Yunnan 04: A Dragon Lying In The Clouds Of Snow Mountain ...

“Ninety miles into a hundred-mile journey is only halfway. The last stretch of a journey is often the hardest..." - Chinese proverb

(Above the clouds)

Day 04: 27 August 2025 (Wednesday)
Route: Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Blue Moon Valley - Lijiang
Hotel: Lijiang Manbai Haoting Hotel

When we woke up this morning, we felt a little shortness of breath. Lijiang sits much higher than Kunming or Dali at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level. The air is thinner and since we arrived in Lijiang, some of our fellow travelers complained of shortness of breath, headache, and experienced sleep disorder.

 

(The sun's rays visible through the trees)

Today we had Mr David, another local guide to bring our group to the attractions in Lijiang. Some natural or cultural sites around Lijiang like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Impression Lijiang Show, or sometimes minority village tours require visitors to go with licensed local guides, partly for conservation, safety, and to support local employment. This morning we started our journey early in the morning. 

At 5.40 am we were already on our way to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 40 km from our hotel. We had our packed breakfast in the bus. On the way, we stopped to purchase oxygen tanks, a must for everyone.

(All wrapped up, ready to ascend the Snow Mountain)

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Yulong Xueshan is one of the most famous landmarks near Lijiang, The main peak Shan-Tzu-tou is 5,596 meters. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. It is called 'Jade Dragon' because the 13 snow-capped peaks resemble a dragon lying in the clouds.

(Bundled up against the wind at the Cable Car Station)

(One of the three cable car systems)

(Riding the Snow Mountain Ropeway)

(A glimpse of the peak of Yulong Mountains)

When we arrived at the Cable Car Station there was already a large crowd and a long queue. The Yulong Snow Mountain ropeway refers to one of the three cable car systems. The cable car brought us to the Glacier Park, the highest accessible point at the height of 4506 meters. From the top cable station, you can walk up the wooden boardwalks and stairs that lead to the viewpoints. The highest accessible platform is around 4,680 meters. The true peak is very steep, glaciated, and restricted and only professional mountaineers with permits can attempt it.

(The highest accessible point by cable car)

(Walking the boardwalks high up in the Snow Mountain)

(Capturing a memory above the clouds, hearts full of smiles)

(On top of the world)

After some photo shots, we descended to the Visitors Centre and boarded a shuttle bus to the Blue Moon Valley about 12 km away. The Blue Moon Valley is nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It has an enchanting landscape defined by shimmering lakes, snow-capped peaks, and serene alpine paths. The valley is known for its vivid, turquoise-blue rivers and lakes formed from glacier and snowmelt especially brilliant on clear, sunny days. From a distance, the crescent shape of the valley resembles a blue moon cradled by the Jade Dragon Mountain. There are four stunning lakes divided by small waterfalls and rocky formations. Lunch packs were provided and we had ours by the lake.

(Stunning lake views surrounding by lush green mountain)

(Nature's perfect backdrop - A fairytale moment by the lake)

(The Blue Moon Snow Mountain Cascade)

(A river with turquoise blue, mineral rich water)

(Heat pack meals for our picnic lunch by the lake)

From the Blue Moon Valley we went to the performance venue of 'Impression of Lijiang' which is located in Ganhaizi Blue Moon Valley Theater in Yulong Snow Mountain. At an altitude of 3,100 meters, it is one of the highest performance theaters in the world. The performance is set against the natural backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Show was performed by more than 500 local villagers from the Naxi, Yi, Bai, and Tibetan ethnic groups. It tells the story of their traditions, relationship with nature, and respect for the mountains.

(Watching the Impression of Lijiang show in sweltering heat)

(A 90-minute outdoor singing and dancing performance)

(Showcases the culture and traditions of the Naxi people)

Back at the hotel, we rested until 6:00 pm before heading out for dinner at a Muslim restaurant in Lijiang. To our surprise, we met a group of Malaysians dining there as well - it seems Yunnan is indeed a favorite destination among Malaysians.

(A Muslim restaurant in Lijiang)

(A hearty Muslim feast of beef, chicken, fish and prawns)

👈Yunnan 03: A Joyful Mawlid Celebration At Nanmen Mosque...

Yunnan 05: A Double Rainbow at A Tibetan Town...👉