Jiaozi Snow Mountain

It should be hard to find a snow mountain in Kunming which is renowned as "Spring City". But the miraculous Jiaozi Snow Mountain is an exception. The snow-capped mountain got its name because it looks like a sedan chair (Jiaozi). In winter and spring, the mountain is covered with pure white snow, with beautiful icefalls hanging from cliffs. In summer and autumn, the fragrant azalea flowers are in full blossom with bees humming and butterflies dancing around. In one word, scenery in the Jiaozi Snow Mountain is extraordinary. Enchanting lakes, magnificent waterfalls, attractive cloud sea, charming sunset, exuberant meadows, and beautiful azalea flowers will make you feel like you are stepping into a fairy tale world.

Kunming Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tourist Map

The Jiaozi Snow Mountain is located in the northeast of Luquan County, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Kunming downtown. With an elevation of 4,223 meters (13,856 feet) and a total area of 253 square kilometers (98 square miles), it is known as the "No. 1 Mountain in Middle Yunnan Province".
 

Best Time to Visit Jiaozi Snow Mountain

The best time to appreciate the mountain veiled by white snow is from late November to March, when the mountain becomes a white beauty. Rivers are frozen. The tree branches are coated white, the grassland is hidden by the huge white carpet of snow. Animals are having a good rest in their caves. It is so tranquil and peaceful.
 

Icefalls & Waterfalls

Another highlight of a winter visit to Jiaozi Snow Mountain is icefalls. Seen from afar, they are like white marble sculptures differing in thousands of ways, which will take away the breath of tourists. On warm spring days, these icefalls melt and become waterfalls cascading down the mountain, which looks splendid and fascinating as well. The falls are mainly distributed at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), including the Double Waterfalls at the Heroes' Slope, the Sisters Waterfall, the Flower Stream Waterfall, the waterfall at the Water Dripping Rock, the Lotus Waterfall, and the Flown-over Waterfall.
 

Lakes on Jiaozi Snow Mountain

On the Jiaozi Snow Mountain, there are also many lakes worth visiting. The most famous ones are: the Heavenly Pond, the Mubang Lake, the Spirit Pond, the Heavenly Pond at Green Valley, the Heroes' Pond, and the Palanquin Curtain Lake. Glacier erosion contributed a lot to the formation of these lakes. A legend has it that there is a dragon deep in one of the lakes. So, people should not roar near the lake, not to mention throwing stones into it. Otherwise, the dragon will become angry, which might lead to thunderstorm or hail. This legend adds more beauty and mystery to the Jiaozi Snow Mountain.
 

Azalea Flowers on Jiaozi Snow Mountain

Apart from the grand waterfalls and charming lakes, the azalea flowers are colorful decorations of Jiaozi Snow Mountain, usually in full blossom from April to June. White azaleas look very pure while purple ones look noble. The pink are gentle while the red are enthusiastic. Moreover, yellow azaleas are pretty and elegant. They contrast finely with waterfalls and embellish the mountain very well. Seeing clusters of azaleas dance in the gentle breeze and smelling the fresh fragrance will make tourists fascinated and excited. 
 

Gene Bank of Animals and Plants in Yunnan

Moreover, there are plenty of rare animals and plants in the Jiaozi Snow Mountain, including rare birds, insects, flowers, herbs, woods and so on. Hence, it is known as the "Gene Bank of Animals and Plants in Yunnan". The primitive fir forest, known as the "Green Pearl" and "Natural Oxygen Bar", is the only one in Yunnan. Moreover, the glacier and karst sites catch the attention of geologists because of their great significance for scientific research.
 

Tips

 The temperature fluctuates extremely between day and night and due to the rise of elevation on the mountain. It may be sunny during the daytime and at the foot of the mountain, but windy and cold at night or on mountain top. So, you are advised to prepare enough clothes. In addition, you should apply moisturizer and sunscreen cream for your exposed skin, and wear a pair of sunglasses in winter because the snow is quite dazzling.
 Climbing the Jiaozi Mountain is energy-consuming, so you need to take enough food and water.
 To climb the undeveloped mountain areas, you’d better hire a local guide who is familiar with the environment.
 

