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 stretch continuously across the mountain, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, hence the name "Yulong" (Jade Dragon). The total area of the scenic area is approximately 26,000 hectares, with its main peak, Shanzidou, reaching an altitude of 5,596 meters. It is one of the first 12 national key scenic spots in China. Renowned for its "danger, uniqueness, beauty, and elegance," the scenic area boasts attractions such as Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Blue Moon Valley, and Spruce Meadow. It is a comprehensive scenic area integrating natural sightseeing, ethnic cultural experience, and ecological protection.
History and Culture
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is regarded as the "sacred mountain" by the Naxi people and other ethnic groups in Lijiang. "Sanduo," the patron saint of the Naxi people, is believed to embody here. In the Dongba culture of the Naxi people, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is considered a "residence of gods" and the "cradle of all things." Myths about the snow mountain are recorded in Dongba classics such as Luban Lurao and The Battle Between Black and White. Xu Xiake, a geographer of the Ming Dynasty, described Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in his Travel Diary of Yunnan as "mountain snow shining brightly like a colorful brocade," vividly depicting the grandeur of the snow mountain. Additionally, as one of China’s first 12 national key scenic spots, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain carries rich natural and cultural values.
Major Attractions
Glacier Park
Glacier Park is situated on the northeastern slope of Shanzidou, the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is the closest modern maritime glacier to the equator. Tourists can take the large cable car to reach the viewing platform at an altitude of 4,506 meters, then hike along the boardwalk to 4,680 meters to enjoy close-up views of glacial landforms and ice pinnacle forests. The park is covered with snow all year round, with an average temperature of 5-10°C in summer, making it a unique spot to experience a 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 gets its name from the deep blue color of its water and the moon-like curve of the valley. The river in the valley is called "White Water River" because its riverbed is made of white limestone and its water is pure. Blue Moon Valley consists of four lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake. The crystal-clear water reflects the snow-capped mountains, creating a delightful scene, and it is known as the "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. Originally an alpine glacial lake, it gradually dried up and turned into an alpine meadow as the snow line rose. It is one of the best spots to overlook the entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering a broad view where visitors can see all 13 snow-capped peaks at once. It is also a popular location 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 "Wulu Youcui Ge," which means "the place for lovers to die for love in Jade Dragon Mountain." Legend has it that it is where the first pair of Naxi lovers died for their love. The scenic area is covered with dense spruce forests and gentle meadows. Visitors can reach it via a small cable car, and it is ideal for strolling, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the tranquility of the primeval forest and alpine meadow.
Yak Meadow
Located on the back of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yak Meadow is an important testament to the integration of Tibetan and Naxi cultures, and it is a typical meadow pasture. Visitors can take a cable car directly to this spot.
Tour Routes
Classic One-Day Tour Route: Depart from downtown Lijiang at 07:30 in the morning, and arrive at Ganhaizi after about 40 minutes by car to enjoy the panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (08:00-09:00); then head to Blue Moon Valley and take a sightseeing bus to visit the four lakes (09:30-11:30), where you can walk or ride a bike around the lakes; have lunch at a restaurant near Blue Moon Valley at noon; take the large cable car to Glacier Park at 13:00 in the afternoon, and hike to visit the viewing platforms between 4,506 meters and 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 cable car, and stroll through the meadow and spruce forest (16:00-17:00); end the trip and return to downtown at 17:30.
Travel Tips
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: The main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at a relatively high altitude. It is recommended to take Hongjingtian (a traditional Chinese herbal supplement for altitude adaptation) one week in advance. There are rental points for oxygen tanks (60 yuan per tank) and down jackets (50 yuan per piece) at the entrance of the scenic area, and it is advisable to prepare spares.
- Clothing and Equipment: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area. Long-sleeved jackets are needed in summer, and down jackets are required in winter; wear non-slip sports shoes for hiking, and avoid high-heeled shoes or sandals.
- Time Arrangement: It is recommended to set off early to avoid peak crowds. Tickets for the large cable car need to be booked in advance, and morning time slots are preferred as the visibility is better on clear days.
- Environmental Protection: The vegetation in the scenic area is fragile. Do not trample on the meadows or pick plants at will, and dispose of garbage in designated trash cans.
Notes
- Respect Customs: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain for the Naxi people. Do not make loud noises or behave disrespectfully during the tour, and camping or climbing in non-designated areas is prohibited.
- Safety Reminder: The boardwalks in Glacier Park are slippery, so pay attention to anti-slip measures; if symptoms of altitude sickness such as dizziness or nausea occur, stop activities immediately, take oxygen, and go to the scenic area’s medical room if necessary.
- Ticket Information: Both scenic area tickets and cable car tickets are real-name system, so you must bring your original ID card for verification. Children, the elderly, people with disabilities and other eligible groups can enjoy ticket discounts, and relevant certificates must be presented in advance.
- Weather Attention: The weather at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is changeable, with frequent rains in summer and heavy snow in winter. Check the weather forecast before traveling and avoid mountain climbing in extreme weather.
Transportation
- Bus: Take Bus Line 7 (Snow Mountain Special Line) from downtown Lijiang directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. The fare is 15 yuan per person, and buses run from 07:00 to 16:00, with one bus every 30 minutes.
- Self-Driving: Depart from Lijiang Ancient Town, drive along the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tourist Special Line (Provincial Highway S308), with a total distance of about 35 kilometers and a driving time of 40 minutes. The scenic area has a large parking lot, and the parking fee is 20 yuan per day.
- Chartered Car/Shared Car: The round-trip cost of a chartered car from downtown is about 300-400 yuan, and the cost of a shared car is about 80-100 yuan per person. The schedule can be arranged flexibly, which is suitable for groups of people or tourists traveling with the elderly and children.
- Group Tour: Major travel agencies in Lijiang offer one-day tour routes to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including tickets, transportation, tour guides, and equipment such as oxygen tanks. The price is about 400-600 yuan per person, which is convenient and worry-free.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round, with daily opening hours from 07:30 to 16:30 (admission stops at 16:30). The large and small cable cars operate from 08:00 to 17:00. Open attractions such as Blue Moon Valley and Ganhaizi can be visited throughout the day. The specific opening hours may be adjusted due to weather or seasons, so it is recommended to check the official notice before traveling.
Tickets
The ticket for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area is 100 yuan per person.
The ticket for Glacier Park Cable Car (excluding the scenic area ticket) is 140 yuan per person.
The ticket for Spruce Meadow Cable Car (excluding the scenic area ticket) is 60 yuan per person.
The ticket for Yak Meadow Cable Car (excluding the scenic area ticket) is 65 yuan per person.
Group tours (including scenic area tickets) start from 99 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area "丽江旅游集团" to get the latest updates or book tickets online. As of May 19, 2025, this public account only provides ticket booking functions for tourist activities and group tours, and does not offer ticket booking for the scenic area itself. You need to purchase the scenic area ticket at the entrance or other ticketing platforms.