Nestled in Lijiang City on the Chinese mainland, Yunnan Province’s Blue Moon Valley has emerged as a breathtaking natural wonder this December, captivating travelers and photographers alike. The valley’s turquoise waters, framed by snow-dusted peaks and evergreen forests, shimmer under the winter sun like a ‘sapphire necklace’ – a poetic comparison shared by local guides.
As 2025 draws to a close, the crystal-clear lake reveals its white limestone bed through translucent waters, creating striking visual contrasts that have gone viral on social travel forums. ‘This isn’t just scenery – it’s geological poetry,’ remarked a Beijing-based environmental scientist studying the area’s unique karst formations.
With New Year’s celebrations approaching, tourism officials report increased interest in Yunnan’s winter destinations. The valley’s accessibility – just 15 km from Lijiang’s UNESCO-listed Old Town – positions it as both a day-trip highlight and a serene counterpoint to urban festivities.
For global investors eyeing China’s domestic tourism rebound, developments like improved high-speed rail links to Yunnan signal growing opportunities. Meanwhile, diaspora communities find connection through such landmarks, with WeChat groups buzzing about ‘healing journeys’ to ancestral landscapes.
Reference(s):
Live: Meet a hidden 'sapphire' in Yunnan – the Blue Moon Valley
cgtn.com








