Introduction: Lijiang City, located in the Yunnan province of China, is a picturesque destination known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, Lijiang Old Town. In this blog, I will share my experience of a day of exploration in Lijiang City, visiting Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 1: Lijiang City

Our journey began in the morning as we arrived in Lijiang City. We were greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of the city, with its traditional architecture and bustling streets.

Our first stop was Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by mountains and characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi homes, and ancient city walls.

We strolled through the winding streets of Lijiang Old Town, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling town. We stopped at various local shops and cafes, trying the delicious Naxi cuisine and purchasing souvenirs for our friends back home.

As we explored the town, we learned about the rich history and culture of the Naxi people, who have lived in the region for centuries. The Naxi are known for their unique music, dance, and textile traditions, which are still thriving today.

In the afternoon, we set out for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, located about 30 kilometers away from Lijiang City. The drive took us through stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, giving us a glimpse of the rural life in the region.

Upon arriving at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, we were greeted by the towering peaks and glacier-covered mountains. We took a cable car to the top of the mountain, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

We spent some time exploring the area and taking pictures before returning to Lijiang City in the evening. The day had been filled with adventure and discovery, and we were eager to share our experiences with our friends back home.

Conclusion: Lijiang City is a charming destination that offers a unique glimpse into the culture and history of the Naxi people. A day of exploration in Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a must-do for any traveler visiting the region. The stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage make Lijiang City a memorable destination that you won’t want to miss.

Golfing in Yunnan got more and more popular, attractive and professional during the last years. Yunnan, without doubt, is the best golfing destination within China. By the time of writing, nearly 20 state-of-the-art golf courses existed only in Yunnan, some of them are rated as best, longest or hardest of China, Asia or even the world. More golf courses are currently being designed and built.

   

Therefore, the variety of proper golf courses in Yunnan is big. Please find below a rough overview of Yunnan’s golfing options. Please also have a look at our golf tours.

Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Kunming

It open to the Public and have an 18-hole Golf Course that is said to have the Best Sunset views in Chester County!  Here at Spring Hollow we would like to take the opportunity to let you know that we would be more than happy to help you with a party, golf outing, or dinner reservations!

Meadows that define some of the holes were left in place and they give the course a natural look and feel. From one side of the course to the other there is a 110 foot change in elevation. Water hazards in the form of wetlands, creeks, and ponds come into play on six of the golf holes. The frequent and often dramatic elevation changes affords the players not only challenging shot selections, but also beautiful views of the surrounding area.

After played one round golf at Lake Course, we have been visiting Jiuxiang Cave in the afternoon.

Located in the Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang, the Jiuxiang Scenic Area not only has beautiful landscapes but also displays the custom and culture of the Yi and Hui minorities. Here, you can appreciate lush forests, narrow canyons and underground caves. The Myth, a film starring Jackie Chan, took this special landscape as a backdrop. The main scenic spots of the Jiuxiang Scenic Area are Green Shady Valley, Grand Underground Valley, Grand Lion Hall, Twin Waterfalls, Fairy Fields and Bat Cave.

Played one round golf at Mountain Course, drive to visit West Hill and Dragon Gate. Overnight at Kunming downtown.

In the western suburbs of Kunming lies Western Hills. They are also called ‘Sleeping Buddha Hills’. For looked at from a distance, they have the appearance of a giant sleeping Buddha. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills when viewed together look like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water. You can see the outline of her face, chest, and legs clearly.                                

Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery. No wonder that the place has gained a reputation as ‘having the most pleasant environment in the world’.

Take speed train to Dali, pick up from train station, transfer to Dali Old Town, have lunch, then walk around at the old town, visit The Three Pagodas in the afternoon.

Three Pagodas located in Chongsheng Temple, is about 1 kilometers (0.6 miles) northwest of the Dali Ancient City. Facing Erhai Lake, Chongsheng Temple is located at the western border Cangshan Mountain. It’s said that 9 Kings of Dali Kingdom chose to be a Chongsheng monastery in the temple. The Three Pagodas inside the temple was built 1,800 years ago. It is a symbol of the history of Dali City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. A visit to the pagodas should not be missed by any visitor to Dali City.

