To describe the Blue Moon Valley near Lijiang as beautiful will be selling it short. Located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Yunnan province, the Blue Moon Valley is something out of this world as the name suggests.
If you’re visiting Lijiang in Yunnan province you must definitely visit the incredible Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷). This valley with its incredibly surreal blue lakes and snow-capped peaks looks like it teleported straight from the Canadian Rockies and landed here in China. While you could go there on a tour, it’s very easy to visit on your own. Let’s guide you to one of China’s most stunning sites.
These 4 unreal, crystal clear blue lakes lie at the foot of the 5600 meters high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). It’s the melting glacier water feeding into these lakes which gives them this special colour. The scenery is truly outstanding. Not only above the lakes towards the mountains, but also the submerged trees which can be seen underneath the lakes, standing like skeletons in the ice-blue water.
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Quick Guide to the Blue Moon Valley
Visited: December.
Suggested time: Half a day.
Where to stay in Lijiang: Ancient Town Mengyi Inn
Transportation: Minibuses leave throughout the day from Lijiang.
Famous for: Spectacular scenery, glaciers, meadows.
Tip: Go first thing in the morning before the masses arrive.
Unique Experience: Dress up in the local Naxi attire for a unique photo
Where is the JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN?
The Blue Moon Valley is located inside the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, which is about 15 km from Lijiang old town. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain also borders the Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of China’s most spectacular hiking routes.
Inside the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area, you can choose to visit several splendid sites. You could take a cable car to the top of the mountain to see the glaciers, visit the Yak or Spruce Meadow or go to the Blue Moon Valley among others. You can, of course, only visit the sites you want to see without seeing the others.
How to get to the Blue Moon Valley?
Getting to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Lijiang is very easy and straightforward. There is absolutely no need for a tour – even if you don’t speak a word of Chinese. From the old town, it’s a short walk to the Mao Zedong Statue from where minivans leave from. These minivans leave throughout the day from the square right opposite the statue. You’ll see minivans waiting for passengers.
Minivan 7 is the ride you need to take. Tickets cost between RMB 20- 30 per seat depending on how many passengers there are and can be bought on the spot. We paid RMB 20 to get there when the van was full, but RMB 30 on the return when there were fewer passengers. Get on a van that has passengers already, as vans with more passengers are likely to depart sooner. The ride to the entrance of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain takes about 30 minutes.
Entrance fee to the park is RMB 100. The driver will collect this fee at the entrance together with your passport.
Don’t forget your passport or you’ll be denied entry. This is true for almost anywhere in China
After paying the entrance fee, the drive will continue for a few more minutes before arriving at the main building. At the main building, you’ll find restaurants, souvenir shops and another ticket booth. Here you’ll need to buy bus tickets to your chosen sites, and cable car tickets if you’re heading up to the glacier.
Buses leave from the main building to the Blue Moon Valley every 10-20 minutes between 07:00 – 17:00 and cost RMB 15. Simply follow the Blue Moon Valley signs to jump on the bus. It’s a short bus ride from the building to the lakes themselves.
Tips for visiting the Blue Moon Valley
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a AAAAA sight in China. Sites in China get rated according to their awesomeness from A to AAAAA (with AAAAA being the best). Almost every Chinese man, woman and child want to see these AAAA sights, so it gets EXTREMELY busy, as to be expected. Be prepared for that.
- To beat the crowds get there early. Leave Lijiang no later than 07:00 if you want an enjoyable experience. We arrived at the Blue Moon Valley just after 08:00 and it was quite enjoyable. Around 09:00 it became unbearable.
- Cross the footbridge to the opposite side of the lakes when it gets too busy. Most of the Chinese simply hang around the main vantage point with their selfie sticks. The opposite side is much quieter.
- Bring snacks and drinks with you from Lijiang, as the shops in the main building are a rip off.
- Remember your passport!
- You can also get a taxi to the park. When Jin went there again with her parents, they took a taxi there for RMB 100.
- Looking for a place to stay in Lijiang? We recommend Ancient Town Mengyi Inn .
Read more:
Don’t leave Lijiang without doing these 10 amazing things.
And that’s how you get to the Blue Moon Valley from Lijiang. Easy right? Let us know in the comments below how many selfie sticks you counted 🙂
How I Shot This Guide
Every photograph in this article was taken with the exact same gear I carry on every journey. It is a setup refined over years on the road to keep travel light without compromising the final image.
- Camera: Sony A7 V
- Lens: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
- Storage: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
- Software: Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Outerwear: The North Face Canyonlands Hybrid Jacket
Save it for later!
What do you mean “most of the Chinese” simply hang around the vantage point with their selfie sticks ? Of course some white dude would say something like that. Don’t go to China if there are too many Chinese people for your liking. You’re in their country, their beautiful towns and cities. Disgusting!
Hi Jake,
Thanks for your opinion.
What do I mean?
I meant to say that visitors shouldn’t be put off by the masses at the vantage points, if they walk just a little they will leave the hordes behind.
I never said there are too many Chinese in China. We lived in China or 5 years and love the country and its people. It will always be my second home.
Sorry if this had upset you. 🤗
Jake may have put it a bit strongly, but I understand what he means…even your last statement – “Let us know in the comments below how many selfie sticks you counted” is a bit condescending….I think we all need to be a bit more sensitive and understanding of other cultures…lest we don’t become more divisive than we already are….like you say, China is immensely lovable and to be respected, so, so much to learn from them……Atonu
Hi Atonu, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
It seems the selfie stick comment really hit a nerve. I can assure you it was meant with a healthy dose of humour rather than condescension. Pointing out the sea of telescopic metal rods at a scenic spot in China is a bit like counting stiff upper lips in London or spotting loud, hurried talkers in New York. Some stereotypes simply exist because they are entirely true.
We absolutely love and respect China. However, we also believe a little light-hearted observation does not make us divisive. Safe travels, and keep an eye out for those sticks!