Blue Moon Valley actually is an extremely blue river meandering through a lush valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Seen from a distance, it resembles a blue crescent moon inlaid at the foot of the mountain. That's how the place got its beautiful name! However, blue is not the only colour of the river. If it rains, the white mud and limestone rubble at the riverbed will be swirled up, making the water as white as milk. Therefore, local Naxi people name it White Water River (Baishui River).
The White Water River is fed by melting snow and ice running down from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The water is freezing; even in summer, and people still cannot bear the piercing cold when they dabble in the river. But it is a favorite iced drink in summer. Legend has it that, when two Naxi youngsters fall in love, the boy will be tested by standing barefoot in the cold river in winter to show his committed love for the girl. Folks believe that this tested love will last forever in the presence of the holy snow mountain. So, the river is considered the Love River in local people's mind.
There are four lakes divided by small waterfalls or giant rocks along the river, namely Jade-Like Wine Lake, Mirror Pond, Blue Moon Lake, and Wave-Listening Lake. The lakes form a natural mirror reflecting the grand snow mountain, surrounding cliffs, and lush plants. There are small shoals dotted among the water, breaking the smooth surface of the lakes. You can take good pictures anywhere along the river. But the best point is the White Water Terrace on the upstream. It is made up of fan-shaped stairs with the river running down from each step, looking like shining shells under the sunlight.
Shuttling between Spruce Plateau and the valley by ropeway, you can have a bird's-eye view of the deep and serene river valley, with the river as a jade girdle around the flourishing vegetation.
Blue Moon Valley
White Water River
Local Residence in Blue Moon Valley
Local Residence in Blue Moon Valley
How to get to Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is a popular spot inside the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from Lijiang Old Town. You can either take a through bus or charter a minibus to get to the Snow Mountain first.
Take a through bus at Yuhe Parking Lot near the northern gate of Lijiang Old Down. You can buy the ticket in Tourist Service Center at the northern end of Lanhua Street, opposite Tianyu Hotel. The bus leaves for the Snow Mountain at 8:30 and returns at 16:30; the bus fare costs CNY40 per person.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is 22 kilometers (14 miles) away from Lijiang Old Town. You can charter a minibus at a charge of CNY200~300 for a round-trip; a one-way trip should take around 40 minutes.
Upon arrival, take a sightseeing bus at the visitors' center near the gate of the scenic area to the valley; the fare is CNY20. Other spots inside like Spruce Plateau, Yak Plateau, and Glacier Park Cable Car Terminus can also be accessed by sightseeing bus.
Admission Fee
The entrance fare of the valley is included in the entry ticket of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, together with Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Spruce Plateau, and Yak Plateau.
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