Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

The highest peak, Shanzidou, rises over 18,000 feet above sea level, offering a breathtaking sight against the clear blue sky. The entrance fee is about RMB 100 (about $14) per person. For a full tour of the mountain, you will spend a full day enjoying the scenery and engaging in the several attractions the mountain has to offer.

The mountain hosts over 400 types of trees and numerous species of animals, including the rare Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. The Naxi people hold a cultural belief that Sanduo, their war god and protector, resides on the mountain, influencing numerous cultural practices.

Yulong Snow Mountain

The ideal time to visit any destination ultimately depends on your personal preferences, circumstances, or expectations - whether it’s pleasant weather, festivals, outdoor activities, or avoiding crowds.

For a well-deserved adventure, there's no destination more fitting than this cultural gem, which beautifully showcases a rich and vibrant traditional heritage.

The weather variation makes this tourism site accessible to visitors year-round, fitting perfectly into your travel plans and schedule. Each season offers something unique, so are you ready to experience the beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at its best?

As the snow melts, spring brings vibrant colors to this area. Alpine meadows and spruce forests bloom with wildflowers, filling the air with their fresh scent. This season is ideal for hiking and exploring the mountain’s diverse ecosystems. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing the contrast between the remaining snow and the dramatic landscape. 

Summer is another peak time to visit. This season brings mild temperatures and lush greenery, perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, picnics, camping, and birdwatching. Due to the influx of tourists, hotel prices will be on the rise during this season. Rain showers can also be frequent, so it’s best to plan for that, too.

Pristine snow covers the mountain during winter, transforming the landscape into a winter utopia. The snow-covered peaks and glaciers create an amusing backdrop for activities like skiing and snowboarding. If you're visiting the snow mountain on a budget, winter is the best time to visit because there are fewer tourists, and the cost of commodities and bus fares is pocket-friendly. This season is perfect for those who love winter sports or want to experience the mountain in its most iconic, snow-capped form.

Autumn casts a golden glow over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with forests turning vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Visitor numbers decrease, offering a more peaceful experience. The crisp air and clear skies make it an ideal time for sightseeing and hiking. Enjoy the tranquil beauty without the peak-season crowds of spring.

No matter the season, it offers something unique, making every visit special and epic. Whether you’re drawn to the snowy peaks of winter, the colorful blooms of spring, the lush greenery of summer, or the golden hues of autumn.

Tourists are usually fascinated by the scene at the Yulong Snow Mountain and tend to either lose their way or miss every attraction and its unique beauty. Here are some of the many fun things you can do here, as well as what to look out for during your visit.

Nestled at the base of the site, Yufeng Temple offers a peaceful retreat with its striking Tibetan Buddhist architecture. The temple’s serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks provide a spiritual and visual feast. It's the perfect spot for reflection and tranquility, and it can also serve as a resting spot if you ever get exhilarated by the activities.

Overlook the view in the Glacier Park

Glacier Park offers a stunning experience with its main attraction, Glacier No. 1. Visitors can get up close to this ancient glacier, marveling at its icy beauty amidst the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The park also provides panoramic views of the mountain and valleys, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Known for its breathtaking blue and turquoise waters, Blue Moon Valley is a haven for nature lovers. When you visit, explore the lush forests, marvel at the scenic waterfalls, and discover the unique rock formations that make this valley a photographer’s paradise. The valley’s tranquil beauty invites you to escape and reconnect with nature. If you prefer to see the Black Dragon Pool, it is approximately 25-30 kilometers (15-18 miles) away, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour by bus.

The scenic area is a hidden gem at the northern tip of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This stunning high-altitude meadow, sitting at around 3,500 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, grasslands, flowers, and ethnic villages. One of the three scenic areas accessible by cable cars is Yak Meadow, one of the highest peaks, so rainy days can be uncomfortable.

This serene meadow contrasts beautifully with the snowy peaks. Here, you can enjoy expansive grassy fields and dense spruce forests. It’s an ideal spot for picnicking, leisurely walks, and taking in the dramatic landscape, especially in autumn when the florals are beginning to burn off in awesome orange shades. The spruce meadow is relatively close to the snowy peaks, as it takes 10 to 15 minutes by cable car, which is the common mode of transport within the sightseeing area.

The Impression Lijiang Show

The show is a must-see cultural spectacle set against the stunning backdrop of snowy peaks. Directed by Zhang Yimou, it immerses you in the traditions of local ethnic groups through mesmerizing music, dance, and visuals. With over 500 performers and breathtaking natural scenery, the show offers a unique, high-altitude experience that connects you deeply with the region's rich cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Lijiang.

Hiking map of Yulong Snow Mountain

If you're looking to enjoy the thrilling experience of hiking here, consider these routes for an unforgettable experience.

After entering the scenic area, you'll reach the visitor center. From there, take a 20-minute shuttle bus to the Glacier Park cable car ticket office, then take the cable car, which takes about 10 minutes. Upon arrival, you'll be at an altitude of 4,506 meters. You will need to hike for approximately 30 minutes to reach the 4,680-meter observation deck.

Take the shuttle bus to the Spruce Meadow Cable Car ticket office. The entire process takes about 40 minutes. Once you board the cable car, you'll reach your destination, the Spruce Meadow, in 10 minutes. You can freely explore the open meadow here. Afterward, return to the cableway. If you prefer, you can take the time to explore Blue Moon Valley, which is near the cableway, at your own pace before heading back to the tourist center.

Take the scenic shuttle bus to Blue Moon Valley, then transfer to another bus to the Yak Meadow Cable Car ticket office, a process that takes about 50 minutes in total. The cable car ride to Yak Meadow takes around 20 minutes. Similar to Spruce Meadow, Yak Meadow is an open grassland with many grazing livestock. Therefore, we recommend choosing either Yak Meadow or Spruce Meadow for your visit. Additionally, the Spruce Meadow cable car has enclosed cabins, while the Yak Meadow cable car is open-air.

The easiest option is to take a shuttle bus that runs directly from Lijiang Bus Station at Lijiang Old Town. The journey takes about 50 minutes. However, for a more comfortable and personalized experience, we recommend booking a private car and guide through our service. This allows for a flexible schedule and a more tailored trip.

• Acclimate to the altitude: The accessible altitude of this mountain is 4,500 meters (about 14,000 feet), which can cause altitude sickness. Spend a day or two in Lijiang (which is at a lower altitude) to acclimate before heading up the mountain. So to properly acclimate to the altitude, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider taking altitude sickness medication and buying an oxygen canister at the base or in Lijiang if you’re prone to it.
• Pack appropriately for the season: The need to pack appropriately cannot be overemphasized. It is advisable that you pack your bags in consideration of the season in which you'll be visiting and ensure you don't forget to keep thick clothes regardless of the season you are visiting, as it tends to get cold if you consider taking the Cable Car Rides even in summer. So prepare in accordance with the season you are visiting and as a pro-tip, wear sturdy, non-slip hiking boots or shoes suitable for walking on snow and ice.
• Book Your Tickets In Advance: If you're planning a trip in the summer, ensure to book your tickets from the local travel guide before arrival because cable car tickets, especially to Glacier Park, can sell out quickly during busy times. Book in advance with us to ensure you don’t miss out.