Glacier Park Yulong Big Cableway
Ascend to the heavens on the Yulong Big Cableway for unparalleled views of China's majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos, fewer crowds
Glacier Park Yulong Big Cableway
Best Time
Best light for photos, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to the heavens on the Yulong Big Cableway for unparalleled views of China's majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
"A lifetime experience at one of the tallest snow-capped peaks in China."
🚶 Pace Yourself at Altitude
Take your time ascending and avoid strenuous activity to prevent altitude sickness. Oxygen canisters are available if needed .
☀️ Morning Light is Best
Arrive by 7 AM for the best natural light for photography and to beat the crowds .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yulong Big Cableway Ascent
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ride the world-class cable car to breathtaking heights for unparalleled panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks.

Blue Moon Valley
Base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
A series of stunning turquoise lakes with a romantic, ethereal atmosphere, often compared to Jiuzhaigou.

Virgin Forest & Snow-Bin Trees
Yunbinping Cableway area
Explore the dense, untouched forests and unique snow-bin trees at this mid-altitude section of the mountain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Acclimatization is Key
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Pace Yourself at Altitude
Take your time ascending and avoid strenuous activity to prevent altitude sickness. Oxygen canisters are available if needed.
☀️ Morning Light is Best
Arrive by 7 AM for the best natural light for photography and to beat the crowds.
🎟️ Book Cable Car Tickets Early
Secure your spot on the cable car in advance to save time and guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the higher trails. Good footwear is essential.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Pace Yourself at Altitude
Take your time ascending and avoid strenuous activity to prevent altitude sickness. Oxygen canisters are available if needed.
☀️ Morning Light is Best
Arrive by 7 AM for the best natural light for photography and to beat the crowds.
🎟️ Book Cable Car Tickets Early
Secure your spot on the cable car in advance to save time and guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the higher trails. Good footwear is essential.
📱 Use Didi for Local Transport
Uber and Grab aren't available; Didi is the recommended ride-hailing app in Lijiang.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime views from the Yulong Big Cableway and the ethereal beauty of Blue Moon Valley. However, some note that the experience can be marred by litter and a lack of respect for the natural environment from some visitors, particularly locals.
"A lifetime experience at one of the tallest snow-capped peaks in China. It was a wet day when we visited the peak. We brought along oxygen cannister, but did not have to use it, as we took our time to scale the last leg of the trek, after taking the cable car. Along the way, we saw plenty of youngsters relying on the oxygen cannisters...hope they brought sufficient oxygen. As the weather was wet, we have to walk carefully to avoid being hit by umbrellas from all directions, and the trash left behind by mainly the locals, who could not bother about this 5A-rated tourist attraction....indeed very sad."
DENNIS TAN
"Yunnan Yulong Snow Mountain, you can take the cableway up to the snow-capped mountain. The Yunbinping Cableway is about 3356 meters above sea level. It is a large area of dense virgin forest and snow-bin trees. You can enjoy a large grassland under the snow-capped mountains. You can go up the cableway to reach the highest point, about 4506 meters above sea level. The cableway has a total length of 2,914 meters and a vertical height difference of 1,150 meters. It is one of the highest tourist passenger cableways in my country. After leaving Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you can go to Blue Moon Valley, where the blue lake is very romantic and feels like revisiting Jiuzhaigou."
Thomas Lai
"If you go up in the morning, you should go when it's light because taking pictures in the sun is more beautiful than going up in the early morning when there's no sun and it's very cold, so you won't be able to take pictures. You should arrive there around 7 a.m., which is ideal. However, you shouldn't stay up there for more than an hour because the altitude is 4000-5000, which makes it difficult to breathe."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain area, including the cableway, is by taxi or Didi (a ride-hailing app popular in China) from Lijiang Old Town. The journey typically takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Some tour packages also include transportation from Lijiang.Yes, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) serves the city. You can fly from major cities in China. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Lijiang city center, and then arrange transport to the mountain.
You can fly from Malaysia to Lijiang, which takes around 4 hours. Alternatively, you could fly to a nearby city and take a train, but this can be a much longer journey, potentially up to 11 hours.
While there might be some local buses, they are often less convenient and direct than taxis or Didi. For ease and speed, especially if you're on a tight schedule, ride-hailing services or pre-booked tours are recommended.
The drive from Lijiang Old Town to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, where the cableway is located, usually takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official website or a reputable booking platform for the most current pricing. It's generally advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment.
Yes, typically there is an entrance fee for the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, and then a separate ticket for the cable car ride itself. Ensure you factor in both costs when planning your budget.
Operating hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to check the official operating hours before your visit, as they often start early in the morning and may have a last boarding time. Aiming for an early start is recommended.
While it might be possible to buy tickets on the day, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for the cable car, as they can sell out or have very long queues. Booking online or through a tour operator is the safest bet.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children, but these often require valid identification. Check the official ticketing information for details on eligibility and how to apply for any potential discounts.
🎫 🏔️ Onsite Experience
The cable car ascends to approximately 4,506 meters (about 14,783 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest passenger cableways in China.
Dress in warm layers, as temperatures can be significantly colder at higher altitudes. A windproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy walking shoes are essential. Even in summer, it can be chilly.
The altitude can make walking feel more strenuous. Take your time, breathe deeply, and rest frequently. The paths are generally well-maintained, but can be slippery if wet.
After descending, you can visit the beautiful Blue Moon Valley with its vibrant blue lakes, and explore the surrounding natural landscapes. The area offers stunning scenery and photo opportunities.
Due to the altitude, it's generally advised not to stay at the very top for more than an hour to avoid potential altitude sickness symptoms.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The Blue Moon Valley also provides stunning backdrops with its colorful lakes and reflections.
Early morning, around 7 AM, is ideal for capturing the best light and avoiding harsh shadows. The golden hour light can make the snow-capped mountains truly spectacular.
Standard digital cameras and smartphones work fine. However, be mindful of the cold affecting battery life. Keep your equipment warm when not in use.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, always be respectful of local customs and any posted signage regarding restricted zones.
The cable car ride itself offers dynamic views of the mountain slopes, forests, and the ascending path. It's a great opportunity for unique, sweeping landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Altitude Challenge
To best prepare, stay hydrated in the days leading up to your visit and on the day itself. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before ascending. If you have pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, consult your doctor before planning a trip to such high altitudes. The cable car ride itself is smooth, but the thin air at the top requires visitors to move at a slower pace. Enjoying the views without overexerting yourself is key to a positive experience.
The Scenic Wonders of Blue Moon Valley
Visitors can stroll along the pathways surrounding the lakes, taking in the picturesque scenery. The White Water River flows through the valley, adding to its charm. It's a popular spot for photography, with the snow-capped mountain often serving as a dramatic backdrop. Unlike the high-altitude challenge of the cableway, Blue Moon Valley is much more accessible and offers a gentler experience, making it a perfect complement to a visit to the snow mountain.
Navigating Lijiang and Local Transport
When traveling from further afield, such as Malaysia, you can fly directly into Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG). The flight duration is around 4 hours. If you're looking for a more adventurous, albeit longer, route, you could consider overland travel involving trains, which can take significantly longer, potentially up to 11 hours. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation, which can simplify logistics, especially if you're unfamiliar with the region.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit