Xiling Snow Mountain (西岭雪山), located remarkably close to the city center of Chengdu, is a breathtaking mountain range that exhibits distinct beauty throughout the four seasons. The main peak, Maojiling, stands at an elevation of over 5,000 meters, perpetually blanketed in snow, creating a stunning and majestic sight. The mountain is divided into two major sections: the Front Chadiping Scenic Area and the Rear Ski Resort Area.
The Front Chadiping Scenic Area is renowned for its hiking and sightseeing opportunities, showcasing natural wonders such as water features, waterfalls, osmanthus flowers, azaleas, peculiar rocks, sea of clouds, and the radiant Buddha light in the forest. In spring, the mountain is adorned with a profusion of blooming flowers, with azaleas spanning tens of miles and various species blooming from April to July, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle.
The Rear Ski Resort Area is dedicated to winter activities, including skiing, snow tubing, and observing celestial phenomena like cloud seas, sunrise, and the unique Ying Yang boundary.
With a pristine forest covering 90% of its expanse, Xiling Snow Mountain is home to over 6,000 plant species, including rare trees like ginkgo, fragrant fruit trees, and Gongtong. The Guihua Ridge boasts two extensive original osmanthus forests spanning nearly 1,000 acres. The area is also inhabited by precious wildlife, including giant pandas, takins, golden monkeys, red pandas, macaques, clouded leopards, and golden pheasants, contributing to the region’s ecological diversity.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Xiling Snow Mountain
- Vlog about Xiling Snow Mountain
- Map and Recommended Routes
- Accommodation in Xiling Snow Mountain
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Other Attractions in Suburb of Chengdu
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.xiling.cn/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | a day |
| Ticket Price | 198 RMB (including the admission, cable car, and shuttle bus) Note: The price may vary according to the specific season 30 RMB for the mountain only. |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-88309080 |
Location and Transportation
Xiling Snow Mountain itself is located about 120 kilometers west of Chengdu, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travelers. The mountain range stretches across multiple counties, including Dayi, Pujiang, and Xinjin, and covers an expansive area of approximately 482 square kilometers.
The mountain’s location on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau provides it with a unique climate and diverse natural landscape. It is characterized by its soaring peaks, deep valleys, dense forests, and glistening snow-capped summits. To get there from Chengdu, you can choose the following ways:
Express Coach: There are express coaches departing from Chadianzi Station in Chengdu (成都茶店子客运站) to Xiling Snow Mountain Skiing Resort at 9.00 am and 9.30 am. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs 45 RMB.
Public Transport: You can also take a bus to Dayi Station (大邑客运站) from Chengdu, and then transfer to shuttle buses to the snow mountain, which depart at 8.30, 10.30, 13.30, and 15.30 and costs 20 RMB.
Guided Tour: However, for a tourist, the most convenient way to enjoy this attraction is to sign up for a guided tour at a travel agency (There are plenty of agencies in Chengdu, and they are very easy to find). It will arrange everything for you at a reasonable price.
Highlights of Xiling Snow Mountain
Dafeishui Scenic Area
Dafeishui Scenic Area begins at the Tea Land Ping (Teadi Ping) at an altitude of 1,260 meters and gradually ascends to the Yiquan Waterfall at 1,400 meters, with a hiking trail of approximately 2.4 kilometers. The area is home to over 3,000 plant species, with notable groves of osmanthus, dove trees, and rhododendrons. It also hosts rare animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, Tibetan antelope, golden monkeys, and tuans. As the closest summer retreat to Chengdu, it is often referred to as a “paradise under the snow mountain” and can be visited year-round.
The Dafeishui Scenic Area features several unique attractions, such as the ancient Ganhe River, the Zaren ancient battlefield site, the dragon sculpture known as “Dragon Raises Head,” a celestial stone said to be left by Nuwa, and the mysterious “Ancient Gan Source” guardian known as “Chilong.” The area offers diverse natural landscapes, including canyons, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and streams, while also being the source of the ancient Gan River.
Skiing and Winter Sports
The Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort is located on the southern slope of Xiling Snow Mountain, with elevations ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 meters. Covering an area of about 8 square kilometers, the resort enjoys an average annual temperature of 10°C, with winter temperatures dropping below -2°C. The snow season lasts for about four months (from late December to the end of March), with snow depths exceeding 60 centimeters, creating a unique southern landscape of snow-covered forests.
The winter temperatures rarely exceed -6°C, and the area is characterized by its northern exposure, abundant snowfall, gentle winds, and warm sunlight. The resort has designed five beginner ski trails (totaling 3 kilometers), one intermediate ski trail (2 kilometers), one gondola lift, one four-person chairlift, and five drag lifts, catering to skiers of all skill levels.
Panda Forest
The “Panda Forest” is a region frequently visited by giant pandas in Xiling Snow Mountain. This area spans over 4,000 meters and covers hundreds of acres, primarily featuring lush forests with rich water scenery. Notable among its flora are the rhododendron, arrow bamboo, and hemlock forests. Visitors can walk through this precious botanical haven, passing by the Yuanyang Pool and reaching the Du Fu Pavilion. The winding paths create an enchanting experience, with the landscape changing dramatically with the seasons. In spring and summer, the rhododendrons bloom in vibrant colors, and the lush arrow bamboo reaches shoulder height. In late summer and autumn, the trees provide ample shade, with the sounds of birds and frogs harmonizing with flowing water. After winter arrives, the landscape transforms as trees shed their leaves, and a blanket of white snow covers the ground, showcasing a variety of trees in their unique forms. The “Panda Forest” truly exemplifies the ecological beauty of the snow mountain region.
