Lijiang Blue Moon Valley: Sapphire Fallen to the Human World and Pure Poem of Snow Mountain Divine Realm

Natural Creation - A Liquid Poem of the Soul of Ice and Snow
Blue Moon Valley is not a naturally created independent lake, but a masterpiece of glacier meltwater from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The ancient glaciers on the top of the snow capped mountains continuously melt under the sunlight, and pure ice water winds down the mountain stream, eventually converging in the valleys north of Ganhaizi and south of Yunshanping. Due to the fact that the riverbed is composed of fragments of white limestone, and clear water flows over it, presenting a pure white color, it is named "Baishui River". During the flow of river water, rich minerals such as copper ions in the strata are dissolved. Under the specific refraction of clear sunlight, it presents a clear and ever-changing Tiffany blue and emerald green color, like a crescent moon embedded in the snow capped forest. The name "Blue Moon Valley" comes from this and is known as the "tears left by God on earth" and the "dressing mirror of the snow capped mountains".

Humanistic Poetry - The Eternal Entrance to the 'Jade Dragon Third Country'
In the ancient Dongba Sutra legend of the Naxi people, the area where Blue Moon Valley is located is regarded as the sacred "Jade Dragon Third Country". This is an ideal country where there is no pain, only love and happiness. Legend has it that when lovers in love cannot be united in this world, their souls will come here to obtain eternal peace and freedom. Therefore, the landscape of Blue Moon Valley is endowed with a strong and romantic cultural color of martyrdom. This pure blue is not only a natural color, but also symbolizes the noble belief of the Naxi people in unwavering love and transcending life and death. Strolling through the valley, the solemn snow capped mountains and gentle blue water together tell the story of this beautiful and sacred legend that has lasted for thousands of years.

In depth understanding: Explore more sacred lakes and ethnic secrets on the Chinese plateau>>Lugu Lake

Natural Creation - A Colorful Paradise Carved by Glacier Water
The landscape of Blue Moon Valley is a visual feast about the colors of water, the shapes of mountains, and the shadows of light.
The pearl necklace of "Four Lakes and One River": Blue Moon Valley is not a single lake, but is composed of multiple high and low lakes such as Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake, as well as the Baishui River that connects them. Due to differences in depth and mineral deposition, the lake presents a distinct blue-green color scheme, resembling a necklace of gemstones carefully strung together by snow capped mountains.
Baishuitai and Karst Secret Realm: In the valley, there is a considerable natural calcareous plateau - Baishuitai. The spring water rich in calcium carbonate flows and deposits over the years, forming layers of white terraces that resemble terraced fields. Clear water flows over and shines with silver light in the sunlight, earning it the title of "Immortal Legacy Field". This, together with the white of distant snow capped mountains, the green of nearby forests, and the blue of lake water, forms a wonderful painting.

Humanistic Craftsmanship - Echoes of Faith at the Foot of Naxi Divine Mountain
The cultural atmosphere of Blue Moon Valley is connected to the bloodline of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Naxi ethnic culture.
The natural worship of Dongba culture: In the Dongba religion of the Naxi people, Yulong Snow Mountain is the embodiment of the protective god "San Duo" and is sacred and inviolable. Blue Moon Valley, as the "tears" and "blood" of the snow capped mountains, is also regarded as a sacred place. Tourists can feel a deep reverence for nature, and this cultural heritage allows the landscape to transcend mere visual beauty.
Blessing Plank Road and Mani Pile: On the boardwalk built along the lake, one can often see Mani piles made of small stones. This is not only a souvenir of the beautiful scenery in front of tourists, but also a cultural custom of praying for blessings in Tibet, becoming a small witness to the interaction between humans and nature, and between humans and faith.

Photography tips:
The best panoramic camera position is located on a highland between Blue Moon Lake and Yuye Lake, which can simultaneously capture the winding river water and majestic snow capped mountains;
The north bank of Yuye Lake is an excellent location for capturing the reflection of the main peak of Yulong Snow Mountain, which should be visited on a calm morning or evening;
Using the lines of the white water platform as a foreground can guide the line of sight, increase the sense of hierarchy and rhythm in the picture;
Wearing brightly colored clothing (such as red and white) will stand out in blue-green tones, making it suitable for taking commemorative photos of people.

