Lijiang Yulong Snow Mountain travel itinerary

How to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang? Learn the coordinates of a few attractions to easily and effortlessly check-in!

Yulong Snowmountain

Yulong Snow Mountain is not just one snow mountain, but instead consists of 13 connected peaks. The main peak is called Shanzidou, with an elevation of 5596 meters. It is located about 15 kilometers northwest of Lijiang City and takes around 50 minutes by car to reach. Considered a holy mountain by the Naxi people, the main peak Shanzidou is constantly covered in clouds and mist and remains unconquered. With its 12 snow peaks, the mountain is rich in natural resources for tourism, including snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, and primitive forests. The snow mountain possesses magnificent and exquisite scenery, with blooming rhododendrons at different elevations throughout the seasons. The scenic area includes attractions such as Yushui Village, Glacier Park, and Blue Moon Valley. The Blue Moon Valley Square also hosts the large-scale live performance "Impression Lijiang."

Glacier Park

The Glacier Park, measuring 4,680 meters, is the most popular attraction at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and is considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people of Lijiang. Located on the northern side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, it is a representative example of a modern glacier. The park, composed of caves and grottos formed by glacier erosion, is a geomorphic relic of the Quaternary glacier and is known as the "Lucerne Glass Palace". In the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, the park is covered in vast expanses of white snow, and in the summer, visitors can observe glaciers that formed over 40,000 years ago, allowing them to experience the snow mountain up close. The white mountain peak is both magnificent and pristine, and there is a marker stone at an altitude of 4,680 meters, which is a popular spot for taking photos.

Yak ping

The Maoniuping Ropeway

Yunshanping

Located on the eastern side of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an elevation of 3240 meters, it is a huge meadow hidden in the original spruce forest. It is considered the entrance to the mythical "Third Kingdom of the Jade Dragon" in the Naxi ethnic legend, with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain within reach, and millennium glaciers clearly visible. It is said to be the place where the first Naxi couple died for love, also known as the "Valley of Love and Sacrifice". It offers beautiful views of alpine meadows and spruce forests. Yunshuiping is a popular destination for locals in Lijiang to take wedding photos.

Xiaojiuzhaigou Blue Moon Valley

The predecessor of the Blue Moon Valley was the 'White Water River', located in the valley to the north of Ganhaizi at the eastern foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain and to the south of the Yunsiping. It originates from the melting of snow and ice on the mountain, flowing down the cliffs, and eventually forming a clear and extremely sweet river in the deep valley upstream of the Blue Moon Valley. On sunny days, the water is blue, and the valley is crescent-shaped, resembling a blue moon embedded at the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain, hence the name Blue Moon Valley. During the flow, due to the obstruction of the mountain, four larger water surfaces were formed, known as 'Yuye' Lake, 'Jingtan' Lake, 'Blue Moon' Lake, and 'Listening to the Waves' Lake. The Blue Moon Valley, known as the 'Little Jiuzhaigou of Yunnan', is a must-see!

Impression of director Zhang Yimou Lijiang's large live performance

Impression Lijiang, a large-scale live performance directed by Zhang Yimou. The performance venue is located within the snow mountain scenic area. The huge stage is set against the backdrop of the snow mountain and required a lot of manpower, material resources, and financial resources to build. It is imaginable that the performances on this stage are classic and stunning folk dances. The dance performances mainly feature the ethnic minority dances of Lijiang, many of which tell the historical stories of the Lijiang Tea Horse Ancient Road, which are very interesting and meaningful.
Wenhai is located in the southwest of the main peak of Yulong Mountain. It has an average elevation of 3180 meters and is one of the areas of the Yunnan Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve. It covers an area of 676 hectares, with the water area called Wenhai (Lake) covering 160 hectares. The lake is formed by an ancient glacial lake. The water from several waterfalls on its southern side flows out, and its destination is unknown. During the autumn and winter seasons, it becomes the habitat for migratory birds. Yulong Mountain is reflected in the lake, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene. During the spring and summer, the lake dries up and the grass grows tall. In the past, this area was an important hub on the ancient tea-horse road between Yunnan and Tibet, and caravans often stopped here to graze their mules and horses. Currently, Wenhai is being developed into a flower town and the highest-altitude bulb base in the world. Over 700 acres of tulips, lilies, hyacinths, hydrangeas, and other flowers have been planted. Currently, nearly 100 acres of tulips have already bloomed, and the rest of the flowers are being developed, creating a beautiful sight. Moreover, the flower town is currently free to visit, making it a worthwhile destination.