Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang: A Day of Taking in the "Gilded Snow Mountain + Emerald Lake" with Your Eyes

At 5 a.m., wrapped in a rented thick down jacket, rushing toward the snow mountain—who would have thought that half an hour later, a whole stretch of "gilded snow mountain" would hit my sight, making even my breathing slow down. 1. Ganhaizi Morning Lake: Chasing the "Gilded Snow Mountain Reflection" Before the scenic area opens, Ganhaizi hides the gentlest opening of the snow mountain: - The lake surface is covered with thin frost, the moon still hangs in the pale blue sky, and the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a gray-toned silhouette; - When the first ray of light sweeps over the snow peak, it first turns light gold, then deepens to orange-red. The snow mountain looks like it’s been splashed with molten gold, and even the lake’s reflection glows warmly (the "gilded mirror" in the photo was taken while crouching on a rock by the lake shore); - In the uncrowded early morning, only the sound of camera shutters and the wind sweeping through the meadow can be heard. Even breathing is kept light, afraid of shattering this warm golden moment. 2. Blue Moon Valley: Stepping into the "Emerald Palette" at the Foot of the Snow Mountain Taking the scenic area shuttle bus downhill, suddenly you run into a pool of "emerald water": - The lake water is a gradient of green—near the shore it’s as light as mint candy, deepening into rich emerald further out. Under the sunlight, you can see the stones at the bottom (the "blue-green meeting snow mountain" in the photo was taken while crouching on a curve of the wooden boardwalk); - The autumn and winter deciduous forest is wrapped in warm yellow, tree shadows stretch into the water, intertwining with the snow mountain’s reflection. Standing anywhere on the boardwalk frames a perfect "snow mountain + lake + colorful forest" scene; - Don’t just take photos! Crouch down and touch the lake water—it’s bone-chilling cold but crystal clear, even your fingertips carry the cold fragrance of the snow mountain. 3. 4680m Viewing Platform: Standing "Above the Snow Line" in the Clouds Riding the large cable car through the clouds, palms sweat—but the moment you get off, you’re stunned by the grandeur of "bare rock wrapped in snow": - The glacier beside the boardwalk looks like crumpled cream, glowing blue and white under the sun, with crushed ice grains embedded in the texture (the "snow and rock intertwined" in the photo was taken standing by the boardwalk railing); - The climb to the 4680m stone marker is breath-taking every three steps, but looking up you feel the rough weight of the "snow mountain pressing down." The wind carrying snow grains hits your face, making you feel grounded; - The stone marker area is crowded, but stepping a few steps aside lets you capture the panoramic view of "snow mountain + glacier + blue sky"—holding an oxygen bottle and leaning on the railing, even your shadow feels the power of the "cloud top." 🧗‍♀️ Complete Snow Mountain Travel Guide (Avoiding All the Pitfalls We’ve Experienced) - Transportation: Carpool or taxi from Lijiang Old Town to the scenic area (40 minutes). Shuttle buses inside the park go directly to each attraction. Cable car tickets must be booked 3 days in advance! - Gear: Rent down jackets at the park entrance for 50 yuan each (cheaper than in the old town), oxygen bottles 25 yuan each (don’t overpay), gloves and hats are a must (the wind at 4680m can pierce through thick jackets); - Timeline: Arrive before 7 a.m. → Watch sunrise at Ganhaizi (30 minutes) → Explore Blue Moon Valley for 1.5 hours → Take the cable car up to 4680m (reserve 1 hour) → Descend and eat cured pork ribs; - Local Flavor: The cured pork rib hotpot at the foot of the mountain is a must! The tender ribs stewed with pickled cabbage are fragrant, paired with a plate of "Shuixing Yanghua" (Erhai lake vegetables), warming enough to dispel the cold of the snow mountain. Standing in the wind at 4680 meters, I suddenly understood why "snow mountains inspire awe"—cold, breathless, but every glance is "worth it."