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Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) is a majestic mountain massif located near the historic city of Lijiang in Yunnan Province. It represents the southernmost part of the Hengduan Mountains and consists of 13 peaks, with the highest point, Shanzidou, reaching an elevation of 5,596 meters above sea level. The massif is home to the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere and is characterized by permanent snow cover on its higher ridges. Its name is derived from the mountain's appearance, which resembles a jade dragon lying amidst the clouds. For the indigenous Naxi people, the mountain is a sacred site deeply intertwined with their mythology and the Dongba religious tradition. Tourists can access various high-altitude scenic spots via cable cars, including the scenic Spruce Meadow and the Glacier Park, located at an elevation exceeding 4,500 meters. The area is also celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity, housing thousands of plant species and providing a habitat for rare animals like the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.

Location: China
Top sights: Joseph Rock's Former Residence · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area
Nearby: Dali (29 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr–Jun.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	4	7	11	14	17	17	17	15	11	6	3
Rain mm	10	13	23	39	71	137	229	215	138	65	9	4

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a massif near Lijiang, part of a national park. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit or hike, though some areas are closed for safety.

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Typical hours

The park typically opens from about 8:00 to 17:00, exact hours vary seasonally. The last cable car run is usually in the early afternoon; check ahead.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the park, especially the snow-capped peaks offer great subjects. At higher altitudes, cold can affect the camera; bring spare batteries.

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Time needed

Allow at least half a day for the park visit including cable car rides. For hikes and a picnic, plan a full day.

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Combine with

Combine the mountain with Lijiang's old town and the Black Dragon Pool. The nearby village of Baisha with its murals is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

The park is reachable by bus or taxi from Lijiang in about 30 minutes. A cable car takes you from the valley station to the high alpine zone.

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Insider tip

Book cable car tickets in advance as demand is high. Wear warm clothing, as temperatures at the summit are low even in summer.

Geography

Coordinates

27.10000, 100.23000

Facts

The highest peak, Shanzidou, stands at 5,596 meters.
The mountain massif is composed of 13 distinct peaks.
Home to the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
Considered a sacred mountain by the indigenous Naxi people.
Located only 15 kilometers north of the Old Town of Lijiang.
The highest cable car reaches an elevation of 4,506 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lijiang4 km · EExplore →

Tiger Leaping Gorge12 km · SExplore →

Three Pagodas29 km · EExplore →

Dali29 km · EExplore →

Pudacuo National Park29 km · SWExplore →

Shangri-La56 km · SExplore →

Lugu Lake62 km · NExplore →

Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)121 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5)

Joseph Rock's Former Residence 📍 landmark

The former home of Austro-American explorer Joseph Rock in the Naxi village of Yuhu.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 🌿 nature

A glacier-capped mountain range whose highest peak, Shanzidou, reaches an elevation of 5,596 meters.

🌐 gi.mnr.gov.cn

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area🌿 nature

A nature reserve at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain encompassing alpine meadows, deep gorges, and glaciers.

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Blue Moon Valley 📍 landmark

A valley featuring turquoise lakes and terraced waterfalls fed by melting glacial water.

Yak Meadow📍 landmark

A high-altitude mountain meadow at 3,650 meters where yaks graze among wildflowers in summer.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Do I need oxygen tanks?

Many visitors buy small tanks on-site to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.

How high does the cable car go?

The Glacier Park cable car takes visitors to an impressive altitude of 4,506 meters.

What is 'Blue Moon Valley'?

A scenic valley at the foot of the mountain with crystal-clear turquoise water.

Is there a show to watch?

Yes, the outdoor show 'Impression Lijiang' is performed against the mountain backdrop.

Is there snow all year round?

Yes, the peaks are permanently covered with snow and glaciers.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: where is it located?

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located in China.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: what is there to see?

Highlights include Joseph Rock's Former Residence, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Jun.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: why is it worth visiting?

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) is a majestic mountain massif located near the historic city of Lijiang in Yunnan Province.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Best time to visit & climate