The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of thirteen peaks. The highest is Shanzidou, which at an altitude of 5,600 meters was first scaled in the 1960s. The range not only dominates the region’s landscape, but remains deeply engraved on the local psyche. Legend has it that twin brothers were panning for gold in the Jinsha River, when an evil spirit confronted them. One brother Haba was killed, whilst the other Jade Dragon, drove the spirit away using 13 swords. Over time, both brothers crystallized into mountains, with each of the thirteen swords forming a peak. In the Naxi tradition the mountain is renowned as a place where young lovers go to sacrifice themselves to escape arranged marriage. Dongba shamanist rites are also practiced here. On the eighth day of the second month of the lunar calendar the locals celebrate the mountain’s birthday.