Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Thirteen snow-capped peaks of the mountain stretch continuously, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, hence the name "Jade Dragon." The scenic area covers a total area of approximately 26,000 hectares, with the main peak, Shanzidou, reaching an altitude of 5,596 meters. It is one of the first 12 national key scenic spots in China. The scenic area is renowned for its "perilous, mysterious, beautiful, and elegant" features, with multiple attractions such as the Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Blue Moon Valley, and Spruce Meadow, serving as a comprehensive area integrating natural sightseeing, ethnic cultural experience, and ecological protection.
Historical Culture
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is regarded as a "sacred mountain" in the hearts of the Naxi people and other ethnic groups in Lijiang. The protective god "Sanduo" of the Naxi people is said to incarnate here. In Naxi Dongba culture, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is considered the "dwelling place of gods" and the "birthplace of all things." Mythological records about the snow mountain can be found in Dongba scriptures such as Lubanlurao and The Battle of Black and White. Xu Xiake, a geographer in the Ming Dynasty, described Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Diary of Yunnan Travel as "mountain snow, colorful and bright as brocade," vividly showcasing the grandeur of the snow mountain. Additionally, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of the first 12 national key scenic spots in China, carrying rich natural and cultural values.
Main Attractions
Glacier Park
Located on the northeast slope of Shanzidou, the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Glacier Park is the modern maritime glacier closest to the equator. Visitors can take the main cableway to the viewing platform at an altitude of 4,506 meters and hike along the plank road to 4,680 meters to closely observe glacial landforms, ice tower forests, and other landscapes. The snow here remains unmelted throughout the year, with an average summer temperature of about 5-10°C, making it a unique attraction to experience the high-altitude ice and snow world.
Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is located in the valley north of Ganhaizi and south of Spruce Meadow on the eastern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is named after the deep blue lake and the moon-shaped valley. The river in the valley is called the "White Water River" because its riverbed is composed of white limestone, resulting in pure water quality. The Blue Moon Valley consists of four lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Lanyue Lake, and Tingtao Lake. The lakes are crystal clear, with beautiful reflections of the snow mountains, earning it the reputation of "Little Jiuzhaigou."
Ganhaizi
Ganhaizi is an alpine meadow on the eastern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters. It was originally a glacial lake and gradually dried up into an alpine meadow due to the rising snow line. It is one of the best locations to overlook the entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering a broad view where all 13 snow-capped peaks of the mountain can be seen simultaneously. It is also a popular spot for camping and photography.
Spruce Meadow
Spruce Meadow, at an altitude of 3,240 meters, is a forest meadow on the eastern side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In the Naxi language, it is called "Wulukou Cuige," meaning "the place of love suicide in Jade Dragon Mountain," and is said to be where the first pair of Naxi lovers committed suicide. The scenic area is dense with spruce forests and gentle meadows, accessible by a small cableway. It is suitable for walking and breathing fresh air, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility of the virgin forest and alpine meadow.
Food
Lijiang Baba
A traditional specialty snack in Lijiang, available in sweet and salty flavors. The sweet baba is made from wheat flour, sugar, and lard, baked to have a crispy outer skin and soft inner filling. The salty baba is added with ham, scallions, etc., with a savory taste. It can be tasted in restaurants around Lijiang Old Town and the scenic area, and is best served with butter tea.
Yak Beef Jerky
Made from yak meat from the high-altitude pastures around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it is processed through curing and air-drying, resulting in a firm and chewy texture, rich in protein and amino acids. It comes in various flavors such as spicy, five-spice, and cumin, and is a popular souvenir among tourists, available in scenic area shops and downtown Lijiang.
Butter Tea
A traditional beverage of the Tibetan and Naxi ethnic groups, made from butter, brick tea, salt, etc., through stirring. It has a rich and mellow taste and the effect of keeping warm and replenishing energy, especially suitable for high-altitude areas. Authentic butter tea can be experienced in ethnic characteristic restaurants around Blue Moon Valley and Ganhaizi.
Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
A classic Yunnan cuisine composed of soup, sliced meat, rice noodles, and vegetables. The soup is boiled for hours with big bones and old hens, and raw sliced meat, vegetables, and rice noodles are successively added to the hot soup bowl, resulting in a fresh and smooth taste. Many restaurants in Lijiang Old Town and the downtown area offer crossing-the-bridge rice noodles, with sufficient portions suitable for family sharing.
Tickets
The entrance ticket to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area is 100 yuan per person.
