Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain is a national scenic area and a National AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area is located in Dayi County to the west of Chengdu, covering a total area of 483 square kilometers. The highest peak in the area, Miaojiling, stands 5,364 meters above sea level, towering into the sky and covered with snow all year round. The great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, who once lived in a thatched cottage in Chengdu, gazed upon this landscape and wrote the famous line “From my window the snow-crowned western hills are seen.” The scenic area combines—snowfields, alpine weather, perilous peaks and strange rocks, rare flowers and unique trees, precious birds and animals, as well as rapid streams and waterfalls—into one, making it a national scenic area.

The landscapes of the Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area are based on pristine forests and can be enjoyed in all four seasons: viewing flowers in spring, admiring waterfalls in summer, appreciating autumn foliage in fall, and engaging with snow and ice in winter. Especially attractive is the vertically distributed alpine scenery across the seasons. As visitors ascend to different altitudes, they can experience distinct seasonal landscapes within the same season. When the mid-mountain areas at 1,300 to 2,100 meters are lush with green hills and blooming flowers, the high mountain areas above 3,200 meters are draped in silver, blanketed in snow. Hongshijian Peak, at an altitude of 3,312 meters, serves as a natural viewing platform. To the west, one can gaze at the vast Snow Mountains stretching for hundreds of miles, and at sunrise, witness the spectacular “sunlit golden mountains.” To the east, the Chengdu Plain unfolds as far as the eye can see.

In the Baishagang area, one side is shrouded in clouds and mist while the other enjoys clear blue skies, creating a rare natural division between "yin and yang." Around Riyueping, common meteorological phenomena include sunrises, sea of clouds, Buddha’s light, and glory. The scenic area is rich in water resources, offering thrilling rafting experiences. Highlights include the Nine Waterfalls and One-Line Sky, the Five-Colored Waterfall, and the Leopard Roar Spring. The original vegetation is well preserved, making it a treasure trove of rare plants, including hundreds of acres of Davidia involucrata forests, stretches of alpine azaleas spanning dozens of miles, and ancient osmanthus forests with thousands of trees. It is also a sanctuary for endangered rare animals, such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and Lady Amherst’s pheasants—12 species of Class I protected animals. The area is just 105 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, with direct road access, making it easily reachable.

Local specialties of Xiling Snow Mountain include Tangchang tofu, Heming tribute tea, Shuanghe tofu pudding, Caishan Laojiao liquor, wild boar meat, and Liuerjiu chives.

Address: Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Xiling Town, Dayi County, Chengdu City

Type: Mountain, Snow Mountain, Glacier, Skiing

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 3–5 hours

Phone: 4000289695

Official website: http://www.xiling.cn/

Opening hours:

Monday–Friday: 8:30–18:00; Saturday & Sunday: 7:30–18:00.

Ticket information:

Admission: 60 RMB; round-trip cable car to Yuanyang Pool: 120 RMB; round-trip cable car to Riyueping: 120 RMB.

Further reading:

· Third batch of National Key Scenic Areas