The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain) is located approximately 15 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town and is situated in Kunming province, South West China. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemispehere.

Yulong Mountain comprises 13 peaks, which are spread over 35 kilometers, with the highest peak (Shanzidou) reaching a height of 5,600 meters. It is said that the snow and fog covered peaks resemble a Jade Dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name.

The mountain is regarded a holy place by the Naxi people. A long time ago, it was considered a place for young lovers to escape from arranged marriages and sacrifice their young lives in honor of their true love. At the foot of the mountain, there is a performance held several times a day telling the story (unfortunately for me, this was in Mandarin).

To reach the mountain, there are many tour buses departing from Lijiang, the journey taking approximately one hour. At the entrance to the park, there are eco-buses running up and down the mountain, where you must take a cable car to the top.

I took this shot around 4600 meters above sea level, the air was thin and we were advised to carry oxygen. Particularly important before the decent as I found out, having to head back to town early and spending the rest of the day in bed with altitude sickness.

This was my second time to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The first time was covered in heavy snow, but each time just as spectacular.