Lijiang Snow Mountain Scenic Train: 35 Minutes to Experience the Beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The world’s first panoramic mountain sightseeing train has started its journey! In just 35 minutes, you’ll travel through Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇), Yushui Village (玉水寨), and Ganhaizi (甘海子), with 1.9-meter wide windows offering unobstructed views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). In the morning light, the snow-capped mountains appear as pure as a painting; in the evening, golden rays bathe the spruce trees. This flowing landscape hides the thousand-year-old secrets of the Naxi (纳西) people, and every frame of scenery along the way could be cherished as a wallpaper.

This is a “Snow Mountain Crossing Tour” lasting just 35 minutes, taking you through the magnificent landscapes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山).

Following the splendid Snow Mountain journey, Lijiang (丽江) has introduced a new cultural tourism milestone. On February 12, the world’s first panoramic mountain sightseeing train—“Lijiang Snow Mountain Scenic Train”—officially began operation, offering a completely new travel experience for visitors.

Departing from the bustling Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), the train travels straight to the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), passing beautiful scenic spots like Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇), Yushui Village (玉水寨), Dongba Valley (东巴谷), and Ganhaizi (甘海子). This 35-minute journey seamlessly connects these stunning locations, with every scenic view along the way looking like a finely crafted wallpaper, each moment worth capturing as an eternal memory.

Now, let’s explore this captivating Snow Mountain Scenic Train journey! Departing from Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), it takes just 35 minutes to reach the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), offering glimpses of scenic wonders like Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇), Yushui Village (玉水寨), Dongba Valley (东巴谷), and Ganhaizi (甘海子). Every spot along the way is like a poetic landscape, leaving visitors enchanted.

On the morning of February 12, at 9:00 AM, the Lijiang Snow Mountain Scenic Train (丽江雪山观光火车) began its initial operations. Departing from the New Tourist Service Center at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山新游客服务中心), the train travels to Ganhaizi Snow Mountain Tourist Port (甘海子雪山游客港), with a one-way trip lasting just 35 minutes. The train departs every 30 minutes. This scenic train route covers a total length of 20.7 kilometers, with picturesque landscapes that make you feel as though you are immersed in an enchanting snow-covered world.

Ticket Information

• Adult one-way ticket: 50 RMB

• Round-trip ticket: 80 RMB

• Discounts: Children, military personnel, and others may receive half-price tickets or free entry.

Overview of the Route

The scenic train will pass by Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇), Yushui Village (玉水寨), and Dongba Valley (东巴谷) (please note that during the initial operation, the train will not stop at Dongba Valley station).

What makes this train journey stand out as a unique experience? The Lijiang Scenic Train is not only the first panoramic mountain sightseeing train in the world, independently developed in China, but it is also the first scenic train route in the Lijiang region. With its unique panoramic design, passengers can enjoy an unparalleled travel experience.

Upon boarding the Lijiang Scenic Train, you’ll immediately feel the strong Naxi (纳西) cultural atmosphere.

The 1.9-meter wide windows offer an exceptional visual experience, allowing you to enjoy the landscape without any obstructions. The train’s observation platform is cleverly designed with curved glass, providing passengers with the sensation of being in a flowing landscape painting while also effectively blocking out harmful UV rays from the plateau.

As you approach the snow-capped mountains outside the train window, a detailed audio commentary about the landscape and history will enhance your understanding of the beauty of this hidden paradise.

Tip: It’s recommended to take the first train at 9:00 AM to see the snow-covered mountains bathed in the morning light, showing their purest beauty. Alternatively, returning in the evening allows you to witness the grandeur of the sunset casting a golden glow over the mountains.

Hidden Gems at Every Station: Discover Lijiang’s Surprises

Currently, the train only stops at the starting point, the Tourist Center Station (游客中心站), and the destination, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Station (玉龙雪山站). However, the four scenic spots it passes—Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇), Yushui Village (玉水寨), Dongba Valley (东巴谷), and Ganhaizi (甘海子)—are already breathtaking.

Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇)

Baisha Ancient Town is the most pristine of the three ancient towns of Lijiang (丽江), located near the snow-capped mountains. Standing in the town, you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, while underfoot, the ancient Tea Horse Road stone path takes you back in time to the old tea trade era.

The town is centered around an ancient street, and the Baisha Archway (白沙牌坊) is a focal point, making it a perfect spot to witness the “Golden Mountain” (日照金山) phenomenon.

Baisha’s murals, though not widely known, are a unique artistic treasure, blending the painting styles of the Han, Tibetan, and Bai cultures. For only 20 RMB, you can admire these incredible works of art. It’s worth noting that photography is prohibited in the Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫), but free guided tours are available at Dading Pavilion (大定阁).

In addition, you can experience a variety of activities in the town, such as listening to Naxi ancient music (白沙细月), watching traditional embroidery, making tie-dye, and visiting copper workshops. If you have time, dive deeper into these experiences and pick up a unique Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) souvenir.

In the popular “7 Sea Bar” (7 Sea Bar) in the town, you can climb up to the second-floor terrace, enjoy a cup of rich Yunnan coffee, and admire the magnificent views of the snow mountain. It’s a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos with the mountain and the bell hanging under the eaves.

If you’ve finished exploring the town, head to the nearby Lijiang Botanical Garden’s North Gate (丽江植物园北门), where you’ll find a large prayer flag and a 9 RMB entrance fee. Here, you can explore nature and get closer to the mountain.

Explore the Beauty of Yushui Village and Dongba Valley (玉水寨与东巴谷)

Yushui Village (玉水寨) is located in Lijiang Ancient Town and is famous for its crystal-clear river water, which originates from the snow-capped mountain, providing a constant water supply to the ancient town.

The water in Yushui Village is endlessly pure, and every handful of it tastes sweet like honey. Visitors can not only admire the clear water but also listen to the sound of flowing streams, feeling the refreshing peace it brings.

Dongba culture (东巴文化) is well-preserved in Yushui Village. As you walk through the garden, the sound of wind chimes (风铃) ringing in the breeze adds to the soothing atmosphere. The mysterious and solemn statues silently tell ancient legends, while the prayer ropes (祈愿红绳) carry the hopes and wishes of many people. The sacred wind-sculpting ritual (祭风场) here conveys the deep respect the Naxi people (纳西族) have for nature.

For those interested, visiting the paper-making workshops and distilleries will offer insight into the traditional craft and culture of the region. You can also delve into the fascinating world of Dongba script (东巴文字), learning its unique characteristics.

Discover the Wonders of Dongba Valley (东巴谷) and Ganhaizi (甘海子)

Dongba Valley (东巴谷) is one of the best places to view the “Golden Mountain” (日照金山), with no entrance fee, an expansive view, and easy access by car. There are five lakes in Dongba Valley, with the first being the most visited. As you venture deeper, the crowds thin, allowing for a peaceful visit.

If you miss breakfast, don’t worry—many roadside stalls offer milk tea, coffee, and beef noodles to keep you fueled. Ganhaizi (甘海子) is a haven for photographers, with its highland meadows, wetlands, and the magnificent “Golden Mountain” forming a picturesque canvas.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Exploration

As the train approaches Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), the breathtaking scenery of the snow-capped peaks will immediately unfold before your eyes. If you can, take the cable car to the Glacier Park (冰川公园) at an altitude of 4,506 meters to feel the mountain’s essence up close. The experience is indescribable and best experienced in person.

If you’re concerned about altitude sickness, visit Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷), where the lake water is as white as milk yet deep blue. It reflects the rugged contours of the surrounding peaks, resembling a vivid painting.

The meadows of Spruce Flat (云杉坪) resemble the idyllic landscapes of Switzerland, calm and captivating, while the rugged terrain of Yak Flat (牦牛坪) is portrayed through grazing yaks and sheep.

In just 5 minutes, from the hustle and bustle of the city to the magical realm of the snow-capped mountains, you can embark on an unforgettable journey. This spring, why not set off on an amazing journey like a “wallpaper” adventure, allowing the winds of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) to sweep away your earthly fatigue, and find your soul’s poetry in every scene outside the train window?