Blue Moon Valley scenic area, also called Shika Snow Mountain area, is located in the southwestern Shangri-La (Zhongdian), about 7km away from
Shangril-La county with about 15 min driving. Cable in this attraction has began to serve since 2006. With a 4,190-meter-long, this cable is the longest one in
Yunnan Province. People can get to the peak (4,000 meters above the sea level) from the foot of the mountain (3,270 meters above the sea level). When standing on the peak, people can have a view of
Meili Snow Mountain,
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, as well as snow mountains in Daocheng,
Sichuan. In this area, with the diverse combination of multi-elementary features, including snow peaks, forests, flowers, gorges, meadows, lakes and caves, it is highly appreciated for its sightseeing availability. Within the entire landscape, it has different landscape categories, namely,
► Sum and the Moon Platform Landscape Area,
► Rhododendrons Landscape Area
► Migratory Birds Appreciation Area
► Lingxi Lake Landscape Area
► Ancient Gold Mine Landscape Area
► Folklore Village Landscape Area
► Death Valley Landscape Area Facilities in this attraction ensure visitors to experience activities such as scientific investigation, adventure exploration, holiday and resort.
Legend of Shika Snow Mountain
Shika is a Tibetan word (Shangri-la dialect) meaning a mountain abounding in deer. It is said when Sakyamuni began to preach Buddhism in the Deer Park, two deer listened to him attentively in knee-down posture. Therefore, deer stands for common people and is regarded as mascots in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the symbol of longevity and strict adherence to dharma. In history, this lofty mountain stood between two important cities of Shengchuan Prefecture of Tubo Kingdom: Dukezong in the east and Tacheng in the west. Therefore, the mountain was the pass connecting Tubo and Nanzhao Kingdom in Dali. It was the first Tibetan sacred mountain along the Ancient Tea and Horse Road and enjoyed high prestige among Buddhist pilgrims in West Yunnan.