Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Synopsis

Overview

Yulong Snow Mountain, located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, is the southernmost major snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere and a famous peak in the southern section of the Shaluli Mountains within the Hengduan Mountain Range. It consists of thirteen continuous snow peaks, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, hence the name "Yulong" (Jade Dragon). Its main peak, "Shanzidou"...

Overview

Yulong Snow Mountain, located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, is the southernmost major snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere and a famous peak in the southern section of the Shaluli Mountains within the Hengduan Mountain Range. It consists of thirteen continuous snow peaks, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, hence the name "Yulong" (Jade Dragon). Its main peak, "Shanzidou" (Fan Peak), stands at an altitude of 5,596 meters, is perennially snow-covered, and remains an unclimbed virgin peak to this day. Yulong Snow Mountain is not only a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people, believed to be the incarnation of their protector god "Sanduo," but also a natural treasure trove integrating a glacier park, alpine meadows, primeval forests, streams, and lakes. It is renowned worldwide for its perilous, wondrous, beautiful, and elegant scenery. In 1988, it was designated as a National Scenic Area, and in 2007, it became one of China's first batch of 5A-level tourist attractions.

History

The geological history of Yulong Snow Mountain dates back hundreds of millions of years to the collision of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Its unique glacial landforms are precious relics from the Quaternary Ice Age. In terms of cultural history, it is inseparable from the culture of the Naxi people in Lijiang. Since the Tang Dynasty, Nanzhao King Yimouxun conferred upon it the title "Northern Sacred Mountain." In the early Yuan Dynasty, during Kublai Khan's southern expedition to Dali, he also granted it the title "Great Sacred Snow Stone Northern Sacred Mountain, Emperor of Peace and State." In the Dongba scriptures of the Naxi people, Yulong Snow Mountain is the sacred and inviolable "Boshi Oulu," symbolizing purity and strength. For thousands of years, it has not only been a spiritual anchor for the local people but has also attracted countless literati and artists. The Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake described it in his Travel Diaries of Yunnan as "a finger of the snow mountain, standing erect beyond the heavens." In modern times, it has become a holy land longed for by explorers and tourists alike.

Main Attractions

The Yulong Snow Mountain scenic area is vast, with scattered and distinctive attractions, mainly including the following core areas:

1. Glacier Park (Big Cableway): Taking the 2,914-meter-long tourist cableway directly to the glacier viewing platform at 4,506 meters above sea level is an excellent spot for close-up views of modern glaciers. Perennial snow is visible here year-round. The area boasts a complete range of glacier types, with 19 modern glaciers that shimmer with emerald-like light under the sun, earning the name "Green Snow and Strange Peaks."
2. Spruce Meadow (Small Cableway): At an altitude of about 3,240 meters, this is an alpine meadow surrounded by primeval spruce forests. In the Naxi language, it is called "Youwuge," meaning "the place of love suicide," as it is traditionally believed to be where the first pair of Naxi lovers died for love, giving it a romantic and mysterious aura. The area offers open views for admiring the full panorama of the snow mountain, with wildflowers blooming in spring and summer and golden hues in autumn and winter.
3. Yak Meadow (Medium Cableway): At an altitude of about 3,800 meters, this is a typical alpine meadow pasture. It offers the most expansive views for observing the panorama of Yulong Snow Mountain's thirteen peaks, especially the majestic side profile of Shanzidou. In summer, Tibetan and Yi herders graze their livestock here, creating a magnificent and lively scene with herds of yaks and cattle.
4. Blue Moon Valley: Located at the foot of the snow mountain, it was formed by the White Water River, sourced from glacial meltwater, flowing through the valley. The river, rich in minerals, appears a clear azure blue on sunny days, and the valley is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name. The valley features four distinct lakes: "Jade Liquid Lake," "Mirror Pool Lake," "Blue Moon Lake," and "Listening to Waves Lake," earning it the nickname "Little Jiuzhaigou."
5. Ganhaizi (Dry Sea): A natural alpine meadow pasture on the eastern foothills of Yulong Snow Mountain, at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. Its flat and open terrain makes it a classic spot for photographing the panoramic reflection of Yulong Snow Mountain. The tourist center is also located here.
6. Impression Lijiang Live Performance: Directed by Zhang Yimou and others, this grand-scale performance uses Yulong Snow Mountain as its natural backdrop. It features hundreds of non-professional actors from local ethnic minorities, powerfully showcasing the ancient cultures and customs of the Naxi, Yi, Pumi, and other ethnic groups.

Practical Information

The following information is general reference as of 2023. Please verify the latest details through official channels before your trip.

References

1. Official website of Lijiang Yulong Snow Mountain Provincial Tourism Development Zone Management Committee: http://www.yulong.com/ (For official announcements, ticketing policies)
2. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China - 5A-level Scenic Area List (Yulong Snow Mountain): https://www.mct.gov.cn/ (Search within the site to verify attraction credentials)
3. Chinese Academy of Sciences - China Glacier Database (Related to Yulong Snow Mountain glacier research): http://www.glacierdata.cn/ (For understanding the scientific background of glaciers)