Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also known as Yulong Snow Mountain, stands out as the southernmost snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere. Spanning 35 km from north to south and 15 km from west to east, this massif presents a stunning spectacle resembling a giant jade dragon when viewed from Lijiang Old Town, hence the name “Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.”
The mountain holds sacred significance for Naxi people as the embodiment of Sanduo, the ethnic group’s deity. With an altitude of 5,596 metres, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is regarded as the “Natural Alpine Zoo & Botanical Garden” and the “Present Glaciers Museum” due to its rich biodiversity. Its varied terrain encompasses subtropical, temperate, and cold zones, showcasing diverse landscapes such as meadows, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and vibrant blossoms, while also serving as a sanctuary for numerous rare species of wildlife and plants.
Exploring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain offers a variety of unforgettable experiences, including the enchanting BlueMoon Valley, the awe-inspiring Glacier Park, and the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge.
The Blue-Moon Valley stands out as one of the mountain’s most breathtaking attractions, characterised by its crescent shape and azure blue lakes. The river running in the valley forms four lakes named Yuye, Jingtan, Lanyue, and Tingtao. The white sediment on the riverbed turns the water white during rainfall, earning its name of White River.
Situated on the lofty Shanzidou Peak, the Glacier Park boasts 19 oceanic glaciers, including hanging glaciers and cirque glaciers. Among them, White Water Number 1 garners the most attention, resembling a heavenly hanging waterfall when viewed from the peak’s base.