Named after Du Fu's line "From my window the snow-crowned western hills are seen," it is one of the largest high-mountain ski resorts in southern China and a national-level tourist resort. Ski in winter, escape the heat in summer, and take the cable car to Riyueping for sea-of-clouds views and sunrises.
Southerners don't have to travel north to ski — just a 2-hour drive from Chengdu brings you to ski slopes, snowcapped mountains, and seas of clouds.
Xiling Snow Mountain is one of the most worthwhile natural scenic areas around Chengdu. Whether skiing in winter or escaping the heat in summer, it will leave you wanting to stay. Although the journey is long and peak season is crowded, the magnificent snow mountains and sea of clouds are definitely worth the trip.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥120
- Child ticket
- ¥60
- Free
- No
- Reservation required
- Yes
- Ticket methods
- Tickets can be purchased in advance on platforms such as the official WeChat public account, Ctrip, and Meituan, or bought on-site at the scenic area visitor center.
- Ticket notes
- Ski season admission is ¥120 (cable car not included; Yuanyang Pool cable car round trip about ¥120). In the non-snow 'green season' admission is often free. The Qianshan Dafeishui scenic area charges an additional fee of about ¥30.
Opening Hours
- Last entry
- Entry stops at about 17:00
- Ticket sales end
- 15:30
- Holiday hours
- Opening hours may be extended on statutory holidays; please check official announcements.
- Seasonal hours
- In winter (ski season) opening time may be moved up to 08:00; in summer it may be extended to 18:30.
- Temporary closure
- In case of extreme weather (such as heavy snow or strong winds), the cable car or some areas may be temporarily closed; please pay attention to scenic area notices.
- Opening notes
- Peak season approximately 08:00-17:00 (last entry at 17:00); holidays approximately 07:30-18:00; cable car approximately 9:00-17:00
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning (at sunrise) and morning, with good lighting and high probability of a sea of clouds
- Best day of week
- Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday)
- Best season
- December–March (ski season); June–September (summer escape)
- Avoid times
- Extremely crowded during holidays such as Spring Festival; long cable car queues
- Avoid days
- Holidays and weekends
- Crowd level
- Very High
- Crowd peak time
- 10:00–14:00 (peak queue times for cable car and ski area)
Getting There
In Detail
Miaojiling, at 5364 meters on Xiling Snow Mountain, is Chengdu's highest peak. The ski resort area (back mountain) has one of the largest high-mountain ski fields in southern China — ski in winter and view the sea of clouds at Riyueping in summer; while the Dafeishui scenic area (front mountain) features waterfalls, rushing springs, and dense forests.
What to expect
As the cable car climbs slowly, snowy vistas or green forests unfold beyond the window. At Riyueping the view suddenly opens up — surging seas of clouds and endless mountain ridges. In winter, try skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, and more; in summer, hike the front mountain to admire waterfalls and streams and breathe in the crisp air. Temperatures at the summit are low, so pack warm clothes.
How to visit
It is recommended to drive or take a tourist bus. First go to the visitor center to buy tickets, then take the cable car up the mountain. For skiing, you can go directly to the ski resort; for sightseeing, take the cable car to Sun-Moon Plateau (Riyueping), then hike or take the sightseeing bus. A day trip is tight, so set off early; for a two-day trip, stay at a hotel at the foot of the mountain or on the mountain, and explore further the next day.
Pros
A rare high-altitude ski experience in southern China
Spectacular snow scenery, with stunning sea of clouds and sunrise
Different scenery in every season, cool and great for summer escapes
Well-equipped with convenient cable cars and sightseeing buses
Cons
Far from downtown Chengdu (about 100 km), taking time to get there
Crowded during peak season (winter), with long cable car lines
Temperatures are low on the mountain; you need to bring warm clothes
Tickets and cable car fares are relatively expensive
Highlights
- The largest high-altitude ski resort in southern China and a top winter ski destination
- Watch the sea of clouds, sunrise and forest Buddha's halo at Sun-Moon Plateau
- The real-world setting of Du Fu's line "The window contains the snow of a thousand autumns from Xiling"
- The Dafeishui waterfall group on the front mountain, ideal for summer hiking and escaping the heat
- Great year-round: skiing in winter, escaping the heat in summer
FAQ
What is the best season to visit Xiling Snow Mountain?
Winter (December to March) is the best time for skiing and snow viewing, with spectacular snow scenery; summer (June to August) is ideal for escaping the heat and hiking, and the sea of clouds and sunrise at Sun-Moon Plateau are also well worth seeing.
Is the ski resort suitable for beginners?
Yes. The ski resort has beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes, and professional instructors are available. Beginners can practice on the beginner slopes.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
During peak season (winter and holidays), it is recommended to book admission and cable car tickets in advance on the official WeChat public account or travel platforms to avoid waiting in line or tickets selling out.
Field Tips
Best photo spot 1. Riyueping Observation Deck: The sea of clouds surges, and golden sunrise light spills over the snow mountains – the best spot for panoramic shots. 2. Beside the ski slopes: With the snowy mountains as a backdrop, capture dynamic skiing action full of energy. 3. Dafeishui Waterfall: Plunging waters with mist in the air, ideal for slow-shutter photography. 4. Inside the cable car: Overlook the snowy forest or green valley from a unique perspective.
Best entrance Back Mountain ski area entrance (main entrance, well-equipped)
Best exit Back Mountain ski area exit (returns to visitor center)
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Xiahe Stream Scenic Area (8.3 km)
- Chengdu Huashuiwan Hot Spring Resort (12.5 km)
- Tianfu Huaxi Valley (26.8 km)
- Chengdu Xinchang Ancient Town Scenic Area (27.2 km)
- Qionglai Zhuxi Lake Scenic Area (32.9 km)