Ying Yang Boundary
The Ying Yang Boundary is a significant mountain pass situated on the Bai Shagang ridge of Xiling Snow Mountain, nestled between the altitudes of 3,000 meters at Riyue Ping and Hongshi Jian. The “Ying Yang Boundary” marks the climatic watershed between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: to the west lies the plateau’s cold and arid climate, while the east experiences the milder and humid climate of the Sichuan Basin. At Bai Shagang, warm air currents from the basin collide with cold air currents from the plateau, creating a unique meteorological phenomenon. Southeast of the mountain ridge reveals endless clear skies and a vivid blue horizon, while the northwest side is shrouded in clouds and mist, creating a dreamlike world.
Vlog about Xiling Snow Mountain
Map and Recommended Routes
Hiking Route 1: Visitor Center to Banshan Yingxue Lake
- Route Overview: Visitor Reception Center → Youke Cliff → Bamboo Forest → Fragrant Fir Forest → Zimei Tree → Cloud Mist Forest → Yuanyang Pool Reception Center
- Route Length: Approximately 3.5 kilometers
- Hiking Time: About 2-3 hours one way
- Route Description: This route begins at the Visitor Reception Center and ascends approximately 200 meters in elevation, making it friendly for beginners. Along the way, hikers will encounter five scenic viewpoints: Youke Cliff, Bamboo Forest, Fragrant Fir Forest, Zimei Tree, and Cloud Mist Forest, each blending seamlessly with the natural landscape to create picturesque views. Upon reaching the Yuanyang Pool Plaza, visitors can take a free sightseeing shuttle to Yingxue Plaza.
Hiking Route 2: Sun-Moon Flat Viewing Platform to Yin-Yang Boundary (Round Trip)
- Route Overview: Sun-Moon Flat → Qiyun Platform → Backward Viewpoint → Bison Trail → Sunshine Ladder → Baishagang → Yin-Yang Boundary
- Route Length: Approximately 2 kilometers one way
- Hiking Time: About 1 hour one way
- Route Description: Starting at an altitude of 3,250 meters from the Sun-Moon Flat scenic area, this route takes hikers through Qiyun Platform, Backward Viewpoint, Bison Trail, Sunshine Ladder, and Baishagang, leading directly to the Yin-Yang Boundary. This hike offers a chance to appreciate flowers, clouds, and even playful squirrels along the way. The scenery is stunning, with high concentrations of negative ions in the air, making it a breathtaking experience.
Accommodation in Xiling Snow Mountain
1. Stay at Huashui Bay Hot Spring Resort
- Advantages: This well-established hot spring resort town features natural sulfur springs, making it perfect for winter soaks. In summer, visitors can enjoy shallow creek play. The area includes large hot spring hotels (such as China Railway and Howard Johnson) and offers diverse accommodation choices, including villas and guesthouses. Restaurants and supermarkets are nearby, providing convenience.
- Disadvantages: The resort is about a 30-minute drive from the entrance of Xiling Snow Mountain. To catch the sunrise over the clouds, early rises are necessary, and carpooling or hiring a vehicle to reach the scenic area can be required. Traffic congestion may occur during peak season.
2. Stay at the Foot of Xiling Snow Mountain
- Advantages: Located right next to the entrance of the scenic area, this option is ideal for those wanting to catch the sunrise during the Spring Festival. Prices are significantly lower compared to hotels within the park (rooms typically over 1,000 RMB). The area is known as Dasuo Factory or the Xiling Snow Mountain Parking Lot. During the snow season, guests can enjoy natural snow play outside the hotel. Convenience stores and restaurants are readily available, and fireworks are permitted on New Year’s Eve.
- Disadvantages: Accommodation options are limited, mostly consisting of budget hotels and farm stays. Prices start at around 400 RMB during peak season.
3. Stay Inside the Scenic Area
- Advantages: Guests can stay at the Half-Mountain Yingxue Plaza, offering easy access to night skiing, making it a cost-effective choice. Watching the sunrise over the clouds is more convenient due to the time advantage. The ski resort near the plaza features chain restaurants and supermarkets for added convenience.
- Disadvantages: Accommodation prices can be high during peak season, with rooms starting at over 1,000 RMB.
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Optimal Snow Season: The best time to visit is from late December to early March, as this is the snow season. Outside this period, there is no snow for skiing enthusiasts, so visitors should be mindful of the timing.
Weather-Dependent Scenery: The beauty of Xiling Snow Mountain is heavily influenced by the weather. It is recommended to visit on snowy or clear days. The “Yin Yang Boundary” is particularly stunning when the sun is shining.
Affordable Snow Gear on Site: Inside the scenic area, there are reasonably priced snow gear rentals such as snow jackets and skiing pads, which can be obtained at a similar cost to external vendors. No need to purchase them in advance.
Food Considerations: While there are dining options on the mountain, the prices are relatively high. Visitors are advised to bring a thermos with hot water to save costs on beverages and to keep warm.
Sun Protection with Sunglasses: It’s advisable to buy sunglasses in advance. The surroundings are vast and white, and the sunlight can be intense, so sunglasses will protect your eyes from glare.
Accommodation Options: There is a hotel on the mountain with good services and facilities. It has recently undergone renovations, making the environment more pleasant. However, note that hot water supply is limited, so it’s essential to confirm this with the front desk. At the base of the mountain, there are many guesthouses, offering a variety of choices and potentially better dining options.
