Hello, I’m Michael Zhang. After traveling across five continents and spending years exploring China’s most fascinating mountains, I’ve learned that the beauty of a destination lies not only in its landscapes but also in its culture and history. Xiling Snow Mountain is one of the places I return to again and again. In this guide, I’ll share expert insights drawn from my journeys to help you understand the mountain, plan your trip with confidence, and enjoy a deeper experience at Xiling Snow Mountain.

Summary

Xiling Snow Mountain Overview

Xiling Snow Mountain sits about 110 kilometers from Chengdu, and the drive usually takes around 2.5 hours. Its highest peak, Daxuetang, rises to 5,364 meters and stays snow-covered all year. The famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu once praised this breathtaking sight in his classic verse: “Through my window, I behold the everlasting snow of Xiling.” Because of this poem, the mountain earned its timeless name.

Although Xiling Snow Mountain is enjoyable in every season, winter offers the most dramatic scenery and the widest range of activities. Many local travelers choose to visit during this period. From December to late March, the entire mountain turns into a winter wonderland with snow depths reaching over 60 cm. The fine snow creates a rare southern China alpine landscape. The area also offers over ten winter activities, including alpine skiing, snowmobiles, snake-shaped sleds, snow disks, snow rafts, and more.

  • Address: No.90, Group 2, Yunhuacun, Xilingzhen, Dayi, Chengdu, Sichuan (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 days. If you plan to ski, staying one night is ideal; if not, a same-day trip is possible.
  • Best Travel Season: Winter, especially late December to early February. Some snow activities may not open before mid-December.
  • Admission: 296 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts
Xiling Snow Mountain winter scenery

Xiling Snow Mountain Map

Xiling Snow Mountain panoramic guided map

Why You Should Visit Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain is one of the closest snowy peaks to Chengdu. During winter (usually from December to March), the mountain turns into a spectacular forest-snow landscape. Because the snow season is long and the snow quality is excellent, you can enjoy an authentic winter experience even in southern China.

  • Skiing and Snow Activities: As a national-level ski resort, Xiling Snow Mountain offers about 200,000 square meters of ski terrain suitable for all skill levels. Beyond skiing, you can try snowmobiles, snow tubes, dog sledding, and many other fun activities.
  • Fairy-tale Scenery: Frosted trees, sunrises, and seas of clouds create dreamy winter atmospheres. Sun-Moon Platform is especially famous for sunrise views. When the morning light cuts through the clouds, the scene becomes truly unforgettable.

Top Things to Do in Xiling Snow Mountain

Main Attractions

Daxuetang Peak

Daxuetang is the highest peak in Chengdu. Although it rises among the many mountains of scenic Sichuan, it stands proudly alongside famous peaks around the world. Its dramatic terrain is its defining trait. According to the Dayi County Annals from the Qing Dynasty, “In winter, Daxuetang glitters like silver, its snow stretching for hundreds of li. Three sides rise like sheer walls, and only one winding path leads to the summit.”

Daxuetang peak view at Xiling Snow Mountain

Sun-Moon Viewing Platform

Located at the heart of Xiling Snow Mountain’s scenic belt, the Sun-Moon Viewing Platform is one of the mountain’s most iconic viewpoints. Many photographers regard it as a must-capture location. The area is wide open with excellent visibility. During winter, the landscape stays covered in pristine snow, making it the ideal place to witness mountain spectacles such as sunrise, sea of clouds, and the rare Buddha’s light phenomenon.

Riyueping observation deck at Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort

The ski resort sits at the East Gate of Xiling Snow Mountain. It sits between 2,200 and 2,400 meters in elevation and covers 8 square kilometers. From December to March, it enjoys a four-month snow season with depths of 60–80 cm, forming the rare “forest snowfield” landscape unique to southern China. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle slopes, making it a classic alpine mesa. Its high-quality snow conditions are great for skiing. Because its latitude is similar to the Alps, it is often called the “Eastern Alps.”

  • Skiing costs 158 CNY for 2 hours. Both snowboard and skis are available. Ski clothing is 50 CNY per set with a 500 CNY deposit. The resort has one beginner slope and one advanced slope. The advanced slope requires an additional fee.
  • Other activities include snowmobiles, banana boats, rainbow slides, and snow drifting. The rainbow slide is especially fun and thrilling.
Xiling Snow Mountain ski resort

Dafeishui Scenic Area

Dafeishui is located in the front-mountain area of Xiling Snow Mountain. Unlike the busy winter ski area on the back mountain, this section is perfect for summer visits, thanks to its cool climate and rich water features. Clear streams, dense forests, waterfalls, gorges, and refreshing pools create a natural playground ideal for escaping the heat. It’s one of the best water-activity destinations near Chengdu.

  • A great place to cool off and enjoy water activities in summer.
  • Admission: 30 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts
Dafeishui scenic area at Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain Ticket Guide

Xiling Snow Mountain requires a ticket plus two cable car segments. Cable cars are essential in winter. In summer, you can hike, but in winter, the cable cars are the only way up.

