1. Tour Overview
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also known as the Black and White Snow Mountain, is located at the junction of Qinghai-Tibet and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateaus. It is characterized by majestic and exquisite features, also integrating the sightseeing, trekking and adventurous activities into the whole part to capture tourists' attention, thereby we call it as "Roof of Southern Yunnan". The climate of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is changeable, so you can witness the fabulous views in different times of a day.
2. Why Should We Go To Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain in the eyes of the Naxi people. It is well-known by its amazing and distinctive landscape and multiple Naxi customs. Although it is the closest snow mountain in the northern hemisphere from the equator, the whole mountain integrates various of scenery with subtropical, temperate and cold regions of the natural landscape into one. Due to the reason that the summit snow does not melt all year around, so you can watch the snow-covered scenery all year around, thus it is worth watching.
3. Main Attractions In Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Highlights Of This Tour
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of thirteen peaks, arranged from north to south, like a silver dragon dancing in the mountain, from the foot of the mountain to the top, there exists subtropical, temperate, cold and other multi-level landscape, so you will marvel at the wonders of nature, which will leave a deep impression on you.
The main attractions include Blue-Moon Valley, Ganhaizi, Yushuizhai Scenic Spot, Spruce Meadow, Yak Meadow, Yuhu Village, etc. you will look forward to have wonderful encounters here, it thus will be an absolutely amazing episode in your life journey.
3.1 Blue-Moon Valley
Blue-Moon Valley, commonly known as the "White Water River", which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the lake is in the shape of the moon with the charming blue color , just like a sapphire inlaid on the earth, absolutely impressive, so there is the reason why it is called Blue-Moon Valley. According to legend, it is the prototype for the works" in the Lost Horizon" written by British writer James Hilton.
Blue-Moon Valley is a tourist attraction which is famous for its unique natural scenery and landscape. Actually, it is made up of four lakes and a river with a deep blue color that sets off against the snow-capped mountains and forms a fascinating scenery, its unique charm attracts a large number of tourists for sightseeing.
Currently, it is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its diversity customs, including Naxi and Bai ethnic cultural attractions, where visitors can learn more about the local traditional culture. In addition, if you want to take a panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, don 't forget to start from here, which will definitely leave you good memories.
3.2 Gan Haizi
Gan Haizi is a vast natural meadow pasture with the gentle terrain, which lies at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow mountain, the vast meadow scattered with a lot of beautiful pine trees, the rolling snow mountains offer the absolutely ideal place for viewing and taking photos. Every year in spring, a large number of herdsmen equipped with the tents from the nearby area such as Tibetan, Yi and Naxi ethnic groups come here to graze, gentian orchid and rhododendron are in full bloom on the meadow, the marvelous and spectacular scenic views will ultimately form a beautiful picture of plateau pasture.
Apart from this, there is also a wealth of plant resources, from low herbs to tall trees, such as Yunnan pine trees, cedar, fir, etc., the scenery is different throughout the four seasons, attracting a large number of travel fans to watch and take photos for good memories.
What is worth mentioning is that, impression Lijiang show, which is an original large-scale live performance in the day, it is divided into six parts: "Trade caravan in ancient routes ", "Drink in Snow Mountain", "Heaven", "Playing and dancing songs", "Worship to heaven" and "Blessing Ceremony". The theater of Impression Lijiang is located at an altitude of 3100 meters, and it takes the peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the natural background. The cast consists of 500 farmers from 10 ethnic minorities, who bring people an immersive visual experience with the most primitive movements and the rustic songs.
3.3 Yuhu Village
Yuhu Village, which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is a primitive village full of mystery. Surrounded by beautiful forests and snow-capped mountains,Yuhu Village , excavated by Mu family, looks like a fairyland on earth. The village has a unique architectural style, all built of stone with time-honored custom. It is not only a paradise for photography lovers and explorers, but also retains the diversity of Naxi tradition, making it a paradise worth exploring.
