Want to escape the city hustle and immerse yourself in pure nature and stunning snow-capped mountains? This Lijiang Yulong itinerary will check every box on your dream list. From the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the dreamy reflections in Blue Moon Valley to the relaxing sightseeing train ride and breathtaking mountain views right from the Wyndham Hotel, it all makes me want to shout it from the rooftops: Yulong is an absolute must-visit in your lifetime. Witnessing the orange sunset glowing over the snow-capped peaks and reflecting on the tranquil lake is the ultimate healing experience.
Highlighted Itinerary Features
— A single route to take in the grandeur and mystery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Between the sunshine, glaciers, and blue skies, the scenery is so breathtaking that cameras simply can't do it justice, though you'll still find yourself snapping endless photos. The lakeside sunset at Blue Moon Valley serves pure "wonderland vibes." Hop on the sightseeing train to leisurely weave through snowy landscapes and meadows, feeling the very breath of nature. Finally, staying at the Wyndham Lijiang Yulong allows you to catch the dawn and dusk over the snow mountain anytime—the perfect ending to a deeply healing trip.
The Ultimate Guide to Yulong's Top Attractions
1. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Cable Car
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain isn't just the signature landmark of Lijiang; it's an absolute must-visit for any snow mountain enthusiast! Riding the cable car gives you an up-close look at the glaciers and shifting sea of clouds, offering the best vantage point for panoramic mountain shots. We highly recommend heading up early to catch the morning sun perfectly illuminating the peaks.
Address: Inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Xuehua Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Operating Hours: Open all year 06:30-16:40 (Ticket sales stop at 15:00)
2. Spruce Meadow & Blue Moon Valley
Take the scenic shuttle from Spruce Meadow deep into the heart of the area to reach Blue Moon Valley. This stretch beautifully concentrates snow mountain reflections, lakes, wetlands, and drifting clouds all in one place. The lake at Blue Moon Valley looks just like a giant turquoise gem. Here, you can capture the snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and mesmerizing water reflections. I highly recommend visiting at dusk—the combination of the sunset and the snow mountain is absolute cover-photo material for your social media!
Spruce Meadow (Blue Moon Valley) Boarding Point: 15 km mark, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Scenic Area
3. Lijiang Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train
The most Instagrammable way to explore is hopping on the sightseeing train for a slow, scenic loop around the mountain. Out the window, you get unobstructed views of sweeping meadows, snowy peaks, and blue skies. It's incredibly photogenic for both pics and vlogs, plus it saves you from the exhaustion of hiking. Compared to walking, taking in the beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a train is an extraordinarily cozy alternative.
Address: Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train Departure Hall, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Operating Hours: Open all year 07:45-18:10
4. Wyndham Lijiang Yulong (Lijiang Railway Station)
While chasing beautiful scenery, you also need a comfortable place to stay! The Wyndham Hotel is just a few minutes' walk from Lijiang Railway Station, making it super convenient for those traveling with older family members or anyone wanting a hassle-free trip. The rooms are spacious, offering direct, breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—catching the legendary "sunshine on the golden mountain" is totally doable here. The breakfast buffet is fantastic and even features local rice noodles (mixian) and specialty Ersi. If you're driving, the hotel offers free parking and EV charging stations.
Address: No. 531 Shangji Road, Huangshan Town
Pro Travel Tips
1. Dress comfortably and warmly. The alpine climate on the snow mountain can be unpredictable, so remember to pack a thermal jacket, sunglasses, and a hat. Temperatures tend to drop rapidly in the afternoon.
2. The cable car and sightseeing train can get quite crowded during peak hours. It's best to book your tickets online in advance and check the weather forecast a day ahead to save the clearest, sunniest day for the snow mountain.
3. Don't rush your photo sessions by the lake at Blue Moon Valley. Wait until dusk when the light turns a gorgeous orange-red for the most spectacular shots—you'll capture the dreamy moment of the sunset framing the snow-capped mountain!
4. If you stay at the Wyndham Yulong, make sure to book a room with a mountain view. You'll be healed by the magic of nature every single morning when you wake up and every night before you sleep.
Transportation & Food
Transportation: Right outside Lijiang Railway Station, you'll find public buses and dedicated tourist lines going straight to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and other major attractions, making it super easy to travel via public transit. For those driving, just navigate directly to the hotel parking lot—it's incredibly convenient.
Food Recommendations: Inside the scenic area, the rice noodles and the signature Yulong ice cream pops are absolute must-tries. Meanwhile, the local rice noodles and Ersi served at the Wyndham Hotel breakfast easily rival what you'd find at outside restaurants.
This Lijiang Yulong trip is unequivocally the top choice for releasing stress and cleansing your soul. I highly recommend giving yourself the gift of visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at least once in your life—you'll definitely want to come back again and again!
Other visitors' reviews of Yulong Snow Mountain Ropeway
Show More ReviewsBreathtaking views at the top! You are above the clouds and the mountain looks incredible. Bring oxygen. It’s so worth it!