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Xiling Snow Mountain from Chengdu: 1- or 2-Day Trip Guide for Foreign Travelers in China

You’ve seen the pandas.You’ve tried the hotpot.Now you’re wondering: Is Xiling Snow Mountain (Xīlǐng Xuěshān, 西岭雪山) worth the trip from Chengdu?


Here’s the thing:

Many tourists skip it—thinking it’s “too far” or “just another mountain.”


But a Canadian friend changed his mind after one visit.

“I saw snow in December… just 2 hours from Chengdu! Felt like I left China.”


Snow-covered mountains and trees, shrouded in mist under a blue sky with fluffy clouds, create a serene and majestic winter scene.
Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain is absolutely worth it—if you plan right.


This guide gives you clear 1-day and 2-day itineraries, real transport tips, and what to avoid.

All based on 10 years living in Chengdu and 8 years guiding foreigners like you.

No guesswork.

Just what works. (Xiling Snow Mountain day trip from Chengdu for foreign tourists)

Xiling Snow Mountain from Chengdu: 1- or 2-Day Trip Guide for Foreign Travelers in China

Getting There: How to Reach Xiling Snow Mountain from Chengdu

Xiling Snow Mountain is 100 km west of Chengdu.It takes about 2 hours by car via Cheng-Wen-Qiong Expressway.


Option 1: Hire a private car

Hire a private car or use DiDi (China’s Uber). (If you need private car, please contact me)


Option 2: Tourist shuttle busFrom Chadianzi Bus Station (Chádiànzi Kèyùn Zhàn, 茶店子客运站), take the direct Xiling Snow Mountain bus.Departures: 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM.Return: 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM.

One-way ticket: ¥34.

Trip time: 2 hours.


Option 3: Private tourSome hostels offer group tours for ¥199/person—including transport and entry.But you lose flexibility.


A UK traveler tried the bus.“Easy! I just showed my passport at the station. No Chinese needed.”


Pro tip: Book your bus ticket online via Ctrip (Trip.com).Search “Xiling Snow Mountain bus from Chengdu.”Print or show QR code.


Skip the “Front Mountain” Confusion

Xiling has two parts:

  • Front Mountain (Qiánshān, 前山): Dafeishui Waterfall area—great for summer hiking

  • Back Mountain (Hòushān, 后山): Ski resort & high-altitude views—open year-round


Most foreigners should go to Back Mountain.

Why?

It has cable cars, hotels on the mountain, and snow in winter.

Front Mountain has no cable cars and few English signs.

Only go if you love steep, unmarked trails.


Best Time to Visit: Snow, Flowers, or Fall Colors?

Winter (Dec–Mar):

  • Snow guaranteed from late December

  • Skiing, snow tubing, snowman building

  • Temperature: -5°C to 5°C

Summer (Jun–Sep):

  • Escape Chengdu’s heat (35°C+)

  • Green meadows, wildflowers, cool air (15–22°C)

  • Great for hiking to Yuanyang Pool (Yuānyāng Chí, 鸳鸯池)

Fall (Oct–Nov):

  • Red and gold forests

  • Fewer crowds

  • Perfect for photography at Yin-Yang Boundary (Yīnyáng Jiè, 阴阳界)


A Brazilian couple visited in November.

“The colors were unreal. Like a painting. And no snow meant easier walking.”


Don’t go in April or May—it’s rainy and foggy.You’ll see nothing but clouds.


Snow-capped mountain range under a clear blue sky, with fluffy clouds covering the foreground, illuminated by soft, warm sunlight.
Xiling Snow Mountain

1-Day Itinerary: Quick & Scenic

Morning:

  • 7:00 AM: Leave Chengdu by bus or car

  • 9:30 AM: Arrive at Back Mountain Visitor Center

  • Buy Yuanyang Pool Cable Car round-trip (¥88) + Riyueping Cable Car (¥88)

Midday:

  • Ride cable cars to Riyueping Plaza (Rìyuèpíng Guǎngchǎng, 日月坪广场)

  • Walk 10 mins to Yin-Yang Boundary—where clouds split like a line

  • Try the Rainbow Slide (¥50)—fun for adults too!

Afternoon:

  • Return via cable cars

  • Catch 3:30 PM bus back to Chengdu

  • Arrive in city by 6:00 PM

Total cost: ~¥250 (transport + tickets + lunch)

Warning: Don’t hike the full trail in one day unless you’re very fit.

The 3.44 km uphill path has no shade and steep steps.


A snowy mountain lodge with blue roofs sits amidst frosty trees and low clouds, glowing in warm light. A wooden path winds in the foreground.
Xiling Snow Mountain

2-Day Itinerary: Stay Overnight, See Sunrise

Day 1

  • Morning: Hike Front Mountain’s Dafeishui Waterfall Trail (Dàfēishuǐ Pùbù, 大飞水瀑布)—3 km loop, lush forest

  • Afternoon: Drive to Back Mountain Visitor Center

  • Take cable car to Yingsnow Plaza (Yìngxuě Guǎngchǎng, 映雪广场)

  • Check into Maple Leaf Hotel (Fēngyè Jiǔdiàn, 枫叶酒店)—right on the mountain

  • Dinner at hotel (Sichuan hotpot with mountain herbs!)


Day 2

  • 6:00 AM: Walk to Riyueping for sunrise over cloud sea

  • Hike to Yin-Yang Boundary (3.6 km round trip)

  • Rent a mountain bike (¥30/hour) around Yingsnow Lake

  • Return to Chengdu by 4:00 PM


Why stay overnight?

Sunrise at Riyueping is unforgettable.

And you avoid the midday crowds.

Hotel Tip:Maple Leaf Hotel includes free cable car access in some packages.

Look for the “199 yuan for 2 adults + 2 kids” deal (kids under 18).

Book early—only 60 rooms!

What to Pack: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard


Winter:

  • Waterproof down jacket

  • Gloves, hat, scarf

  • Snow goggles or sunglasses (snow blindness is real!)

  • Ice grips for shoes (buy at base for ¥15)


Summer:

  • Light jacket (it’s cool at 2,200m altitude)

  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is strong!)

  • Raincoat—afternoon showers are common


A German hiker forgot gloves in January.“My fingers went numb in 10 minutes. Lesson learned!”


Final Verdict: Is Xiling Snow Mountain Worth It?

Yes—if you go in the right season and pick Back Mountain.

  • Winter: For snow and skiing

  • Summer/Fall: For cool air and epic views

  • Avoid spring: Too foggy

And always take the cable cars unless you’re an experienced hiker.


It’s not just a mountain.

It’s “the snow seen from Chengdu windows”—from Du Fu’s famous poem.

Now you can see it too.


Backed by 10 Years in Chengdu

I’ve taken hundreds of travelers to Xiling.

I’ve stayed at Maple Leaf Hotel in -8°C.

I know what works—and what wastes your time.


This isn’t copied from a brochure.It’s real, tested advice.


Real Traveler Feedback

“We did the 2-day trip. Woke up to clouds below us—like floating in heaven. Worth every yuan.”— Sophie, France
“Took the bus alone as a solo female traveler. Felt safe the whole time. Staff spoke basic English.”— Mia, Canada

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