An Adventure to the Yulong Snow Mountain

My three friends and I arrived at Yulong Snow Mountain in August 2023, aiming to fulfill our long-held dream of reaching its summit.

Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, known as the sacred mountain of the Naxi people, boasts cascading snow peaks resembling a silver dragon in flight. Click here to see more information: china-discovery-Yulong Snow Mountain

Lu said, “The most unpredictable thing in Yunnan is the weather.” We set out under clear skies, but as we approached the mountain base, rain began to pour. He reminded us not to use umbrellas during downpours, recalling a fatal lightning incident in 2022.

Due to decreased visibility and the risk of altitude sickness from lower temperatures in the rain, Lu recommended that we carefully contemplate whether to proceed with the ascent. We chose to continue, fully prepared in water-resistant gear and inhaling oxygen.

Surprisingly, the rain lessened as we ascended. We encountered herds of black yaks peacefully grazing, and numerous sheep strolling in front of us in the spruce forest. Mountain climbers maintain a respectful distance from the wild animals, recognizing them as the true inhabitants of the area; any harm caused to these animals may result in severe penalties.

Herds of yak and sheep graze on the hillside, Saturday, Aug.12, 2023. [Photo/ Zhong Xiyue]

After about 2 hours of ascent, the rain stopped. Fortunately, none of us experienced altitude sickness, though the wind at the summit made us slightly dizzy. We took a short break, breathed in some oxygen, and then continued our journey. 

After an additional 20-minute climb along the walkway, we reached the breathtaking altitude of 4680 meters. In the vast expanse of mountains and amidst the mist, the spectacle made all the efforts worthwhile.

My friend opens her arms to embrace the beautiful scenery of the mountain, 

Saturday, Aug.12, 2023. [Photo/ Zhong Xiyue]

Descending, we discovered valuable plants, medicinal herbs, and unique Yunnan fungi, we washed hands in Blue Moon Valley at the mountain base following the local custom, which means good luck.

Remember to pay close attention to the weather and ensure it is suitable for climbing if you are also planning a trip to Yulong Snow Mountain. Safety first. Here is a link: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/85447912 that can help you better climb this mountain. If you have any experiences you would like to share, feel free to leave a comment.