Xiling Snow Mountain
Xiling Snow Mountain, a UNESCO Global Geopark and premier winter sports destination in Sichuan Province, China, is renowned for its year-round alpine beauty, ancient forests, and cultural heritage. Towering at 5,364 meters, it offers skiers, hikers, and nature lovers a gateway to breathtaking vistas and outdoor adventures.
Historical Overview
Tang Dynasty Legacy: Mentioned in ancient poetry as a sacred mountain, Xiling was revered by Taoist hermits.
1980s Development: Modern tourism infrastructure emerged, including ski resorts and cable cars.
2009 UNESCO Designation: Recognized for its glacial landforms and biodiversity.
2020s Upgrades: New eco-friendly trails and a high-speed gondola system introduced.
Structural Layout
The mountain’s attractions are divided into three zones:
Base Area (1,600m): Hotels, restaurants, and the scenic Heishui River.
Mid-Mountain (2,200m): The Maple Forest, hot springs, and the Yingxiu Pavilion.
Peak Area (3,250m): The Sun-and-Moon Platform, glaciers, and ski slopes.
Major Attractions
Sun-and-Moon Platform: A 360-degree panoramic viewpoint offering views of the Minshan Range.
Yingxiu Pavilion: A historic site commemorating the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake recovery.
First Back Gully Ski Resort: China’s largest high-altitude ski area with 25 trails.
Hot Springs: Natural mineral pools nestled in pine forests for post-adventure relaxation.
Suggested Itineraries
1. Day Trip (6–8 Hours)
Morning: Cable car to mid-mountain → Maple Forest hike.
Afternoon: Skiing at First Back Gully (winter) or flower viewing (summer).
Evening: Soak in hot springs.
2. Overnight Adventure (2 Days/1 Night)
Day 1: Hike to Sun-and-Moon Platform → Camping or stay at a mountain lodge.
Day 2: Explore the glacier park → Visit Yingxiu Pavilion.
3. Cultural & Nature Tour (3 Days)
Day 1: Base area activities + hot springs.
Day 2: Mid-mountain ecology tour + minority village visit (Qiang culture).
Day 3: Peak area skiing/trekking + photography at sunrise.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Official WeChat/Alipay platforms (7-day advance booking).
On-Site: Ticket offices at the base area.
Prices:Entrance: ¥120 (peak season), ¥60 (off-season).
Cable Car: ¥120 (one-way), ¥220 (round-trip).
Ski Passes: ¥200–500/day (equipment rental extra).
Free Entry: Children under 1.2m, seniors over 70.
Transportation
By Car: 2.5-hour drive from Chengdu via Chengdu-Wenchuan Expressway.
By Bus: Daily shuttle from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station (¥45, 3 hours).
By Tour Group: Guided trips with hotel/ski package deals.
Parking: Free at the base area; shuttle buses to cable car stations.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Weekdays (Mondays–Thursdays) in non-holiday periods.
Peak Seasons:Winter (Dec–Feb): Skiing, snow festivals.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hiking, flower blooms.
Weather: Layer clothing (temperatures drop 10°C per 1,000m elevation).
Essentials:Bring sunscreen, gloves, and hiking boots.
Rent crampons for icy trails.
Book accommodation early during holidays.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
