Glacier Park

Introducing Glacier Park

Glacier Park, located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, is situated on the northeast slope of Yulong Snow Mountain's main peak, Fanzidou. It is a prime example of the mountain's modern glaciers. Glacier Park, comprised of caves and grottoes carved by glacial erosion, is a relic of Quaternary glacial formations and is known as the "Glass Palace of Lucerne."

Arriving at the upper cable car station and exiting the building, you'll enter the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the lowest snow-capped mountain in Eurasia with modern glaciers. On its eastern slope, relics of four Pleistocene glaciations are scattered across the park, which stretches 15-16 kilometers from north to south and 4-5 kilometers from east to west. This relatively small yet diverse collection of modern and ancient glaciers, so close to the city, embodies the essence of the world's mid- and low-latitude mountain glaciers. This is a rare sight in my country and plays a vital role in glacier research, ecological and environmental protection, tourism, and scientific research.

Climate and best time to travel

Plateau mountain climate;

Best time to visit in spring and winter

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The wind is strong in spring and winter, so you may not be able to get in even if you have bought a ticket. Please be prepared in advance. It is usually better to go in the morning, but there will be a lot of people and you will have to wait in line for a long time.

Tickets

Included in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ticket, but you need to take the scenic area's cable car (182 yuan, including 2 yuan insurance)

Attraction opening hours

7:00-18:00 (Ticket sales stop at 15:30)

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Most Popular FAQs for Glacier Park

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Glacier Park is known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and its significance as a protected area in the Yunnan province. The park showcases the dynamic forces of nature with its glaciers, rugged terrain, and snow-covered peaks. It is an essential part of the region's natural heritage, preserving unique alpine ecosystems and offering a glimpse into the effects of climate change on glacial regions.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Glacier Park is located approximately 30 kilometers from Lijiang, in the Yunnan province of China. To reach the park, you can take a taxi or a private car from Lijiang city center. Alternatively, local buses and tours also operate routes to the park. The drive takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Glacier Park is open year-round, with the operating hours typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the late spring to early autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder, and most of the park's trails are accessible. Winter months can be colder, with heavy snow limiting access to some areas.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Glacier Park is around ¥150-¥200 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the park's entrance or in advance through online platforms such as Ctrip or local tourism websites. It’s recommended to buy tickets online to avoid long queues during peak tourist seasons.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

While booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, it is advisable during peak seasons (holidays and weekends) to avoid long waiting times. Booking 1-2 days in advance is generally sufficient, especially during the high summer months or holidays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring Glacier Park thoroughly takes about 4-5 hours, including a cable car ride, hikes, and time spent at the observation points. For those who prefer a more leisurely visit or want to capture more photographs, a full day is recommended.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Glacier Observation Deck, which provides panoramic views of the glaciers and surrounding peaks.
• The Ice Cave, where visitors can walk through stunning ice formations.
• The cable car ride, offering a high-altitude perspective of the glaciers and the surrounding park landscape.
• The hiking trails that lead through alpine meadows and offer close-up views of the glacial terrain.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in English and Mandarin can be rented at the entrance for a more self-paced experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The Glacier Observation Deck offers the most spectacular views of the glaciers and is the most popular photography spot.
• Along the cable car route, there are several vantage points perfect for capturing the entire park from above.
• Hiking trails near the ice caves offer unique perspectives of the park's rugged terrain and icy landscapes.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start with the cable car ride for an aerial view of the park.
• Proceed to the Glacier Observation Deck for the most dramatic views.
• Explore the hiking trails, and make sure to stop by the Ice Cave for a unique experience.
• End the visit with some leisure time near the park's scenic spots, relaxing and capturing photographs of the landscape.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available at Glacier Park, as the park closes at 5:00 PM. However, during major holidays, special tours may be available. It’s best to check with local tour operators for any night events or tours.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the summer months. The least crowded times are weekdays in the shoulder seasons, such as early spring (March-April) and late autumn (October-November), when the weather is still pleasant.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and food stalls near the park entrance. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. It's advisable to bring your own water, especially if you plan to hike the trails or explore remote areas of the park.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

While the park offers some accessible areas near the cable car station and the main observation decks, the hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to the rugged terrain. Children may find the park enjoyable, particularly the cable car ride and observation decks.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted at the park, along with cash. Credit card payments are less commonly accepted in remote areas, so it's advisable to have some cash on hand for purchases within the park.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are basic food stalls near the park entrance offering light snacks, drinks, and traditional Yunnanese food.
• In Lijiang, several restaurants offer local specialties like yak meat, rice noodles, and Yunnan hotpots.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants in Lijiang, including dishes made from tofu, vegetables, and rice. Halal food options may be limited in the park but can be found in larger towns like Lijiang.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The closest accommodations are in Lijiang, including budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury options such as the Banyan Tree Lijiang and InterContinental Lijiang.
• There are also several boutique hotels and inns located near the park entrance for more convenience.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easily combined with a trip to Glacier Park.
• The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, another major attraction in the area, offers similar outdoor activities and natural beauty.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are located at the park entrance, selling local handicrafts, jade jewelry, scarves, and traditional Naxi embroidery. You can also find small memorabilia such as postcards and keychains.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Glacier Park, you can take a taxi or bus back to Lijiang. If you're planning to visit other attractions like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Lijiang Ancient Town, renting a car or booking a guided tour might be the most convenient option.