Glacier Park Cableway of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The Glacier Park Cableway (玉龙雪山冰川公园索道) is a major tourist attraction on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China. Offering stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, this cableway is one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountain's high-altitude environment. The cableway takes visitors up to the Glacier Park, providing access to one of the most famous scenic spots on the mountain.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a popular destination for tourists seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences. Known for its 13 peaks, the mountain has become a symbol of Lijiang and offers visitors an opportunity to witness the majestic landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. The Glacier Park Cableway is one of the most convenient ways to access this high-altitude area, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views and experience the unique alpine ecosystem.

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

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.