Then we go to the Erhai Lake, Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, ‘sea shaped like an ear’, in Chinese. Implying that the lake is ear shaped and as large as a sea, hence it was so named.

Cruise on Erhai Lake, we visited Xizhou Bai Ethnic Village and Zhoucheng Dyed Cloth Shop. Then drive to Lijiang in the afternoon.

Play one round golf at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club,  visit Ganhaizi and Baishui River, take cable car to Glacier Park, enjoy the Impression Lijiang show.

The course is set in the bottom of a valley that faces the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that is 5596 meters (18,360 ft.) high. You can enjoy mountain views from almost every place on the course. The course is situated at 3100 meters (10,800 ft.) above see level, the second highest in the world and the highest in Asia. It is 8548 yards long, which is longest par 72 in the world.

An ‘”S” shaped neat par 5. The tee-shot is downhill and water come into play for the second shot. The landing area of the second shot is narrow and there is water in front of the green.

Lijiang is considered to be a pearl on the high plateau of Northwestern Yunnan Province, and is regarded as the world of “Shangri-La” (in Tibetan: a wonderful place like paradise) which people yearn to visit. Owing to its special characteristics of ethnic Culture, urban layout and historical authenticity, Lijiang Ancient City was listed as a World Cultural Heritage City by UNESCO in 1997.

Yunnan is the best place to have the golf holiday, you will experience the golf with different elevation from 500 meters in Xinshuangbanna tropical forest to 3100 meters in Lijiang.

Yunnan province in China is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. In this blog, I will share my experience of a 7-day golf tour in Yunnan, where I explored the natural beauty of the region and enjoyed some thrilling rounds of golf at Kunming Spring City Golf Club, Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club, and Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club.

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Our journey began in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province. We were greeted by the warm climate and vibrant atmosphere of the city. After checking into our hotel, we took a leisurely walk around the city, exploring the local markets and cafes.

In the evening, we attended a traditional Chinese opera performance, which gave us a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Day 2: Kunming Spring City Golf Club

After a delicious breakfast, we headed to Kunming Spring City Golf Club, located about 30 kilometers from the city center. The club features an 18-hole golf course designed by Alex C. Smith, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

We spent the morning playing golf and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The course was challenging, but the weather was perfect, and we were able to enjoy a few birdies along the way.

In the afternoon, we returned to the city and visited the West Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by parks and temples. We took a boat ride around the lake and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Day 3: Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club

Our next stop was Dali, a historic city known for its ethnic minorities and stunning landscapes. After a short flight from Kunming, we arrived in Dali and checked into our hotel.

In the afternoon, we visited the ancient city of Dali, which features well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. We explored the narrow streets, visited local shops, and tried some of the delicious local cuisine.

In the evening, we drove to Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club, located about 20 kilometers from the city center. The club features an 18-hole golf course designed by Ross Watson, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

We spent the evening playing golf and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The course was challenging, but the weather was perfect, and we were able to enjoy a few birdies along the way.

Day 4: Dali Exploration

In the morning, we visited the Dali Ancient Town, a historic town characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi homes, and ancient city walls. We explored the town and learned about the rich history and culture of the Naxi people.

In the afternoon, we visited the Three Pagodas of Dali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We climbed to the top of the towers and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 5: Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club

Our final stop was Lijiang, a picturesque city known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, Lijiang Old Town. After a short flight from Dali, we arrived in Lijiang and checked into our hotel.

In the afternoon, we visited Lijiang Old Town, a historic town characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi homes, and ancient city walls. We explored the town and learned about the rich history and culture of the Naxi people.

In the evening, we drove to Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, located about 10 kilometers from the city center. The club features an 18-hole golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

We spent the evening playing golf and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The course was challenging, but the weather was perfect, and we were able to enjoy a few birdies along the way.

Day 6: Lijiang Exploration

In the morning, we visited the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a stunning mountain range located about 100 kilometers away from Lijiang. We took a cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, we returned to the city and visited the Lijiang River, a picturesque river that runs through the city. We took a boat ride along the river and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Day 7: Departure

After a week of adventure and relaxation, it was time to say goodbye to Yunnan. We checked out of our hotel and headed to the airport for our flight back home.