  • The cableway has two segments. The first segment, called the Transportation Cable Car, goes from the Visitor Center at the base to the mid-mountain area. After getting off, you take a 7-minute sightseeing bus to Yingxue Square and the ski area. This mid-mountain zone is mainly for snow activities. The second cable car runs from Yingxue Square to the summit at Sun-Moon Platform. You can buy the two segments separately, and the second segment depends on weather conditions. If the sky is clear, it’s worth going to the summit.

Xiling Snow Mountain Ticket Prices

  • Includes: Entrance ticket + both cable car segments
  • Adult: 296 CNY

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Official WeChat account “西岭雪山,” or third-party booking platforms.
  • Offline: Ticket office or on-site QR code purchase. If you visit on weekends, buying online is better because lines are long, especially for the cable car.

A visit to Xiling Snow Mountain is usually a one-day or two-day trip. If you plan to ski, a two-day trip is better.

  • One-day sightseeing trip: Chengdu → Xiling Snow Mountain entrance → Transportation Cable Car → Scenic shuttle bus → Yingxue Square → Sun-Moon Platform. Play in the snow at Yingxue Square first, then take the cable car to Sun-Moon Platform for high-mountain scenery.
  • Two-day skiing trip: Depart from Chengdu in the morning. Arrive around noon. Check in at Yingxue Square and enjoy snow activities in the afternoon. On the second day, ride the cable car to Sun-Moon Platform early. Return to Yingxue Square by noon, have lunch, and head back to Chengdu.

tips

  • Altitude: Sun-Moon Platform sits at 3,250 meters. Avoid intense activity and bring chocolate or glucose drinks to ease discomfort.
  • Clothing: Temperatures at the summit are 10–15°C lower than at the base. Wear a thick down jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof anti-slip shoes in winter.
  • Weather: Conditions change quickly, and fog is common. Visit Sun-Moon Platform in the morning and enjoy snow activities in the afternoon at Yingxue Square.

There are many restaurants at the mid-mountain Yingxue Square, including snacks, drinks, and Chinese food. Prices are reasonable, around 30 CNY per person. It gets crowded at lunchtime, and seats may be hard to find. Dinner is less busy, so eating a bit later can be more comfortable.

Xiling Snow Mountain restaurant food

Staying halfway up Xiling Snow Mountain offers a unique experience and makes skiing easier. However, you’ll need to line up for the cable car and shuttle bus with other visitors before reaching Yingxue Square, and then carry your luggage to the hotel. For convenience, there is a luggage delivery service near the ticket gate. It sends your bags directly to the hotel for 30 CNY per suitcase, and some hotels even offer this service for free.

Scandina Resort Hotel

Scandina Resort Hotel
  • Location: Mid-mountain area of Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area
  • Price per night: 1,492 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 8.5

This is the best-equipped accommodation on the mountain, featuring standalone villa-style units. Moreover, the hotel provides free luggage delivery, which is extremely convenient.

Rooms are spacious, facilities are complete, and cleanliness is well maintained. It is very suitable for families and travelers with children.

Yingxue Hotel

Yingxue Hotel
  • Location: Mid-mountain area of Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area
  • Price per night: 619 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 8.0

This hotel is closest to the drop-off point and the ski area, offering excellent convenience. It also provides free luggage delivery, saving the 30 CNY per-item fee.

The hotel’s interior and facilities feel new. Bedding, towels, slippers, and other amenities are of good quality, and overall hygiene is excellent.

Xiling Snow Mountain Maple Leaf Hotel

Xiling Snow Mountain Maple Leaf Hotel
  • Location: Mid-mountain area of Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area
  • Price per night: 259 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 7.9

The entrance faces the snowy landscape and ski area, making it convenient for snow play and off-peak cable car rides. However, luggage delivery requires an additional fee.

Rooms are spacious, facilities are complete, service is attentive, and cleanliness is well maintained.

How to Get from Chengdu City to Xiling Snow Mountain

If you’re staying close to Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station, taking the tourist coach is convenient. If not, or if your schedule is tight, taking the high-speed train is a better choice.

Tourist Coach

At Chadianzi Bus Station, you can take a direct tourist coach to the Xiling Snow Mountain back-mountain ski area.

  • Departure times from Chadianzi: 9:00, 9:30
  • Return times from the ski area: 14:00, 16:00
  • Price: 38 CNY one-way, 72 CNY round-trip
  • Duration: 2.5 hours

High-Speed Train

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Dayi Station. Then transfer to a direct shuttle to the scenic area. If you prefer shorter travel times, this is the better option. The total journey takes about 2 hours.

  • Train route: Chengdu → Dayi
  • Train Tickets: Click to Buy
  • Shuttle bus fare: 18 CNY per person
  • Shuttle duration: 1.5 hours
  • Winter shuttle schedule between Dayi Station and the scenic area (for reference only):
    • To the scenic area: 7:20, 8:55, 9:25, 11:10, 12:30, 13:35, 14:40, 15:35
    • To the train station: 9:20, 10:55, 11:25, 13:10, 14:30, 15:35, 16:40, 17:40

FAQ

Can I store luggage at Xiling Snow Mountain?

Yes. You can store your suitcase for free at the luggage counter next to the ticket office. Be sure to pick it up before 6:00 PM.

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