Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for high altitudes and strict ticket checks. Bring your passport and allow a full day to explore the park.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Cable Cars and Spruce Meadow
Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang
GPS 27.1142, 100.1737
Open directionsGetting there
Bus, taxi, or tour from Lijiang.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Take bus line 101 from Zhongyi Market in Lijiang Old Town directly to the tourist center. | 1 hour | 15 RMB one-way | The first bus departs around 6:30 AM and the last one returns around 5:00 PM. |
| Car: Carpool or hire a private Didi/taxi from Lijiang Old Town. | 45-60 minutes | 20-40 RMB per person for a carpool, 100-300 RMB for private charter | Parking fills up quickly at Ganhaizi Tourist Center during peak season; leave early. |
| Tour: Join a packaged group tour from Lijiang that handles transport, tickets, jacket rentals, and oxygen. | Full day | 400-1000 RMB depending on the cable car chosen | Often the easiest way to guarantee entry since agencies buy tickets in advance. |
When to go
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- J
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Visit between October and May. These months offer the clearest skies and least rain for viewing the peaks. Summer brings heavy rain that can obscure visibility.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Original Passports are mandatory.
You will need it for ticket checks at multiple points.
How the day runs
Suggested routes for your day on the mountain.
Head to the highest point first, then relax in the valley.
- Depart Lijiang
Take Bus 101 or a private car to Ganhaizi Tourist Center.
- Glacier Park Cable Car
Ascend to 4,506 meters and walk the wooden stairs slowly.
- Lunch
Eat at the tourist center or eat packed snacks.
- Blue Moon Valley
Walk the free boardwalks past the turquoise pools.
- Return to Lijiang
Catch the bus back before the last departure at 5:00 PM.
Skip the extreme altitude for a comfortable forest walk and show.
- Depart Lijiang
Travel to Ganhaizi Tourist Center.
- Spruce Meadow
Take the small cableway to the 3,240-meter alpine grassland.
- Impression Lijiang
Watch the massive outdoor cultural performance.
- Blue Moon Valley
Photograph the waterfalls fed by glacier meltwater.
Altitude and Packing
Glacier Park reaches 4,506 meters. Altitude sickness is common. Walk slowly, rest often, and avoid running. Many visitors buy 15-60 RMB oxygen canisters in Lijiang beforehand. Learn Altitude Sickness Guide to prepare.
Weather changes rapidly. Bring a warm insulated jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The UV index is high at altitude. Food inside the park is expensive, so pack snacks and water.
Easiest way to do it
Lijiang Private Essentials Tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain including Cable Car
8 h to 9 h 4.5 (2)
- Cable car round trip to Spruce Plateau if you choose the option
- Lunch
- Cable car round trip to Yak Meadow if you choose the option
- Travel by private vehicle
From$258per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How to get to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Lijiang?
Take bus line 101 from Zhongyi Market in Lijiang Old Town. It takes 1 hour and costs 15 RMB one-way. You can also hire a private car for 100-300 RMB.
Do I need oxygen for Spruce Meadow?
Spruce Meadow sits at 3,240 meters. While altitude sickness is less common here than at Glacier Park, some people may still feel shortness of breath. It is wise to carry a small canister just in case.
How long does it take to visit Blue Moon Valley?
Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here. You can walk the scenic boardwalks for free or take the electric shuttle carts for 50 RMB.