Xiling Snow Mountain (西岭雪山) is famously named after a line from the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu’s renowned verse: “The window frames the eternal snow of Xiling, the boat anchors at Dongwu a thousand miles away.” With an elevation of 5,364 meters, it is the highest peak in Chengdu. Under the sunlight, the mountain’s snow-covered slopes gleam with a dazzling brilliance, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The vast expanse of the primeval forest, dotted with rare flowers and plants, combined with the ever-flowing streams and waterfalls, forms a breathtaking and mysterious high-altitude natural scenic area.
Xiling Snow Mountain is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain is ideal for hikers and trekking enthusiasts, offering challenging trails and rewarding views. The Back Mountain is home to a beautiful ski resort in winter and a grass skiing area in summer. The scenery changes with the seasons: in spring, the mountain is ablaze with blooming wildflowers and alpine rhododendrons; in summer, it boasts numerous waterfalls; in autumn, the slopes are covered in vibrant red leaves; and in winter, the snow-covered landscape is utterly enchanting. This makes Xiling Snow Mountain a rare and versatile destination near Chengdu, perfect for leisure, vacations, escaping the summer heat, mountain climbing, and skiing.
Travel Information about Xiling Snow Mountain
Ticket and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: 120 RMB for the Back Mountain (includes round-trip cable car and sightseeing bus).
- Opening Hours:
- Spring, Summer, Autumn: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Summer (Weekdays): 8:00 AM.
- Summer (Weekends): 7:30 AM.
- New Year’s Day and Spring Festival (First to Tenth Day): 6:30 AM.
Best Time to Visit
Xiling Snow Mountain is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain is typically visited in the summer, while the Back Mountain is the destination of choice during winter. Winter is the best time to experience Xiling Snow Mountain as it transforms into a true snow-covered wonderland, perfect for enjoying the snowy landscapes and engaging in various winter sports.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Xiling Town, Dayi County, Chengdu.
By Bus: Direct buses are available from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station to the scenic area, with departures at 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. The journey takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus or high-speed train from Chengdu to Dayi County and then transfer to a bus heading to the scenic area (ski resort).
By Car: From Chengdu, drive along the Chengwenqiong Expressway, exit at Dayi South, and take Dada Shuang Road. Pass through Heming Mountain, the Xiling Tunnel, and Huashuiwan Hot Springs to reach Xiling Town. From Xiling Town, turn right onto the dedicated road leading to the Xiling Snow Mountain ski (grass) resort.
Scenic Area Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Thrill: ★★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★
Useful tips
- Wild Vegetable Foraging: During the transition from spring to summer, as the snow melts, various wild plants emerge in the forest. You can find many delicious edible wild vegetables, such as wild garlic shoots, wild onions, wild celery, wild leeks, wild spring buds, ferns, wild yam, pig’s ear root, wild mushrooms, and more. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy foraging in the mountains.
- Local Specialties Shopping: Beyond exploring the scenic areas, you can also visit the shopping centers in Xiling Town or within the scenic area to purchase local specialties. Some popular items include snow mountain cured meats, sausages, fruit wines,无花果 (figs), wild yam or ferns, pig’s ear root, deer antler fungus, fresh bamboo shoots, and snow mountain beans. These make great souvenirs or tasty treats to take home!
Highlights of Xiling Snow Mountain
Huashiyu
Huashiyu is a picturesque and winding creek valley stretching 3.7 kilometers from Chadiping to Liangxikou. This scenic corridor resembles a natural painting and embodies the essence of springtime poetry. Flanked by lush green mountains with steep cliffs on either side, the valley is adorned with a variety of vibrant flora. The landscape is a tapestry of emerald bamboo groves, mountain poplars, wild grapes, hickory trees, and an array of colorful blossoms such as Jasminum, azaleas, and countless other unique and unnamed wildflowers. The alternating blooms create a stunning display of purple and red hues, filling the air with a fragrant aroma that is both invigorating and soothing to the senses.
