Yulong Snow Mountain — Local services in Lijiang City

Yulong Snow Mountain, also known as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is a striking natural landmark near Lijiang. I visited as part of a day trip and found the experience memorable, though there are a few things worth keeping in mind. The mountain is impressive from a distance, especially on a clear day when the snow-covered peaks are visible above the clouds. Getting up to the Glacier Park (around 4,500 meters) requires taking a cable car. The ride itself is smooth, and the views become increasingly dramatic as you ascend. However, the altitude is no joke — several people around me, including myself, felt lightheaded or short of breath even after just a few steps. Bringing an oxygen canister is highly recommended, especially if you’re not used to high elevations. At the top, the snow and scenery are beautiful but expect large crowds and limited time, as staff often move people along quickly. Paths are mostly wooden walkways with railings, but they can get slippery. Dress warmly, even in summer — temperatures were close to freezing when I visited in June. Back at the lower elevations, Blue Moon Valley was a nice surprise. The turquoise-colored water is unusually vivid and makes for a peaceful walk, although parts of the area feel a bit curated for tourists. The site overall is well-maintained, but also heavily commercialized. Long queues, ticket checks, and photo stations are part of the experience. Still, if you’re in the Lijiang area and interested in high-altitude landscapes, it’s worth considering. Just be prepared: the beauty of the place is real, but so is the altitude and the tourism infrastructure...

Step 1. Drive up to, get a ride, or join your group to the visitor center. There are a few restaurants here but mainly it’s the place to get on the eco bus.

Step 2. Wait in line to get on the eco bus. It will take you to the gondola.

Step 3. Arrive at the gondola and get in line to ride up. It’s about a 10 min ride up to 4500 m.

Step 4. Look around or take the boardwalk up to 4680 m. It rewarding to make it up that high in the thin air. Plus you can get your name engraved on a medal or eat a hot dog at the worlds highest elevation hot dog stand.

Step 5. Go back down to gondola and do it all in reverse.

Depending on your ticket you likely also have entrance to the 2 pm performance of Lijain Impressions. It’s a pretty impressive show with singing, dancing, horses, and hundreds of actors. Great music and English translations too.

What to bring? Layers or jackets. It can be quite cold up here. The day we went it was in the 40’s but it was sunny on the last day of May. They also sell you oxygen canisters. Don’t know that they are necessary but we inhaled them on the steps up. Seemed to help but maybe just psychological.

Because it was sunny, the view and experience was amazing. I can see coming up on a foggy or rainy day it can seem like a waste of time. If you have never been at elevation this is an easy way to go. Gondola up and you can go right back down and...

Stunning scenery.. Definitely worth a vist... But please take some advise. Buy your oxygen bottles before going as there alot cheaper in the villages than from a tour guide or on the mountain. And please use them even if you think your OK.. I went with a party of 18 and every single one of us and some affects from altitude sickness. And in a couple cases they were being sick with very low oxygen levels... Fortunately there is a oxygen room on the top of the mountain near the cable cars. There is no climbing involved as it's a cable car all the way... So people of all ages can try it... It really is a once in a lifetime experience.. Definitely worth.. There's loads parking. And plenty of food shops along with restaurants and rest rooms... Plus places to store your goods for a small cost. A good day out.. But a bit of advice don't stay at the top for to long as the thin air will definitely affect.. There are, also tibetian shows in the afternoon. When we went it was not to cold at the top it was 3 degrees... But if the wind is blowing you definitely feel a bite in the wind so wrap up...