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Why Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or Yulong Snow Mountain, about 15 km north from the downtown Lijiang, is the one closest to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere. The 13 peaks in this area form together like a jade dragon lying there, so it gets the name. As a “National AAAAA Tourist Attraction” of multi-function and covered by the white snow all months, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of 455 square meters wide offers visitors a great chance for sightseeing, mountaineering, exploring, resort, hiking, and so forth.

Besides the especially grand view of the 13 snow peaks, visitors can not only appreciate the changing rare natural sceneries, but also feel the precious and brilliant culture of Dongba people. Moreover, since Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has an altitude of 5596 meters, it is reputed as the “Natural Alpine Zoo & Botanical Garden” as well as the “Present Glaciers Museum” rich in both animal and plants resources, therefore, it is a good place to see many new species never appeared in your life so far.

3 Days Lijiang Cultural & Natural Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Attractions & Highlights

Since Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a hot tourist place, it has a series of highlights to make your tour here an unforgettable memory, such as the Blue- Moon Valley, the Glacier Park, the Spruce Plateau, Ganhaizi, Dongba culture, Impression Lijiang, and Baisha Mural, etc. Just go and explore it!

Blue-Moon Valley (White Water River)

The Blue-Moon Valley is a talented magician in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, because it appears blue when cloudy and rainy but changes into milky in sunny days, which is due to its river bed of white marbles, so it has another name of White Water River. Strolling along here, you will sink into the beauty of the crystal clear water.

▶ Learn more about: Blue Moon Valley

The Glacier Park

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the mountain of lowest latitude in Eurasia that has present glaciers, so you can see maybe for the first time the various kinds of present glaciers and the remnants of ancient glaciers that are the essence of the global glaciers. Moreover, you will be amazed at the very charming scenery of the various shapes of serac pillars at the end of the glaciers, which shows blue and green under the sunshine and called the “Green Snow Peaks”. And you can see this wonderful view by taking the tramway up to the park at 4680 m.

Spruce Meadow

Covering 0.5 square meters at 3000 meters high, the Spruce Meadow, or Spruce Plateau, is like a natural paradise never been disturbed for hundreds of years. With the high pure snow mountain being the background, lush spruces towering to the sky, this green fairyland is a great place for hiking.

The Spruce Meadow is also called the “Third Country for dying for love”, and according to the materials of Dongba, one person can live without worry in the “Jade Dragon Third Country” for the abundant beautiful clothes, delicious food, etc. And if a couple die for love at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, their souls will go to this “country” and live happily. So it is famous worldwide as the place for dying for love.

Yak Meadow

Yak Meadow at the northern edge of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has different but various picturesque sightseeing in each season. Here you can both appreciate the splendid image of the snow mountain at the best position, and see the local people driving their domestic animals up to the mountain. You can feel the original and simple life in this great place.

Ganhaizi (Dry Sea)

Ganhaizi is a wide meadow at the east of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 4 km long and 1.5 km wide. Enjoy yourself in this open land, watching the rich sorts of flowers and giant trees chatting in the wind, vigorous animals playing and eating grass lead by the herdsmen, and appreciating the magnificent look of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Impression Lijiang Show

The Impression Lijiang is a large-scale live-action performance directed by the world famous director Zhang Yimou who is the chief director of both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games held in Beijing in 2008. 500 local people from 10 minority nationalities perform this amazing show at the height of 3100 m. This show provides you a “BOOM” to your eyes and ears, with their wonderful dancing and singing and the unique fine background of the white Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as well as the blue sky.

Watching this great performance, you can know Lijiang from many aspects. The gallant men, respectable women, emotion to life and nature, historical scene on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, love to different people, hope for the sacred kingdom, and the sincere heart to the heaven, etc. all express the pure, hospitality and optimism of the local people in Lijiang.

Place: Outdoor Theater at Ganhaizi.

Showtime: 13:30 every day (Off Seasons); 12:50 and 14:20 every day (Peak Seasons) (except in bad weather days)

Fee: CNY 190-248/person.

(The above time and fee are for reference only, for the detail and updated information, please contact our Travel Consultant)

>>Check more about Top 7 Impression Shows in China

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Blue Moon Valley Crystal Clear Water in Blue-Moon Valley
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Glacier Park Serac Pillars at the End of The Glacier Park
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Spruce Meadow Appreciate the Snow Mountain at Spruce Meadow
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Yak Meadow Idyllic Scene in Yak Meadow
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Ganhaizi Lijiang Wide Landscape of Ganhaizi
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Impression Lijiang Impression Lijiang Show

Recommended Route to Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Classic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area Route

Enjoy the charming natural landscape and the grand view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at Ganhaizi, and take the tramway to appreciate the wonder of the “Green Glacier Peaks” at the Glacier Park. Then go to the Blue-Moon Valley to see the crystal clear water. After that, enjoy yourself in the natural paradise in Spruce Meadow and the best scenery of the snow mountain. Then, watch the magnificent Impression Show at the outdoor theater in Ganhaizi or Blue-Moon Valley. (For about a half to 1 day)

3 Days Lijiang Cultural & Natural Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

In-depth Huge Jade Dragon Scenic Area Route

Appreciate the natural landscape at Ganhaizi, and take the tramway to see the wonder of the “Green Glacier Peaks” at the Glacier Park. Enjoy the crystal clear water at Blue-Moon Valley. Next, have a relaxing time at the natural paradise of Spruce Meadow. Then, take the tram to Yak Meadow to see the idyllic view and the picturesque view of the snow mountain. And come down to watch the magnificent Impression Show at the outdoor theater in Ganhaizi Valley. After that, appreciate the characters and carvings of immortals of Dongba. Then, admire the historic Baisha Murals in Baisha Village. (For about 1-2 days)

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Entrance Fees

Huge Yulong Scenic Area through Ticket: CNY 230/pp

(Including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Dongba culture sites, Baisha Mural area, Jade Water Stockade Village, Yuzhuqingtian, Jade Peak Temple; excluding tramway, Lijiang Ancient City Protection fee, and the fee of Impression Lijiang Show, etc.; valid for 2 days)

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area: CNY 130/pp

(Including Ganhaizi, Blue-Moon Valley; excluding tramway, Lijiang Ancient City Protection fee, and the fee of Impression Lijiang Show, etc.; valid for that one day)

The Glacier Park: CNY 172/pp

Tramway to Glacier Park: CNY 120/pp

Tramway to Spruce Meadow: CNY 67/pp (round trip)

Tramway to Yak Meadow: CNY 62/pp (round trip)

Fees of other sites are from CNY 25-65/pp.

(The above time and fee are for reference only, for the detail and updated information, please contact our Travel Consultant)

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Map Click to Enlarge the Scenic Area Map of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Best Time to Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is during autumn and winter, especially in January, February and April, when the sky is clear and you can have a better view of the snow mountain the beautiful natural scenery.

How to Get to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area is located about 15 km north from the downtown of Lijiang Ancient City, which takes about 30 min’s driving to get there.

Travel with China Discovery by Private Tour (Top Recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Independent Travel:

You can take a chartered car from Lijiang to Ganhaizi for about 40 min. Bus often runs at Hongtaiyang Square in Lijiang from before 17:30. Also, there are many direct buses running from Lijiang to Ganhaizi, usually from 9:00 and return before 17:00.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Map Click to Enlarge the Location Map of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Eat at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Snow-kitchen 5596 Restaurant in Ganhaizi at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provides buffet for you. Also Sifang Street in downtown Dayan Ancient City is a famous snack street with many restaurants providing the local Yunnan special food, like the rice noodles, etc.

Accommodate at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Luxury:

Grand Hyatt Lijiang Mountain Lodge at Ganhaizi is an excellent hotel that you can both enjoy the hospitable service of the professional stuff and appreciate the eye-pleasing view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The luxury facilities, cozy bed settings and featured design close to nature will make your stay here very comfortable.

Villafound Jade near the ticket office of Yuzhuqingtian site is a villa resort with clean environment and delicious food, and gets the good reputation from most visitors to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Besides, you can also choose to accommodate in the downtown of Lijiang Ancient City to get closer to the antique flavor.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Accommodation Accommodation at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Play Golf at the Foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Recommended Golf Club: Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club (丽江玉龙雪山国际高尔夫俱乐部)

Location: Ganhaizi, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang City (丽江玉龙纳西族自治县玉龙雪山甘海子)

If you want to add golf experience in your Lijiang trip, you can get to Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, which is situated at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, very close to Blue Moon Valley and Ganhaizi. With an altitude of 3100 meters, Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club is the only snow mountain golf club in Asia and the second highest golf club in the world. Marketed as the world’s longest layout, this golf course was designed by Neil Haworth and listed into the Guinness World Records. The first 9 holes and the second 9 holes are very different, giving you awesome experience. It is a good idea to spend one more day here playing golf in very relaxing pace.

Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club

Warm Tips to Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

1. There are usually many people visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, so it may cost you much time to wait for the queue of the tramway, especially during the peak seasons.

2. Since the snow mountain has a high altitude of 5596 m, it is recommended to take some medicines to prevent the altitude stress and prepare enough oxygen tanks in case of the oxygen deficit.

3. Take enough clothes and comfortable shoes, because the temperature at the top is very low.

4. You can appreciate the very beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take nice pictures in sunny days in many places, like Lijiang Ancient City, Black Dragon Pool Park, and Lion Mountain Garden, etc.

5. As the Global Warming, the snow coverage of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is decreasing gradually, so you might fail to see the snow-covered mountains sometimes if you visit here.

Other Attractions near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Since the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a main part of the Huge Jade Dragon Scenic Area, you can have more fun after enjoy in the snow mountain. And among all the spots in this big area, Dongba culture and Baisha Murals are both very worth experience in your Lijiang tour.

Dongba Culture

Apart from the natural scenery, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is also a good place to admire the treasurable Dongba culture that is the religious culture of the local Naxi ethnic people. You can see the Dongba pictographs that is called the “Only Alive Pictograph” and the World Memory Heritage, “Road Map of God” that is the "Longest Ancient Religious Painting". Furthermore, you can also appreciate the special buildings rich in Dongba culture with the shadow of the emerald mountains, groups of statues of immortals, etc.

The Baisha Mural

Most painted in Ming dynasty, more than 500 years ago, the Baisha Mural is the great production of Naxi minority nationality. The present remaining murals are full of Dongba culture in rich colors, and all the animals, flowers, grass, figures and so on in vivid looks tell the interesting stories of ancient Naxi people. The murals are really worth to appreciate during your visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Dongba Dongba Culture - Road Map of God
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Baisha Mural Precious Baisha Murals of over 500 Years

How to Plan a Lijiang Tour?

Travelers usually enjoy 2-3 days in Lijiang to discover Lijiang Old Town (Mufu Palace), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe Old Town, Dongba mural paintings, Black Dragon Pool, etc. for a classic savory of this romantic ancient city. Besides, if you are fond of the emerald alpine lake and mysterious matriarchal society culture of Mosuo ethnic culture, you can plan another 2-3 days at Lugu Lake to enjoy more peaceful holiday time!

3 Days Lijiang Cultural & Natural Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

3 Days Romantic Lijiang Tour with Visits to Naxi Kingdom

Besides, quite a lot of visitors prefer travel Lijiang with Shangri-La where to seek the pure holy sceneries and Tibetan belief to catch the best essence of Yunnan province, which usually needs 5-6 days with best visits to Tiger Leaping Gorge with a memorable trekking experience, Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo National Forest Park, and more.

Recommended Lijiang Shangri-La Tour Package:

5 Days Lijiang & Shangri-La Highlights Tour

Furthermore, actually most travelers arrange Lijiang city as a part of their Yunnan travel to visit more top destinations in one go, such as Kunming famous as Spring City and convenient province capital, Dali with profound Dali Old Town and splendid Erhai Lake, Yuanyang with terrific rice terraces, Xishuangbanna with exciting tropical flavor and Dai ethnic dances, etc., which usually needs 6-15 days based on your exploration depth!

Recommended Lijiang Yunnan Tour Packages:

6 Days Best of Yunnan Tour (Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming)

8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour (Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La)

11 Days Amazing Yunnan Tour (Kunming / Yuanyang / Jianshui / Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La)

Know more about How to Plan a Lijiang Tour

Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
Lijiang Old Town Yangtze River First Bend
Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La

Travel Lijiang with China Discovery

Looking for a hassle-free way to get to Lijiang Old Town? Travel with China Discovery and let us take care of everything for you! Our professional local driver will pick you up at Lijiang Airport or Lijiang Train Station and then escort you to Lijiang Old Town directly. During the journey, our English-speaking guide will accompany you all the way and tell you some interesting stories or insider travel tips for your coming Lijiang tour.

We can also help you with the trip plan in Lijiang. The tour can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interest, budget and every special need. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help!

Travel with China Discovery Travel with China Discovery

Recommended Lijiang Tours

Top 3 Lijiang tours chosen by most customers to explore Lijiang in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Large Scale Outdoor Show - Impression Lijiang
3 Days Lijiang Cultural & Natural Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Lijiang

Old Naxi Woman in Lijiang Ancient Town
3 Days Romantic Lijiang Tour with Visits to Naxi Kingdom

Lijiang

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery
8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

one day in jade dragon mountain in sept 2019
hi, what do you suggest i do if i get there early morning ,say, 7am..I have 1 whole day

will i have time to go up glacier park?
Thanks
2019-07-01 10:00
Hi David,

Thanks for your question. Yes, you can have a 1 day tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with visiting to the top of Glacier Park. For the traveling route, you can follow the recommended route at below for your reference:

Lijiang → take a chartered car or private car to Ganhaizi → Catch a cable car at the lower station to the top of Glacier Park → get down by cable car and enjoy your lunch at Snow-kitchen 5596 Restaurant in Ganhaizi at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Impression Lijiang Show → Blue-Moon Valley → Ganhaizi → Entrance → Lijiang Old Town

Usually, you will get back to Lijiang Ancient Town at about 18:00. And if you are looking for a Lijiang Dali tour without annoying hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can contact us and travel with our professional local guide and driver.

Wish you a nice journey in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain!
will there be snow at Jade Dragon mountain in mid of October
weather in October
2019-06-06 06:13
Hi,

Yes, Oct would have snow on the Jade Dragon Mountain. It is covered with snow all year around, just have more from Jan to Mar.

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