One very important point about visiting the JDSM is the weather. For the 3 full days that we were in Lijiang only for 1 of those days did we see the whole mountain. The rest of the time the summit was surrounded in clouds. We had plan a visit on our second day but it was clouded over so we axed the plan and did something else.

Note that the JDSM is a part of the Himalayas mountain with much higher altitudes than similar peaks in the US and Europe. I was quite fit when we visited Zhongdian (aka Shangrila) and the altitude was around 4,000 meters where our hotel was located. My family and I, inc our very young and fit daughter, had a lot of difficulties with breathing. In Lijiang we didn't have any problem but we didn't go hiking either. You might want to consider cancelling the hiking and just enjoy more leisure activities.

My DH and I have been to the JDSM peak Glacier Park around early November, over an hour drive from Lijiang old town, we had our parkas but bought a canister of oxygen. If your DH has altitude problems, suggest not going there if you have been to the top of other mountains, you are not missing a lot. Yak and Spruce Meadows are not that much lower and have to be accessed by another route of cable cars.

As Hanuman said, it depends on the weather, you won't see anything if the JDSM is shrouded by clouds. Do see the show, it is unique. Before the show site, you can stop at White Water River and Blue Moon Lake where there are yaks and large electric carts to take you around. There are other villages like Baisha with its murals that are very enjoyable to walk around without hiking.

Thanks Hanuman and Shanghainese,
I think we will skip the hike, especially since we won't have time to acclimate and DH doesn't want to use oxygen canisters. I was debating over which Impressions show to see....this one or Liu Sanjie in Yangshou. But, perhaps this one would be better so we at least could get a good view (hopefully) of the mountain...we'll be there at the end of October.

Has anyone seen the one in Yangshou to compare? I don't think we need to see both of them....or should we?

See both if you have time, they are very different in setting and content. The Impressions show is in the daytime with the JDSM as the background, it depicts the lives of the many local minorities. Liu Sanjie is at night on the river all lit up against those amazing karst hills.

Thanks Shanghainese....I think I will see both as I already made arrangements for the Yangshou show....and I want to see JDSM.

We take guests up the mountain every week throughout the year.

Actually many guests are OK, at the top of the cable car, but some use oxygen to help adjust. Or come down.

BTW, even if it is cloudy in Lijiang and on the mountain, sometimes you get above the sea of clouds and about 95% of the time I go we see the glacier and tops of the mountains.

Is it worth it? Getting to the mountain is expensive with various fees, but if you are not inspired by being in the mountains, better to have your afternoon at Spruce Meadow and Blue Moon valley.


Alternatives are the spruce and yak meadows at lower altitudes.
The Spruce meadow is closer, and takes you to a nice area for viewing the mountain.
The Yak meadow is higher and further away. Fewer visitors.

Each has its own bus to the cable car and its own cable car.

The Impressions Lijiang show is worth viewing and most of our guests think it is great. You need to book in advance. And also as in outdoor arena, it depends on the weather. But from October to May it is usually clear and sunny.

Outside the busy holiday period we've never had to wait terribly long for the cable cars or buses.


Better off heading to spruce meadow and thereafter to the Blue Moon valley.