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An interest in Rock drew the travel writer Bruce Chatwin to the Jade Dragon snow mountain, which he wrote about in an article that appeared in the New York Times and later, retitled, in his essay collection What Am I Doing Here?. Chatwin's article inspired many subsequent travellers, including Michael Palin, to visit the region.
The view of the massif from the gardens at the Black Dragon Pool (Heilong Tan) in Lijiang is noted as one of China's finest views. Its highest peak is named Shanzidou (5,596 m). If you’d like to climb to the top of a high mountain, that might be one to try.
There is no sliding on steep paths or climbing with your hands, the distance from the tram is short. Shanzidou has been climbed only once.
On May 8, 1987, the Americans Phil Peralta-Ramos and Eric Perlman climbed it. They said it is very dangerous to climb. They had to climb on ice and snow. Backpackers started to arrive in the 1980s, and the government promoted tourism in the 1990s. Clad in white snow all year round, Shanzidou rises 5,596 meters above sea level. The 13 peaks, distributed from the south to the north, with the south-north length of 35 km and the east-west width of 12 km, are like a silver white jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name Yulong (jade dragon) Snow Mountain.There are hiking places on the southern and eastern side of Jade Dragon (Yulong) Snow Mountain, but the best hiking is along the western side above the Yangtze River where there are good hiking trails with accommodations, and on the western side you can hike or climb at Glacier Park, Spruce Meadow and Yak Meadow. On the southern side, people can walk around the village of Yuhucun and walk on paths and trails. You can also rent horses to ride.
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 and 20 primeval forest communities shelter a big family of 400 types of trees and 30 kinds of animals which are protected by the state. These species live in different temperature levels and create different kinds of views.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain now is a famous scenic spot for sightseeing, mountaineering, skiing, exploration, scientific research and taking holiday. Besides, widespread legends and myths of the Naxi ethnic minority and the unclimbed Shanzidou are all important attractive spots for those who come here. To experience some of the ancient traditions and culture, you can visit the higher altitude towns and villages. In the city of Lijiang, the Baisha Quarter and Shuhe Town retain more of the old Naxi architecture and customs.