Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towering behind Lijiang Old Town

Photo: Chinese Mountains

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Yulong Snow Mountain

Southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere above Lijiang

Elevation 5,596m
Province Yunnan
Difficulty Moderate
Best Season October, November, March, April
Duration 1 day
Scenery 5/5 Hiking 3/5

About Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Rising abruptly from the plains near Lijiang to 5,596m, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain's thirteen snow-capped peaks form a dragon silhouette visible from Lijiang's ancient streets.

Mountain Facts

Geology
Limestone/Glacial
Protected Area
415 km2
Nearest City
Lijiang
Entry Ticket
CNY 310
UNESCO Status
Not designated
Our Ratings
Scenery 5/5 · Hiking 3/5 · Culture 3/5 · Access 4/5

Cultural Significance

Sacred in Naxi culture. Home to the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.

Highlights

  • • Glacier Park cable car (4,506m)
  • • Impression Lijiang show
  • • Blue Moon Valley
  • • Spruce Meadow
  • • Yak Meadow

When to Go

November to April offers the best chance of seeing snow on the mountain. December-February has the most consistent snow cover but cold temperatures (0-10 C at base, -15 C at summit). March-April has warmer temperatures with good snow conditions and blooming wildflowers at lower elevations. May-October is the rainy season — the mountain is often shrouded in clouds, snow cover is minimal, and visibility is poor. Summer offers the lowest chance of seeing the peak clearly. Regardless of season, arrive early — clouds typically build up by late morning, and the mountain is best viewed before 10 AM.

How to Get There

By Air: Fly to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) — direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. By High-Speed Train: Lijiang Station is served by the Dali-Lijiang line (about 3.5h from Kunming). From Lijiang Old Town, the mountain entrance is only 15km away — tourist bus No. 7, shared vans (CNY 20-30), or a 40-minute taxi (CNY 100-150). Getting Up: All visitors take cable cars. The Glacier Park cable car (CNY 120) rises from 3,350m to 4,506m — the highest in China and the one with the worst queues; book same-day tickets online from 6-7 AM, as they often sell out. The Spruce Meadow cable car (CNY 60) reaches 3,200m for gentler walks. Entry Fee: CNY 100, with the Glacier Park package totaling about CNY 220. Altitude warning: at 4,506m the top station demands caution — move slowly, carry oxygen (available at the base for CNY 20-40), and skip it if you felt unwell in Lijiang (2,400m).

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? +
The highest peak, Shanzidou, reaches 5,596m — the highest mountain in Yunnan Province and the closest snow-capped peak to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere. The tourist cable car reaches Glacier Park at 4,506m, where you can walk on a wooden boardwalk to 4,680m. This is one of the highest tourist-accessible points in China accessible by cable car.
Can I climb Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? +
The summit (5,596m) has never been successfully climbed — it is technically extremely difficult and considered sacred by the local Naxi people. However, the cable car takes visitors to 4,506m, where you can hike on a maintained boardwalk to 4,680m. This is the highest point accessible to tourists. The oxygen is thin — approximately 55 percent of sea level — and altitude sickness is common. Bring oxygen canisters (sold at the base), move slowly, and descend immediately if you feel unwell.
What is the best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? +
November to April offers the best chance of seeing snow on the mountain. December-February offers the most consistent snow cover but is cold (0-10 C at base, -15 C at summit). March-April has warmer temperatures with good snow. May-October is the rainy season — the mountain is often shrouded in clouds and snow cover is minimal. The summer months offer the lowest chance of seeing the peak clearly. Regardless of season, arrive early — clouds typically build up by late morning.
Is altitude sickness a risk at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? +
Yes, significantly. The cable car ascends from 3,356m to 4,506m in approximately 15 minutes — a rapid gain of 1,150m. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness) are very common. To reduce risk: spend at least 1-2 days acclimatizing in Lijiang (2,400m) before visiting, ascend slowly once at the summit area, drink plenty of water, and use supplemental oxygen (small canisters are sold everywhere). Descend immediately if symptoms worsen — the cable car provides fast evacuation.
How much time do I need for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? +
One full day is standard. The round-trip from Lijiang takes about 8 hours. Morning: arrive at the park entrance (approximately 40 min from Lijiang Old Town), take shuttle to the cable car station, ascend to Glacier Park (2-3 hours at the summit). Afternoon: visit Blue Moon Valley with its turquoise lakes, Spruce Meadow cable car, or the Impression Lijiang outdoor show. Book cable car tickets in advance during peak season — the Glacier Park cable car sells out.

You May Also Like

Mount Everest north face seen from the Tibetan plateau

Mount Everest

Qomolangma · Tibet

4.8

The roof of the world — stand at the foot of Earth's highest mountain

8,848m extreme
Kawagarbo, the highest peak of Meili Snow Mountain, at golden sunrise

Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain · Yunnan

4.6

The sacred unconquered peak — 13 snow summits above a Tibetan valley

6,740m hard
Gongga Shan (Minya Konka) summit glowing at sunrise

Mount Gongga

Gong Ga Shan · Sichuan

4.6

The King of Sichuan mountains — 7,556m of alpine majesty

7,556m extreme