Around Chengdu | Embrace a 20°C Summer at Xiling Snow Mountain

Do you know which snow mountain is closest to Chengdu? Although we missed the beautiful winter snowscapes, summer at Xiling Snow Mountain holds a different kind of surprise. Best of all, the average temperature here is only about 20°C, making it a perfect natural summer retreat.

In fact, Xiling Snow Mountain takes its name from Du Fu's timeless verse: 'From my window the snow-crowned western hills are seen; Beyond the door moors eastward-bound ships lie.' Its high forest coverage also earns it the nickname 'green oxygen bar,' and it's only a 2-hour drive from the city center.

**Japanese-style charm at Yingxue Square**

Xiling Snow Mountain is divided into the front mountain and the back mountain. Most visitors choose the back mountain, which is home to many highlights, including the winter ski resort.

But Xiling Snow Mountain isn't just for winter. In the hot summer, temperatures here still hover around 20°C, making it an ideal escape from the heat.

Upon arriving at Xiling Snow Mountain, you can take the Yuanyangchi Cable Car from the main entrance. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and you'll see misty peaks from the cable car. Afterward, transfer to a shuttle bus through the alpine rhododendron forest to reach Yingxue Square. As soon as I got off, I was greeted by a sea of flowers in full bloom, incredibly dreamy. Even though it was already summer, a vibrant spring scene was still alive here.

June is the peak blooming season in the scenic area. Along the shores of Yingxue Lake, daisies, alpine rhododendrons, poppies, and other flowers compete to blossom, filling the air with a sweet floral fragrance.

After the snow melts, life bursts forth, exuding a fresh and gentle vibe. The flower sea and the lake reflect each other beautifully, creating a stunning view.

Strolling along the paths among the flowers, breathing in the fresh air, lifts your spirits. Summer is indeed perfect for a vacation in such a cool place.

Yellow cowslips and white daisies intertwine, turning every spot into a perfect photo opportunity, making you feel as if you've stepped into a fairy tale.

Girls who love photography will absolutely adore this place. You can walk into the flower sea and capture different vibes: pastoral, French-style, or fresh and light, all with a quick change of pose.

The charm of summer is hidden within this beautiful flower sea, with fragrance greeting you with every step.

Casually sitting on a step with flowers as a foreground adds a unique beauty. A weekend trip here with friends is just perfect.

Beyond the romance of chrysanthemums, as you continue, you'll find vast patches of hydrangeas and purple lavender.

Of course, the scenic area isn't just about romantic flower seas; a spacious grassy plain is also a major highlight.

Walking along the boardwalk, all you see is a sea of green, like a giant oil painting spreading before your eyes, with flowers scattered nearby.

In addition to the vast grassland, distinctive yurts are also a must-see. Far from the noise and pretension, there is an extra dose of peace and simplicity. I believe everyone who comes here will fall for it unintentionally.

A cute Kung Fu Panda stands at one corner of the flower sea, attracting many children to take photos with it. The more you look, the more adorable it becomes.

**Exciting Grass Skiing Experience**

As I walked along, I happened upon the grass skiing area. If you've experienced the thrill of winter skiing, you shouldn't miss grass skiing.

To my surprise, the scenic area also offers many other activities: horseback riding, hot air ballooning, ATV off-road vehicles, four-wheeled grass skis, archery, and rock climbing. Many think Xiling Snow Mountain is only for winter skiing, but the grass ski field offers just as much fun.

All the equipment is brand new, and the thick grass feels soft and comfortable underfoot.

Before starting grass skiing, the staff carefully and thoughtfully helped us with safety gear to ensure a safe ride. Once everything was checked, we could begin the grass skiing experience.

Gliding down the green slope, the thrill is something you can only know by experiencing it yourself.

After grass skiing, you can try ATV off-road vehicles, racing through a dedicated track to your heart's content.

ATVs are very easy to handle. Even if it's your first time, don't worry—professional instructors will explain the rules and give a demonstration. Riding gives you a sense of conquest.

After the exciting activities, I discovered a cultural and creative exhibition area within the scenic spot, featuring many creative products.

At first glance at this strange building, I'm sure you, like me, would have no idea what it is.

Later, I learned it was an egg-shaped campsite. Although the space inside is small, its functional design is quite comprehensive, meeting different needs at different times. It also has built-in filtration and heat recovery systems to keep every occupant healthy and comfortable.

**Panoramic Views from the Cable Car**

After lunch and a short rest, you can take the Riyueping Cable Car to Riyueping, where you can enjoy the sea of clouds from the mountain top.

The Riyueping cable car is currently the longest in the country, about 2,500 meters, making it the best spot for viewing the sea of clouds.

