Ting Chen
Quick Guide
You step out of your Lijiang hotel, pumped for Yulong Snow Mountain. Then your credit card gets declined at the ticket booth. Then you realize you need a WeChat mini-program—in Chinese only. And that cable car? Sold out for the next three hours.
I've guided dozens of foreign groups through this exact nightmare. So I boiled down everything you need to know about Yulong Snow Mountain tickets into one no-nonsense guide.
Here's the truth: You must book online at least 3 days ahead. The only reliable platform is the official WeChat mini-program (search "丽江旅游集团"), but if that's a hassle, your hotel can help. Don't bother with third-party sites—they charge 50% more.
Now, let's dive into the details.
Yulong Snow Mountain Ticket Types & Prices
There are three components to the cost: the park entrance fee, the cable car tickets, and optional bus shuttle. Here's the breakdown.
| Item | Adult | Child (1.2-1.4m) | Senior (60+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entrance Fee | 100 CNY | 50 CNY | 50 CNY |
| Glacier Park Cable Car (roundtrip) | 120 CNY | 60 CNY | 120 CNY |
| Blue Moon Valley Cable Car | 60 CNY | 30 CNY | 60 CNY |
| Bus Shuttle (optional) | 20 CNY | 10 CNY | 20 CNY |
⚠️ The Glacier Park cable car is the most popular—it sells out fast. If you only want a moderate hike, pick the Blue Moon Valley option. You can't buy individual tickets at the gate; all sales are online via the official channel.
How to Book Yulong Snow Mountain Tickets as a Foreign Traveler
Booking as a non-Chinese speaker is frustrating. Here's the step-by-step I teach my clients.
Step 1: Get WeChat and link your passport
Install WeChat, then add your passport under "Me > Services > Travel > Ticket Booking". This lets you use the mini-program.
Step 2: Use the official mini-program
In WeChat, search for "丽江旅游集团". Select "票务预订", choose your date, and pick a time slot (morning slots 8:00-9:00 are worst for crowds; book 11:00-12:00 instead).
Step 3: Payment
International credit cards often fail. Ask your hotel front desk to pay with Alipay on your behalf—I do this for my groups all the time.
Step 4: Collecting tickets
Go to the south gate ticket office with your passport and WeChat confirmation. They'll print a paper ticket. This takes 3 minutes, but the queue can be long—go before 8 AM or after 2 PM.
Really, the hotel trick is a lifesaver. Last week, a Swiss couple tried to pay with Visa three times. I just called the hotel manager, he paid via WeChat Pay, and they reimbursed him. Smooth.
Best Time to Visit Yulong Snow Mountain
Most tourists rush in at 8 AM. Big mistake. The sun doesn't clear the peaks until 10 AM, and the morning queues are insane. I always recommend the 11:00-12:00 cable car slot.
Afternoon light is golden for photos, especially at Blue Moon Valley. Go there after the glacier—the water looks unreal around 3 PM. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays (Oct 1-7, May 1-5) if possible. On weekdays in shoulder season (April, May, September), the place is blissfully quiet.
Monthly Weather Tip
| Month | Temp (℃) | Snow Condition | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | -5 to 5 | Heavy snow, some trails closed | Low |
| Mar-May | 2 to 15 | Melting, great visibility | Moderate |
| Jun-Aug | 10 to 20 | Snow on peaks, rain possible | High |
| Sep-Nov | 5 to 15 | Clear, first snow falls | Moderate |
| Dec | -3 to 8 | Dry, snowy peaks | Low |
Getting to Yulong Snow Mountain from Lijiang
From Lijiang Old Town, you have three options.
- Bus #7 from the main bus station (near the water mill) – costs 20 CNY, takes 90 minutes. Get off at Ganhaizi Meadow and hop on the scenic bus.
- Taxi/Didi – about 80-120 CNY, 45 minutes. Tell the driver to drop you at the south gate ticket office, not the cable car base.
- Private tour – 300-500 CNY per person including a guide. Useful if you want interpretation, but you can go cheaper on your own.
My tip: Take a Didi for speed. The bus has only 20 seats and often leaves you waiting for the next one. On the way back, there are shared vans at the exit gate for 25 CNY per person.
What to See at Yulong Snow Mountain
Glacier Park (Glacier Cable Car)
This cable car goes to 4,506m. You'll need oxygen (buy at Lijiang pharmacy for 25 CNY, not at the mountain for 60 CNY). The view is jaw-dropping, but the altitude hits hard. I tell everyone: breathe slowly, drink water, and don't run.
Blue Moon Valley (Baishui River)
A short bus ride from the base. The water is turquoise—a photographer's dream. Walk the boardwalk for the best angles. It's free after you've paid the entrance fee. Average visit: 1.5 hours.
Yak Meadow (Ganhaizi)
Less crowded, but not spectacular. Skip it if you're short on time. I only take families with kids there because the walking is easy.
Yulong Snow Mountain Ticket Refunds & Cancellations
If the cable car stops due to weather (strong wind), you get a full refund automatically within 24 hours. But if you cancel voluntarily, you lose 20% of the ticket cost. To cancel, go to the same WeChat mini-program and find your order. Refunds hit your original payment method in 3-7 business days.
One thing nobody tells you: if you miss your designated time slot, you can't get a refund—they are strict. So don't be late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
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