Nestled at the eastern foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 30 kilometers from Lijiang, Yunnan province, lies the Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷). Often hailed as the "Sapphire of the Snow Mountain", it offers a breathtaking landscape where pristine waters meet jagged peaks.
Fed by crystal-clear snowmelt, the valley is famous for its surreal, shifting palette of turquoise and emerald - a natural phenomenon caused by minerals in the riverbed. Against the backdrop of the towering, snow-capped mountains, the scene looks like a living oil painting.
The valley features four interconnected lakes, each with its own character: Yuye Lake (Jade Liquid Lake), Jingtan Lake (Mirror Pond), Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake (Listening to the Waves Lake). Beyond the lakes, you will find the iconic Baishui Terrace and a series of cascading waterfalls. A well-maintained boardwalk connects the entire valley, making it easy to explore on foot.
The valley through the SEASONs
1.Spring (March - May)
▪The scene: A sea of pink azaleas and cherry blossoms against the turquoise lakes.
▪Temperature: 15 C - 20 C. Perfect for leisurely walks.
2.Summer (June - August)
▪The scene: With the snowmelt at its peak, the valley transforms. This is when you'll witness the most intense, saturated blues of the entire year.
▪Note: High UV levels; sun protection is essential.
3.Autumn (September - November)
▪The scene: The mountains turn golden, creating a rich, painterly texture against the water.
▪Highlight: Visit after mid-October to witness the stunning morning mist and “sea of clouds” that often drift across the peaks.
4.Winter (December – February)
▪The scene: Dramatic "blue ice" formations and snow-covered trees.
▪Highlight: Prime viewing period for the magnificent moment when golden sunlight illuminates the snow-capped peaks.
Plan your visit
▪Address: Yulong Naxi autonomous county, Lijiang, Yunnan province
▪Admission: Included in your general Jade Dragon Snow Mountain entry fee - 100 yuan ($14.39). No separate ticket is required for the valley.
▪Getting there:
(1)By bus: Take the Snow Mountain Express (Line 101) from Zhongyi Market Station in Ancient Town of Lijiang. It costs 15 yuan and takes about 1 hour. The bus drops you at No 3 Parking Lot, right next to the tourist center. NOTE: Staff will collect the 100 yuan entry fee during the bus ride.
(2)Self-drive or take a chartered car: Navigate to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tourist Center (Parking: 20 yuan/day). NOTE: Private vehicles cannot enter the core scenic spots. All visitors must park at the tourist center and transfer to the mandatory eco-shuttle bus (20 yuan) to access Blue Moon Valley and other attractions.
(3)Take a taxi: A one-way trip costs between 80 yuan to 100 yuan
(4)Join a shared carpool: Approximately 20 yuan per person
NOTE: Taxis can be very difficult to find at the mountain during peak hours. Pre-book your return ride or arrange a pickup time with your driver in advance to avoid being stranded.
▪Internal shuttle (eco-bus):
20 yuan per person (mandatory), for travel between the tourist center and the valley. Pro TIP: Buy your shuttle ticket at Level B1 of the tourist center or via the Lijiang Tourism Group official WeChat account to avoid the long queues.
The photography masterclass
▪The golden hours (best time to shoot):
9 am - 11 am
▪The scene: Soft light and perfectly calm water
▪Pro tip: This is the best time for crystal-clear reflections of the Snow Mountain. There are fewer crowds, making it easier to get "clean" shots without people in the background.
3 pm - 5 pm
▪The scene: Rich shadows and golden textures
▪Pro tip: As the sun dips, the water takes on a golden shimmer. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the sunset glow, where pink and purple skies blend with the deep turquoise water for a truly "cinematic" shot.
One hour after rain: The "dreamscape"
▪The scene: A "fairytale" aesthetic takes over as ethereal mist swirls around the snowy peaks and rises gently from the valley floor.
▪Pro tip: This is the most atmospheric and mystical time for photography.
NOTE: Avoid active thunderstorms, as the cable cars and shuttles may temporarily stop running for safety.
▪Essential photo spots
(1)Yuye Lake viewing platform: Capture the classic reflection of the snow-capped mountains shimmering in the lake.