3.4 Spruce Meadow
It is a huge lawn hidden in a pristine spruce forest, approximately 3,240 meters above sea level. This place is renowned for its magnificent views of snow-capped mountains surrounded by spruce meadow, as if you are in the arms of nature. The grass here is lush and the mountain flowers are in full bloom in spring and summer; but golden or white in autumn and winter. You will never predict the the scenery of the four seasons here.
Tourists can take the cable way directly to the scenic spot, which is not a time-consuming process, only 3 minutes. Upon arrival, visitors can choose to hike up the mountain along the trestle path, it takes about half an hour to reach the observation deck to experience the hiking experience at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Another way is to take the scenic battery car, which takes about five minutes to reach the observation deck. Standing on the observation platform surrounded by cloud mountains and vast mountains, together with breathing the fresh air, you will feel totally brand new.
Spruce Meadow is not only a masterpiece of nature, but also carries the profound cultural heritage of the Naxi ethnic minorities. According to the legend, it is also the entrance of Jade Dragon snow mountain and the place where the first lovers of the Naxi people died, it is thus regarded as the holy land of love. Start from here, the magnificence and tranquility of nature will surround you, you will love a sense of being away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
3.5 Yak Meadow
Yak Meadow, situated at the north end of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is a holiday resort integrating natural scenery, cultural landscape and ethnic customs.
With a total area of 16.6 square kilometres, Yak Meadow attracts countless tourists with its unique geographical location and magnificent natural scenery. Major scenic spots in Yak Meadow include natural landscapes such as Yak Snow Field, Yak Snow Valley, Black Water Valley, and examples of harmonious coexistence between man and nature such as Snowflake Lake and Yao Chi. Meanwhile, It is the perfect location to view the 13 peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at 3,900 meters above sea level, which makes people immersed in this area for the strong emotional attachment. Apart from its natural beauty, Yak Meadow is also the home to Yi ethnic minority group and Tibetan villagers, who make a living by raising livestock and guard the land with yaks. Here, visitors can deeply experience the ethnic customs and being impressed by them deeply.
Essential Tips : The best time to visit Yak Meadow is from April to October every year, during which the tourists can fully appreciate the scenery of the four seasons, feeling the charm of nature and the warm care of people there. Regardless of a photographer who loves nature or a history lover who loves culture, they will soon be intoxicated here.
3.6 Shanzidou
Shanzidou, also known as Xuedou peak, is the main peak of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with an elevation of 5,596 meters,only second to the Kawakarpo Peak in Yunnan Province. It is with the lowest latitude and highest altitude in the northern hemisphere. In 1991, the Kunming Mountaineering Expedition Association climbed to the altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level. In 2002, Jin Feibiao together with other explorers climbed to the altitude of 5,100 meters. The peaks of the mountains are snowy all the year round,like a “Jade Dragon”, jumping into the Jinsha River with fantastic spectacular views. With the alternation of seasons, the landscape is really colorful, whether it is the colorful glow at sunrise or the red gauze draped in the afterglow in the evening, the steep peaks can show a different beauty, making people linger and obsessed with its beauty.
3.7 Yushuizhai Scenic Spot
Yushuizhai Scenic Spot situate in the north of Baisha Town, Lijiang City, backed by the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and facing the beautiful Lijiang Dam. It is about 2500 meters above the sea level and 15 kilometres away from the urban area. This scenic spot is characterized by its unique integration of Naxi culture and natural landscape. Yushui Village is not only a holy place of Naxi Dongba custom, but also a comprehensive display of Naxi traditional culture and lifestyles. The main attractions in the scenic area include Dragon Three-fold Waterfall Group, Salmon Farming Ecological sightseeing area, Ancient Trees and Sacred Spring, etc. Each scenic spot has its own unique culture and natural beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery while having an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of the Naxi people.