Four essential tasks to unlock a complete journey to Blue Moon Valley
Take a refreshing stroll along the Baishui River boardwalk: give up the electric scooter and feel the breath of the valley with your feet. Walking from Yuye Lake upstream to Tingtao Lake, the entire journey is about 2-3 kilometers. With each step, the scenery changes, and the color of the lake water changes with the light and angle. Observing the calcareous landform up close and listening to the gurgling sound of water is the best way to blend into this secret realm.
Searching for a perfect reflection of a snowy mountain: quietly waiting by the Yuye Lake. Choose weather with no wind or a gentle breeze, search for the best angle before 10am or after 4pm, wait for the water surface to calm down like a mirror, and fully "replicate" the majestic Jade Dragon Thirteen Peaks into the lake to capture this stunning scene of symmetrical heaven and earth.
Listen to a love legend of the Naxi people: invite a local Naxi guide or learn about the story of "Lu Ban Lu Rao" before visiting. Standing between the mountains and waters of Blue Moon Valley, gazing at the snow capped mountains from afar, the scenery in front of us becomes heavy and emotional due to the injection of culture, completing a cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing.
Encountering a high-altitude light and shadow magic: the beauty of Blue Moon Valley relies heavily on sunlight. Under clear weather, the lake water is most colorful; And when it clears up after the rain, the mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, the snow capped mountains are faintly visible, and the color of the lake water appears even deeper and quieter. Different dramas are being staged here at different times and in different weather conditions.

Suggested tour routes
Half day "Snow Mountain and Blue Moon" essence Tour (part of the classic one-day tour):
In the morning: Take the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area environmental protection car to the starting point of Blue Moon Valley → It is recommended to purchase an environmental protection electric vehicle ticket (50 yuan), and then visit Yuye Lake (focusing on shooting the reflection of the snow mountain) → Jingtan Lake → Blue Moon Lake → Tingtao Lake and Baishuitai in sequence.
Noon: Relax at the Blue Moon Valley Catering Center and enjoy the scenery.
Afternoon: You can choose to hike a section of boardwalk to return, or take an electric scooter to the destination and transfer to the scenic area bus to the next station (such as Yunshanping or return to the parking lot).
IntoTravelChina Tip: This itinerary is a standard combination for visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Glacier Park on the Great Cableway), with a tight and efficient time. Blue Moon Valley has a high altitude, please slow down your movements and pay attention to sun protection and warmth.
One day "Slow Enjoyment Holy Land" in-depth tour (highly recommended for photography and leisure enthusiasts):
All day: Leave enough time for Blue Moon Valley and nearby Yunshanping. In the morning when the light is soft, take a deep tour of the various lakes in Blue Moon Valley, and take detailed photos and walks. Rest in the scenic area at noon. In the afternoon, take the cableway to Yunshanping, which is a high-altitude meadow hidden in the primitive spruce forest. From here, you can overlook the entire Blue Moon Valley, and the view is extremely spectacular, like a huge blue-green gemstone embedded in the mountains and forests.
Advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can arrange one-stop reservations for tickets to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, cableway tickets, and eco-friendly tickets for you, and plan the most reasonable travel sequence for you to avoid the highest peak flow of people. We also provide detailed recommendations for shooting and resting locations.

Professional guide: IntoTravelChina can provide you with a personalized itinerary, including exclusive tour guides, transportation, and activity arrangements, allowing you to have a worry free and in-depth experience. >>Consult now for customization

How to reach: Seamless Connection Guide
Blue Moon Valley is located within the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area and cannot be reached independently. You must first enter the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area.
Starting from the Old Town of Lijiang (mainstream choice):
Charter/Taxi: The most flexible way. It takes about an hour by car to directly reach the "Ganhaizi" tourist center on Yulong Snow Mountain. Drivers can usually wait and pick them up after the trip is over.
Tourist shuttle bus: take the "Yulong Snow Mountain Special Line" bus at the fixed stations around the Old Town of Lijiang (such as Zhongyi Market and bus companies), which costs about 15-20 yuan and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the tourist center.
Important Notice: All tourists need to purchase the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area entrance fee (currently about 100 yuan/person) at the tourist center and transfer to the scenic area's eco-friendly bus to reach attractions such as Blue Moon Valley, Yunshanping, and Maoniuping. To go to Glacier Park, you need to purchase a large cableway ticket separately.