Glacier Park Cableway (excluding entrance ticket): 140 yuan per person.
Spruce Meadow Cableway (excluding entrance ticket): 60 yuan per person.
Yak Pasture Cableway (excluding entrance ticket): 65 yuan per person.
Group tours (including entrance tickets) start from 99 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "丽江旅游集团" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online. As of May 19, 2025, the public account only provides ticket purchasing for play items and group tours, and entrance tickets need to be purchased at the scenic area entrance.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round, with daily opening hours from 07:30 to 16:30 (entry stops at 16:30). The main and small cableways operate from 08:00 to 17:00, and open attractions such as Blue Moon Valley and Ganhaizi can be visited all day. The specific opening hours may be adjusted due to weather or seasons, so it is recommended to check official notifications before traveling.
Tour Routes
Classic one-day tour route: Depart from Lijiang downtown at 07:30, arrive at Ganhaizi after about 40 minutes by car, and enjoy the panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (08:00-09:00); then go to Blue Moon Valley and take a sightseeing car to visit the four lakes (09:30-11:30), where you can walk or cycle around the lake; have lunch at a restaurant near Blue Moon Valley; take the main cableway to Glacier Park at 13:00 and hike the viewing platform from 4,506 meters to 4,680 meters (13:30-15:30); return to the foot of the mountain at 16:00, go to Spruce Meadow to take the small cableway, and walk through the meadow and spruce forest (16:00-17:00); end the trip and return to downtown at 17:30.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take bus route 7 (Snow Mountain Special Line) from downtown Lijiang to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. The fare is 15 yuan per person, with departures from 07:00 to 16:00 every 30 minutes.
- Self-driving: Start from Lijiang Old Town and drive along the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tourism Special Line (S308 Provincial Road). The whole journey is about 35 kilometers, and the driving time is 40 minutes. The scenic area has a large parking lot with a parking fee of 20 yuan per day.
- Charter/Pool Car: The round-trip charter fee from downtown is about 300-400 yuan, and the pool car is about 80-100 yuan per person. It can be flexibly arranged according to the itinerary, suitable for groups traveling together or tourists with elderly people and children.
- Group Tour: Major travel agencies in Lijiang offer one-day tour routes to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including entrance tickets, transportation, guides, and equipment such as oxygen cylinders, with prices ranging from 400-600 yuan per person, which is worry-free and convenient.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Glacier Park: Take the main cableway to an altitude of 4,680 meters, challenge high altitude, closely observe modern glaciers, and feel the shock of "commanding a sweeping view of all mountains."
- Blue Moon Valley: The blue lake is like a gem, forming a beautiful picture with the snow mountains and forests, suitable for photography and leisurely walking. The sightseeing car fare is 50 yuan per person.
- Ganhaizi: The best viewing spot for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you can photograph the panoramic view of the snow mountain and the alpine meadow scenery, free of charge.
Tour Tips
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: The main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has a high altitude. It is recommended to take Hongjingtian one week in advance. Oxygen cylinders (60 yuan per can) and down jackets (50 yuan per piece) are available for rent at the scenic area entrance, and spares are recommended.
- Clothing Equipment: The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. Long-sleeved jackets are needed in summer, and down jackets in winter. Wear non-slip sports shoes for hiking, and avoid high heels or sandals.
- Time Arrangement: It is recommended to start early to avoid peak crowds. Main cableway tickets need to be reserved in advance. Priority is given to the morning period when the weather is clear and the view is better.
- Environmental Protection: The vegetation in the scenic area is fragile. Please do not trample on the meadow or pick plants at will, and throw garbage into designated trash cans.
Notes
- Respect for Customs: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain of the Naxi people. Please do not make loud noises or show disrespectful behaviors during the tour, and camping or climbing in non-designated areas is prohibited.
- Safety Tips: The plank roads in the Glacier Park are slippery, so pay attention to anti-slip measures. If you experience altitude sickness symptoms such as dizziness or nausea, stop activities immediately and inhale oxygen. Go to the scenic area medical office if necessary.
- Ticket Notice: Both entrance tickets and cableway tickets are real-name system, and original ID cards need to be carried for verification. Children, the elderly, people with disabilities, etc., can enjoy ticket discounts and need to present relevant documents in advance.
- Weather Concern: The weather in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is changeable, with more rain in summer and more snow in winter. Check the weather forecast before traveling to avoid climbing in extreme weather.