Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), stretching 75 kilometers, stands as one of the most prominent mountain ranges in the northern hemisphere with perennial snow near the equator. Its main peak, Shanzidou, rises to an impressive altitude of 5,596 meters above sea level, while the snow line lies between 4,800 to 5,000 meters. Known as “Oulu” in the Naxi language, meaning “heavely mountain,” the mountain range boasts thirteen continuous snow-capped peaks resembling a majestic dragon soaring through the sky. Hence, it earned the name “Yulong (Jade Dragon).” Additionally, owing to its predominant limestone and basalt rock formations, the mountain is also referred to as the “Black and White Snow Mountain.” Considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people, it is believed to be the incarnation of the Naxi protector deity “Sanda.”
Yulong Snow Mountain is renowned for its ruggedness, uniqueness, beauty, and elegance. The landscape transitions through subtropical, temperate, and frigid zones as one ascends from the foothills to the summit. At the base, Ganhaizi Meadow stretches wide, offering a vast pastureland adorned with blooming flowers like gentians and rhododendrons during spring and summer, providing a breathtaking view of the Yulong peaks. Further up at an altitude exceeding 3,200 meters, the Yunsinping area holds a special place in the hearts of young Naxi men and women as a sacred sanctuary amidst the towering firs.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Yulong Mountain
- Highlights of Yulong Mountain
- Vlog about Yulong Snow Mountain
- Attractions near Yulong Snow Mountain
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 100 RMB |
| Cable Car | Yunshanping: 40 RMB for one way Maoniuping: 45 RMb for one way |
| Shuttble Bus | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 6.30 – 16.30 (1st May – 31st October) 7.00 – 16.00 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0888-5137677 0086-0888-5131068 |
Location and Transportation
Yulong Snow Mountain is located within the territory of Lijiang in Yunnan Province, bordered by the Lijiang-Minyue Highway to the east, the Tiger Leaping Gorge to the west, and Yuhu Lake to the south. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers north of Lijiang City, between 100°4′2″E to 100°16′30″E longitude and 27°3′2″N to 27°18′57″N latitude.
To get to Yulong Snow Mountain from Lijiang, tourists can take Bus 101 directly from the city center. Upon arrival at the scenic area entrance, staff members will board the bus to collect the entrance fee before it continues to the tourist center. From there, visitors can opt to pay an additional fee to transfer to a vehicle within the scenic area, which will take them to destinations like the Blue Moon Valley or the cable car station.
Map of Yulong Mountain
Highlights of Yulong Mountain
Ganhaizi Meadow
Situated at the eastern foothills of the Yulong Snow Mountain, Ganhaizi was originally a glacial lake formed by high mountain ice erosion. However, due to the rise of the snow line and subsequent reduction in water accumulation, the lake dried up, earning the nickname “Dry Sea.” It is now a plateau meadow surrounded by mountains on three sides, spanning approximately 4 kilometers in length and 1.5 kilometers in width. With its expansive grasslands hemmed in by towering peaks, Ganhaizi resembles a vast green carpet unfurling towards the snow-capped mountains, offering breathtaking scenery.
Blue Moon Valley
Formed by the melting ice and snow of the Yulong Snow Mountain, a river flows through a valley at its eastern foothills, creating the Blue Moon Valley. The name originates from the reflection of the moon in the blue lake waters against the backdrop of the azure sky, reminiscent of the valley described by British author Hilton in “Lost Horizon.” Within the Blue Moon Valley, the river, obstructed by the mountain terrain, forms four large water bodies known as Jade Liquid Lake, Mirror Pond Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Listening to the Waves Lake. Lush vegetation surrounds the lakeshores, with snow-capped peaks in the distance completing the picturesque scenery. Additionally, the Blue Moon Valley hosts large-scale live performances of “Impression Lijiang” on its square, adding cultural vibrancy to its natural beauty.