Conclusion: Our 7-day golf tour in Yunnan was a fantastic experience that combined adventure, relaxation, and culture. The beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant cultures of the region made for an unforgettable journey. If you’re looking for a unique golf vacation, I highly recommend visiting Kunming Spring City Golf Club, Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club, and Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club.

This itinerary begins from Heqing(鹤庆) County，Dali，which is Tibet’s distant relative, then to Caohai Wetland（草海）, Stone Forest（石寨子）, Guanyin Valley（观音峡）, Lijiang Ancient Town（丽江古城）, Lugu Lake（泸沽湖）and Legendary  Lugu-Yading Road（“泸亚路”）. Next, we visited Daocheng（稻城）, Xingcheng（乡城）, Shangri La（香格里拉）, Xiaozhongdian Town（小中甸）, Tiger Leaping Gorge（虎跳峡）, Lashihai（拉市海）, finally left from Lijiang Ancient Town to the beginning place. The silver accessories and bronze containers the Tibetan used were almost made by Bai people of Heqing, some of them even being exported to far-off Nepal and India, etc.. Therefore, we decide to depart from my hometown—Heqing, to start our Shangri La-Cycling. We traveled through many assorted habitations of minorities, such as Bai ethnic, Naxi ethnic, Yi ethnic, Mosuo, Mongolian, Pumi and Tibetan, etc. The custom and culture along the road is unrivalled. There are two world-famous beauty spot, Lugu Lake and Yading Village（亚丁村）, and the road connects each other is Lugu-Yading Road. This road starts from Lugu Town of Yanyuan County（盐源县）, and extends from the north-west to south-east, passes through from Daocheng of Ganzi Autonomous Prefecture（甘孜藏族自治州） to Muli（木里） and Yanyuan of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture（凉山彝族自治州）, at last, ends in Yading Village, the whole distance of 255 km. The Lugu-Yading Road is called the “pilgrim’s road of Sichuan” by railway experts. Its toughness, trenchers and hardship speak for itself. Consequently, it also gained a fame of “scenery secluded in a boudoir.   Date: July 22nd,2014-September 1st, 2014, 11 days’ duration. The whole plan of 1314 km cycling as following:  We booked sleeping berthes to Heqing train station. When we arrived at that night, we happened to catch the Torch Festival. We’ve received a warm welcome from Bai people there. Afterwards, we live in my home, a traditional habitation of Bai Ethnic. ( The train could take our bikes and ticket price is 130 yuan per people.) At Yunnan Province, many other minorities also celebrated the Torch Festival, but each of them takes it in a different way. Bai people hold the festival at 25th June every lunar year. It is spoken as “Fu Wang Dance” in Bai’s language, which means “carnival June”. Wherever it is city or country, montane area or flood plain, there is no exception not to celebrate. In Bai people’s mind, it is the second ceremonious festival compare to the Spring Festival. Large bonfires are lit while people sit, sing, and dance around them, and every family are supposed to prepare the dainties, assorted material of festival. Additionally, every married girl should return their first home to have a reunion. Before the festival, what be sold pervasively along the bazaars are symbols of the Torch Festival, like small buckets with bamboo sticks, small torches, paper sachets, and pineapple flowers that were used by women to dye red nails, the festival atmosphere is very rich. Day 1: Heqing County → Caohai Wetland → Xintun Town → Qihe Town of Lijiang →Guanyin Valley → Guanpo( A highway of Lijiang, you will cycle upslope five kilometer here.) → Lijiang Ancient Town → Dadong Country ( you will cycle upslope 15 km and downslope 18 km at here.) → Sown Mountain Highway → Mingquan Town ( upslope about 22 km) the whole distance of 152 km or so. Accommodation at Mingquan Town, triple room, 20 yuan per person, 30 yuan per person for meal.   