Best travel time
Blue Moon Valley is beautiful all year round, but the color of the lake water is most stunning in the clear autumn and winter seasons.
Autumn and Winter Dream Season (October April of the following year): During the dry season, there are the most sunny days and ample sunshine. The snow on Yulong Snow Mountain is the thickest, and the lake reaches its peak in blue color under the blue sky, making it the golden season for photography and sightseeing. The air is clear and the panoramic view of the snow capped mountains is unobstructed.
Spring and summer fresh season (May September): rainy season, lush vegetation, and fresh scenery. The lake water is abundant due to the replenishment of rainwater, with a color of emerald green and a unique flavor. But the clouds are thick, the snow capped mountains are often hidden, and on rainy days, the lake water may appear slightly grayish white in color.
Daily time slots: 9am to 11am, 3pm to 5pm with the best lighting, the most vivid lake color, and conducive to shooting.

accommodation
The Old Town of Lijiang or Shuhe Ancient Town is the first choice for most tourists. The accommodation options here are extremely diverse, ranging from inns to high-end hotels. The nightlife and cultural atmosphere are strong, and dining and shopping are convenient. However, it takes about an hour's drive to reach the snow capped mountains every day.

IntoTravelChina accommodation booking recommendations:
The accommodation resources in Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area are scarce and in high demand, especially the viewing rooms. We strongly recommend planning your itinerary in advance and booking accommodation. By booking through us, not only can you get real-time room availability, but you can also package accommodation, Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area packages, transportation connections, and often receive combined discounts, ensuring seamless travel. Tell us your budget and requirements, and we will match you with the most suitable 'Snow Mountain Observation Deck'. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

Blue Moon Valley is the most dazzling gem on the crown of exploring the "Great Shangri La" region in northwest Yunnan.
Classic 7-day panoramic tour of Yunnan: Kunming (Stone Forest, Old Street) → Dali (Xizhou Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Three Towers, Cangshan Mountain) → Lijiang (Ancient City, Yulong Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley) → Shangri La (Songzanlin Temple, Pudacuo National Park). This is a complete cultural and natural painting that runs through the golden tourism route of Yunnan, from karst wonders to wind, flowers, snow, and moon, from snow capped mountains and holy lakes to Tibetan secret places. >>View the 7-day Yunnan panoramic tour route

Shangri La Loop Tour: Connect Lijiang (Blue Moon Valley, Ancient City) with Tiger Leaping Gorge (world-class canyon), Shangri La (Songzanlin Temple, Pudacuo), and Meili Snow Mountain (Rizhao Jinshan), experiencing a stunning journey from the snow mountain canyon to the secret realm of Tibet.

The story of Blue Moon Valley is about the tears of snow capped mountains, eternal blue, and the faith of the nation. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating a deep, personalized, and worry free travel experience in China. Our travel experts can assist you with:
Tailored itinerary: according to your interests, time and physical strength, design a perfect route that includes Blue Moon Valley and essence scenic spots in northwest Yunnan, whether it is a journey of photography creation, cultural exploration or natural scenery.
One stop service: handle complex ticketing, special accommodation, exclusive transportation, local bilingual tour guides, and performance reservations for the Yulong Snow Mountain scenic area.
Exclusive experience: Arrange non peak hours to enter Blue Moon Valley for shooting, professional photography guides lead the team, Naxi cultural experts explain, and provide high-altitude travel tips.
Let your journey to Blue Moon Valley not only be amazed by the blue, but also a profound dialogue with the soul of the snow capped mountains and ancient legends.

Start planning your journey now
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants, we will provide you with exclusive itinerary plans and quotes within 24 hours. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant