Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang

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Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area (丽江市玉龙雪山景区) is located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. The scenic area covers a total area of 42,108.88 hectares. The mountain range runs from north to south, approximately 13 kilometers wide and 35 kilometers long, with Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) facing it across the Jinsha River (金沙江). The highest peak, Shanzi Diao (扇子陡), stands at an elevation of 5,590.2 meters, making it the highest mountain with modern glaciers in the northern hemisphere at its latitude. Known as “Jade Dragon” for its majestic shape, the mountain has 13 peaks, each covered with snow throughout the year, giving it the appearance of a dragon lying on the mountaintop, ready to leap into the Jinsha River.

The scenic area is renowned for its glacier landscapes, alpine meadows, indigenous villages, world-class canyons, and highland water features. The main attractions include Gan Haizi (甘海子), Baishu River (白水河), Spruce Plateau (云杉坪), Ice Tower Forest (冰塔林), Yuzhu Peak (玉柱峰), and Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷). In 2007, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area was recognized as a National 5A Tourist Attraction (国家5A级旅游景区), the highest level of tourist classification in China.

Location and Climate

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located in the northwest of Lijiang (丽江), within the Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Yunnan Province, with geographic coordinates ranging from 99°55′42.867″ E to 100°17′08.475″ E and 26°49′24.198″ N to 27°18′26.915″ N. The altitude ranges from 1,600 meters to 5,590.2 meters, with a relative height difference of nearly 4,000 meters.

The climate in the scenic area is influenced by a combination of subtropical latitude, high mountains, and the monsoonal flow of South Asia. The area experiences three types of climate: low-latitude plateau monsoon climate, mountain monsoon climate, and dry-hot valley monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is around 12.6°C, with the coldest month averaging 5.9°C and the warmest month staying below 18°C. The area enjoys an annual sunshine duration of around 2,530 hours, with a mild temperature variation throughout the year, making it suitable for tourism all year round.

Key Attractions

Gan Haizi

Gan Haizi is the central transfer hub and management service base of the scenic area, offering a comprehensive display of the area’s landscapes and charm. Its primary function is as a transfer and management center, while also hosting ethnic cultural exhibitions, festival activities, glacier relics education, dining, shopping, and leisure services. It serves as the main transit point for visitors to the Ice Glacier Park Cable Car, Spruce Plateau Cable Car, and Yak Meadow Cable Car, as well as the Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷). Additionally, Gan Haizi has an open-air theater, Impression Lijiang, and the world’s highest-altitude and longest golf course at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Ice Glacier Park

The Ice Glacier Park is renowned for its stunning modern glaciers and ancient glacier relics, located in a beautiful natural environment. The park includes features formed by glacier erosion, such as caves and stone holes. It is a Quaternary glacial landscape and is known as the “Lucerne Glass Palace” (卢塞恩玻璃宫). The park provides a rare opportunity to observe the vertical distribution of snow-covered plants as visitors ascend via a cable car, passing through meadows, tall pine forests, rhododendron bushes, and finally reaching the glacier region. The Ice Glacier Park is an invaluable site for studying glaciers and environmental protection.

Spruce Plateau

Located at 3,240 meters above sea level, Spruce Plateau (云杉坪) is a large meadow hidden within ancient spruce forests. The Naxi people call it “Yowu Ge”, meaning “The Land of Eternal Love.” The plateau is home to a rich ecological community of Lijiang Spruce (丽江云杉) and Long-Needle Fir (长苞冷杉), creating a multi-layered landscape. The plateau is known for its spectacular views, including the sacred love story of the Naxi people that centers around the “Third Kingdom of Yulong.” It is accessible by walking approximately 15 minutes from the cable car station through pristine forest areas.

Yak Meadow

Yak Meadow (牦牛坪) is located on the northern side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and is an important part of the scenic area. The highest point reaches 4,000 meters and covers an area of more than 16.6 square kilometers. The meadow is a classic alpine scene with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and large herds of yaks grazing. It was once a traditional pasture and remains the best place to view the 13 peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Yak Culture and Banong Country’s Dreamlike Fairyland are unique features of this spot.

Blue Moon Valley

Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷), located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is famous for its crystal-clear blue lakes, steep canyons, and breathtaking snow-capped mountain views. The valley, previously known as Baishu River (白水河), features picturesque spots such as the Red Immortal Inn (红仙客栈), Jade Liquid Lake (玉液湖), Mirror Pool (镜潭湖), Blue Moon Lake (蓝月湖), and Sound of Waves Lake (听涛湖). It is often called the “Little Jiuzhaigou” (小九寨沟) due to its stunning beauty. The area is a popular destination for both sightseeing and relaxation.

Cultural Significance

The Naxi people have many traditional names for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), including Mulu (沐鲁), meaning “Silver Stone Mountain,” and Bashi Mulu (巴史沐鲁), meaning “White Sand Silver Stone Mountain.” According to Naxi traditions, the mountain was originally described as having six peaks, each named for its color: the southern peak, Mulu Pan (沐鲁盘), meaning “White Snow Mountain,” the eastern peak, Mulu Han (沐鲁含), meaning “Green Snow Mountain,” and the western peak, Mulu Na (沐鲁纳), meaning “Black Snow Mountain.”

The mountain’s name was documented in the Yuan Dynasty (元代) Yunnan Gazetteer (元一统志.丽江), where it was referred to as “Dragon Mountain.” The famous Naxi poet Mu Gong (木公) in his poem collection, “Snow Mountain’s First Sound” (雪山始音), wrote:

“In May, Jade Dragon Mountain shines bright,
The cottage door closes as the moon grows cold.
The sweet taste of gold,
A small jar of fragrant pine broth.”

This poem mentions the name “Jade Dragon Mountain” and signifies its lasting cultural impact.

Legends and Myths

A popular legend among the Naxi people tells the story of the battle between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山), two twin brothers. After defeating a demon, the younger brother, Haba, lost his head and turned into the headless Haba Snow Mountain. The older brother, Jade Dragon, stood guard with 13 swords to protect against further attacks, and his efforts resulted in the 13 peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The sweat from their battle formed the Black Water (黑水) and White Water (白水) rivers.

Another version of the legend tells of the five siblings – the Jinsha River (金沙江), Nujiang River (怒江), Lancang River (澜沧江), and the two mountains, Jade Dragon and Haba. After the three sisters grew up, they left to find husbands, and the brothers chased after them. The legend of Jade Dragon’s 13 Swords (玉龙十三剑) and Haba’s Bow (哈巴弓) weaves an unforgettable tale of love and loss.

Honors and Recognition

In 2001, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area was awarded AAAA (国家AAAA级) status by the National Tourism Administration (国家旅游局).

In 2007, it was upgraded to a 5A tourist attraction.

In 2016, it was recognized as an Advanced Unit of National Civilized Tourism.

In 2021, it was rated as one of the first National Civilized Tourism Demonstration Units.

Travel Information

Ticket Prices

Mountain Entry Fee: 100 RMB per person

Glacier Park Cable Car: 140 RMB per person

Yak Meadow Cable Car: 65 RMB per person

Spruce Plateau Cable Car: 60 RMB per person

Sightseeing Bus: 60 RMB per person

Transportation

By Plane: Fly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (丽江三义机场), then take a direct shuttle to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (approximately 1 hour).

By Train: After arriving at Lijiang Station (丽江站), take a bus or taxi to the scenic area (approximately 15 km).

By Bus: Long-distance buses from Lijiang Bus Station (丽江汽车站) offer direct routes to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for around 100 RMB, with a journey time of about 2 hours.

By Car: From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming-Mojiang Expressway (昆磨高速), Chuxiong-Dali Expressway (楚大高速), and Dali-Lijiang Expressway (大丽高速) to reach Lijiang, then head to the scenic area.

Routes

Route One: Visitor Center → Scenic Bus → Main Cable Car → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Cable Car Descent → Scenic Bus to Spruce Plateau → Small Cable Car → Spruce Plateau → Small Cable Car Descent → Scenic Bus → Blue Moon Valley → Scenic Bus → Visitor Center.

Route Two: Visitor Center → Scenic Bus → Main Cable Car → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Cable Car Descent → Scenic Bus to Yak Meadow → Middle Cable Car → Yak Meadow → Middle Cable Car Descent → Scenic Bus → Blue Moon Valley → Scenic Bus → Visitor Center.