In Naxi legend, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is regarded as the embodiment of the “Three Gods,” which makes it a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people.
The mountain is known for its vertical climate distribution, resulting in a rich variety of vegetation and natural scenery. At the foot of the snow-capped peaks lies alpine meadows where yaks roam peacefully beside vast primitive forests. The air is often filled with the melodious songs of Tibetan girls coming from the wooden houses in the distance. Visitors can also admire glaciers, canyons, and waterfalls, along with blooming rhododendrons that unfold at different elevations throughout the seasons.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the highest mountain range in the Yulong Mountain Range, and it is notable for being the lowest latitude high mountain with modern glacier distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. The range consists of 13 peaks, all rising above 5,000 meters, with the main peak, Fanzi Peak, towering at 5,596 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Yunnan Province. Due to its steep and majestic slopes, only the ethereal clouds and mist can approach its summit, which remains an untamed “virgin peak” that has yet to be conquered. This has sparked endless imagination and curiosity among adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Travel Information about Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Entrance: 100 CNY
- Big Cable Car: 120 CNY
- Small Cable Car: 40 CNY
- Medium Cable Car: 45 CNY
Opening Hours:
- Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is from February to June each year, as this period showcases the revival of flora and the grandeur of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks. For those seeking pure snow mountain views, winter is the best season. However, from June to October, the region experiences the rainy season, which can affect visibility.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Approximately 15 kilometers north of Lijiang.
Chartered Car: Many visitors opt to hire a car to reach the Ganhaizi Visitor Center, which takes about 40 minutes and costs between 200 to 300 CNY.
Bus: A direct bus to Ganhaizi leaves daily at 9:00 AM, with a ticket price of 40 CNY per person. Buses can be boarded around the ancient town, and tickets are available at the Yuhe Corridor, Passenger Center Station, and High-speed Bus Station.
Scenic Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★★
Highlights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ganhai Zi
Ganhai Zi, the first scenic spot upon entering the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain area, is a breathtaking natural meadow and pastureland situated at an elevation of over 3,100 meters. Stretching 4 kilometers, this expansive grassland is adorned with vast plains, clusters of pine trees, and an array of vibrant wildflowers, creating a picturesque oasis that feels like a paradise.
As the visitor center for the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, Ganhai Zi serves as a key stop for the shuttle buses. Here, you’ll find a range of tourist facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. The area also boasts recreational amenities such as a golf course and the Blue Moon Valley Theater, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Impression Lijiang
“Impression Lijiang” is a spectacular large-scale outdoor performance directed by the renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The show is divided into six distinct segments: “Ancient Trail and Horse Caravan,” “Toasting the Snow Mountain,” “Heaven on Earth,” “Dancing Songs,” “Drum Dance for the Sky,” and “Blessing Ceremony.” This immersive production primarily focuses on storytelling while incorporating a wealth of cultural elements from the Naxi and Mosuo ethnic groups, allowing every audience member to experience emotions like never before.
Performance Schedule: The show takes place daily at 13:20 (subject to change during the rainy season or in adverse weather conditions). Each performance lasts for 60 minutes.
Location: The venue is the Blue Moon Valley Theater, situated in Ganhai Zi, within the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, near Lijiang City.
Glacier Park
After enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Ganhai Zi, visitors can take a 15-minute ride on the large cable car to Glacier Park. The cable car departs from the meadow at an elevation of 3,000 meters, traversing through tall and majestic pine and fir trees. As the cable car ascends, the dense forest gradually gives way to shrubbery and clusters of rhododendrons. Upon reaching over 4,000 meters, only mosses clinging to the rocky cliffs can be seen, eventually leading to a vast expanse of ice and snow.
The main attraction of Glacier Park is its extensive glaciers, which encompass a variety of types, making it a true “world of eternal ice and snow.” The most famous glacier here is the “White Water No. 1” glacier, located at the base of the main peak, Fanzi Peak, of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It resembles a frozen waterfall cascading down the mountain, appearing like a massive ice emerald set among rugged stones.
At the top of the cable car, there is a boardwalk that allows visitors to hike further up, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,680 meters for those with good stamina.
Useful Tips:
To avoid long queues, it is advisable to purchase the cable car tickets for the next day while exploring Lijiang Ancient City. Same-day tickets are typically sold out, and tickets for the following day start selling at 12:00 PM. It’s best to buy them around noon to avoid long lines. There are three ticket offices on the street leading from the Xinjie Street to the Sifang Street in the ancient city, but be aware that the large, small, and yak meadow cable cars are managed by different companies, so their ticket offices are separate.
