Introduction
Starting February 12, 2025, travelers to Lijiang can now experience the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train (Lijiang Rail Transit Line 1). This 20.7-kilometer electric rail line seamlessly connects Lijiang’s cultural landmarks to the iconic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain), offering an eco-friendly and visually stunning alternative to traditional transport.
Route & Stations
The train runs between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain New Visitor Center and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Station, stopping at four key cultural and natural sites:
- 1. Visitor Center Station
- 2. Baisha Ancient Town Station
- 3. Yushui Village Station
- 4. Dongba Valley Station
- 5. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Station
Travel time: 35 minutes end-to-end.
 | Kunming to Lijiang train, Dali to Lijiang train, Lijiang to Shangri La train |
 | Hotels in Lijiang Ancient Town |
 | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Attraction ticket, Cable Car), Lugu Lake (ticket, bus) |
 | Flights - Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG) |
Distance from popular hubs:
- 7 km from Lijiang Old Town (Dayan)
- 3 km from Shuhe Ancient Town
Timetable & Frequency
Initial Phase (February 2025 onward):
- Visitor Center Station → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Station: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, every 30 minutes
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Visitor Center Station: 10:10 AM – 6:10 PM, every 30 minutes
Future Plans: Frequency may increase to every 12 minutes during peak seasons.
Pro tip: Aim for morning departures to avoid afternoon crowds at the mountain summit.
Tickets & Pricing
Fares:
- Round-trip: ¥80/person
- One-way: ¥50/person
- Children under 6: Free (no seat allocated)
Booking: Tickets go live 7 days in advance on the official Snow Mountain Train WeChat mini-program or official account. Foreign travelers should ensure their WeChat account is verified with a linked international payment method.
Seat Selection Strategy
Outbound (Visitor Center → Mountain Station): Right-side window seats face the mountain for unobstructed glacier views.
Return (Mountain Station → Visitor Center): Left-side window seats maintain the same vantage point.
Why it matters: The train passes through valleys and forests, with the snow-capped peaks dominating the right side during ascent.
Travel Reminders
- Separate Tickets Required: The sightseeing train ticket does NOT include the ¥100 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain “entrance fee” (mandatory for all visitors). Purchase this at the Visitor Center or via official park platforms.
- Alternative Transport Option: Shuttle Buses (¥60 round-trip / ¥30 one-way) run parallel to the train route, offering budget flexibility.
- Smart combo: Take the train uphill for views, then return via shuttle to save costs.
- Shuttle timetable: 9:15 AM – 3:45 PM (Visitor Center departure); 10:15 AM – 6:15 PM (mountain return).
- Arrive Early: Ticket counters and security checks at the Visitor Center may have queues, especially during Chinese holidays.
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.
Option 2: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
