Looming on the horizon north of Lijiang, its peaks often wreathed in mist, stands Yulong Xueshan—the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

This is no ordinary mountain range. Stretching 35 kilometers, its 13 peaks carve a dramatic silhouette against the sky, with the highest, Shanzidou, reaching a formidable 5,596 meters (18,360 ft).

For any traveler in Lijiang, the mountain is a constant, magnetic presence.

It’s a scenic backdrop, a spiritual anchor, and a physical challenge all in one. Visiting Yulong Xueshan is more than a day trip; it’s an encounter with nature at its most powerful and a chance to understand Lijiang on a much deeper level.

The Spirit Guardian of the Naxi People

To understand Lijiang, you must first understand its relationship with this mountain.

Yulong Xueshan is the heart of Naxi cosmology, the abode of their protector deity, Sanduo. Legend tells that Sanduo was a great warrior who defended the Naxi people from a demon. His spirit now resides on the highest peak, forever watching over the lands below.

This belief transforms the mountain from a mere geological feature into a living, breathing guardian.

On a clear day, especially from Lijiang’s Black Dragon Pool, its snow-capped ridges dominate the view, a brilliant and reassuring presence. But even when shrouded in clouds, its spiritual weight remains palpable.

This deep connection explains why a mountain that seems so distant is, in fact, the very soul of Naxi culture.

Planning Your Ascent: A Traveler’s Guide

Reaching the heights of Yulong Xueshan is an adventure, and a well-planned one is essential. The main scenic area is vast, and the best way to experience it is via one of its three distinct cable cars.

1. The Glacier Park Cableway (The Main Ascent)

This is the most famous and highest cable car in the world of its kind, whisking visitors from the base to a viewing platform at a breathtaking 4,506 meters (14,783 ft). From here, a series of wooden walkways allows you to climb even higher, reaching a final platform at 4,680 meters (15,354 ft).

What to Expect: The views are staggering, offering an up-close look at the mountain’s glaciers, craggy peaks, and the sprawling valleys below. Be prepared for the altitude. The air is thin, and many visitors feel the effects. Small canisters of oxygen are sold everywhere at the base for a reason—don’t be too proud to use one if you feel lightheaded or out of breath. Dress in warm layers, as it’s cold even on a sunny day.

2. Spruce Meadow Cableway (Yunshanping)

For a gentler experience, the Spruce Meadow cableway takes you to a beautiful, serene alpine meadow at 3,240 meters. This meadow holds a special significance in Naxi folklore, as it was believed to be a gateway to the “third kingdom,” a paradise for lovers. It’s a key location in the love-suicide legends, making a visit here both scenic and poignant.

3. Yak Meadow Cableway (Maoniuping)

This is the most tranquil of the three options, leading to a vast pasture where yaks graze peacefully against a backdrop of the mountain peaks. It offers more opportunities for gentle hiking and is a wonderful way to experience the pastoral side of the mountain’s ecosystem, far from the crowds of the Glacier Park.

Beyond the Peaks: Blue Moon Valley

At the base of the mountain lies one of its most stunning features: Blue Moon Valley (Lanyue Gu). A series of cascading terraces filled with milky, turquoise water, the valley looks almost otherworldly. The water’s surreal color comes from copper ions in the snowmelt from the glaciers above. A walk along its pools, with the peaks of Jade Dragon towering behind, is an essential part of any visit.

A Different Perspective

Standing at over 4,500 meters, gazing down at the world, you gain a new perspective.

Lijiang, nestled in the valley, appears as a miniature world, its bustling streets dwarfed by the sheer scale of nature.

The legends of the mountain feel more potent, the stories of lovers more tragic against the backdrop of these dizzying cliffs.

A Changed Landscape

Returning to Lijiang that evening, the mountain is transformed.

It’s no longer just a distant, beautiful backdrop. It’s a familiar companion, a place whose thin air you’ve breathed and whose glaciers you’ve seen up close.

The clouds that drift across its face no longer just obscure the view; they hint at the immense, powerful world you now know lies behind them.