Looking north from the Old Town of Lijiang 15 kilometers away, the snow-covered and fog shrouded mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain).

Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest one with an altitude of 5,600 meters, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 km, 20 km wide. The 13 peaks, which have the altitudes of at least 4,000 meters, are covered by snow all year round.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants. In fact, one fourth of all plant species in China can be found here. These species live in different temperature levels and create different kinds of views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.