Xuelian Feng

Xuelian Feng, Xuelian Peak or Snow Lotus Peak, is one of the major mountains of the Tian Shan mountain range. It lies in Xinjiang province, China, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) east northeast of Jengish Chokusu, the highest peak in the range. It is notable for its large, steep relief above the nearby valleys, and for its large topographic prominence. (It is ranked 84th in the world by this measure). The peak has two summits, with the main being the north summit at 6,627 m the south summit has an elevation of 6,527 m.The Tokai Section of the Japanese Alpine Club made four expeditions to Xuelian Feng, in 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990, with the last being successful in ascending the main summit. (The 1989 expedition ascended the south summit and Junction Peak, another subpeak to the south of the main summit, with elevation 6,450 m, and came close to but did not reach the main summit.) In 1990, the expedition was led by Kazuo Tukushima, and ascended from the Karakume Glacier. The route ascended the southeast ridge of Junction Peak, then traversed a long (2 km/1.2 mi) corniced snow and rock ridge to reach the main summit tower.