Return to China -- Part 25, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

If the skies had cleared during the performance we would have been able to see the thirteen stunning peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, but no luck. Afterwards, we piled into our bus and headed toward it hoping that the clouds would allow us a better view as we approached.

First we passed through lower tree-covered mountains as we climbed toward the high peaks.

Finally, we arrived at the base of the massif. The higher peaks were still shrouded in mist, but you could see some of the snow-capped portions through breaks in the clouds.

When I took this picture we were at about 13,000 feet. The highest peak, which has only been climbed once, was more than 5,000 feet higher.

At that elevation we were still below the treeline and in the midst of a rain forest.

We followed this boardwalk for a while and wound up at an open meadow which on a normal day would provide a spectacular view of the snowy peaks, but on this day the clouds obscured the view, so we returned without any good pictures.

Back at the reception area, we passed this. I'm not sure what it is, but it looked interesting so I took a picture.

Here's another view of the mountain taken as we were leaving. This is the "River of White Water" [or, on some guides, the "Black Water River"]. It would have been nice to wander around taking pictures, but we were in a hurry to get on to our next destination.

Then, as we drove away the clouds finally began to clear. Just our luck! Maybe the skies will be clear next time we come to Lijiang.