Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Yulong Snow Mountain near Lijiang. Start from Ganhaizi for a panoramic view, then ascend via cableway to Glacier Park to witness one of the world's closest glaciers to the equator. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant waters of Blue Moon Valley. For lower-altitude alternatives, choose Spruce Meadow or Yak Meadow to enjoy wildflower-filled fields, snow-covered meadows, and authentic Tibetan culture. A perfect mix of nature, altitude, and culture in Yunnan.
Yulong Snow Mountain--Spruce Meadow--Blue Moon Valley
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Follow intoexplore and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Yulong Snow Mountain.
Morning:
Depart from Lijiang Old Town and head to the foot of the snow mountain. Your first stop is Ganhaizi (elevation: 3100m), a scenic meadow offering stunning views of the mountain—perfect for photography. Then, take the large cableway up to Glacier Park (elevation: 4500–4600m). As the cable car ascends, you can observe a striking ecological transition from Yunnan pine forest → fir forest → alpine meadow → exposed glacier. This area is the core scenic zone of Yulong Snow Mountain, featuring both ancient glacial relics and modern glacial formations. It is the lowest-latitude oceanic glacier in China, and one of the closest snow-capped glaciers to the equator in the world. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Ganhaizi below.
Afternoon:
Head to Blue Moon Valley (elevation: 2800m), composed of four interconnected lakes. Each lake reflects a different shade due to varying mineral content and light refraction. From the lakeside, you can capture the crystal-blue waters, bright white calcium terraces, and snow-capped peaks all in one frame. In winter, the snow-covered mountains mirrored on the lake’s surface are especially magnificent.
Alternative Routes:
If you are concerned about the high altitude of Glacier Park, consider taking the small cableway to Spruce Meadow (elevation: 3500m), a round-shaped alpine meadow surrounded by tall spruce forest. It is blanketed with wildflowers in summer and snow in winter.
Another option is the middle cableway to Yak Meadow (elevation: 3700m), one of the best spots to see the full panorama of Yulong’s thirteen peaks, and a great place to experience authentic Tibetan culture.
Contact intoexplore's travel consultants for personalized route recommendations.
Travel Tips:
Even in summer, temperatures at the snow mountain are 5–10°C lower than in downtown Lijiang—bring a warm jacket.
Be cautious on wooden walkways during the rainy or winter season as they may be slippery. Do not cross safety barriers.
