In Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, stands a holy mountain covered with snow all year round – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
It is the spiritual totem that the Naxi people have been guarding for generations.
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The Legend of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
In the Naxi language, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is called “Oulu”, meaning “silver-colored mountain rock”.
Legend has it that it is the incarnation of the Naxi protective god “Sanduo”, with thirteen snowy peaks rolling like dragons tossing in the sea of clouds.
Historically, the king of Nanzhao Kingdom had sealed it as “Beiyue”, the Yuan Dynasty Emperor Kublai gave the name “Da Sheng Xue Shi Beiyue Anbang Jingdi”.
This mountain witnessed the Naxi people from nomadic to farming changes, but also sheltered the caravans on the Tea Horse Road through the mountains.
Nowadays, on the eighth day of the second month of the lunar calendar every year, Lijiang people will still hold a grand “Sanduo Festival”, with songs and dances to pay homage to the sacred mountain, praying for a good harvest and peace.
At the foot of Mount Snow, Yuhu Village, the legend of “One Meter of Sunshine” has been passed down – it is said that people who love each other will be able to tie the knot forever if they are able to bathe in the short-lived sunshine at the peak of YulongSnow Mountain.
Natural Wonders of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the pearl of the Hengduan Mountains, with the main peak, Fanzipu, at an altitude of 5,596 meters, forming steep cliffs and deep valleys as a result of the Himalayan orogenic movement.
Here preserved the lowest latitude temperate marine glaciers in Eurasia, 19 glaciers such as the silver dragon winding down, a total area of 11.6 square kilometers, known as the “Museum of Glaciers”.
From the subtropical jungle at the foot of the mountain to the ice world at the top, the climate of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain changes drastically with the altitude, giving birth to more than 3,800 kinds of wild plants and Yunnan golden monkeys, snow leopards and other rare animals.
The lake in Blue Moon Valley is a dreamy blue-green color due to the refraction of minerals, and the meadows in Spruce Pine are surrounded by thousand-year-old spruce, as if stepping into a fairy tale secret world.
Must-see Attractions of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Glacier Park
Take the cable car to the viewing platform at an altitude of 4506 meters, hike along the wooden trestle to the peak of 4680 meters, touch the texture of the ten thousand year old glacier, and feel the shock of “reaching the top of the world”.
Blue Moon Valley
Snowy mountain meltwater convergence into turquoise blue lakes, lake color with the light changes, known as “small Jiuzhaigou”, strolling lakeside as walking in the oil painting.
Spruce Ping
Naxi legend of the “third country of the Yulong”, flat meadows and snowy mountains, is the perfect place to photograph the reflection of snowy mountains.
Yak Ping
Yaks graze leisurely in the alpine meadows, while snow-capped mountains in the distance and wildflowers in the vicinity form a tranquil idyllic painting.
Ganhaizi
Alpine meadows intertwined with wildflowers are a paradise for hikers, and at night it is a secret place to photograph the starry sky and the Milky Way.
Classic and Niche Recommendations
Classic One-Day Tour
Morning: Depart from Lijiang Old Town, take the cable car to the top of the glacier park (it is recommended to buy tickets in advance and carry oxygen bottles).
Lunch: Enjoy hot yak meat hotpot in the scenic restaurant.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Blue Moon Valley, take the cable car back to Yunchengping, and finally take photos at Ganhaizi.
Late afternoon: return to Lijiang Old Town and enjoy the specialty Lapis Pork Rib Hot Pot.
In-depth two-day tour
Day1: Glacier Park + Blue Moon Valley + watch “Impression Lijiang” live performance (directed by Zhang Yimou, open-air stage is shocking).
Day2: Yak ping hiking + visit Yuhu village Naxi ancient village + Baisha ancient town experience Dongba script writing.
Niche Experience
Stargazing at night: camp at Ganhaizi and record the conversation between the snowy mountains and the Milky Way with your camera.
Cultural Immersion: Participate in the rituals of the Sanduo Festival and learn the ancient Dongba hieroglyphic script.
Outdoor Adventure: Travel through the pristine forests at the southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and experience the untouched nature of the wild.
Unmissable Experiences
Cultural Experience: Listen to the Naxi ancient music club “Baisha Fine Music”, visit the old stone houses and horse gang culture in Yuhu Village.
Four seasons of beauty: enjoy the azalea sea in spring, watch the ice waterfall in Blue Moon Valley in winter; see the “Sunshine Gold Mountain” in the morning, and encounter the sea of clouds in the evening.
Local food: taste the cold water fish sashimi in the snowy mountains, ghee tea with tsampa, hot and sour appetizing chickpea cold noodles.
Travel Tips
Tickets: Entrance fee is 100 RMB, and the big ropeway is 140 RMB (advance reservation is required).
Transportation: Lijiang Old Town by 101 bus directly to the scenic spot (15 yuan / person).
Equipment: sunscreen, sunglasses, windproof punching jacket, non-slip hiking shoes.
High reflex prevention: avoid strenuous exercise, can prepare glucose oral solution to ease the discomfort.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is not only a mountain, but also a masterpiece of nature and humanity.
Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a history seeker, or an outdoor explorer, this place will leave you an unforgettable memory.
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