Yulong Snow Mountain Overview
A breathtaking mountain massif featuring glaciers, alpine meadows, and the famous Blue Moon Valley. It is sacred to the local Naxi people and features one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,506 meters.
Yulong Snow Mountain Opening Hours & Tickets
- 07:00–18:00 (Cable cars usually stop boarding by 15:30; verify current wind conditions)
- Best season: November to April for the clearest skies and most visible snow and glaciers
- Ticket note:
Mountain pass entry is approx 100 CNY. Glacier Park Cable Car is around 120-140...
Essential Yulong Snow Mountain Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 888 5131068
- Oxygen vendor stations
- Medical clinics
- Large visitor center
- Internal shuttle buses
- Cable cars
- Restaurants and shops
How to Get to Yulong Snow Mountain
Take the dedicated Snow Mountain Express bus from Lijiang Old Town, hire a private driver, or join an organized day tour. It is about a 45-minute drive from downtown.
Yulong Snow Mountain Travel Safety & Advice
Dial 120 for medical emergencies. Oxygen stations and medical staff are on standby at the 4,506m cable car terminal.
Recent Reviews
I’ve been to a lot of mountain spots, but Yulong Snow Mountain really stands out. The contrast between the green valleys and the white peaks is stunning. We took the cable car to the highest point (4560m) and though it was freezing, the panoramic view of the clouds and neighboring peaks was absolutely worth it. Pro tip: buy oxygen beforehand in town—way cheaper than at the base. 10/10 would go again.
This place is pure magic! We hiked the lower meadow trail instead of taking the cable car all the way, and it was the best decision. The wildflowers were in full bloom, and we had a clear view of the snow cap the whole time. The fresh mountain air and the sound of the stream made it feel like a fairytale. Can’t recommend enough—bring your camera and a good pair of boots!
A solid experience overall. The scenery is undeniably majestic—those jagged peaks against the blue sky are postcard-perfect. My only gripe is the constant crowds; it’s hard to find a quiet spot to just soak it in. The shuttle buses run efficiently, but the whole process feels a bit rushed. Worth doing once, but I’d suggest going early on a weekday to avoid the chaos.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. The views from the lower cable car station are pretty, but once you’re up there, the glacier is mostly hidden by clouds and the platforms are packed with tourists. For the price of the tickets and the long wait, I expected more. The oxygen cans they sell are overpriced too. Maybe I just had bad luck with the weather, but I wouldn’t rush back.
Absolutely breathtaking! We arrived just after sunrise and the golden light hitting the peaks was something I’ll never forget. The cable car ride up is smooth and offers incredible views of the pine forests below. Even though it was crowded, the staff managed the lines well. Definitely a must-visit if you're in Lijiang—just bring layers, it gets chilly up top!
I’ve been to a lot of mountains around the world, but Yulong Snow Mountain is unique. The contrast between the subtropical forest at the base and the alpine glacier at the summit is incredible. The cable car ride is long but thrilling—you feel like you're flying over the cliffs. At the top, it was windy and cold, so dress in layers. The oxygen bars at the summit are a nice touch. Visited in autumn and had clear skies. An unforgettable day out!
If you're into hiking, don't just stop at the cable car. The Spruce Meadow trail (Yunshanping) is a hidden gem—less crowded and surrounded by towering pines with the snow peak as a backdrop. We took a packed lunch and had a picnic there. The air is crisp and the whole vibe is peaceful. I also loved the Naxi culture performances near the base. Only tip: book tickets well in advance, they sell out fast even in low season. 10/10 would return.
Hands down one of the most breathtaking places I've ever been! The cable car ascent gave us panoramic views of the entire Lijiang basin, and stepping onto the 4,506m platform felt surreal. The snow wasn't heavy in May but the limestone peaks were majestic. We spent a couple of hours just sitting and absorbing the silence. Also, the cloud forest trail on the way down was magical—mossy trees and wild rhododendrons. Absolutely worth every penny. A must-do in Yunnan!