(2)The far shore of Jingtan Lake: Use a telephoto lens to compress the landscape, bringing the snowy peaks, turquoise waters, and dense forests into a single, stunning frame.
(3)Baishui Terrace cascades (White Water Terraces): Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grand scale of the waterfalls, highlighting the striking contrast between the creamy-white calcified pools and the brilliant blue lake.
(4)The shallows: An off-the-beaten-path route on the opposite side of the boardwalk, offering a peaceful setting for close-up shots of the water’s delicate ripples and textures.
SAFETY NOTE: During the rainy season, watch your footing and check the water levels before approaching the valley.
▪What to wear
Go for solid colors like white or bright red, which provide a contrast against the turquoise water for stunning portraits; Rent Naxi or Tibetan costumes at the park entrance and pair them with silver jewelry or a straw hat for an authentic "fairytale" look.
The Pro checklist (routes and safety)
▪The optimal walking route of Blue Moon Valley (no backtracking):
Take the shuttle bus from the tourist center to the Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) Station, follow the path on the right downhill (approx. 600 meters) into the heart of Blue Moon Valley, visit the spots in this order for the best lighting and views, and board the return shuttle at Shuiyuege Station:
☛Baishui Terrace: Best for wide-angle shots of the white calcified pools.
☛Baishui Bridge: The perfect frame for the "snow mountain + blue lake" shot.
☛Yuye Lake: The most vibrant "tiffany blue" water in the valley.
☛The waterfalls: Ideal for capturing dynamic water movement.
☛Jingtan Lake: The ultimate spot for the mirror reflection of the peaks.
☛The Pavilion Lookout: Turn back here for the ultimate “hero shot” - a perfect combination of the traditional pavilion, the blue lake, and the snow peaks.
▪One-day itineraries combining the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain peaks with the beauty of Blue Moon Valley:
Route A: A high-altitude adventure featuring the Glacier Park summit, the Impression: Lijiang show, and a scenic afternoon finish at Blue Moon Valley. NOTE: Book your grand cable car tickets seven days in advance via the Lijiang Tourism Group WeChat mini program to ascend to the Glacier Park.
Route B: A relaxed, crowd-free journey starting from Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) via the scenic small cable car and an easy downhill walk through the most scenic parts of Blue Moon Valley.
▪Insider tips and pitfalls to avoid
(1)Altitude awareness: Blue Moon Valley is at around 3,000 meters. Walk at a slow, steady pace and avoid strenuous activities. Oxygen canisters are available for purchase throughout the scenic area.
(2)UV protection: The plateau sun is intense. SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a face mask are absolute essentials to prevent sunburn.
(3)Layer up: Temperatures fluctuate wildly between day and night. Bring a light jacket even in summer; for winter visits, a down coat is a must.
(4)Protect the pools: Do not step on the white calcified formations. These are fragile natural wonders, and violations carry heavy fines.
(5)Keep it clean: Littering is strictly prohibited. Please use the designated bins to avoid penalties.
(6)Stay safe: Do not drink the lake water (it contains high mineral content) and do not swim or enter the water for any reason.
Respect wildlife: Do not feed any animals you may encounter within the park.
Dining and accommodation
▪Dining options
(1)Inside the scenic area: Visit the Snow Kitchen (Xuechu) at the tourist center or grab quick bites like rice noodles and snacks near Shuiyuege;
(2)Back in Lijiang: Treat yourself to local Naxi specialties after your trek. Must-tries include: Cured Pork Rib Hotpot (lapaigu hotpot腊排骨火锅), Hearth-cooked Chicken (huotang ji火塘鸡), Chickpea Jelly (jidou liangfen鸡豆凉粉) and Butter Tea (suyou cha酥油茶).
▪Where to stay
(1)Stay in an inn in Ancient Town of Lijiang or Shuhe Ancient Town, approximately 40 minutes from the scenic area, perfect for enjoying the local night markets and traditional architecture.
(2)Choose a boutique guesthouse in Baisha Ancient Town, approximately 20 minutes from the scenic area.
