If you ask me where to go near Chengdu for skiing, snow play, and hot springs all in one trip, I'd definitely say: Xiling Snow Mountain.
Just a 2-hour drive from the city, it has everything you want for a winter getaway, from ski resorts, hot springs, snow park, to stunning snow-capped peaks, the sea of clouds, and frosty forests.
Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or trying skiing for the first time, you'll find your own way to enjoy this "winter wonderland for Chengdu locals".
Content Preview
- Best Time to Visit
- Things to Do in Winter
- Where to Stay (with Hotels)
- Xiling Snow Mountain Itinerary
- How to Get to Xiling Snow Mountain
What's the Best Time to Visit Xiling Snow Mountain
The best time to visit Xiling Snow Mountain is from mid-December to February, during the ski season.
Yingxue Square at the mid mountainAt this time, temperatures range between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Given this, the snow cover is stable, and both the ski resort and snow park are fully open.
If possible, try to avoid weekends and public holidays, as the crowds and long queues can make your experience less enjoyable.
While other seasons have their charm, such as spring flowers, cool summer retreats, and autumn foliage, Xiling isn't as impressive as places like Jiuzhaigou, Bipenggou, or Mount Siguniang outside the snow season.
So if you want the best experience, come in winter to see and play in the snow.
What to Do in Xiling Snow Mountain in Winter
There are three main ways to enjoy Xiling Snow Mountain in winter:
- Soak in hot springs at the foot of the mountain
- Ski and play in the snow at mid-mountain (Yingxue Square)
- Admire breathtaking snowy views from the summit (Sun-Moon Terrace)
To reach Yingxue Square, you'll need to buy an entrance ticket, then take the first cable car and shuttle bus. The package ticket costs around ¥260.
If you plan to go further up to Sun–Moon Terrace, you'll need an additional second cable car ticket (120¥)
It's best to take the cable car up before 9 a.m. and start coming down by 4 p.m., otherwise you might face queues of up to two hours.
1. Mid Mountain: Ski and Play in the Snow at Yingxue Square
There are 7 ski runs at Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort, with both daytime and night sessions.
Xiling Snow Mountain ResortHowever, the night session only opens beginner slopes, so if you want to try intermediate or advanced runs, it's best to go during the day.
Opening hours:
- Daytime: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Weekends & holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Night: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
It's recommended to arrive early, around 9–10 a.m., as snowboard and ski sizes, especially kids' sizes, may run out later in the day.
The ski area charges by the hour, with a 2-hour session costing around ¥158. Equipment rental is available on site, but goggles and face masks are not provided, so bring your own if needed.
Enjoy the Ice plowing with kidsIf you're traveling with kids, don't miss the Panda Snow Park, which offers fun activities like snow tubing, mini snowmobiles, and snow drifting, perfect for families.
And if you love taking photos, the red Nordic-style castle near Yingxue Square makes a beautiful backdrop against the snowy landscape.
2. Summit: Enjoy the Snowy Scenery at Sun-Moon Terrace and the Yin-Yang Boundary
If you're after the most stunning views or love photography, take the cable car up to Sun–Moon Terrace Platform.
The summit scenery of Xiling Snow MountainHere, you can admire the sea of clouds, sunrise views, and frost-covered forests, all breathtakingly beautiful. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Gongga and Siguniang Mountain hundreds of kilometres away.
At the Yin–Yang Boundary, the scenery is even more dramatic. One side bathed in sunshine, the other shrouded in mist, offering you a truly surreal contrast.
Feed the squirrel at Xiling Snow MountainDon't worry that taking your children up will be boring. The playful squirrels along the way will add your kids a touch of fun. Just bring some peanuts to feed them!
If you travel with elderly family members, I recommend just staying around Sun-Moon Terrace. It's near the cable station and requires little walking. By contrast, it takes 2 hrs to hike to Yin-Yang Boundary, and the icy trails can be tiring for seniors.
3. Foot of the Mountain: Soak in the Hot Springs at Huashuiwan
After all that snow fun, nothing beats a soothing soak in a hot spring to melt away your tiredness.
Huashuiwan Hot SpringsThe hot springs in Huashuiwan have better water quality and facilities compared to the ones halfway up the mountain, and there are more hotel options, too. So if you're planning to enjoy a proper hot spring session, I'd recommend doing it here.
