Travel Guide to Moon Lake in Western Sichuan

Jade green waters nestled in Western Sichuan, with snow-capped mountains and forests reflecting in a celestial mirror. 🌄 Travel Guide to Moon Lake in Western Sichuan ✨ Highlights ​🌲 Pristine Natural Scenery​: Moon Lake is surrounded by virgin forests and alpine meadows. The lake's mesmerizing emerald green color comes from its mineral-rich waters. Grazing cattle and sheep add a touch of pastoral charm to the pure and wild landscape. ​🚣‍♀️ A Hidden Gem with Fewer Crowds​: Compared to other popular destinations in Western Sichuan, Moon Lake is less developed and sees fewer visitors, offering a tranquil and untouched natural atmosphere. ​🏕️ Exceptional Camping Experience​: Camping on the meadows by the lake, stargazing at night, and waking up to morning mist on the lake is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. (Note: A campsite fee of 50 RMB per tent is required.) 📝 Basic Information Details ​📍 Address​: Lianhua Lake Village, Pusharong Township, Kangding City, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province (within Lotus Lake National Forest Park) ​🕒 Opening Hours​: Summer 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Winter 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ​🎫 Ticket Price​: No entrance fee, but an environmental protection fee of 25 RMB per person is required. ​⛰️ Altitude​: Approximately 3,500-3,600 meters ​📅 Best Seasons​​: June to August​: Comfortable summer temperatures with blooming meadows; September to November​: Vibrant autumn colors, perfect for photography. 🗺️ Main Attractions and Activities Moon Lake's beauty is unspoiled and its activities are close to nature. 🚌 Transportation How to Get There ​🚗 Self-Drive (Recommended)​​: Start from Chengdu, take the Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway and Ya'an-Kangding Expressway to Kangding, then follow navigation to Pusharong Township. The total distance is about 350 km, taking 7-8 hours. The last 30 km is a gravel road, so an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Sedans should proceed cautiously. ​🚐 Private/Shared Car​: If self-driving is not an option, you can hire a private car or share a ride from Chengdu or Kangding. Costs range from 1,500 to 3,000 RMB depending on the vehicle type and trip duration, suitable for group travel. ​🚌 Public Transport​: Take a bus from Chengdu's Chadianzi Bus Station to Kangding (about 4 hours, ticket price around 120 RMB), then hire a car from Kangding to Moon Lake (about 300 RMB per trip, 2.5 hours). Internal Transportation There is a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area. From Moon Lake to Lotus Lake, you can either hike or take a local motorcycle taxi (costs around 160-200 RMB per person; it's recommended to negotiate the round-trip time with the driver in advance). 🏨 Accommodation Options Accommodations around Moon Lake are relatively basic, with the following options: ​🏕️ Camping​: Setting up a tent at designated campsites is a great way to immerse yourself in Moon Lake's beauty. A campsite fee of 50 RMB per tent is required. Be sure to prepare for cold weather. ​🏠 Xinduqiao Town​: Offers more developed lodging options but is a drive away from Moon Lake. ​🏡 Pusharong Township or Kangding City​: Staying in the township or returning to Kangding City provides more choices but requires additional travel. 🍜 Food Recommendations Dining options within and around Moon Lake are limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks, dry food, and drinking water. ​🥘 Tibetan Cuisine​: If possible, try the local yak meat hotpot, which is flavorful and hearty, perfect for replenishing energy and keeping warm. ​🍶 Specialty Drinks​: Tibetan yogurt is rich and tangy, while butter tea, a traditional local drink, helps with high-altitude adaptation. 💡 Practical Tips ​👕 Clothing​: The high-altitude region has significant temperature differences between day and night and unpredictable weather. Regardless of the season, bring windproof and warm clothing (e.g., windbreakers, fleece jackets, light down jackets). Even in summer, warm clothing is necessary. ​⚠️ Altitude Sickness Prevention​: Moon Lake is at an altitude of about 3,500-3,600 meters. Consider taking Rhodiola supplements in advance, avoid strenuous activities, and ensure adequate rest. Portable oxygen bottles and glucose solutions can help alleviate discomfort. ​🌞 Sun Protection​: The UV rays are strong at high altitudes. Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential. ​📶 Signal and Facilities​: Mobile signal is weak at Moon Lake. Toilets are basic pit toilets, so be prepared. ​🙏 Environmental Awareness​: Please protect the environment by taking all your trash with you, avoiding damage to vegetation, and not disturbing wildlife. ​🗺️ Itinerary Planning​: Moon Lake is located in Western Sichuan, near other attractions like Xinduqiao, Tagong Grassland, and Lenggacuo. Consider combining these destinations for a comprehensive trip. 💎 Summary Moon Lake in Western Sichuan is a hidden gem perfect for slowing down and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Its charm lies in its pristine and tranquil environment, inviting you to experience it with your heart. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip to Moon Lake!