Essential Tips :The opening time of Yushui Village ranges from 8:00 in the morning to 18:00 in the evening, the ticket price is 35RMB and the recommended play time is 2-3 hour. Not only does Yushuizhai have abundant cultural heritage, but also it has the pure natural scenery. Consequently, if you are culture lovers or nature explorers, Yusuizhai is a place not to be missed for the whole set of cultural experience and natural viewing among these tourist attractions.
4. Smart Travel About Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is from November to March.
It is the most abundant snow scenery in the mountain which facilitates the photo-taking lovers to explore this sacred mountain and spend their exhilarating days here. Another reason to support sightseeing during this period is that the weather is pretty sunny, and the lake of the Blue Moon Valley is set against the blue sky and the snow, which is enchanting, and there is also the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views when the sun shines on Jade dragon Mountain. Therefore, those who plan to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are advised to avoid the rainy season from June to August, and choose the best travel time from November to March to fully appreciate the beauty and mystery of this mountain.
It is the most abundant snow scenery in the mountain which facilitates the photo-taking lovers to explore this sacred mountain and spend their exhilarating days here. Another reason to support sightseeing during this period is that the weather is pretty sunny, and the lake of the Blue Moon Valley is set against the blue sky and the snow, which is enchanting, and there is also the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views when the sun shines on Jade dragon Mountain. Therefore, those who plan to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are advised to avoid the rainy season from June to August, and choose the best travel time from November to March to fully appreciate the beauty and mystery of this mountain.
If you are occupied with the work and miss the chance to visit this beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in winter, I strongly recommend you to visit it in spring, especially March and April, or autumn, especially October, they are also the most ideal time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. During this time, the snow Mountain is rich in vegetation with enchanting scenery.
5. How To Visit The Itinerary
5.1 Direct Flight
Lijiang is the place with the most direct flights except Kunming, so you can first consider flying to Lijiang all over the world.
5.2 Dali To Lijiang
From Dali to Lijiang, there are multiple ways for you to choose, including car rental service, commercial vehicle carpooling or traditional bus service, Dali old town provides all kinds of carpooling services for you to arrive the destination easily. Alternatively, there is a bus station outside the south gate of the ancient city, you can take the shuttle bus to Lijiang, it takes about 2.5 hours with high-speed routes. Or you can take both fast trains and bullet trains since there are many trains from Dali to Lijiang, and the time ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours in the journey.
5.3 Kunming To Lijiang
Both plane and train can be taken into consideration, but the train is generally recommended better, it is only 3 hours with too much scenic views being spotted outside the window. Plus, the price is really cost effective, but the only drawback is that not so many trains are available, so you need to purchase tickets in advance.
6. Food & Accommodation About Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Lijiang cuisine tastes a little spicy, it is mainly Naxi taste, but you will enjoy it after you taste them. Most of traditional ingredients are wild mountain treasures and poultry, once try it for the first time, you may never give it up. There are also countless popular snacks which are favored by a lot of food-lovers such as flower cake, preserved pork ribs, black goat hot pot and salmon, chicken bean jelly, Naxi grilled fish, Dongba grilled meat, yak beef, yak meat sauce, tambourine, Pu'er tea etc.
I have to mention that Yunnan is the kingdom of wild mushroom and Lijiang is famous for the production for these fresh ingredients, when you taste the fresh and delicious mushroom cuisine, you can't stop missing its taste, when you see a variety of wild mushroom being cooked together with Chinese silk chicken,it smells very yummy, certainly, you can also choose to make into wild mushroom hot pot, a lot of restaurants here will provide you with multiple choices.
7. Sightseeing Tips
1. You may need to rent warm clothes if you do not prepare warm clothes.
2. You may need to rent an oxygen carrier, if you are in weak condition or not often go to fitness center.
3. Take a taxi or charter a car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain if any inconvenience.
4. Bring some high calorie food to offer energy when necessary.
5. You may need to wear a pair of sunglasses to preserve your eyes.
6. To wear sneakers, so that climbing and hiking will be more convenient.
7. To wear a hat to Lijiang is also a good choice, when taking photos, it can be used as an important prop.
8. Pay attention to moisturizing because of the dry weather here.
