A fairyland in Yunnan！The Jade Liquid Lake in Lijiang's Blue Moon Valley shimmers with a sapphire glow

▲ The water of Jade Liquid Lake is so blue and transparent that you can almost see the bottom, resembling a crystal-clear sapphire. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

Reporter Li Wei / Reported from Yunnan

Most lakes have a light blue hue with hints of green, but in Yunnan’s Lijiang on the mainland, there is a Jade Liquid Lake in Blue Moon Valley where the water takes on an exceptionally clear azure shade. When sunlight hits, the shimmering surface sparkles like a gem, creating a truly stunning sight.

Blue Moon Valley Scenic Area is located at the foot of the central part of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Melted snow forms the White Water River, and the unpolluted water flows down the valley, first passing over the terraced White Water Terrace before converging into the deep blue Jade Liquid Lake. The river has eroded the originally uneven stone steps of the White Water Terrace, which were later smoothed out and covered with cement through local manual labor, forming the flat stone steps we see today.

▲ The flat stone steps of the White Water Terrace allow the water to form small waterfalls, creating a magnificent view against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

Flowing down from the White Water Terrace, you first reach Jade Liquid Lake, then further downstream are Mirror Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Listening to the Waves Lake. Among these, Jade Liquid Lake boasts the most beautiful water—its crystal-clear sapphire-like surface is so transparent you can almost see the bottom. A few trees grow in the lake, giving it a somewhat tropical vibe when viewed from above. At night, when the bright moon rises and reflects on the water, the valley becomes even more serene and peaceful.

If you prefer not to hike, you can take an electric cart tour from Jade Liquid Lake to Listening to the Waves Lake. Since Jade Liquid Lake is on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it’s recommended to start your day by watching the “Impressions of Lijiang” performance directed by Zhang Yimou, followed by taking a bus and cable car to Spruce Meadow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to enjoy the full view of the snow peaks, then heading down to Blue Moon Valley to see Jade Liquid Lake.

▲ Plants resembling small trees grow in the waters of Jade Liquid Lake, adding a tropical feel. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

▲ Spruce Meadow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain not only offers views of the snow-capped peaks, but also provides traditional clothing of the Naxi ethnic group for visitors to take commemorative photos. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)