Yulong Snow Mountain is located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The mountain consists of 13 continuous snow peaks, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, hence the name "Yulong" (Jade Dragon). The scenic area covers a total area of about 26,000 hectares, and the main peak, Shanzidou, has an elevation of 5,596 meters. It is one of China's first 12 national key scenic and historic interest areas. The scenic area is known for its "danger, wonder, beauty, and elegance," and features multiple attractions such as Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Blue Moon Valley, and Yunshanping. It is a comprehensive scenic area integrating natural sightseeing, ethnic cultural experiences, and ecological protection.
History and Culture
Yulong Snow Mountain is the "sacred mountain" in the hearts of the Naxi people and various ethnic groups in Lijiang. "Sanduo," the patron deity of the Naxi people, is believed to be incarnated here. In Naxi Dongba culture, Yulong Snow Mountain is regarded as the "dwelling place of deities" and the "origin of all things." Dongba scriptures such as "Luban Lurao" and "The Battle of Black and White" contain mythological records about the snow mountain. Xu Xiake, a geographer of the Ming Dynasty, once described Yulong Snow Mountain in "Diary of Travels in Yunnan": "The mountain snow, five colors resplendent like brocade," vividly displaying the magnificence of the snow mountain. In addition, Yulong Snow Mountain is also one of China's first 12 national key scenic and historic interest areas, carrying rich natural and cultural value.
Main Attractions
Glacier Park
Glacier Park is located on the northeast slope of the main peak Shanzidou of Yulong Snow Mountain and is the modern maritime glacier closest to the equator. Tourists can take the large cableway to the viewing platform at an altitude of 4,506 meters, then hike along the boardwalk to 4,680 meters to closely observe glacier landforms, ice pagodas, and other landscapes. It is covered with snow all year round, with an average summer temperature of about 5-10°C, making it a unique attraction for experiencing a high-altitude ice and snow world.
Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is located in the valley on the eastern slope of Yulong Snow Mountain, north of Ganhaizi and south of Yunshanping. It is named for its blue lake water and the valley shaped like a crescent moon. The river in the valley is called "Baishui River" because the riverbed is composed of white limestone and the water is pure. Blue Moon Valley consists of four lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake. The lake water is crystal clear and forms a beautiful contrast with the reflection of the snow mountain, and it is known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou."
Ganhaizi
Ganhaizi is an alpine meadow on the eastern slope of Yulong Snow Mountain, at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. It was originally an alpine glacial lake and gradually dried up into an alpine meadow as the snow line rose. This is one of the best places to look up at the full view of Yulong Snow Mountain. With a wide field of vision, visitors can simultaneously view the 13 snow peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain. It is also a popular spot for camping and photography.
Yunshanping
Yunshanping, at an altitude of 3,240 meters, is a forest meadow on the eastern side of Yulong Snow Mountain. In the Naxi language, it is called "Wulu Youcuige," meaning "the place of lovers' suicide in Yulong Mountain." Legend has it that this is where the first Naxi lovers died for love. The scenic area has dense spruce forests and gentle meadows. It can be reached by taking the small cableway and is suitable for strolling and breathing fresh air while experiencing the quiet beauty of primitive forests and alpine meadows.
Maoniuping
Located on the back side of Yulong Snow Mountain, it is an important witness to the blending of Tibetan and Naxi cultures and is a typical meadow pasture. Tourists can take the cableway directly here.
Tour Route：
Classic one-day tour route: Depart from Lijiang city at 07:30 in the morning, arrive at Ganhaizi after about a 40-minute drive, and enjoy the panoramic view of Yulong Snow Mountain (08:00-09:00); then go to Blue Moon Valley and take the sightseeing bus to tour the four lakes (09:30-11:30), where you can walk or cycle around the lakes; have lunch at a restaurant near Blue Moon Valley at noon; in the afternoon at 13:00, take the large cableway to Glacier Park and hike to the 4,506m-4,680m viewing platform (13:30-15:30); return to the foot of the mountain at 16:00 and go to Yunshanping to take the small cableway and stroll through the meadow and spruce forest (16:00-17:00); end the trip at 17:30 and return to the city.
Travel Suggestions：
Altitude sickness prevention: The main peak of Yulong Snow Mountain is at a relatively high altitude. It is recommended to take rhodiola one week in advance. At the entrance of the scenic area, there are rental points for oxygen cylinders (60 yuan/can) and down jackets (50 yuan/piece). It is recommended to carry backups.
Clothing and equipment: The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. In summer, long-sleeved jackets are needed, and in winter, down jackets are needed; wear slip-resistant sports shoes when hiking, and avoid high heels or sandals.
Time arrangement: It is recommended to set off early to avoid peak crowds. Tickets for the large cableway need to be reserved in advance. It is preferable to choose the morning time slot, as visibility is better when the weather is clear.
Environmental protection: The vegetation in the scenic area is fragile. Please do not trample on meadows or pick plants at will, and put garbage into designated trash bins.
Notes：
Respect customs: Yulong Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain of the Naxi people. Please do not make loud noises or behave disrespectfully while visiting. Camping or climbing in non-designated areas is prohibited.
Safety tips: The boardwalk in Glacier Park is slippery, so pay attention to slip prevention; if symptoms of altitude sickness such as dizziness and nausea occur, immediately stop activities and inhale oxygen, and go to the scenic area medical room if necessary.
Ticketing information: Tickets and cableway tickets are all under the real-name system, and the original ID card must be carried for verification; children, the elderly, disabled people, and others can enjoy ticket discounts, but relevant certificates must be presented in advance.
Weather attention: The weather of Yulong Snow Mountain is changeable, with more rain in summer and more snow in winter. Check the weather forecast before traveling and avoid climbing in extreme weather.
Transportation：
Bus: Take Bus No. 7 (Snow Mountain Special Line) from Lijiang city to Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area directly. The fare is 15 yuan/person. Departure time is 07:00-16:00, with one bus every 30 minutes.
Self-driving: Depart from Lijiang Ancient Town and drive along the Yulong Snow Mountain Tourist Special Line (Provincial Road S308). The total distance is about 35 kilometers, and the drive takes 40 minutes. The scenic area has a large parking lot, and the parking fee is 20 yuan/day.
Chartered car/carpooling: A round trip by chartered car in the city is about 300-400 yuan, and carpooling is about 80-100 yuan/person. It can be arranged flexibly according to the itinerary and is suitable for tourists traveling in groups or with the elderly and children.
Group tour: Major travel agencies in Lijiang offer one-day tours to Yulong Snow Mountain, including tickets, transportation, tour guide, oxygen cylinders, and other equipment. The price is about 400-600 yuan/person, which is convenient and worry-free.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, with daily opening hours of 07:30-16:30 (last entry at 16:30). The large cableway and small cableway operate from 08:00-17:00. Open attractions such as Blue Moon Valley and Ganhaizi can be visited all day. Specific opening hours may be adjusted due to weather or season. It is recommended to check official notices before traveling.
Tickets：
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area ticket is 100 yuan/person.
Glacier Park Cableway (excluding entrance ticket) 140 yuan/person.
Yunshanping Cableway (excluding entrance ticket) 60 yuan/person.
Maoniuping Cableway (excluding entrance ticket) 65 yuan/person.
Group tour (including entrance ticket) from 99 yuan.