Just a few miles outside of Lijiang, Yulong Xueshan is a towering collection of snow-capped peaks lining one side of Tiger Leaping Gorge, a popular hiking destination. The southernmost peak remains blanketed in snow throughout the year.
There are 13 individual peaks in this massif. The highest of Yulong Xueshan’s peaks is more than 18,000 feet above sea level. The 19 glaciers found here are further south than any other glacier in the northern hemisphere. The leading demographic is the Naxi, an ethnic group that has farmed here in the foothills for a millennium.
Most visitors admire Yulong Xueshan from the trail that follows Tiger Leaping Gorge. The trail winds up a series of switchbacks and then hugs the edge of the gorge, passing traditional Naxi homes. Most hikers spend one or two evenings in Naxi guesthouses along the trail. A cable car accesses picturesque meadows and the receding glacier.
The other way to enjoy Yulong Xueshan is from the top down. China’s highest ski resort is tucked into the upper reaches of the mountains. The slopes descend more than 3,000 feet and are best enjoyed between November and March. The facility is still under construction, with the central slopes open to the public.
Getting There & Away
Access to Yulong Xueshan is through Lijiang. Bus No 7 heads for the chairlift terminals, which is the most likely drop-off point for tourists on a daytrip. It takes around two hours to travel to and from Lijiang, a city with an important regional airport. Flights connect to Kunming (less than an hour) as well as to other regional hubs around China.