Overall a solid experience, but be ready for crowds. We arrived at 8am and the queue for the cable car was already an hour long. The views from the top are stunning—jagged peaks and the blue sky—though the thin air hit us hard. Bring oxygen cans! The Glacier Park section felt a bit touristy with all the photo lines. Still, the hike around the Blue Moon Valley after was serene and made up for the wait. Would recommend going on a weekday if you can.
We visited Yulong Snow Mountain last week and unfortunately the weather was not on our side. Heavy clouds rolled in by midday, and we barely saw the glacier. The cable car ride was smooth, but at the top it was just whiteout conditions. Also, the souvenir shops near the base were way overpriced for basic snacks. Honestly, for the ticket price, I expected a bit more. Maybe it's better in winter, but this felt like a gamble that didn't pay off.
The Blue Moon Valley at the base of the mountain is gorgeous—turquoise water against the grey rock, wow. But the whole scenic area feels overly commercialized with endless souvenir stalls and overpriced food. Also, the shuttle buses between spots are crowded and poorly organized. Still, the natural beauty is undeniable. I'd give it 4 stars if they improved the logistics.
Pro tip: get the very first cable car slot. We did and had the summit almost to ourselves—pure magic. The sunrise hitting the snow-capped peaks was unreal. The hike up the wooden stairs to 4680m was tough but so rewarding. If you're fit, skip the oxygen and just take it slow. This place is a must-see for any adventurer.
Honestly a bit let down. I get that it's weather-dependent, but we went in late March and the peak was completely hidden in clouds the whole time. The cable car ride was cool, but at the top you're just standing in fog with nothing to see. Plus the entrance fee is ridiculously high for what you actually get. Wouldn't bother going again unless I was sure of perfect weather.
The scenery is stunning, no doubt about it. We visited on a clear morning and the glacier was visible. However, the ticket system is a mess—online booking was confusing and we still had to queue for over an hour. Also, the oxygen cans at the shop are way overpriced. Worth it for the view, but be prepared for the hassle.
Absolutely breathtaking! We took the cable car up to 4506m and the views were like something out of a dream. The weather shifted from clear blue skies to a light snow flurry within minutes—so surreal. Dress in layers and bring oxygen if you're not used to altitude. One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. 10/10 would recommend.
Solid experience but not cheap. The entrance fee plus cable car and bus add up quickly, and the food at the base is mediocre and expensive. On the plus side, the shuttle system within the scenic area is well-organized and the views, when the clouds part, are genuinely spectacular. If you're on a tight budget, maybe skip the glacier cable and just hike around the lower trails — still beautiful and much easier on the wallet.
This place is a photographer's dream! I spent hours just at Blue Moon Valley alone — the turquoise water against the snowy backdrop is unreal. Even the lower meadow areas offer incredible compositions. Went up to the glacier park as well and despite the altitude, the 360-degree panoramic shots were worth every dizzy step. Pro tip: bring a polarizer filter to cut the glare on the snow. Will definitely come back!
Honestly a bit let down. We arrived on a cloudy morning and couldn't see the summit at all — just grey mist. The queue for the cable car took over an hour, and once we got up, the visibility was so poor we could barely see ten meters ahead. The staff were polite but the whole experience felt rushed and overpriced for what we got. Maybe try a different season if you want clear views.
Really enjoyed the mountain itself — the scenery is stunning and the cable car ride is smooth. However, it was quite crowded even on a weekday, and the oxygen cans they sell at the base are way overpriced. Also wish there were more marked hiking trails instead of just the boardwalk. Still a great day out, just manage your expectations on crowds and costs.
Absolutely breathtaking! Took the early morning cable car up to the glacier park and the views were surreal — pristine white peaks piercing through a crystal-clear blue sky. The oxygen levels are no joke, so definitely bring a canister, but the whole experience feels like stepping into another world. Highly recommend going as early as possible to beat the crowds and catch the morning light on the snow. Worth every penny!
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