Amazing Snow Mountains in Yunnan Province

CHINA'S famous snow-capped mountains are mainly located in the northwestern and southwestern regions, including the Daxue Mountains in Sichuan Province, the Gladandong Mountains in Qinghai Province, the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Qomolangma, the Nyainqentanglha and the Kangrinboqe in Tibet Autonomous Region, and the Moirig and Yulong Snow Mountains in Yunnan Province. These mysterious, dangerous and magnificent peaks attract numerous pilgrims and adventurers, despite being in remote areas and being snow-capped all year round.

Yunnan is located on the south-west part of the “Middle Kingdom”. With an extension of 394,000 square kilometres it’s known to be part of the eastern end of the Himalayas, hence the high number of mountains over five and six thousand meters tall.

Fall and winter are the best times to see snow-capped mountains and peaks. In Yunnan, most of the time, if you want to see heavy snow in Yunnan, you can visit the snow mountains.

01. Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. Kang Karpo Peak means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Known for the grandest view in Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain has both numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which exceed 6,000 meters, and it owns the sublime beauty of Jiangnan Area. No matter you want to make a pilgrimage to Meili Snow Mountain, or capture the incredible scene of golden sunrise shining upon its dramatic snow-capped peaks, you can fulfill your dream within 2 days from Shangri-La.

The highest altitude of Khawa Karpo (Kawagebo) peak is rising about 6740 meters, making Meili Snow Mountain the highest mountain in Yunnan Province. Till now, it is still a virgin peak for no one has ever reached the top.

02. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yulong Xueshan in Chinese, is situated 25km from Lijiang, Yunnan Province in China. It is a mountain massif standing like a giant, and is visible from Lijiang. The mountain is always capped by white snow all year round. Its highest peak is Shanzidou at 5,596m. There are three cable car lines that can be chosen to the mountains including Glacier Cable Car, Yak Hill Cable Car, and Yunshan Hill Cable Car. Glacier Cable Car can take travelers to snow area at 4506m, and the rest two cable cars can view the nice mountain view in the middle of the mountains.

03. Shika Snow Mountain

Shika snow mountain scenic area is located in the southwest of Jian Tang town in Shangri-La County, Southeast of Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 4500 meters above sea level. National 5A level tourist attraction.Also known as Blue Moon Valley, Shika Snow Mountain is regarded as a holy mountain for the local Tibetans.

Shika Snow Mountain is famous for its various alpine and sub-alpine landforms and vegetation due to the high attitude and vertical climate. Boasting its precipitous snow peaks, beautiful valleys, forests, lakes, meadows and numerous legends, it is a comprehensive scenic spots best reflecting the romantic charming of Shangri-la, which attracts many people here for hiking and adventure.

Two cable ways are available on the mountain,  the cable car here is the longest cableway in Yunnan Province. Ascending by cable car, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain from high above.

04. Haba Snow Mountain

Haba Snow Mountain is located in the south-eastern part of Shangri-La County, 120 kilometers away from the urban area. It was sharply raised by the Himalayan orogeny and the subsequent Quaternary tectonic movement. The upper part of the mountain is gentle but the lower part is filled with cliffs, which makes the snow mountain precipitous, magnificent and mysterious.

On the top of the main peak of the mountain snow persists throughout the year. The upstanding main peak, together with four little peaks around it, seems to be a shining crown on a fine day in the distance.

At about 4,700 meters above sea level, there are hanging glaciers resembling frozen waterfalls that flow down steep slopes. Those hanging glaciers are classified as maritime temperate glaciers in the southern latitude limit in China.

05. Baima Snow Mountain

Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve is located at the northwest of Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province. As winter comes close, some mountain peaks were already covered with some snow.  The highest mountain, with the altitude of 5,430 meters above sea level, is covered with snow all year around.

Baima Snow Mountains are famous for its forest and rich wildlife resources. While walking along the mountain roads, it is very possible to find some plants and animals you have never seen.

06. Gezong Snow Mountain

Gezong Snow Mountain is located at the junction of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province and Derong County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The highest elevation is 5,545 meters. It is the first peak of Shangri-La and the largest mountain in the scenic area. The slope is large and steep. The residents in the Tibetan area protect the mountain from tourists’ exploration for religious reasons. There is no climbing record until 2018.