Yulong Snow Mountain
Yulong Snow Mountain is not a single snow mountain but a range of 13 connected peaks. The main peak is called Shanzidou, with an elevation of 5,596 meters. Located to the northwest of Lijiang, it is about 15 kilometers from the city center, and it takes around 50 minutes by car. It is considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people. The main peak, Shanzidou, at an elevation of 5,596 meters, is often shrouded in clouds and mist and remains an unconquered virgin peak. Comprising 12 snow peaks, the mountain boasts rich natural tourism resources, including snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, and primeval forest landscapes. The mountain is majestic and exquisite, with rhododendrons blooming at different altitudes throughout the seasons, creating the most beautiful scenery. 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 1,468-meter Glacier Park is the most worthwhile attraction in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, revered as a sacred mountain by the Naxi people of Lijiang and the most visited spot by tourists. Located on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain north of Lijiang city in Yunnan, it is a typical representation of the modern glaciers of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The park, composed of stone caves and pits formed by glacial erosion, is a geomorphological relic from the Quaternary glaciation, known as the 'Lucerne Glass Palace.' In the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, the area is covered in snow, while in the summer, visitors can see glaciers formed over 40,000 years ago and experience the snow-capped mountain up close. The white mountain peak is both majestic and pristine, and there is also a popular photo spot marked by a stone stele at an altitude of 4,680 meters.
Yak Meadow
The Yak Meadow Cableway, also known as the Middle Cableway, is 1200 meters long with a vertical height difference of 360 meters. Taking the cableway can reach the upper station of Yak Meadow. Yak Meadow is at an altitude of 3700 meters and features typical alpine meadow scenery. It is the best spot to view the thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Under the blue sky, the snow mountain looks like a crystal-clear jade dragon, facing Haba Snow Mountain in the distance. The songs of Tibetan girls, along with the rustic wooden houses and Mani piles, create a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. The alpine meadow landscape can be visited all year round. In summer, the green meadows, snow mountains, and herds of yaks make it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. In winter, when it snows heavily, Yak Meadow is the best place for snowball fights and building snowmen. Southern boys who love playing in the snow can have a great time at Yak Meadow!
Spruce Meadow
Located on the east side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 3240 meters, it is a vast meadow hidden in the primitive spruce forest. It is considered the entrance to the 'Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon' in Naxi mythology. The majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is close at hand, and the thousand-year-old glacier is clearly visible. Legend has it that this is the place where the first Naxi lovers committed suicide for love, also known as 'Lovers' Valley'. It features alpine meadow pastures and spruce forest landscapes. Spruce Meadow is a popular spot for many locals in Lijiang to take wedding photos.
Little Jiuzhaigou Blue Moon Valley
Formerly known as 'Baishui River', it is located in the valley north of Gan Haizi and south of Spruce Meadow on the eastern slope of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The river originates from the melting snow and ice of the snow mountain, flowing down the cliffs and eventually forming a crystal-clear and extremely sweet river in the deep valley upstream of Blue Moon Valley. On sunny days, the water appears blue, and the valley is crescent-shaped, resembling a blue moon embedded at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a distance, hence the name Blue Moon Valley. During its flow, the river is obstructed by the mountains, forming four larger water surfaces known as 'Jade Liquid' Lake, 'Mirror' Lake, 'Blue Moon' Lake, and 'Listening to the Waves' Lake. Blue Moon Valley, often referred to as 'Little Jiuzhaigou of Yunnan', is a must-visit!
Director Zhang Yimou's Impression Lijiang Large-scale Live Performance
A large-scale live performance directed by Zhang Yimou, Impression Lijiang. The performance venue is located within the Snow Mountain Scenic Area. The enormous stage, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain, required significant human, material, and financial resources to construct. One can imagine how classic and stunning the folk dances performed on this stage are. The dance performances mainly feature the ethnic minority dances of the Lijiang area, with many dances telling the historical stories of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in Lijiang. It is very captivating and meaningful.
Wenhai is located on the southwestern slope of the main peak of Yulong Mountain, Fanzi Dou, with an average altitude of 3180 meters. It is one of the areas of the Lashi Lake Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve in Lijiang, Yunnan. Covering an area of 676 hectares, the water body within it is called Wenhai (Lake), which spans 160 hectares and evolved from an ancient glacial lake. The lake water drains through several sinkholes on its southern side, and its destination is unknown. During the autumn and winter seasons, which are the wet seasons, migratory birds inhabit the area. Yulong Mountain is reflected in the lake, creating a serene fairyland-like scene. In the spring and summer, which are the dry seasons, the area is characterized by flying kites and lush grass. Historically, this was one of the key routes of the Ancient Tea Horse Road on the Yunnan-Tibet line, where caravans often stopped to graze their mules and horses. Currently, Wenhai is developing into a flower field town and the world's highest altitude bulb base, with over 700 acres of tulips, lilies, hyacinths, and hydrangeas already planted. Nearly 100 acres of tulips are currently in full bloom, and other flowers will further enhance the beauty of the area. Moreover, the flower fields are currently open to the public for free, making it a highly recommended place to visit.
