Alpine Lakes in Biluo Snow Mountain in Fugong County, Nujiang
Overview
The Nujiang Grand Canyon (怒江大峡谷) is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province (云南省), nestled between Gaoligong Mountain (高黎贡山) and Biluo Snow Mountain (碧罗雪山). It forms the core of the “Three Parallel Rivers” (三江并流) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to economic and social development constraints, many stunning scenic spots hidden within the Nujiang Grand Canyon remain unknown to the world. Among these is the Dayu Alpine Lake Cluster (达友高山湖泊群) in Shapa Town (上帕镇), Fugong County (福贡县), which is part of the Lao Woshan (老窝山) area, one of the eight major zones of the “Three Parallel Rivers.” Below, I recommend the beautiful scenery of Dayu Alpine Lake based on my experience participating in the Dayu Alpine Lake event during the Dragon Boat Festival in 2015.
In Fugong County, Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain are home to numerous alpine lakes formed by the melting snow. Among them, the most beautiful is Dapuluo’s Alpine Lake (达朴洛的高山湖).
Dapuluo Alpine Lake
Locally known as “Sireyi Bi” (思热衣比), Dapuluo Alpine Lake is situated between the peaks of Biluo Snow Mountain at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The lake features crystal-clear waters and sweet-tasting water. Surrounding the lake are rare trees such as spruce and fir, which grow tall and elegant. The shimmering lake reflects the snowy peaks, creating a mesmerizing scene. In spring, the wildflowers bloom along the shores, and rhododendrons (杜鹃) burst into color, making it an ideal spot for tourism, exploration, and summer relaxation.
Scenic Features
The towering mountains of Gaoligong and Biluo are filled with a multitude of glacial lakes that are beautiful and mysterious. The natural ecology remains pristine, with forests of arrow bamboo (箭竹) and wild rhododendrons covering the slopes. In May and June, the mountains are adorned with vibrant flowers, making it a prime destination for adventure tourism. Notable lakes include Zhaliyi Lubi Lake (扎利依泸比湖), Muge Lake (木格湖), and Enreyibi Lake (恩热依比湖).
Biluo Snow Mountain Scenic Area
Biluo Snow Mountain is home to countless alpine lakes and primitive forest landscapes, serving as both natural reservoirs and tourist attractions.
The heart of Biluo Snow Mountain contains numerous high-altitude ice lakes, most of which are situated above 3,500 meters, with the highest nearing 4,000 meters, making them seldom visited. As spring transitions into summer, temperatures rise, melting the snow and revealing a stunning sea of flowers. The clear lake waters reflect the vast, untouched forests and open blue skies. A distinctive feature is the alpine rhododendrons, which grow densely and bloom even while remnants of snow cling to their branches, creating a fiery spectacle.
The best time for mountain climbing is between April and October, when locals harvest medicinal herbs, gather orchids, and fish for snow trout. The mountains are rich in precious medicinal materials such as cordyceps (虫草), fritillaria (贝母), ganoderma (灵芝), cicada flowers (蝉花), and yellow lotus (黄莲). This season is also a prime habitat for wildlife, which gathers here in droves during spring to feed, drink, and reproduce.
While there is no exact count of the numerous alpine lakes, locals will tell you that there are many yet to be discovered and named. Some of the larger lakes include Lao Woshan Sacred Lake (老窝山圣湖), Xixin Lake (洗心湖), Rhododendron Lake (杜鹃湖), Red Maple Lake (红枫湖), Xitian Lake (洗天湖), Yushui Lake (玉水湖), and Honghua Lake (红花湖). Due to the rugged terrain, few have traversed these areas, leaving many lakes still unnamed.
Additional Lakes in Fugong
In Fugong County, the Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain areas feature dozens of alpine lakes formed from melting snow. Among these, Dapuluo Alpine Lake is considered the most beautiful.
Glacial Lakes
The glacial lakes are a result of Quaternary glacial activity over two million years ago, situated at an altitude of 1,980 meters. Shaped like a crescent, it is one of the world’s renowned alpine lakes and was listed as a key national scenic spot in 1982.
Lawuya Waterfall
Lawu (腊乌) is a name derived from the Nu (怒) ethnic group, named after the first cultivators in the area. Lawuya Waterfall is one of the impressive waterfalls in Fugong County.
Qilian Lake
Qilian Lake (七莲湖), located above 3,500 meters on both sides of the Nujiang River, is also known as “Charming Lake.”
Travel Itinerary
On June 20, a group of 22 like-minded hikers gathered at the Aduo Diqiao field in Dayu Village (达友村).
- 8:25 AM: Group gathering
- 8:45 AM: Entrance to Dayu Village Water Ditch, total length of 4.58 kilometers
- 9:00 AM: Scenic views along the water ditch
- 9:32 AM: Rest after completing the water ditch
- 10:15 AM: Trekking through the primitive forest
- 1:37 PM: Climbing over the pass in the rain, onto a flat road
- 3:57 PM: Arrival at Gandi Yibi (干地依比), the first lake, at an altitude of 3,580 meters
- 4:19 PM: Camping area reached; dinner preparation begins
- 8:30 PM: Dragon Boat Festival bonfire party by the lake
On June 21:
- 7:40 AM: Breakfast, then onward to the second and third lakes
- 9:15 AM: Arrival at Enreyibi Lake (恩热依比湖), the second lake, at an altitude of 3,780 meters, surrounded by rhododendrons
- 10:20 AM: Biluo Snow Mountain Pass (碧罗雪山丫口) at 4,228 meters, where villagers from Weixi (维西) were encountered
Getting There
To reach the Dapuluo Alpine Lake Cluster in Fugong County, you can take a bus or drive from Liuku City (六库) to Dayu Village (达友村), which is approximately a 40-minute journey. The route to the alpine lakes follows the ancient Salt Horse Road (盐马古道), leading to Lanping County (兰坪县) and Weixi County (维西县).
Travel Tips
- Altitude Awareness: Be prepared for high altitudes and take time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
- Best Time to Visit: The optimal time for visits is from April to October when the weather is milder.
- Proper Gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring layers to accommodate varying temperatures, especially in the mountains.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially when interacting with the Nu and Lisu communities.
- Leave No Trace: Follow environmental guidelines to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the region’s culture and ecology.
Visiting the alpine lakes in the Biluo Snow Mountain area offers a unique blend of stunning natural scenery and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-see destination.
