Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain) / 玉龙雪山
The southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere and a sacred mountain for the Naxi people. Standing at 5,596 meters with 13 peaks resembling a jade dragon, it features three cable car routes: Glacier Park (to 4,506m), Spruce Meadow (3,240m), and Yak Meadow (3,700m). The mountain is a symbol of Lijiang and offers breathtaking alpine scenery year-round.
Category
Nature
Why Visit
- Experience high-altitude glaciers, stunning snow-capped peaks, and the thrill of ascending to over 4,500 meters via cable car. The mountain holds deep spiritual significance for the Naxi people and offers some of China's most dramatic alpine landscapes.
Suggested Duration
Full day (5-8 hours)
Best Visiting Time
October-April for best snow coverage. Clear mornings offer the best views. Avoid Chinese national holidays (May 1-5, Oct 1-7) due to extreme crowds.
Suitable For
- Adventure seekers, nature lovers, photographers (not recommended for those with serious heart/lung conditions)
Tips
- Lijiang Tourism Group' (丽江旅游集团). Daily limit: 10,000 visitors. Bring warm clothing or rent a down jacket (CNY 50). Buy oxygen cans (CNY 10-20) at pharmacies in Lijiang before arriving. Acclimatize in Lijiang for 1-2 days before ascending.
Admission Type
Paid Ticket
Reservation Required
Yes
Price Estimates
Park Entrance: CNY 100-120; Glacier Park Cable Car: CNY 140-180; Spruce Meadow Cable Car: CNY 55-60; Yak Meadow Cable Car: CNY 60; Eco Shuttle Bus: CNY 20
Reservation Max.
10,000 visitors/day for Glacier Park
Opening Hours
March-November: 07:30-16:00; December-February: 07:30-17:30 (Cable cars stop 1 hour before closing)
Address (English & Chinese)
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province 中国云南省丽江市玉龙纳西族自治县玉龙雪山风景区