Waterfall Clusters
The Waterfall Clusters are a breathtaking sight where snowmelt cascades down the mountains, creating a magnificent landscape of “a thousand peaks layered in green and ten thousand streams rushing forward.” With over 30 waterfalls, each ranging from 30 to 70 meters in height, these cascades are mostly hidden within mist-covered valleys and dense forests. From a distance, the mountains offer a vibrant display of colors, while up close, the sound of rushing water adds to the natural symphony. Together, the mountains, water, forests, and springs form a beautiful and harmonious scene.
Golden Monkey Peak and Eagle Beak Peak
Ascending from the Waterfall Clusters, Golden Monkey Peak rises dramatically like a cluster of spring bamboo shoots. Standing over a hundred meters high, it stretches toward the blue sky, with clouds and mist dancing around its summit, sometimes settling, sometimes floating away. Spruce trees wave in the breeze, and golden monkeys can be seen climbing and playing among the branches, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Behind Golden Monkey Peak lies Eagle Beak Peak, a striking formation that juts out like a majestic eagle looking down, ready to swoop in for its prey. At the base of this peak, crystal-clear streams flow, providing a playful habitat for young salamanders, making it a delightful and enchanting spot in nature.
Red Stone Peak
Continuing left from Eagle Beak Peak leads to Red Stone Peak, situated at an elevation of 3,310 meters. This striking formation consists of three peaks made up of several hundred columns of red granite, known as Upper, Middle, and Lower Red Stone Peaks. The peak forest, composed of numerous uniquely shaped stones, rises dramatically with varied heights and arrangements, resembling lions, tigers, and monkeys, showcasing nature’s exquisite artistry.
From the summit of Red Stone Peak, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the towering Snow Mountain to the west, evoking a sense of being in a fairyland. At sunrise, the snow-covered peaks transform into a dazzling golden spectacle, a phenomenon known as “the golden mountain at sunrise,” which is one of the great wonders of Xiling Snow Mountain. Additionally, from the nearby Sun and Moon Flat within the scenic area, one can witness the grand sight of stars shifting across the cosmos, further enhancing the magical experience of this captivating location.
Yin Yang Border
Yin Yang Border is a narrow mountain ridge that can only accommodate two people walking side by side. The ridge is merely 2 meters wide, with sheer rock walls that appear to have been carved by a knife or axe. This location serves as a climatic divide between the Sichuan Basin and the Tibetan Plateau. To the southeast of the ridge, visitors are greeted with clear blue skies and bright sunlight, while to the northwest, a mystical world of swirling clouds and mist unfolds, creating a striking contrast.
Snow Mountain Ski Resort
The Snow Mountain Ski Resort is located in the back mountain of Xiling Snow Mountain and is renowned as the “Eastern Alps” due to its proximity in latitude to the Alps. It is one of the largest, highest-quality, and most well-equipped high-altitude ski resorts in southern China.
The ski resort features a gently sloping terrain with excellent snow quality, making it particularly suitable for skiing activities. At the entrance of the ski area, there are 2,500 sets of world-renowned ski equipment and numerous luxury snowmobiles. The facility is equipped with 12 mobile snow-making machines and a top-tier French York underground snowmaking system.
The resort boasts seven international standard ski runs, capable of accommodating 2,000 skiers simultaneously, providing an exhilarating experience for snow sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, the Snow Mountain Ski Resort offers a fantastic environment to enjoy the beauty of winter sports.
Useful Tips:
- Dress Appropriately: When skiing, it’s essential to rent a waterproof jacket. Otherwise, your clothes may get completely wet, which can lead to catching a cold. Additionally, don’t forget to bring sunglasses, as the bright white snow can be blinding.
- Visit Early: For those planning to go to Yin-Yang Jie, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Fog typically rolls in during the afternoon, and if you arrive too late, you may miss the stunning views.
