Pictorial essay of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain，玉龙 雪山，in Lijiang, Yunnan

 The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a major tourist spot for visitors both from China and abroad. It is a nice change for those from the South or tropical region to enjoy the cold and the snow. The facilities are well developed with coaches and cable cars to ferry the visitors up the mountain. And the last lap, to the peak, would be left to the climbers to decide, if they are fit enough, and the weather permit, to take up the challenge. 

Unlike the gruelling and tortuous climb to the Everest or many other high mountains, this climb may not be that tough or dangerous, and many may try it without all the strenuous exercises and preparation to reach 5,500 metres. Portable oxygen tanks are readily available for RMB 80 to RM100 per canister.

I bought 4 canisters for the whole trip to be on the safe side, but used up only 3. Actually 2 should be enough unless one's body demands for more.

 

Viewing platform of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, 4,506m high. From here, reached by cable cars, some could venture higher to the peak of the mountain if they are able to withstand the lack of oxygen. Today was snowing and the peak was hidden by the clouds, more than 5,500m. I did not stay long and quickly went indoors as my feet were frozen.

 

The floor was very slippery with frozen ice. I almost slipped down on my first step on the wooden stairs.

 

Stairway to the peak behind the white cloud.

 

A fuller view of the stairway going up.

 

View of the mountain range, half way up the mountain.Very beautiful view of a different kind for a change, high snow capped mountains, pine trees covered with snow, etc etc.

 

Another view of the mountain range taken from within the coach. Reminds me of the song Highlands of Tibetan Plateau 西藏高原.