Blue Valley: A Dreamlike Azure Wonderland at the Foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

#discoverchina #lijiang Nestled beneath the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Valley looks like a celestial palette spilled by the gods—its glacier-fed lakes shimmer in gradient shades of Tiffany blue, emerald green, and milky white under the sun, strung together like a jeweled necklace along the valley. Strolling on the wooden boardwalks felt like stepping into a painting: Jade Liquid Lake mirrored the snow-capped peaks with crystalline clarity; Mirror Pool Lake doubled the sky and clouds into a symmetrical illusion; while Blue Lake dazzled with terraced travertine formations resembling a natural cotton castle,glinting under sunlight. The magic? The water shifts hues throughout the day—from vivid peacock blue at noon to deep cobalt by dusk. For solitude, arrive before 8am when tour groups are sparse. Wear grippy shoes (rocks near the water are slippery!), but every step rewards with vistas worth the caution. Pro tip: Take the eco-bus to the uppermost Tingtao Lake first, then descend—it’s all downhill from there! Important points: 📍 40min drive from Lijiang Old Town (often combined with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain tours) 🎫 Entry included in the mountain park ticket (100RMB+ 20 RMB shuttle) 📸 Top photo spots: Mirror Pool’s reflection deck / Travertine terraces / Jade Liquid Lake with mountain backdrop ⚠️ At ~3,000m altitude, move slowly to avoid altitude sickness; preserve the ecosystem—no touching the water!