The Glacier Park Cableway of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

The Glacier Park Cableway of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang
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🚠 Quick Overview

The Glacier Park Cableway is the highest-altitude passenger cableway in China open to tourists. Stretching 2,980 meters, it transports visitors from 3,356 m to 4,506 m in just 30 minutes, offering the only direct access to snow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

📊 Essential Facts

  • Altitude: Base Station 3,356 m → Summit Station 4,506 m

  • Vertical Rise: 1,150 m

  • Price: ¥140 (includes ¥20 eco-shuttle)

  • Daily Ticket Limit: 10,000 (sold out in 2 hrs during peak season)

  • Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)

  • May Close Due To: Winds ≥70 km/h or maintenance

📅 Ticket Booking Calendar & Tips

Period Booking Difficulty Weather & Scenery Recommendation
Dec – Apr ★★☆ Heavy snow, frequent closure Book via mini-program at 8pm, 7 days ahead
May – Jun ★★★ Less snow, clear skies Buy combo ticket with Impression Lijiang
Jul – Aug ★★★★★ Crowds, 3hr queues Set alarm before midnight to book
Sep – Nov ★★ Sea of clouds Try same-day tickets

🎫 Where to Book:
Search “Lijiang Tourism Group” or “Yulong Snow Mountain Service” on WeChat Mini Programs.
💳 Real-name booking, 1 ticket per ID.

🚏 Step-by-Step Ride Process

  1. 📱 Successfully book your ticket

  2. ⏰ Arrive at Ganhaizi Tourist Center at your reserved time

  3. 🪪 Scan your ID to enter

  4. 🚍 Take the eco-shuttle (20 min ride)

  5. ⛰ Queue at the cable car base station

  6. 🚡 8-person gondola lifts you to the summit in 15 minutes

🏔 Mountain Top Walking Route

  • 🚩 Start at 4,506 m platform

  • 🪵 Walk the boardwalk trail

  • 📍 Reach the 4,680 m viewing platform (another 174 m climb — take it slow!)

🧘‍♀️ Due to the extreme altitude, rest every 20 steps for 30 seconds.
🧴 Bring oxygen (¥20 in Old Town, ¥60 at the summit).

🎒 Packing Essentials

🧣 For Warmth:

  • Down jacket or windproof coat

  • Wool hat (temperatures range 0–8°C year-round)

🌞 For Sun Protection:

  • Sunglasses

  • SPF 50+ sunscreen (strong UV reflection from snow)

🏔 For Altitude Sickness:

  • Take Rhodiola the day before

  • Carry oxygen & chocolate for quick energy

🔋 Others:

  • Power bank (cold drains batteries fast)

  • Anti-slip shoe covers (boardwalks may ice over)

🪂 Backup Plan (Plan B)

If the Glacier Cableway is suspended due to wind or maintenance, you can switch to:

  • Spruce Meadow Cableway (3,200 m, ¥60): forest & meadows

  • Yak Meadow Cableway (3,600 m, ¥65): alpine pastures & Tibetan culture

  • Blue Moon Valley Shuttle (¥40): no altitude sickness, perfect for snow-capped mountain reflections

🗺 One-Day Smart Route

07:00 Depart from Lijiang Old Town
07:40 Enter Ganhaizi Visitor Center
08:30 Reach Glacier Park summit by cableway
09:30 Climb to 4,680 m viewing platform
10:30 Descend and head to Blue Moon Valley
12:00 Lunch at Snow Kitchen Restaurant
14:00 Leisure hike at Spruce Meadow
16:00 Return to Old Town

🙏 Travel Etiquette & Safety Notes

  • ❌ No lighters or drones (drone use requires prior approval)

  • 🗑 Carry all waste down with you — help protect the glacier environment

  • ⚠️ Not recommended for elderly, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions

💡 Final Tip

The Glacier Park Cableway is your only chance to jump from a subtropical forest to a snow-covered alpine world — all in one day!
Set your alarm 7 days in advance — or you’ll be left watching from below. 🏔🕰