Xiling Snow Mountain: The Summit of Chengdu and Window to Eternal Snow

A Window to "Thousand-Year Snow"

1.Located in Dayi: County, approximately 95 kilometers west of Chengdu, Xiling Snow Mountain is a majestic alpine landscape that defines the skyline of the Sichuan Basin. Its name is immortalized in the famous poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, who wrote while gazing from his thatched cottage in Chengdu: "The window contains the western hills' thousand-year snow, the door anchors the eastern Wu's ten-thousand-mile ship" (窗含西岭千秋雪，门泊东吴万里船). As the highest peak in the administrative area of Chengdu, the main peak, Da Xue Tang (also known as Miao Jiling), towers at an altitude of 5,364 meters, standing as a perpetual snowy sentinel overlooking the fertile Chengdu Plain.

The Summit of Chengdu

Geographically, Xiling Snow Mountain represents the dramatic transition from the Sichuan Basin to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is part of the Qionglai Mountain range, rising abruptly from the plains to the clouds. This massive vertical drop creates a stunning diversity of climate and vegetation, ranging from subtropical forests at the base to alpine meadows and permanent snow at the summit. The mountain is often shrouded in mist and clouds, creating a mystical atmosphere that has captivated poets and travelers for centuries. On clear days, the snow-capped peak is visible from downtown Chengdu, serving as a constant reminder of the wild nature that borders the city's relaxed urban life.

A World of Ice and Snow

(Note: The following details regarding the ski resort and specific scenic spots are based on general knowledge to provide a complete guide, as specific details were not in the provided excerpts.) Xiling Snow Mountain is widely recognized as the largest and most successful alpine ski resort in Southern China. In winter, the mountain transforms into a snowy paradise, often compared to the Alps. The Ski Resort (located at the rear mountain) offers well-equipped slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts who don't want to travel to the far north. The snow cover here is thick and lasts for several months, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a pure white world of ice forests and silver trees.

The Mystery of the "Yin-Yang Realm"

(Note: Based on general knowledge) One of the most fascinating natural phenomena on the mountain is the Yin-Yang Realm (Yinyangjie). This ridge acts as a watershed and a climatic divide. It is often said that on one side of the ridge, the sky might be blue and sunny (representing the dry plateau climate), while on the other side, it is misty and humid (representing the basin climate). Standing on this dividing line offers a unique experience of witnessing two distinct weather systems simultaneously.

A Summer Retreat

(Note: Based on general knowledge) When the snow melts, Xiling Snow Mountain reveals a lush, green landscape, becoming a popular summer resort for escaping the heat of the Chengdu basin. The ski slopes turn into grass skiing venues, and the mountain is carpeted with wildflowers. Visitors can hike through the primitive forests, spot waterfalls, and enjoy the cool mountain air. The "Sun and Moon Lawn" provides a vast open space for leisure and photography, surrounded by jagged peaks and rolling clouds.