Xiling Snow Mountain lies in Dayi county about ninety kilometres west of Chengdu, on the eastern edge of the Qionglai range. Its highest peak reaches 5,364 metres with permanent snow on the summit, and the name, which means the western ridge, is the source of the classical description of Chengdu as a city where you can see snow on the mountains from your window.
A mountain of two seasons
In winter Xiling is the main ski destination for the Chengdu region, and its slopes are the highest ski area in southern China. The resort has groomed runs for beginners and intermediates, ski and snowboard rental, a snow play area for children and a cable car link between the base and the upper slopes. Because the altitude is high, the season is short but the snow is more reliable than at lower Sichuan resorts. In summer the same slopes turn into meadows of wild flowers and open grassland, with forest walks, a lake and long views over the surrounding ridges.
Getting up the mountain
Access is by a two-stage system: a cable car from the base station to the lower resort area, then a second cable car or a bus up to the meadow and the higher trails. Above the top station there are boardwalks, viewpoints and, in winter, the ski runs. The altitude at the upper station is around 3,200 metres, which is high enough that visitors arriving straight from Chengdu notice the thinner air and should take the first hour slowly.
What to expect
Temperatures fall sharply with height and the weather changes quickly, so layers, waterproofs and proper footwear matter in both seasons. In winter the queues for the cable cars can be long on weekends and during the Lunar New Year, and the resort is extremely busy then. The base area has hotels, restaurants and hot springs, and the nearby town of Huashuiwan is a common overnight stop.
Practical notes
Xiling is usually reached by car or coach from Chengdu, taking about two and a half hours, and public transport involves a bus to Dayi and then a local service. Park entry, cable cars and ski passes are charged separately, and ski equipment is rented on site. Because the mountain is close to the Qingcheng Mountain area and the Dujiangyan irrigation works, a two-day trip combining them is the usual arrangement.
