Spruce Meadow Cableway of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

Chinese name:云杉坪索道

Location: the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Overview of Spruce Meadow Cable way

Walking through the Spruce Plank Roadway, a beautiful and large pastureland came into your eyes at the end of the primitive forests, and you are suddenly enlightened. This is the Spruce Meadow with an area of 1000 square meters.  It’s a natural grazing land in high mountains, and the second snow mountain meadow you come across.Green is everywhere, spreading its way till to the edge of the forests. Spruce forests are densely around the four sides of the meadow, looking like a skirt edged with green.

Scenery and legends of Spruce Meadow

First, view the beautiful sights. The colorful and three dimensional scenery display its beauty layer by layer from the place close to you to far away. The first layer is the meadow under your feet, which is both flat and undulated. In the summer time, green grasses are everywhere, bright mountain flowers are in full bloom. Everything turns into yellow in fall while into white in winter. The color changes in every season make you enjoy fully the beauty of the nature.

The second layer is the forest around the meadow, which has formed a natural protective screen between the snow mountain and the meadow. In your vision, it looks like a herdsman who keeps watching the meadow silently with its dignified posture.The third layer is the snow mountain, which towers into the clouds, thrilling and blowing out fog. The huge body of the mountain overlooks the meadow from the sky, just like a stern father and a compassionate mother who embraces the meadow.Second, explore the mystery.

What to see in Spruce Meadow Cable way

The Spruce Meadow is a pure land in the mind of the Naxi people. People can go to the “Third Kingdom of the Jade Dragon”—an ideal state in the legendary of Naxi via this meadow. According to the Dongba scripture, in the “Third Kingdom of the Jade Dragon”, “there were more silks and satins than you can wear, more fresh fruits than youcan eat, more wines and milk than you can drink, more gold and silver than you can spend. Here red spotted tigers take the place of saddle horses; white deer serve as farm cattle; foxes with big ears are used as hunting dogs; and golden pheasants with colorful tails herald the break of the day.”

In the past, the beautiful and miracle “the Third Kingdom of the Jade Dragon” attracted many Naxi young men and young women. They came to the meadow and killed themselves for love if their marriage met with obstruction from the society. They thought that the Spruce Meadow was an ideal place to go to “the Third Kingdom of the Jade Dragon”. If they died here, they would extricate themselves from the worries and go up to the ideal love state. So the Spruce Meadow is not only a place of romance, but a place full of sad feelings. If you walk along the edge of the meadow and the forest, you will feel sacred and tribute.

Third, appreciate the folk songs and dances. Around the Spruce Meadow, you will find some girls, dressed in bright colored costumes, sing and dance on the meadow or in the forest, adding much more beauty to the scenery. It’s better for you that you could distinguish their costumes. The girl dressed with an embroidered cape of stars and moon is Naxi. The one who wears a pan-shaped hat with colorful strings hanging down is Yi girl. You can borrow their costumes and put them on, take a picture of yourself with these costumes on. You can also join the them, dance a folk dances hand in hand with these girls. Don’t forget to express your thanks when you leave.

Lijiang Spruce Meadow Cableway Tickets: Tips

The Spruce Meadow Cableway (杉木坪索道) in Lijiang provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great way to explore the scenic areas of Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). Here are some helpful tips for purchasing tickets and enjoying the experience:

1. Ticket Prices

The ticket prices for the cableway typically vary depending on the season and the type of service you choose (standard or VIP). The prices may change, but the approximate cost is:

• Round-trip cableway ticket: Around ¥150-¥200 (subject to change)

• One-way ticket: Around ¥100-¥120
  It's a good idea to confirm the current prices when booking.

2. Best Time to Visit

• Off-peak season: Visiting during weekdays or off-peak months (avoid national holidays or the busy summer season) will help you avoid crowds and long waiting times.

• Morning rides: It's best to visit early in the morning to enjoy less crowded conditions and better visibility of the mountains.

3. Ticket Booking

• You can purchase tickets online in advance through the official website or third-party travel platforms. This helps ensure you get tickets for your preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons.

• Tickets can also be purchased at the cableway station, but this may involve waiting in line, particularly during busy periods.

4. Ticket Validity

• The ticket is typically valid for the whole day of purchase. However, you should check for any specific time constraints on the ticket or booking confirmation.

• If you're planning to visit multiple attractions in the area, some ticket packages or tours may offer combined entry to the cableway and nearby scenic spots.

5. Weather Considerations

• Altitude and weather: Yulong Snow Mountain's elevation can make the weather unpredictable. It's important to check the weather forecast in advance to avoid cloud cover or snowstorms, which can reduce visibility.

• Clothing: Even if it's warm in Lijiang's Old Town, the temperature on the mountain can be much colder, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing, especially during winter months.

6. Travel Tips

• Altitude: Spruce Meadow is at a high altitude (around 3,500 meters), so if you're not acclimatized, take it slow, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.

• Activities at the top: Once you arrive at the top, you can enjoy various activities like hiking along scenic trails, exploring the local flora and fauna, and taking photos of the breathtaking views of Yulong Snow Mountain.

7. Special Discounts

• Discounts for children, seniors, and students: Check for discounts, as some tickets may offer reduced prices for children, students, or seniors.

• Group Discounts: If you're traveling in a group, you may be able to get discounted tickets or special packages.

8. Accessibility

• The cableway is suitable for most visitors, though it may not be the best option for those with severe mobility issues. If you have concerns, it's best to check in advance for any accessibility accommodations.

9. Avoiding the Crowds

• The cableway can be crowded during the peak tourist season, especially on weekends and during national holidays. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the early morning hours or on weekdays.

With these tips in mind, you should be well-prepared for a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Spruce Meadow Cableway in Lijiang!