Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area Private Tour

Explore the Jade Dragon Scenic Area, Blue Moon Valley, Black Dragon Pool, and Baisha Ancient Town on a private guided tour. Customize your itinerary based on your interests and pace.

Explore the Jade Dragon Scenic Area, Blue Moon Valley, Black Dragon Pool, and Baisha Ancient Town on a customized private guided tour.

Picked up from your hotel and drive to the Jade Dragon Scenic Area. The Jade Dragon (Yulong) Snow Mountain is noted as the southernmost snow mountain in the Northern Hemisphere. As a must-see attraction in Lijiang City, Yulong Snow Mountain is made up of 13 peaks with the highest one, Shanzidou, rising 5596 meters above sea level. The mountain range stretches 35 kilometers from north to south and 15 kilometers from west to east. The snowy and fog-shrouded mountain looks like a giant jade dragon seen from Lijiang Old Town, hence the name ''Jade Dragon Snow Mountain''.

Choose to explore the various attractions on the mountain including the Glacier Park, Spruce Meadows, White Water River, Blue Moon Valley, and the Yak Plateau. After exploring the mountain, choose to go to the Black Dragon Pool and/or Baisha Ancient Town.

At Black Dragon Pool Park, appreciate the ancient architecture groups built from the Ming Dynasty and also the perfect place for photographers to take the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Baisha Village used to be a Naxi settlement and the birthplace of local Mu Family Governors. Wandering around the Baisha Village, enjoy the slow lifestyle of the Naxi People.

Freely enter various courtyards to see the beautiful and man-made tie-dye artwork hanging for sale or drying in the sun. If you are interested in this artwork, the local small Embroidery School of the Mu Family is worth visiting. A few art stores and hostels, run by local people, are scattered around the Baisha Village.

Please note

ACCESSIBILITY & TOUR OPTIONS

Aether Tours offers customizable routes based on accessibility and fitness levels:

Most Accessible Areas (For All Travelers, Including Seniors & Families)
- Blue Moon Valley (Lanyuegu) – Stunning turquoise lakes, flat walkways, and easy access via sightseeing bus.
- Impression Lijiang Show – Zhang Yimou’s open-air performance at 3,100m altitude, seated viewing area.
- Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) – Accessible via a moderate cable car ride and a short boardwalk with breathtaking views.
- Sightseeing Train Ride – A convenient option for exploring the lower scenic areas without excessive walking.

Moderate Accessibility (For Active Travelers & Light Hikers)
- Glacier Park (4,680m altitude) – Requires a high-altitude cable car ride and walking up stairs at high elevations. Not recommended for those with heart, lung, or mobility issues.
- Yak Meadow (3,600m altitude) – Less crowded, with easy walking trails and mild altitude challenges.

Not Wheelchair-Friendly Areas
- Glacier Park Stairways – Requires significant uphill walking at high altitude.
- Certain Hiking Trails – Uneven terrain and steep paths.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spring (March–May) – Blooming flowers, pleasant weather.
Autumn (September–November) – Clear skies, golden landscapes.
Summer (June–August) – Beautiful but crowded & rainy, with occasional landslides.
Winter (December–February) – Stunning snowy scenery but very cold at higher altitudes.

ALTITUDE & HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Snow mountain is located at a high altitude (up to 4,680 meters). Visitors may experience high altitude sickness; consult your doctor if you have any health concerns.
Not recommended for travelers with heart, lung, or severe asthma conditions.
Oxygen tanks available for rent at the scenic area entrance.
Take it slow – Allow time to adjust before engaging in strenuous activity.
Acclimatization in Kunming/Dali is recommended before the trip. This allows your body to adjust to a higher altitude gradually.
Moderate physical fitness is required.

CROWD LEVELS & BEST VISITING TIMES

Early morning (before 9:00 AM) – Fewer crowds, better photos, and clearer skies.
Weekdays are quieter – Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays (especially Golden Week in October and Lunar New Year).
Peak times (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) – Expect long waits for cable cars and sightseeing buses.

DINING & FOOD AVAILABILITY

Limited food options inside the scenic area – Mostly small snack stands and simple Chinese restaurants.
Best to eat breakfast before the tour and bring snacks for the day.
Yak Hotpot in Lijiang – A must-try local specialty for lunch or dinner after the tour.

What to bring

CLOTHING & WEATHER PROTECTION

Layered Clothing - Temperatures vary from cool at the base to freezing at Glacier Park (4,680m).
Warm Winter Jacket - Even in summer, the high-altitude areas are cold.
Windproof & Waterproof Jacket - Essential for wind chill and sudden rain.
Gloves, Hat, Scarf - Necessary for Glacier Park, especially in winter.
Comfortable Hiking Shoes - Some areas have uneven terrain; sneakers or hiking boots are best.
Sunglasses - UV rays are intense, especially with snow glare at high altitudes.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) - Prevents sunburn in high-altitude areas.

Seasonal Tips:

Winter (Dec-Feb) - Extra layers, thermal wear, and hand warmers.
Summer (June-Aug) - Light rain jacket and sun protection (UV rays are strong at high altitudes).

HEALTH & SAFETY ITEMS

Water Bottle - Staying hydrated helps prevent altitude sickness.
Snacks (nuts, protein bars, chocolate) - Food options inside the scenic area are limited.
Lip Balm & Moisturizer - Dry mountain air can cause chapped lips and skin.
Hand Sanitizer & Tissues - Public restrooms may not have soap or toilet paper.
First Aid
- Personal medication, including altitude sickness pills, if prescribed.
- Small first-aid kit with bandages and pain relief tablets.