Baishui River
Located between Ganhaizi Meadow and Yunsanping, there is a valley filled with lush forests and clear streams. Flowing through the valley bottom is the Baishui River, characterized by its clear, white water. The riverbed and terraces are composed of white marble and limestone fragments, giving the water a milky appearance as it flows over the stones. Originating from the melting snow and glaciers at an altitude of four to five thousand meters, the water of the Baishui River cascades down the mountain slopes, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Yunshanping
Yunshanping, situated at an altitude of 3240 meters, is a forested grassland on the eastern side of the Yulong Snow Mountain, covering an area of approximately 0.5 square kilometers. In the Naxi language, it is known as “Wulu Youcuige,” meaning the place of martyrdom. Described in the Naxi Dongba classic “Lubanlu Rao,” Yunshanping is depicted as an ideal paradise where white deer plow the fields, red tigers serve as mounts, pheasants herald the dawn, white snow brews fine wine, golden fruits grow on trees, and there are no flies, representing the mythical “Third Kingdom of the Jade Dragon” in Naxi folklore.
Maoniuping (Yak Meadow)
Maoniuping (Yak Meadow), known as “Gezhanggu” in the Naxi language, translates to “a high mountain meadow with stars dotted around.” Situated at an altitude of 3700 meters and approximately 15 kilometers from Yunsanping, Maoniu Ping boasts undulating mountain terrain and expansive alpine meadows, providing an excellent vantage point for admiring the majestic scenery of the Yulong Snow Mountain. Visitors may also encounter herds of yaks leisurely grazing on the grasslands, adding to the picturesque charm of the area.
The management of the scenic area is quite good. Whether it’s lining up for the buses or the cable cars, everything is orderly and does not take a long time. After seeing the snow-capped mountains, coming down to see the Blue Moon Valley isn’t as shocking anymore – it feels more like a small dessert after a big meal. I personally didn’t experience any altitude sickness at all; I didn’t have to take a single breath of oxygen. For those… Read more »
Today’s snow-capped mountain is truly unbeatable! Surrounded by mist, it appears ethereal, as if it’s a fairyland!
After a heavy snowfall, Yulong Snow Mountain has become even more majestic and beautiful! Its towering figure is draped in pure white snow, resembling a handsome general donned in dazzling armor! Standing tall against the wind, it radiates grandeur and elegance!
I originally planned to visit Maoniuping, but I didn’t have enough time. In the end, I went to Yunshanping. After spending so much time in front of the snowy mountains, I felt like most of Lijiang’s attractions were centered around those sharp peaks, so I didn’t have a particularly strong impression anymore. I wasn’t able to get any satisfactory photos either, sigh. The water in the Blue Moon Valley really is very blue, green, and clear. The colors look even… Read more »
The night before going to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it rained all night in Lijiang. Although the snow mountain was covered in snow, the sky remained very gloomy with thick clouds, only allowing brief glimpses of the mountain.
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain currently has no snow accumulation, and it can be quite cold at the summit. It’s essential to wear a fleece-lined jacket and thermal pants! One oxygen bottle per person is sufficient; there’s no need to buy extras!
If you’re not set on taking a photo with the monument, I highly recommend the first platform after descending from 4680. The view there is fantastic, and the colors of the snow-capped mountains are very layered, with both deep and light shades. You’ll definitely get some great pictures!
The weather at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was terrible, with thick fog making it impossible to see anything. It was also very cold. Despite the determination to reach the summit, I ended up with altitude sickness from not being careful enough. My heart was racing and I had a headache. The next day, I couldn’t keep any food down. It was truly a torment.
It rained all day, and the mountains were covered in white mist. We could hardly see anything clearly. Unfortunately, we descended around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and the sky cleared up. It was so unlucky. For friends with plenty of time planning to visit, remember to check the weather forecast in advance.
In the past few days, the visibility was low due to heavy fog at the big Cableway, and nothing could be seen. It was raining at the mountaintop, and altitude sickness made me very uncomfortable. After visiting Jiuzhaigou a few days ago, I felt that Blue Moon Valley was really average. The only beautiful scenery was a bit of blue sky when going down the mountain.
✅Transportation Routes 1. From Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城) to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山): Take bus 101 from Zhongyi Market (忠义市场) for 15 yuan per person. Note that the bus schedule for outbound trips is from 7:00-16:00 and return trips are from 7:00-17:20. 2. From Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Take a taxi to the Tourism College and then board bus 101. ✅Suggested Itineraries Route 1: Dongba Valley/Ganhaizi—Glacier Park—Blue Moon Valley Route 2: Dongba Valley/Ganhaizi—Glacier Park—Blue… Read more »