- Pack Snacks: Bring extra food with you when heading up the mountain. Not only are the food options limited and quite expensive at the top, but you may also find that the selection is less than satisfactory.
- Mountain Lawn Activities: The ski resort features a 500,000-square-meter alpine meadow, where you can enjoy a variety of mountain lawn activities. There are 15 entertainment options, including grass sledding, grass off-road vehicles, and grass air cushion boats, perfect for a fun-filled day in the great outdoors.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: The scenic area offers hot air balloon rides that ascend up to 100 meters, providing breathtaking views from above. Whether you want to gaze at the snow-covered winter landscape or take in the lush green scenery of summer, each season offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Visitor Guide for Xiling Snow Mountain
Transportation within the Scenic Area
Cable Cars: The scenic area is equipped with cable cars that take visitors to the mountain peak. The cable car service is included in the admission ticket package.
- Operating Hours:
- Regular Cable Cars: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sightseeing Cable Cars: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Accommodation Options
The scenic area of Xiling Snow Mountain boasts a variety of resort hotels that highlight its stunning natural beauty across all seasons.
Boli Li Homestay (西岭雪山泊鹭里民宿)
- Location: Gaodian Village, Xiling Town
- Features: This homestay offers convenient access and fresh air. Guests can enjoy activities such as painting, crafting, and clay modeling, while savoring local specialties. The ambiance allows for a relaxing experience, capturing the essence of living among the mountains and snow.
Four Seasons Little Forest Hot Spring Homestay (四季 ·小森林温泉民宿)
- Location: Shaping Village, Xiling Town
- Features: Nestled in a small forest along the route to Xiling Snow Mountain, this homestay features modern Japanese-style architecture, providing a sense of freedom, simplicity, and comfort. Each room includes a private hot spring pool and garden, allowing guests to enjoy natural mineral baths for relaxation.
Scandinavian Resort Hotel (斯堪的纳度假酒店)
- Features: Comprising eight villas, this hotel features wooden structures sourced from Sweden, showcasing rich European and American architectural styles. The villas offer a blend of Chinese and Western design, with various room types including luxurious suites, deluxe waterbed rooms, and standard rooms. Guests can enjoy high-altitude hot mineral therapy and spa services.
Dining Options
The area around Xiling Snow Mountain offers various dining choices, including hotels, farmhouses, and reception stations that provide food and accommodation. Prices vary from budget-friendly options to more upscale dining experiences. Here are some recommended restaurants:
- Zhao Lian Guo (赵涟锅)
- Location: East Gate of Dayi
- Cuisine: Home-style dishes
- Price: Approximately ¥20 per person
- Description: Known for its affordability and quality, this restaurant offers a variety of home-cooked meals that are popular among locals.
- Zhou Ji Po (周鸡婆)
- Location: West Bridge of Dayi
- Cuisine: Home-style and specialty dishes, including ginkgo chicken
- Price: Around ¥30 per person
- Description: A cozy spot that serves traditional dishes, with the ginkgo chicken being a standout specialty.
- Ye Bu Shou (夜不收)
- Location: West Gate of Dayi, left side of Dashuang Highway
- Cuisine: Home-style dishes
- Price: Approximately ¥30-50 per person
- Description: This restaurant features a range of home-style meals, with a special recommendation for their meat tofu flower dish.
Ice and Snow Festival
The South China International Ice and Snow Festival is held annually from late December to mid-March at Xiling Snow Mountain. During this festival, a variety of exciting activities are organized, offering something for everyone. Visitors can participate in massive snowball fights, enjoy skiing, or try their hand at snowmobiling. For those looking for a bit of adventure, activities such as snow climbing and snowball basketball are available.
The festival also features UTV off-road vehicle experiences, ice curling competitions, and snow shooting events, along with unique offerings like snow golf. This vibrant festival transforms the area into a winter wonderland, attracting both locals and tourists eager to enjoy the snowy landscape and partake in these thrilling activities.