You can either stay directly at a Huashuiwan Hot Spring Resort or stay mid-mountain and book a separate hot spring session when you come down.
And that brings us to the most common question. Where should I stay? On the mountain or at the foot?
Just keep reading, or you can contact us to tailor a high-end Xiling Snow Mountain private tour. We'll offer you the best travel experience!
Where to Stay: Mid-Mountain vs Huashuiwan
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Mountain (Yingxue Square) |
Closest to the ski area, wake up and ski. No need to buy extra cable car tickets. Easier to rent gear early and avoid crowds. Some rooms offer snow views. |
Expensive during peak season. Older facilities; limited and pricier dining. Moving luggage is troublesome (cable car + shuttle). |
| Huashuiwan (Foot of the Mountain) |
Plenty of hot spring hotels, from budget to high-end. Easy access (cars go straight to hotels). More food options and better prices. |
Need to buy cable car tickets every day. No snow views. |
Stay at Mid-Mountain (Yingxue Square)
If convenience is your priority, staying mid-mountain is best. Especially when traveling with kids and seniors.
Mid-mountain hotels like Yingxue, Xuehua, Yangguang, and Maple Leaf (3-star) are usually RMB 600–1000. No hot springs, but right next to the ski area to enjoy the snow.
Sikandina is the most premium option on the mountain, a wooden villa style, snow right at your doorstep, and yes, you can soak in the hot spring with a snow view. But it's also the priciest (RMB 2–3k).
Sikandina ResortStay at Huashuiwan (Foot of the Mountain)
If you want better value and a proper hot spring experience, and don't mind taking the cable car daily, then stay at the foot of the mountain.
Hotels at Huashuiwan are usually RMB 300–1000 cheaper than mid-mountain ones, with noticeably better facilities and service. Popular picks include:
- CR Seasons Hot Spring Hotel (5-star, best hot spring quality)
- Howard Johnson Baletang Hot Spring Hotel (4-star, newest facilities, beautiful courtyard-style springs)
- First Village Hot Spring Hotel (4-star)
Chengdu Howard Johnson Huashuiwan Hot Springs ResortWinter rates usually fall between RMB 600–2000.
There's also a new luxury Anantara hotel under renovation, not open yet.
Reminder: If you stay at the foot, try to catch the cable car before 9 am the next day, as the queues will get longer later.
Suggested Xiling Snow Mountain Itineraries
We recommend staying 2 days and 1 night. Especially when you travel with kids, there is more time to play and enjoy the snow without rushing.
Option 1: Family-Friendly / Easy Trip
- Day 1: Chengdu → Mid-mountain skiing (Yingxue Square) → Stay mid-mountain
- Day 2: Snow fun in the morning → Hot springs in the afternoon → Back to Chengdu
Kids will be happiest staying mid-mountain, since most child-friendly activities are there.
Option 2: For Those Who Want Scenery + Relaxation
- Day 1: Mid-mountain skiing → Stay at Huashuiwan + hot springs
- Day 2: Early morning cable car to Riyueping for sunrise + sea of clouds → Snow play at Yingxue Square → Return
If you don't want to juggle bus schedules, hotel bookings, and ticketing, we can sort everything for you, like a private car, guide, tickets, and hotels, so you can just enjoy the snow and the hot springs.
Not interested in the above itineraries? Why not contact us to adjust according to your preferences? Or click to discover more Chengdu Tours.
How to Get to Xiling Snow Mountain from Chengdu?
Traveling by car is the most convenient way, taking about 2-2.5 hours.
If you're taking public transport, the total travel time is about the same:
- High-speed train from Chengdu South Station → Dayi Station (≈30 min)
- Transfer to a direct bus to the scenic area (1.5–2 hours)
We can also arrange a private transfer to save you the hassle of switching transport and queuing.
Popular Chengdu Winter Tours
Apart from Xiling Snow Mountain, there are also lots of great spots around Chengdu for snow play and snow views, too.
- 4-Day Mt. Siguniang Summit Expedition Tour
- 5-Day Chengdu and Bipenggou Ski Tour
- 8-Day Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and Chongqing Tour
Not interested in the above tours? We are more than happy to create a tour for you based on your interests and requirements.
(10,000+ reviews)