Lijiang Alpine Botanical Garden

Chinese Name:丽江高山植物园
English Name: Lijiang Alpine Botanical Garden
Chinese Pinying: Li Jiang Gao Shan Zhi Wu Yuan
Tickets: 0 yuan
Location: Baisha Town, Yulong County, Lijiang City
Best Time: All time
Recommended Visiting Hours: half day
Opening Hours: all day

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❄️ Highlights at a Glance

World’s Highest Botanical Garden

Nestled on the southern slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), just 24 kilometers from Lijiang city, this botanical garden spans altitudes from 2,680 to 4,300 meters, covering an area of 278.8 hectares.
Jointly acclaimed by Chinese and British scientists as the world’s highest botanical garden, it conserves nearly 300 rare plant species, including the Meconopsis (绿绒蒿) and Cypripedium (杓兰) — some of which belong to critically small populations.
The garden vividly illustrates the vertical vegetation zones of the Hengduan Mountain Range.

Seasonal Wonders

May to September: Alpine rhododendrons, primroses, and Meconopsis bloom in dazzling oil-painting-like scenes beneath the snowline.

Winter: A surreal contrast between snow-covered landscapes and lush greenhouse flora; the glow-in-the-dark plant zone sparkles like a galaxy at night.

🌿 Immersive Experiences

✅ Six Themed Zones

Rare Plant Pavilion (珍稀植物馆)
Experience the endangered species of northwest Yunnan through AR technology, including national Class I protected plants like Davidia involucrata (珙桐) and Taxus (红豆杉).
Spiral staircases and tranquil water features create an immersive ecological ambiance.

Alpine Flower Zone (高山花卉带)
In summer, walk through blooming zinnia and salvia flower seas set against the snowy peaks. In winter, rare tropical plants thrive inside heated greenhouses.

Primal Ecology Trail (原始生态步道)
Hike through fir forests and stone rivers, where you can observe the silken petals of Meconopsis and the slipper-shaped blossoms of Cypripedium, often called “fairy slippers.”

✅ Signature Activities

Night Exploration
After 7:00 PM, the glow-in-the-dark plant zone opens. Fluorescent moss and artistic light installations blend into a dreamlike nightscape.

Family Nature Workshops
Activities include DIY plant specimen making, flower pastry baking, and a chance to receive a free seed blind box (limited to 500 per day).

Photography Hotspots
Capture Tyndall light effects in morning mist or the striking contrast of snowcapped peaks and colorful flower fields at dusk.

🛠️ Visitor Guide

⚠️ Tips & Notices

During national holidays like May Day, the garden enforces a daily limit of 12,000 visitors. Entry via ID card scan after online reservation.

Wear non-slip footwear, especially on stone steps; bring windproof jackets due to high-altitude temperature swings.

The Butterfly House (蝴蝶园) is small and stuffy — skip it for a more relaxed walking experience.

💎 Hidden Gems

Before exiting, don’t miss the seed blind box booth, where you might score rare species like Lijiang Cypripedium (丽江杓兰).
Within 3 km, discover tranquil, lesser-known ancient villages nestled in the mountains.

🌟 Must-Experience Moment

Stand beside the stone riverbed (流石滩) and witness the blue-violet petals of Meconopsis trembling in the snow wind — a powerful symbol of life’s resilience in the extreme wilderness.

Other Attractions 

Lijiang Ancient Town 
Baisha Ancient Town
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Course
Dongba Valley
Jade Water Village