Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（玉龙雪山）Travel Guide

Here is a detailed English travel guide for foreigners visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:

1. General Information

Location: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, in Yunnan Province, China. It is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of the city of Lijiang. Its coordinates are approximately 27.0987° N latitude and 100.1763° E longitude.
Geology and Formation: It is a mountain massif formed by the large-scale uplift during the Quaternary period. The mountain body is mainly composed of carbonate rocks from the Devonian and Carboniferous systems with a thickness of more than 3,000 meters, and some have been metamorphosed into marble. The main peak, Shan Zidou, is composed of Carboniferous Yulong limestone1.
Significance: It is a holy mountain for the local Naxi people. It not only has a beautiful legend but also is a place with rich cultural connotations. It is also a natural sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants123.

2. Highlights and Attractions

Glacier Park: You can take a cable car to reach an elevation of around 4,000 meters. Here, you can see the magnificent glaciers up close. The glacier is a major attraction, and it is like a natural ice sculpture gallery. However, due to the high altitude, you may experience altitude sickness, so it is necessary to prepare in advance.
Spruce Meadow: It is a grassland with giant spruces. The meadow is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and the combination of the green meadow and the snow-capped mountains in the background creates a stunning visual effect.
Yak Meadow: Here, you can see yaks leisurely grazing. It is a good place to experience the unique pastoral scenery of the highlands and take pictures with the yaks.
Blue Moon Valley: The valley is formed by a white river running through. There are cascading waterfalls, four lakes separated by waterfalls, and large boulders, complementing the incredible landscape. The water in the valley is turquoise, which is extremely beautiful.
Ganhaizi (Dry Sea): As the name suggests, it used to be a highland lake. After the water dried up, a meadow was formed. It has its own unique landscape and is also a place worth visiting123.

3. Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit. During these periods, the weather is relatively stable, and the visibility is good, which is conducive to enjoying the beautiful scenery of the snow mountain. Summer is the rainy season, and it is difficult to see the peaks clearly. Winter is relatively cold, but if you can tolerate the cold, you can also experience a different kind of beauty.

4. How to Get There

By Public Transport: You can take Minivan No. 7 parked in front of the square with the huge statue of Mao Zedong right after the North Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town. The fare may vary, but it is a relatively convenient option. Alternatively, you can take Public Bus No. 101, which is slower but much cheaper.
By Private Car or Taxi: If you want more flexibility and comfort, you can choose to rent a car or take a taxi. But make sure to negotiate the price in advance.

5. Tickets and Fees

The entrance fee to the scenic area is 100 RMB. The ticket price for the cable car to the Glacier Park is about 160 RMB. For other attractions such as the Spruce Meadow and Yak Meadow, there may be separate ticket fees.

6. Tips and Precautions

Altitude Sickness Prevention: As the altitude of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is relatively high, it is easy to cause altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare altitude sickness medications in advance, and avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive at the high altitude area. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Weather and Clothing: The weather on the snow mountain is changeable. It is necessary to bring warm clothing, such as down jackets, sweaters, and scarves. At the same time, bring rain gear in case of rain.
Environmental Protection: As a natural scenic area, we should respect and protect the environment. Do not litter and do not damage the natural landscape.
Safety: When visiting, follow the guidance of the staff and pay attention to your own safety. Do not go to dangerous areas without permission.