown. It is believed that Xueling spruce migrated from the Tibetan Plateau over 40 million years ago, becoming exclusive to the northwest of China and remaining among the most spectacular trees in the area.
Over 90% of the forest in the Tianshan area is populated by Xueling spruce. In the mid-mountain belt at elevations of 1,400–2,700 meters, Xueling spruce forms a continuous chain of peaks. It often coexists with tall broadleaf forests, creating lush and colorful scenery.
The Nalati Mountains (那拉提山) by the Ili River is one of the most prosperous areas for Xueling spruce. The warm and humid climate promotes rapid growth, dense forests, and high timber yields. Here, Xueling spruce trees can reach heights of 50–60 meters, with growth rings exceeding 300-400 years. Their narrow crowns and robust, straight trunks resemble giant umbrellas rising from the ground, layer upon layer. Each hectare can produce over 1,000 cubic meters of timber, making this original forest a rare sight worldwide and a highlight of Tianshan.
Each Xueling spruce acts as a miniature reservoir, with a highly developed root system that requires only rainfall and adapts to various soil types. Over time, these strong roots can penetrate rock and soil, with some resembling lions or squid. Thanks to this extensive root network, each mature spruce can store up to 2.5 tons of water. The water vapor released by the spruce is 50% more than that of the same latitude and area of the ocean, contributing to rain formation. Therefore, the vast area of Xueling spruce is an invaluable water conservation area.
Xueling spruce is a premium timber known for its lightness and straight grain, making it the primary material for construction, furniture, and paper in Xinjiang (新疆).
Travel Tips
Xueling Peak is the highest peak in Kunming, standing at 4,344 meters, and is recognized as the main peak of Gongwangshan Mountain. The second highest peak is Mazong Ridge (马鬃岭) at 4,247 meters, and the third is Jiaozi Snow Mountain at 4,223 meters.
- Recognition: Xueling is listed among the “Top Ten ‘Less-Known Peaks'” by China National Geography Magazine in 2009.
- Location: The scenic area is located between Jiaozi Snow Mountain and Jiulong Scenic Area, administratively part of Dongchuan District. Climbers can reach it via:
- (1) The Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tourist Line passing through Tangdian Town (倘甸镇), Hongtudi Town (红土地镇), and Xiaoguang Bridge (晓光桥) to Xincanfang Village (新碳房村). This route offers scenic views of the Hongtudi area.
- (2) The highway to the Dongchuan District government (Tongdu Town) (铜都镇), then to Tangdan Town (汤丹镇) and along the old copper mine road to Xiaoguang Bridge and Xincanfang Village. Some sections of the copper mine road run along cliffs, so those with a fear of heights should take caution.
- (3) The highway to Tongdu Town, then from Batang Reservoir along the Fawu Road (法乌公路) is also an option.
- Trekking: Starting from Xincanfang Village at an elevation of 2,700 meters, trekkers can traverse Xueling, Mazong Ridge, and Jiaozi Snow Mountain, gaining an elevation of 1,500-1,600 meters. This ascent is approximately 300 meters higher than the hike from Haba Village’s second campsite (4100 meters) to the summit of Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山). Based on my experiences on both treks, aside from altitude sickness, the physical exertion of hiking Xueling is comparable to that of Haba Snow Mountain, if not greater.
- Guides and Supplies: Xueling and Mazong Ridge are undeveloped outdoor areas, requiring a guide and bringing your own food supplies.
- Flora: The mountain features large trees of rhododendrons, rare green gentians, and low-quality agate stones.
- Transportation: There are no direct buses from Kunming to Xincanfang Village. It is advisable to take a bus to Hongtudi Town from Kunming and then find a microbus to Xincanfang Village. The distance from Hongtudi Town to Xincanfang Village is about 160 kilometers (approximately 4 hours), and from Hongtudi to Xincanfang takes about 40 minutes. There is a lamb restaurant in Hongtudi Town known for its excellent flavor, particularly the dipping sauce, which is quite authentic. I enjoyed it very much when I worked there over a decade ago.
