Blue Moon Valley

Blue Moon Valley

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.

White Water River

Local Residence in 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.  Tourists can take Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Special Line 101 at Bailong Square of Lijiang Old Down to the tourist center of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, taking CNY 15 and 1.5 hours.

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.
 

Tourists enjoy free entry to the valley and need to purchase tickets for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, together with Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Spruce Plateau, and Yak Plateau inside. 

Entry ticket of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain including Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Spruce Plateau, and Yak Plateau	CNY100
Combo ticket (valid for 7 days), including the snow mountain, Yushui Village (also called Jade Water Village), Dongba Valley, Yufeng Temple, Yuzhu Qingtian Scenic Resort, Dongba Kingdom, Dongba Gods' Garden and Baisha Mural).	CNY230
Opening hours of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain	07:30 - 16:30

 Free for children under 6 ansd seniors over 70; half price for minors aged 6-18 and seniors aged 60-70.