Jade

The "Oriental Alps" and Naxi Holy Mountain

1.Located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous: County, just 15 kilometers north of Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) is a majestic mountain range and a spiritual sanctuary. Often called the "Oriental Alps," the range consists of 13 peaks that undulate like a silver dragon resting against the skyline, with the main peak, Shanzidou, piercing the clouds at an altitude of 5,596 meters. As the southernmost snow mountain group in the Northern Hemisphere and the site of China's lowest-latitude modern marine glaciers, it offers a rare blend of subtropical scenery and eternal ice. To the Naxi people, this mountain is the incarnation of their war god, "Sanduo," and serves as a protective barrier for the Lijiang basin.

Glacier Park: Touching the Sky

The most iconic experience at the mountain is ascending to Glacier Park. Visitors take the large tourist cableway—often cited as one of the world's highest passenger ropeways—which whisks them from the base up to an elevation of 4,506 meters. Stepping out onto the viewing platforms, one is surrounded by a world of ice and snow, with wind-swept glaciers and jagged ice towers formed over millions of years. The air is thin and cold, and the scenery is starkly beautiful, offering a panoramic sea of clouds and the imposing presence of the main peak, Shanzidou.

Blue Moon Valley: A Dream of Turquoise

Descending from the snow line, the melting ice waters gather to form the Blue Moon Valley (Lan Yue Gu), formerly known as the White Water River (Baishui He). Here, the water flows through terraced travertine pools, appearing a brilliant, dreamlike turquoise or jade green due to the minerals in the riverbed. On rainy days, the water can turn white, resembling a river of milk. With the snow-capped peaks reflecting in the calm, mirror-like pools, this area is often compared to a "Little Jiuzhaigou" and is a favorite spot for photography and leisurely walks.

Impression Lijiang: A Cultural Spectacle

At the foot of the mountain lies the venue for Impression Lijiang, a grand open-air live action performance directed by the famous Zhang Yimou. Set against the breathtaking natural backdrop of the snow mountain itself, the show features hundreds of local actors and horses. It reenacts the history, traditions, and indomitable spirit of the Naxi people and the ancient Tea Horse Road, creating an emotional and visually stunning cultural immersion that complements the natural grandeur.

Alpine Meadows: Spruce and Yak

For those seeking a more pastoral experience, the mountain offers lush highland meadows accessible by separate cableways.

• 2.Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping): A quiet, grassy plateau surrounded by a primeval spruce forest, regarded by locals as the entrance to the "Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon," a mythical paradise for lovers.
• 3.Yak Meadow (Maoniuping): Located at a higher elevation, this vast alpine meadow offers wider views of the 13 peaks and is often dotted with grazing yaks, providing a glimpse into the traditional highland ranching life.