Day 2: Mingquan Town → Ahai Hydroelectric Station( down slope 20 km ) → Red Bridge Town of Ningliang County (upslope 15 km) → Lugu Lake (upslope 30km) , the whole distance of about 150 km. Accommodation at Caohai Inn, beside the Luowa Jetty of Lugu Lake, unit price of twin room is100 yuan per room, 30 yuan per person for meal. Ticket price of boating to Wangfei Island is 50 yuan.   Day 3: Luowa Jetty → Lugu Lake Town (you will view the dazzling scenery of Lugu Lake along the way.) → Dazui Village ( upslope 10 km, then downslope 13 km) → Qiansuo Country → (cycling intermittently up and down about 26 km) → Wujiao Mongolian Country, the whole distance of approximately 73 km. From today on, start our journey along the Lugu-Yading Road. (This road starts from Lugu Town of Yanyuan County, and extends from the north-west to south-east, passes through from Daocheng of Ganzi Autonomous Prefecture to Muli and Yanyuan of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, at last, ends in Yading Village, the whole distance of 255.805 km.) The way lead to Qiansuo is newly dug and built, so that there are many pits and holes. Dazui Village is a habitation of Naxi people. It belongs to Muli, but later in 1956 was a part of Yanyuan’s territory. Accommodation at Wujiao Mongolian Country Hotel, costs 20 yuan per person; 20 yuan for a meal.   Day 4: WUjiao Country (upslope 36 km) → Yakou (downslope 27 km) → ( up and down slope 8 km) → 915 Linchang(up and down slope 25 km → Guzeng (upslope 10 km), the whole distance of 101 km. After departed from Wujiao, we have to tramp over the Luopuluo Mountain, which situated an altitude of 4160 km. The Lugu-Yading Road extends about 40 kilometers above the altitude of 4000. If you have altitude sickness, please pay attention to this. We accommodated at Zhaxi restaurant, located at halfway up the mountain, which just costs 20 yuan per person. 30 yuan per person for dinner. The host is very friendly and warm. At the second day, its Tibetan style breakfast is free. Moreover, the host cooked many potatoes for us. Thanks so much. D5固增扎西饭店-岔路口（上坡4KM)-陇撒牧场(25KM上坡，10公里起伏路面）-垭口（12KM上坡）-瓦托（30KM冲坡），81KM。住藏民家里，20元/人，吃完饭20元/人。垭口海拔4224M，上面较冷，注意保暖。住藏民家中一定要明确价格，不要听信藏民的到时候再说。  D6 瓦托-日美乡俄西桥（此处可以补给）-铁索桥（碎石沿江起伏路20KM，路况是泸亚路最糟糕的，一路有落石砸下）-香城蒙自乡-香格里拉镇-亚丁，共85KM。住亚丁仁村，三人间80元/间，吃饭荤菜30元，素菜20元，早上5点起来，可以骑车沿亚丁旅游专线至牛郎神山看日出。 D7 亚丁-香格里拉镇(7KM起伏路面)-杜鹃谷温泉（23KM起伏路面）-稻城县城-桑堆乡(30KM起伏路面）-沙贡乡（起伏路面）,共153KM。住小旅馆，100元/间，吃完饭40元/人。 D8沙贡乡-乡城-黑大村（3KM起伏路）-大雪山第三哑口（有30KM上坡）-大雪山第二哑口（下坡5公里，上坡11公里）-大雪山第一哑口（下坡5公里，上坡16公里）-香格里拉上翁水(25KM盘山公路，海拔在4500M左右)-中翁水（4KM)，共128KM。整个村只有两个旅馆，条件恶劣，住宿10元/人，吃完饭20元/人。乡城属干热河谷。白色的藏寨非常夺目，据说当地老乡把房屋修建好之后，取当地特有的阿嘎土搅拌成白色的泥浆，用茶壶从墙头浇下来，自然成了白色醒目的藏寨。乡城县在个小山坡上，进城还要爬2－3公里的大坡。 D9中翁水-下翁水（6KM下坡）-小雪山第二哑口（有23KM上坡）-小雪山第一哑口(24KM盘山公路下坡，海拔在4100M左右)-格咱乡-垭口（30KM上坡）-香格里拉（31公里缓下坡），共122KM。住香格里拉，120元/三人间，吃晚饭30元/人。 D10中甸（香格里拉）-小中甸-虎跳峡-香格里拉经济开发区，一马平川的214国道，共120KM。我们早上骑行漫步独克宗古城石板路上，尽管火烧后古城满目疮痍，但石板路上还留着深深的马蹄印，硕大的转经筒依然还在。在香格里拉，有一座被藏人称作“独克宗”的古城，独克宗又名月光之城，它是按照佛经中的香巴拉理想国建成的。古城依山势而建，路面起伏不平，那是一些岁月久远的旧石头就着自然地势铺成的。小中甸到虎跳峡的是条极佳的雪山骑行线，一路可赏哈巴雪山和玉龙雪山。住开发区旅馆，标间100元/间，吃饭40元/人。 D11香格里拉经济开发区-九河乡-太安乡-拉市镇-丽江古城-七河镇-观音峡-鹤庆辛屯-鹤庆草海，共149KM。途径观音峡，骑行进入景区感受纳西文化的魅力。

