Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Scenery Spot — Attraction in Lijiang City

Plan for at least one full day to be on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山 - yu long xue shan). The views are spectacular! (And worth navigating all the logistics of travelling with children and elderly to get here) my pictures are just taken with my mobile, no filter. There are options to take in the view, walking, cable car, and/or the trams to get to each scenic spot.

Organise your visit to make sure that you catch the Impression Lijiang Show, by Zhang Yimou, it tells of the lives of the Naxi people, and other tribes who live on this land. The music and story line is touching and well written, my children were singing the theme song, asking me to please play the song for them till today.

Practical Tips:

1. buy oxygen cans downtown, it cost around 15 yuan in town, and 39 yuan on the mountain itself. 2) be warmly dressed, I was surprised how cold it was
2. make sure you refuel the kiddos, the walking and thin air get them...

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Scenic Spot (玉龙雪山国家级风景名胜区) is a stunning natural wonder in Lijiang, Yunnan, famed for its towering, snow-capped peaks reaching 5,596 meters (18,360 ft). This UNESCO-recognized area combines breathtaking glaciers, alpine meadows, and rich Naxi culture.

Visitors can: Ride a cable car to Glacier Park (4,506m) for close-up glacier views. Explore Blue Moon Valley, a turquoise lake basin surrounded by forests and waterfalls. Watch the "Impression Lijiang" outdoor show directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the mountain backdrop. Hike through Yak Meadow or Spruce Meadow for pristine highland scenery. Visit Baishui (White Water) Terraces, a natural limestone formation.

A must-visit for nature lovers and...

Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reaching an altitude of 4,506 meters above sea level, I was both awestruck and breathless—quite literally! The air is thin up there, and I definitely needed oxygen to adjust, but it was well worth it.

The temperature was a crisp 3.3°C, adding to the magical, alpine atmosphere. Snow-capped peaks surrounded us, and the panoramic views were simply surreal. The moment you step out and see the mountain in all its glory, it’s like standing at the edge of the world.

Be sure to dress warmly, move slowly, and bring an oxygen canister. But if you're up for a bit of adventure and stunning natural beauty, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain won’t disappoint.

Highly recommended for nature lovers and...