How to get to Jiaozi Snow Mountain

1. Take a bus from North Bus Station to Zhuanlong Town and then hire a private car to Jiaozi Snow Mountain.
2. On Saturday or Sunday: you can take a bus from the Railway Museum beside the Kunming Railway Station to the scenic area at 8:00; or take a bus from East Entrance of International Trade Center at 7:30 to the mountain area. Both buses return at 17:00.
 

Sightseeing Bus inside the Scenic Area

Inside the scenic area, there are sightseeing buses shuttling between the Sifangjing Tourist Service Center (close to the attraction's main gate) and core scenic spot on the mountain. The bus departs frequently and it costs CNY 30 for a round trip.
Entrance Fee CNY 35;
Half price for children between 1.2 - 1.4m (3.9 - 4.6ft);
Free for children under 1.2m.
Combo Ticket CNY 138 for Combo Ticket, including CNY 35 for entry, CNY 30 for shuttle bus in the scenic area, CNY 70 for round-trip cable car, and CNY 3 for insurance.
Cableway Round-trip ticket: CNY 70
Single-trip ticket: CNY 35
Opening Hours 8:30 - 17:30
- Last updated on Aug. 31, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Asked by Tamaki Watson from JAPAN | Apr. 17, 2020 14:46Reply
Jiaozi Mountain Trekking
Hello. My mountain friends and I want to explore the mountain range around five days. Shall we sleep in mountain lodges and carry on walking? We are not beginners so we prefer tracking over 4000m high mountains. Any guide tour for such a trip? How much in average?
Answers (1)
Answered by Sarah from AUSTRALIA | Apr. 19, 2020 20:51
00Reply


Well, as I know, you need to go to the local travel agency and consult the staff. I remember that there are a few guide tours that can meet your requirements.
Asked by Jenny from GERMANY | Jan. 13, 2020 04:51Reply
Hey, I'm planning the hike Jiaozi Snow Mountain on the 20th.
I'm planning on going to Zhuanlong on the 19th of jan in the evening so I can hike the mountain on the 20th.
1) When is the last bus going to Zhuanlong on the Sunday? Is it still the one at 16.30?
2) When is the last bus from Zhuanlong back to Kunming? And
3) how long does it take to hike all the way up and down?
Answers (1)
Answered by Pam from USA | Jan. 14, 2020 19:27
00Reply


Sorry, I didn't find bus timetable online. It could take around 9 hours to hike without taking cable car.
Asked by William PY Wong from MALAYSIA | Nov. 21, 2019 07:38Reply
Family with old parents
Hi, where is the best place to stay ino rder to admire the snow mountain and food with Jiaozi mountain with old folks?
We do not intend to climb the hills but rather take a slow quiet trip for 2 to 3 nights to explore the food and admire the scenic view there in Christmas day.
Answers (1)
Answered by Claire from CAMEROON | Nov. 21, 2019 22:51
00Reply


You are suggested to find a hotel in Zhuanlong Town (转龙镇). As I know, you can taste nice local food there.
Have a nice trip!
Asked by Janet Tay from MALAYSIA | Nov. 04, 2019 22:14Reply
May i know do Jiaozi snow Mountain has a ski facilities? Janet from Sabah
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew from CANADA | Nov. 06, 2019 00:11
00Reply


Yes, there is a ski resort at the snow mountain.
It is located at around 500 meters away from Sifangjing Scenic Spot inside the mountain area.
Asked by Nurul farahana mohamad from MALAYSIA | Nov. 01, 2019 21:39Reply
Hi, me & my partner plan to go Jiaozi on 19 nov. That day is our last day in Kunming.
Our flight back is on midnight on the same day. my questions are :

1) Can we managed to make a day trip to Jiaozi n arrive back to city at least 8pm?
2) What is Jiaozi looks like in mid November?Is there already snowing?
3) Any bus going to Jiaozi on weekdays?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita from USA | Nov. 05, 2019 18:41
00Reply


1. One day is not enough.
2. It's hard to say. You might expect the first snow in November.
3. You can take direct tourist bus from KM North Railway station to it. It takes 4 hours on the way with CNY110.
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