Overview of Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is a stunning alpine valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang, Yunnan, famous for its incredible turquoise-blue mountain water that looks like liquid jade. Located inside the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, this series of crystal-clear blue lakes and waterfalls has become one of the most photographed spots in Yunnan.
The amazing turquoise-blue color comes from the melted glacial water carrying fine rock particles that reflect the blue sky – it creates an otherworldly color that you have to see to believe. If you’re visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you absolutely shouldn’t miss Blue Moon Valley.
Highlights of Blue Moon Valley
Incredible Turquoise-Blue Glacial Water
The lakes here have the most amazing turquoise-blue color you’ve ever seen – it looks like you’ve been transported to the Himalayas or the Swiss Alps. The color changes throughout the day with the angle of the sun, but it’s always stunningly beautiful.
Stunning Views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
From the valley floor, you get incredible unobstructed views of the snowy peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. Combine that with the blue lakes in the foreground, and you get one of the most photographed mountain-lake views in all of China.
Easy Walking Trails
The walking trails along the lakes are mostly flat and easy walking, so almost anyone can enjoy the beauty of Blue Moon Valley. You don’t need any climbing experience to get amazing views here.
Refreshing Mountain Air
Located at about 3,200 meters above sea level, Blue Moon Valley has cool, clean mountain air that’s perfect for a relaxing walk after visiting the higher altitude areas of the mountain.
A Suggested Walking Route
One to Two Hour Leisure Walk
After you get off the park shuttle bus from the cable car area, start walking downstream from Upper Lake all the way to Lower Lake. The entire walking trail is about 3 kilometers long, with wooden walkways and bridges along most of the way.
Stop at each of the four lakes along the way for photos – each lake has a slightly different view of the mountain and different angle on the blue water.
The most famous photo spot is at Blue Moon Lake with the iconic view of the snow mountain behind the blue water. This is the photo you’ve probably seen all over social media – don’t miss it!
If you get tired walking, you can take the park’s electric shuttle between the lakes – it’s an extra fee but saves you walking if you’re tired.
Finish your walk at the lower lake, then catch the park shuttle bus back to the main park entrance on your way out.
Is Blue Moon Valley Right for You?
Recommended For
- Photography Enthusiasts – This is one of the most photographed spots in Yunnan for good reason – the combination of blue water and snow mountain background is absolutely unbeatable for photos.
- Anyone Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley is already inside the park area, you have to come here anyway after you visit the peak, and it’s absolutely worth it.
- People Who Can’t Handle High Altitude – At 3,200 meters it’s much lower than the peak viewing platform, so most people can handle it easily even if they have altitude issues at higher elevations.
- Nature Lovers – The combination of glacial water, snow peak, and mountain forest creates one of the most beautiful alpine valley experiences you can have in Yunnan.
Who May Not Enjoy Blue Moon Valley As Much：
People In a Big Hurry
If you’re really short on time and you just want to quickly see the snow mountain peak, you might feel that adding Blue Moon Valley makes your day too long. But it’s definitely worth making time for.
Visitors Afraid of Altitude
While it’s much lower than the peak, it’s still 3,200 meters – if you’re very sensitive to altitude, take it slow and don’t rush.
When to Visit Blue Moon Valley (Best Times & When to Avoid)
- Best Time of Day: Early to mid-morning when the sun is on the lake – the light makes the blue color even more intense and beautiful.
- Best Season: Spring and autumn when the air is clearest, you get great views of the snow peak and the blue color is most intense. Summer is also beautiful with greener surrounding hills.
- Winter: It can be cold, but the air is extremely clear so you get amazing views of the snow peak behind the blue lake.
Times to Avoid: cloudy/rainy days – you won’t get the beautiful blue color of the water and you might not see the snow peak at all. Also avoid Chinese national holidays when it can get very crowded.
FAQ – Visiting Blue Moon Valley
Q: Do I need to buy a separate ticket for Blue Moon Valley?
A: No – Blue Moon Valley is inside the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain park area, so it’s included with your park admission ticket. You just need to pay for the internal shuttle bus if you want to ride it between lakes.
Q: How long do I need to visit Blue Moon Valley?
A: Most visitors need between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to walk the main trail and take photos. If you really love photography you can easily spend longer.
Q: Can I swim in the lakes?
A: No – swimming is not allowed to protect the water quality and ecosystem. It’s also glacial melt water so it’s extremely cold anyway.
Q: Is the altitude a problem here?
A: At 3,200 meters it’s lower than the peak, so most people handle it fine. Just take it slow walking and don’t rush.
Q: Is there anywhere to eat at Blue Moon Valley?
A: There are some snack stands and small restaurants at the visitor area near the entrance where you can get simple snacks and water.
Q: Do I need to walk the whole way?
A: No – there’s an electric shuttle bus that goes between the main lakes, so you can ride it if you get tired of walking.
Blue Moon Valley Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
- Same as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: 7:00 – 18:00
- Last shuttle back from Blue Moon Valley is around 17:30
Ticket Prices:
- Included with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain park admission – no extra entrance fee needed
- Optional electric shuttle between lakes: ¥50 per person
How to Get There
- Blue Moon Valley is inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain park – after you enter the park, the park shuttle bus will take you here after you visit the peak
- It’s about 1.5 hours drive from Lijiang Old Town, same as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Nearby Attractions – Suggested Combination
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Peak
Everyone visits Blue Moon Valley on the same trip as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – you do the peak first in the morning, then come down to Blue Moon Valley in the afternoon. It’s the standard itinerary and it works perfectly.
Lijiang Ancient Town
After your day trip to the mountain and Blue Moon Valley, you head back to Lijiang Ancient Town for dinner and overnight stay. It’s the perfect combination.
Yuhu Village
If you have extra time, this traditional Naxi village at the base of the mountain has great views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and it’s very close to Blue Moon Valley on the way back to Lijiang.
Summary Of Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys you’ll find in Yunnan – with its incredible turquoise-blue glacial lakes, stunning background view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and easy walking trails, it’s a must-visit spot when you come to see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The amazing blue color of the water has made it famous on social media, and once you see it in person you’ll understand why – it really does look that beautiful in person. Don’t miss it on your trip to Lijiang!
If you need help putting together your Lijiang itinerary, booking tickets, or arranging transportation, feel free to contact us to help organize your trip.