In order to argue for Lijiang because of  the negative impact on tourism in the last two years,. I would like to share few hiking trails with you to demostrate not only the commercial tourism with shopping stops here,but also so many amazing scenery around the beautiful city. These irregular routes are suitable for novices who are good at hiking. From my experience,I gave my recommendation which based on difficulty,physical and scenery.

Climbing difficulty,road condition and if there is way are three mainly factos for hiking routes. Obvious way,sand or gravel road,slope section and icy section are all impact on the hiking difficulty.

Phisical ability affects the length of hiking routes. Usually,30 degree is the most comfortable level on steep path. Smaller gradient,longer routes. Larger Bigger gradient,shorter routes. The length of difficult section also affect physical fitness.

Scenery on the way comes from my own judgment. Ordinary mountains and rivers are difficult to impress me   because I spent a long time in Lijiang. At the time,the regular hiking routes are not enough to let me be excited. I won’t give highly recommendation on simplex scenery,rather than evaluating it based on the layering for the whole course. You would be shocked by such hiking routes if you come from big cities.

Standards of mountaineering and hiking are different. I  can feel out the physical energy depends on different elevation although I am not an experienced hiker. The most energy-consumption track is hard compared to the overhead day,so it is unreasonable to compare the standards between hiking and mountain climbing. I give the comparison on Siguniang Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The hiking level on Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking and EBC climbing can be compared,which are two routes I did before.

Mountain climbing routes in Lijiang

Peak one on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Difficulty: ★

Physical：★☆ 

Scenery：★★★★

Recommendation：★★★★☆

Once mentioned Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,many travel pal suppose it is impossible to overcome the mountain. Indeedly,climbing to Fan Peak is really difficult because the steep and weathered stones. Even the professional mountaineers cannot do it,let alone the amateurs. By contrast,the peak one and peak two are easier to get to the peak.

From difficulty,peak one is the most easy to overcome. There is only one small part is hard to climb for the whole route. Smaller impact by climate,smaller difficulty on snow day. However, we still have to avoid the top or rigde in the afternoon on snowy side. The heavy wind may bring risk as well. From physical,it is good for novices because the good road condition and moderate slope.

From scenery,yu can go though  azalea forests and alpine meadow. Blossom of wild flowers and colorful plants lead to the most beautiful scenery on spring and autumn. Of course,the scenery is still gorgeous on snowy day. You can see the panoramic view of Lijiang city after climbing to the top of snow mountain so that you can feel the strong scense of accomplishment.

Route details: you can easy to find the hiking route on goole,thus it is an easy hiking route for travelers. You can walk along the Wenhai lake,then walk into the entrance,start hiking from there(3150m above sea level).

Entrance of peak one of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The entire trail is very obvious, and you can see clearly on Google. For my first visiting,I did it on my own under guideline on google. But for newers,I highly recommend you to hire a local guide who is familiar with the hiking route. You will go though the azalea forest before walk into the alphine meadows. You can enjoy the blossom of azalea on spring,and the colorful leaves on autumn.

You will get to the alpine meadow after going through azalea forest which is 3650m above sea lever. You can see a log cabin on your left when you walk out of the forest. Waking longer after the forest,then you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here,you can feel the difference on alpine meadow because of the elevation changing. Hike abong the meadow until reach a stone tablet.

Green meadow interspersed with purple flowers. Hike over the first slope,then you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in tall and straight posture in front of you. You can enjoy the brilliant scenery without water or camping.

You can see the Fan Peak,peak one and peak two from the meadow. The path will be harder after going through a meadow and a forest. You need to climb to the ridge which is located between peak one and peak two.You can find the walking trace along the path,but it is too rugged to climb. The path would cut if you climb on the sand&ravel way. You can get to the ridge because the shorter route for this trip. Please note that the difficulty will be increased if you happen to snowy day.

I was  trying to looking for the path to peak two from three sides after I complished the trip to peak one. You can climb directly too the major path,although it is roundabout way.

It is easy to get to the peak if you hike along the peak one. On the one hand,you cannot hike up to the peak two from peak one. On the other hand,it is 4350m above sea level on peak one. The elevation is marked higher than normal elevation,but you can be used to it if you stay in Lijiang for a long time.

Equipment: winter jacket,windproof clothes,sunblock cream,water.

Transporation: no public transporation,you can rent a private car or local guide.

Recommendation: the hiking route is suitable for new hikers,that is low difficulty,physical and nice scenery along the way. You can feel the strong sense of succeed. On Saturday,you spend one full day to hike to the snow mountain,start at 7am in the morning and finish it at 5pm in the afternoon. Take a rest day on Sunday,that is perfect weekend for you.

Peak one on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Difficulty：★★

Physical：★★ 

Scenery：★★★★☆

Recommendation：★★★★

There is no way get to peak two from peak one.  The way would be detour if you tried from peak one to peak two.In fact,you can get nice view the way to peak two because you can overlook Tiger Leaping Gorge from here. I prefer recommending you to choose to climb to peak two. I just recorded few traces as it’s too late to taking good pictures in foggy top,and my watch was almost turn-off.

Route explanation: there are few routes to get to peak two. I chose the one walking from valley. According to the recommendation by local Yi people,there is one way is much easier to climb to peak two from theirs village. There are two difficult sections: one section is from 3500m to 3800m above sea level. Another section is the ridge to peak two. You need to hold something to avoid falling as there is the same slope,sandy and ravel section along the path. Compared,the route climbing to peak two is shorter,but physical consumption. The hiking route is not easy to climb if it is on snowy day so that it affected by season.

This route is slightly affected by the season than a peak, if the snow will not go very well.

Route details：The hiking route starts from a small log cabin which close to the Yi village.

Beginning a long climbing after entering the valley. When you can not find the road, you start the climber’s climb.

Climb up to an alpine meadow after passing by the sand section,which is 3800m above sea level. You can see many yaks that is very friendly in Lijiang area.

Go up again to reach the ridge location.The scenery was still great here,although it was cloudy day when I was there. You can get wonderful view if it is on nice weather. You can see the peak is in the cloud and fog. Tiger Leaping Gorge is in the behind of you. The green rock looks like blade,interspersed with wild flowers,that’s really amazing scenery that you never had before. Climb from the ridge side,it’s easy to reach to the point 4050m above sea level.

I did not climb to the summit because the changeable weather there,I could not see anything in the cloud and fog. It is dangerous to get to the ridge which is 4300m above sea level.

Equipment: winter jacket,windproof clothes,sunblock cream,water.

Transporation: no public transporation,you can rent a private car or local guide.

Recommendation: you can spend the hiking trip to peak two on weekends. That is more astonished than the peak one because you can enjoy the view both Tiger Leaping Gorge and the mountains on the another side.  

 Routes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Valley

Difficulty：★★☆

Physical：★★★★

Scenery：★★★☆

Recommendation：★★★★

The routes to Snow Mountain Valley is the one of training routes,which is less difficulty,less risk. But the elevation is changeable,longer distance and it’s recommended for the hiking lovers who is full of energy.

Difficulty explanation: the sand and ravel sections is longer than peak-one and peak-two,that changes from 3800m to 4200m above sea level. The difficulty is almost similar as there is trace,but the feeling is totally different after you climb to sand and ravel section under the elevation increasing as 1000m.

Physical explanation: I spent 6.5 hours from Yuhu Village(2700m) to the snow mountain valley(4500m).By contrast,the hiking route to snow mountain valley is much longer. In the previous climbing experience,I just spents 4.5 hours when I climbed to Haba Snow Mountain,3.5 hours to Siguniang peak 3,2 hours to at Siguniang peak 4. You have to prepare for the hiking with full energy  within one day. The hiking routes is popular among South Koreans as they know about the destinations from a book. South Koreans like to camp at the point 3800m above sea level,staying one night there,then continue to climb to the summit in the next day. For us,we just complete it within a day. The difficulty and scenery depend on the season,the most difficult season is on winter but the scenery is wonderful. Compared,it is less nice on spring,summer and autumn. 

Routes explanation：Start from Yuhu Village,climb to a alpine meadow,walk through a forest. Less difficulty,easy path to climb if you climb along the Tea&Horse Trail. No worries,you can get to the same destinations even though you would detour in the region. Take a stop at half-way. The first station is called buckwheat filed.

Walk through the buckwheat filed,then enter a forest. Climb along the forest,then reach at Leech Dam. There is huge rock at Leech Dam,it is said there is spring from the rock in the past time. You can overlook the Liusha po frm Leech Dam.

You can take a rest in a log cabin under Leech Dam. Try to get to the point before 10am. If you get there later,the local residents guard here and won’t let you enter to the region. In rainy season,the leech would come out and would bite you if there are people. Remember to supply for yourselves as much as you can at the point.

After a short rest,you will start long journey from Leech Dam. The climbing difficulty is gradually increasing to Xunqing Valley and Jianshu Lin. The easier slope,the better view as the increasing elevation. You can take a clear view to  Lijiang City and Pearl Lake under Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Climb over Leech Dam,then get to the first station called Xunqing Valley. There are few Xunqing Valley in Lijiang,that is the least famous one on Snow Mountain. You can see some yaks near the Xunqing Valley. The second supply point is called Jianzhu Lin which is 3800m. 

Jianzhu Lin is the camping site for South Koreans. The South Koreans camp here,and continue to climb to the summit on the next day. It’s better to supply yourselves enough here,as no other supplying station in next points.

 Pass by Jianzhu Lin,then Liusha Po is the next point that is called Cordyceps as well. Liusha po is the hardest section for the whole tour,but that is the most interesting section. You need to spend an hour to climb up,but just need 10 minutes to climb down. On snowy season, it is full of snow at Liushapo. The ascent difficulty increases straightly,but you can ski down directly. You need bring snow cover,snow glasses and waterproof shoes. The height of Liusha Po is to zero point,as the vision becomes better. You can climb up to enjoy the cloud sea,the feeling is really impressive.

The best way to go to Liusha Po is to walk from the junction between the left side and the rock. After passing through the sections with the ropes, pull the rope and then lean to the left.

After climbing over Liusha Po,then you will get to the Green Sea. When the temperature is high, there is abundant water between Green Snow Sea and Liu Sha Po, and the water in the mountain is very clean and cold. Once I took a look at the water, a yak suddenly appeared and looked at me in adorable expression ,then continue to drink water.Except winter,you can drink spring on snow mountain.

On winter,it is easy to step into the hole which is filled with snow,but the scenery is very beautiful. You can make snowman and ski.

the road inside the snow bar filled up, get around around, but also step on the snow from time to time to go. Of course this time the scenery is very beautiful, but also can make snowmen, skiing, very cool.

Continue to climb up to get to the Green Snow Sea. The brand is on a ridge,just walk along the ridge.  The elevation of Green snow sea marked as high elevation,it is estimated 4300m above sea level here. Climb along the ridge,then you can see the the Mani Piles. Climb over Mani Piles,then you get to a rock. Climb over the rock,you can see the terminal point-Snow Mountain Valley.

The next point is maked as 4500m above sea level. Pay note the deep valley in the middle where the opposite peak is the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Fan Peak.You cannot be survive if you fall into the deep valley.

Equipment:  On regular days: winter jacket,windproof clothes,sunblock cream,water. On winter,you need to bring snow cover,waterproof shoes,snow sunglasses.

 Recommendation: It is the most classic hiking route to hike to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

 Transportation: take the public bus from Xiangshan Market,then get to Yuhu Village. Start the hiking trip from Yugu Village.