Treading Snow to Seek the Dragon: A Fantastic Journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of the renowned attractions in Lijiang and a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people, boasts 13 peaks stretching endlessly, resembling a silver dragon in flight, hence its name. Within the scenic area, visitors can take a cable car directly up the mountain, effortlessly admiring the magnificent glaciers at high altitudes, which is a highlight for many tourists visiting here.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is renowned for its “danger, uniqueness, beauty, and elegance.” From the foot to the peak, it features a gradual transition of landscapes across subtropical, temperate, and alpine zones. At the mountain’s base lies Ganhaizi, an expansive meadow where, during spring and summer, gentian and azalea bloom profusely. From here, the peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain stand clearly visible. At an altitude of over 3,200 meters, Yunshanping is a sacred place in the hearts of young Naxi men and women. It is a serene meadow surrounded by towering ancient trees and dense vines, offering a tranquil environment. Below the 13 peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain lie 19 modern marine glaciers, which, from a distance, resemble a waterfall hanging beneath the steep Fanzi Peak. Under the sunlight, they shimmer with a silvery glow. Visitors can take the gondola up to an altitude of 4,506 meters and then follow the mountain trails to closely admire the grandeur of the glaciers and the main peak.
The Grand Gondola，This popular gondola in the scenic area transports visitors from the lower station at Ganhaizi to the Glacier Park at an altitude of 4,506 meters. After disembarking, visitors can follow the wooden pathways laid out on the glacier and proceed to the highest point at an altitude of 4,680 meters, where they can experience the charm of the snow-capped mountain and glacier up close. In case of strong winds, the gondola may be out of service. Please pay attention to official announcements for more information.
Yunshanping Gondola，The lower station of the gondola is located at the foot of the mountain by the Baishui River, accessible by the scenic area’s eco-friendly bus. Taking the Yunshanping Gondola will take you to Yunshanping at an altitude of 3,240 meters, which is an excellent spot for a distant view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain peaks.
Yak Pasture Gondola，Yak Pasture is a large meadow located on the other side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 15 kilometers away from Yunshanping. By ascending to Yak Pasture, you can admire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a different perspective.
