Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a very popular place for tourists because of its beauty, its animal and plant life and its interesting place in the history of the local culture (the Nakhi people).

It is not one mountain but a mountain range with 13 peaks; the highest is called Shanzidou and has only been climbed once. The Nakhi people have a legend that the peaks were created during a fight between the Jade Dragon and Snow Mountains. It was also a place where young lovers fled from arranged marriages.

Nowadays people often visit the area to walk on the mountain trails and in the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. There is also climbing, often with oxygen tanks as the altitude is very high, and horse riding is also possible in certain areas. However, access is restricted in many areas, both because of the dangers and for conservation reasons.