04 Yunnan: A Dragon 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...👉

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

“A journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet...” - Chinese proverb

(A dazzling double rainbow in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-la)

Day 05: 28 August 2025 (Thursday)

Route: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Napa Lake Wetland - Dukezong Old Town - Shangri-la
Hotel: Shangri-la Elong Hotel

Shangri-La, the very name stirs the imagination. For years I had only known it as a mythical paradise, a hidden valley in the Himalayas where harmony and peace reign eternal. What began as a legend in James Hilton’s Lost Horizon novel has since become a universal symbol of an earthly utopia. Today, in the highlands of Yunnan, China, lies a town that bears this name.

To finally set foot in Shangri-La, here in Yunnan, feels like stepping into that legend. The crisp mountain air, the fluttering prayer flags, and the vast open grasslands all carry a sense of timelessness, as though the myth has quietly come to life before my eyes.

This morning, carrying with us the vision of an isolated and peaceful utopia, we set forth on our journey to Shangri-La.

(The group having early breakfast in the hotel)

(My simple but filling breakfast)

(Scenic views enroute to Tiger Leaping Gorge)

On the way, we detoured to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located about 60 km north of Lijiang between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The Jinsha River or the upper Yangtze runs through the gorge. Legend says a tiger once escaped a hunter by leaping across the gorge at its narrowest point. There are escalators and walkways that make it easier for visitors to reach the main viewing platforms by the river closest to the Tiger Leaping Stone, the legendary spot where the tiger supposedly leapt across.

(Holding a canister of oxygen)

(Fully enclosed themed escalators to avoid the thousand steps)

(The Jinsha River carves its way through the gorge)

(The viewing deck over the powerful rapids)

(The legendary rock where the tiger supposedly leapt across)

(One of the world's deepest river gorges, with impressive cliffs)

(The crowd at the legendry tiger statue)

(One for the album)

(Love locks in place, against the roar of Tiger Leaping Gorge)

We had lunch at a Muslim Halal Food at Deqen and performed our jamak prayers in the room in the upper floor of the restaurant.

(Tasteful Tibetan and Chinese cusines for hungry travellers)

Next destination was Napahai Lake in Napahai Nature Reserve, which is a highland wetland and seasonal lake located about 8 km northwest of Shangri-La. The altitude is around 3,260 meters above sea level. In the rainy season it fills with water, while in winter it partly dries into grassland where horses and yaks graze. When we were there Naxi and Tibetan villagers offer horseback tours around the wetland. Visitors could also rent costumes for photography. Other activities are boat rides and Yak rides. I tried my hand at archery,  the arrows may have missed their mark, but the laughter and wide-open Tibetan grasslands made it unforgettable.

(Napahai Lake is a nature reserve and a seasonal wetland)

(The grassland is covered with water due to abundant rainfall)

(A Tibetan prayer flag pyramid is a string of five colors flags)

(A quiet moment for two Local girls in traditional attire)

(Trying the traditional archery - Aiming for the bullseye)

(A fun tourist activity - the ladies showing off their skills)

(Wooden lodges of Napahai Lake)

(Mani stone piles or cairn with prayer flags)

By the calm waters of Napahai Lake, I rode a yak draped in colorful Tibetan cloths - a short ride that carried the charm of Shangri-La’s highlands. It was more for the photos than the journey but what a fun story to bring home!

(Yak is a symbol of the local culture and nomadic lifestyle)

From Napahai Lake we travelled to Shangri-la Dukezong Old Town. Shangri-la, formerly known as Zhongdian, largely Tibetan, with famous Buddhist monasteries, alpine lakes, and rich culture. Shangri-La Old Town, is a well-preserved Tibetan town. It boasts a history of over 1,300 years and was an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. The old town was entirely destroyed by a giant fire in January 2014. The town has been rebuilt and is known for its traditional Tibetan architecture, including residential complexes, with endless shophouses selling tourist trinkets and souvenirs. The nightly dancing in the square begins at 7.00 pm is popular for locals of all ages and lasts until 10:00 pm. The temple at the top of the hill with a giant praying wheel gives a first taste of what can be seen in Songzanlin Monastery.

(The world's largest prayer wheel atop Guishan Hill)

(A stupa at the Central Square of Dukezong Ancient City)

(Metal statues of the Red Army Long March greeting visitors)

(Shangri-la Tangka Painting Academy)

(A shop selling durians in Dukezong Ancient Town)

(Father and son in Tibetan attire)

(A long Tibetan robe, the Chuba)

(Taking a breather in Dukezong Old Town)

(A brass sculpture of a Tibetan lady in the Central Square) 

It was drizzling when we were in Dukezong Old Town. The rain gave way to a dazzling double rainbow, painting the sky above the Tibetan roofs in colors of wonder. Legends say such colors are trails to hidden treasure, a fleeting myths and blessings. Subhanallah, what a beautiful sight!

(A double rainbow - a rare phenomenon)

Dinner was at a Muslim restaurant in Diqing Zangzu, Shangri-la. After dinner we checked in Shangri-La Elong Hotel. The thin air left many of us with headaches, breathlessness, and poor sleep. Our guide advised skipping hot showers before bed, a tip we followed to ease the effects of altitude.

(The mouth-watering dishes on a round table)

(Shangri-la Elong Hotel)

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

Yunnan 06: Healing The Body, Balancing The Mind... 👉