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 at an altitude of about 2,400 m (7,900 ft) 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.

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.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Yùlóng Xuěshān is one of the most famous landmarks near Lijiang, The main peak Shanzidou is 5,596 m (18,360 ft). 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.

When we arrived at the Cable Car Station there was already a large crowd and a long queue. The cable car brought us to the Glacier Park, the highest accessible point at the height of 4506 m. 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 m (15,350 ft). The true peak is very steep, glaciated, and restricted and only professional mountaineers with permits can attempt it. After some photo shots, we descended to the Visitors Centre and boarded a shuttle bus to the Blue Moon Valley about 12 km away.

(On top of the world)

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.

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 m, 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.

Back at the hotel, we rested till 6.00 pm then went out to have dinner at one Muslim restaurant in Lijiang.