In June, Xiling Snow Mountain is lush with green mountains and clear waters. Dense primeval forests cover the rolling hills, and the peaks are adorned with wisps of white clouds. Riding the cable car through the clouds lets you experience the misty atmosphere.

The cable car spans the towering mountains, offering a scenic sightseeing route as well as a safe yet thrilling experience.

Through the cable car window, you can see the ever-changing scenery, with the texture of the mountain clearly visible. First-time riders might feel a bit nervous, but once you get used to it, the overwhelming view brings a profound sense of 'seeing all other mountains as mere dwarfs.'

**The Sea of Clouds Wonderland at Riyueping**

This is the highest peak in Chengdu and also the summit of Xiling Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 3,250 meters. The views are exceptionally expansive.

Although Xiling Snow Mountain is not as steep as Mount Tai or Mount Hua, it still offers endless beauty, with different scenery in every season.

But what truly captivates people are the sunrises, sunsets, and Buddha's light here. If you want to see the sunrise, it's recommended to stay overnight. Early in the morning, you can watch the sun rise higher and higher, blending with the surrounding clouds into a warm orange hue.

There are specially built boardwalks on Riyueping, with many photo spots unique to Xiling Snow Mountain.

When you reach the narrow boardwalk, you are at the Yin-Yang Boundary. Standing there, looking at the azure sky and distant snowy peaks, all fatigue melts away. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter lively little squirrels here.

This boardwalk not only connects the front and back mountains but also serves as the dividing line between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. If the weather is good, you'll see completely different scenes on either side: one side clear and sunny, the other shrouded in clouds.

This time, my friend and I stayed at a hotel within the scenic area. There are hotels both at Yingxue Square and Riyueping, but we chose the Shoufeng Bieyuan at Riyueping for convenient sunrise viewing.

The room felt very cozy with a European-style decoration, clean and spacious.

Due to the hotel's prime location within the scenic area, opening the window gives you a panoramic view of Xiling Snow Mountain.

At Yingxue Square, besides experiencing various activities, you must try the local specialties. Around noon, my friend and I went to the tourist restaurant. Fortunately, it wasn't too crowded. The restaurant is easy to find, right next to the cable car station halfway up the mountain, on the first floor.

The most delicious dish was the Sichuan peppercorn beef tongue. The beef tongue had a unique bouncy texture. With the combination of Sichuan peppercorn oil and green Sichuan pepper, it was numbing, spicy, and fragrant, becoming more flavorful as you ate.

The spicy boiled baby squid with its savory broth was also a must. The baby squid soaked up the soup, making it tender, smooth, and delightful.

The black pepper beef was rich in flavor. One bite, and the juices burst out, crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The super appetizing sour soup with beef slices is always a must-order dish for every meal.

The classic Sichuan boiled fish is a dish you never get tired of. The aromatic boiled fish must be drizzled with hot oil before serving to release the full aroma of dried chili and Sichuan pepper, making it truly satisfying.

In the evening, we had the newly launched bubbling pot at the restaurant downstairs. It was pure happiness. Due to Xiling Snow Mountain's plateau climate, the temperature difference between day and night is significant, so a warm and steaming meal is just what we needed.

There were three options for the pot base: red spicy, mushroom, and bean soup. We ordered a big table of dishes: shrimp dumplings, tripe, duck blood, luncheon meat, fatty beef, and more.

All ingredients were purchased fresh that day. Just dip whatever you like. For tripe, remember the trick: 'seven up, eight down' for the perfect texture.

My favorite hotpot item is fatty beef, with its perfect balance of fat and lean. After boiling, dip it in the special chili powder, and one bite brings an instant sense of happiness. It's addictive—the more you eat, the more you crave.

**Transportation & Tips**

During the 3-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the scenic area ticket + round-trip transportation cable car cost only 29.9 yuan.

Round-trip Riyueping sightseeing cable car: 90 yuan/person. Tickets and transportation cable car tickets can be purchased via the official website or WeChat account, very convenient.

Self-driving: Depart from Chengdu via Chenggong Expressway, take the Dayi South exit (about 2 hours drive), then take the cable car directly to Yingxue Square.

High-speed rail: From Chengdu West Station to Dayi Station, then Dayi Bus Station to Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort.

Bus: From Chadianzi Bus Station to Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort.

1. The temperature difference between day and night is large. If staying overnight, bring warm clothing. Children should wear long sleeves and pants. 2. Due to the high altitude, UV rays are strong. Ladies must take sun protection measures. 3. The weather on the mountain is changeable. It's wise to bring an umbrella to avoid getting caught in the rain and catching a cold.