During my Yunnan trip, the place I looked forward to most was Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Although the summit was closed due to weather, the journey itself became one of my most unforgettable experiences. This post shares my story first, followed by a practical one-day guide—perfect if you’re planning a trip from Lijiang to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
My Day Trip Experience
I left Shuhe Ancient Town around 7 a.m., and after a 40-minute ride, arrived at Jade Dragon Mountain Lijiang. Since the weather was unstable, I changed my plan and explored the lower areas first.
🌊 Blue Moon Valley Lijiang – Peaceful and Stunning
The lake’s surreal blue water looked like glass. Early in the day, it was quiet—grazing animals on one side, the snow-capped peak on the other. It was incredibly photogenic, even on a phone camera.
I also visited Ganhaizi Meadow and Yak Meadow—both relaxing and great for adjusting to the altitude.
🚠 Cable Car to Glacier Park – Still Worth It
In the afternoon, the weather improved. We took the large cable car up the mountain. Unfortunately, the trail to the summit (4,506m) was closed due to heavy snow, but the viewing platform still offered stunning views of the snow line and cloud-covered peaks.
It was around 0°C up there with strong winds. Thankfully, I rented a down jacket and brought an oxygen canister—it really helped!
One-Day Travel Guide: Jade Snow Mountain Lijiang
📅 Suggested Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
| 07:00–08:00 | Depart from Lijiang or Shuhe |
| 08:00–09:00 | Arrive, collect tickets |
| 09:00–11:00 | Explore Blue Moon Valley, Ganhaizi |
| 11:00–13:00 | Lunch & altitude adjustment |
| 13:00–16:00 | Take cable car to Glacier Park |
| 16:00–17:30 | Return to town |
🎟 Tickets & Costs (Book Early!)
| Item | Price (CNY) |
| Entrance Ticket | ~¥100 |
| Large Cable Car | ¥140–200 |
| Eco Shuttle Bus | ¥20–30 |
| Blue Moon Valley Bus | ¥50 |
| Oxygen Canister | ¥20 (Lijiang) / ¥40 (on-site) |
| Down Jacket Rental | ~¥50/day |
🚡 Which Cable Car Route?
Jade Dragon Mountain Lijiang has three cable car options:
- Large Cable Car (Glacier Park)
Best views and highest altitude (most popular). - Medium Cable Car (Yak Meadow)
Peaceful, less crowded, suitable for families. - Small Cable Car (Spruce Meadow)
Forest-meets-mountain vibe, good for easy hikes.
👉 First time? Choose the large cable car if you’re okay with altitude.
👟 What to Wear & Bring
- Down jacket (or rent on site)
- Layered clothing: base layer + fleece + outer shell
- Gloves, hat, scarf, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Sturdy shoes
- Snacks, hot water
- Oxygen canister (especially for high altitudes)
⚠️ Tips You’ll Thank Me For
- Check the weather the day before—snow may close cable cars
- Glacier Park is not always open
- Avoid high altitudes if you have heart or blood pressure issues
- Explore the base first to adjust to altitude
- Go early to avoid crowds and lines
- Don’t wear skirts or flats—it gets cold and slippery 😅
Final
Some ask, “Was it a waste not reaching the summit?”
Not at all. Travel is about the journey—not just the destination. Jade Snow Mountain Lijiang is more than just a place to “check off.”
Whether you’re sitting by Blue Moon Valley Lijiang, hiking toward the snow line, or simply watching clouds drift across the peaks—it’s the experience that stays with you.
If you’re heading from Lijiang to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, give it a full day. Don’t rush. It’s truly worth your time.