Blue Moon Valley
Located about 5 kilometers north of Ganhai Zi, Blue Moon Valley is characterized by the river that flows down from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known as Baishui River. On sunny days, the river’s water appears a stunning blue, and the valley has a crescent shape, resembling a blue moon nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This enchanting feature gives the area its name, Blue Moon Valley.
As the river flows, it is obstructed by the mountains, creating four larger bodies of water: Yuyue Lake, Jingtan Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake. Surrounding these lakes are lush green trees, and the crystal-clear waters sparkle like precious gems. The clouds drift across the mountain peaks, reflecting on the lake’s surface and creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.
Within the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, Blue Moon Valley can be accessed by walking a few hundred meters downhill from the Yunshanping cable car station. Visitors typically pass through Blue Moon Valley on their way from Lijiang to Yunshangping.
Yunshanping (Spruce Plateau)
Yunshanping is located not far from Blue Moon Valley and can be accessed by hiking to the lower station of the Yunshanping cable car (the smaller cable car). The area is renowned for its breathtaking highland pastures, alpine meadows, and the beautiful love legend of the Naxi people, symbolizing their dedication to truth, beauty, and love. From a distance, Yunshanping appears as a vibrant green carpet at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. During spring and summer, the meadows bloom with colorful flowers and lush grasses, all surrounded by ancient trees, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and enchanting.
The Legend of Yunshanping
According to Naxi legend, Yunshanping is the tragic site where the first lovers of the Naxi people chose to commit suicide out of love. The couple, Kaimai and Yulepai, shared an inseparable bond, but their love was torn apart by the constraints of polygamous marriages in feudal society. Longing for a life of freedom together, they tragically took their lives on Yunshanping. Every June during the Torch Festival, young men and women from nearby villages gather to create paper figures representing Kaimai and Yulepai, coming to Yunshanping to honor their memory.
Yak Meadow (Maoniuping)
Yak Meadow is located 15 kilometers north of Yunshanping, where you can find a blend of Yi and Tibetan villages. The local residents primarily engage in pastoralism, preserving a simple and traditional way of life. The area is characterized by typical meadow landscapes, where the stunning scenery of high-altitude snowfields accompanies the flowing waters of the Heishui River, all set against the backdrop of ancient, tranquil forests, creating a layered and colorful environment.
Locals often share that the true charm of Yak Meadow lies within the valleys, far removed from crowds. There, a small lake forms from melting snow, offering a genuine escape into peaceful solitude. The scenery transforms with the seasons: spring brings vibrant flowers, summer showcases lush green grasses, autumn features rich, golden meadows, and winter blankets the landscape in a sparkling coat of snow, resembling a strikingly layered oil painting.
Useful Tips:
Due to its higher elevation compared to Yunshanping, visitors to Yak Meadow may experience mild altitude sickness, such as dizziness and shortness of breath. It’s advisable to take your time while walking and consider drinking some butter tea, which can help alleviate symptoms. At the local shops, you can enjoy barley wine, butter tea, and taste delicious roasted yak meat, enhancing your experience in this beautiful region.
Visitor Guide for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Transportation Within the Scenic Area
Eco-Friendly Shuttle Bus: Within the scenic area, visitors can take a sightseeing shuttle bus that drops off at the parking lot for the main gondola. From there, it is necessary to take an eco-friendly vehicle to reach the actual gondola station. Yak Meadow is approximately 2.5 kilometers from the main gondola parking lot, while Blue Moon Valley is about 4 kilometers away, both of which can be accessed by the eco-friendly shuttle.
Cable Cars: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain features three cable cars. The main cable car takes you directly to Glacier Park. The small cable car (Yunshanping) is located mid-mountain, offering panoramic views of the snow mountain. The medium cable car (Yak Meadow) is also situated at mid-mountain and provides a spacious area, often frequented by international tourists.
Tips for Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Prepare for Cold and Altitude Sickness: It’s essential to be ready for cold weather and the effects of high altitude. Bring high-energy snacks such as chocolate, burgers, or beef jerky to maintain your energy levels.
- Arrive Early for the Gondola: To avoid long wait times, it’s advisable to wake up early if you plan to take the gondola. While the peak season may not have many visitors in the morning, queues can get lengthy around midday and in the afternoon. Purchasing your gondola tickets a day in advance is highly recommended.
- Dress Appropriately: Generally, wearing a sweater and a jacket is sufficient. If the wind is strong, consider renting a down jacket. For those who experience altitude sickness, oxygen bags are available for rent, with a deposit ranging from 100 to 200 yuan. Keep in mind that if the oxygen bag is continuously used, it can only provide support for about three minutes.