Qinghai Lake in Xiangyun County, Dali
Overview
Qinghai Lake (青海湖, Qīnghǎi Hú) in Xiangyun County (祥云县, Xiángyún Xiàn) is different from the famous Qinghai Lake in Qinghai Province (青海省, Qīnghǎi Shěng). This Qinghai Lake is a freshwater lake located 7 kilometers southeast of Xiangyun County, within Shalong Town (沙龙镇, Shālóng Zhèn). In the Yuan Dynasty (元代, Yuándài), it was known as “Qinghu” (青湖, Qīnghú), and during the Qing Dynasty (清代, Qīngdài), it was called “Qinglong Lake” (青龙湖, Qīnglóng Hú). Due to its clear waters year-round, it was later renamed Qinghai Lake.
With the establishment of a national-level water scenic area, the ecological environment of Qinghai Lake has gradually improved. Wild waterfowl such as the red-crowned crane (赤麻鸭, chìmǎyā), the great crested grebe (骨顶鸡, gǔdǐngjī), and the egret (白鹭, báilù) have returned to breed and inhabit this beautiful natural landscape.
Geographic Information
- Chinese Name: 青海湖 (Qīnghǎi Hú)
- English Name: Qinghai Lake
- Location: Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng), Xiangyun County (祥云县, Xiángyún Xiàn)
- Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 09:00-21:00
- Attraction Level: National-level water scenic area
- Area: Approximately 6.3 km² (平方公里)
Notable Attractions
- Qinghai Moonlight (青海月痕, Qīnghǎi Yuèhén)
- Other names: Qinghu (青湖, Qīnghú), Qinglong Lake (青龙湖, Qīnglóng Hú)
Development History
Historically, Qinghai Lake has been known by various names, including Qinghu, Qinglonghai, and Qinghai, reflecting its long-standing reputation for clear waters. Since the Yuan Dynasty, it has been affectionately referred to as “Qinghai Moonlight” (青海月痕, Qīnghǎi Yuèhén), and is one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangyun” (祥云八大景, Xiángyún Bādàjǐng).
Qinghai Lake is situated about 5 kilometers southeast of Xiangyun County. Formed from a natural depression, the lake spans approximately 6.3 square kilometers. Its lower geographical position makes it a critical area for water accumulation, flood control, and drainage.
After the 1950s, frequent land reclamation and pond construction around Qinghai Lake led to a drastic reduction in its area, causing significant ecological damage. During dry years, the lake dried up, depriving nearby villages of water and hindering agricultural activities. Conversely, heavy rains led to flooding disasters.
From 2010 onwards, during the dry seasons, Qinghai Lake often ran dry, with minimal rainfall unable to meet local water needs. To restore the lake’s former beauty, the National Tobacco Monopoly Bureau invested 170 million yuan in water conservancy projects, which included dredging the lakebed and constructing surrounding embankments. As a result, Qinghai Lake has become a tourism and leisure destination, with the scenic hydrological landscape starting to take shape.
Scenic Features
Qinghai Lake is a significant scenic area in Xiangyun County and is known for its high tourism value. At night, visitors can invite friends to enjoy the beauty of “Qinghai Moonlight.” As the moon rises from the east, its gentle reflection dances on the lake’s surface, accompanied by softly swaying green trees along the shore.
In poetic imagery, “The moon above and the moon below; the water and sky blend into one,” creating a picturesque scene that evokes deep emotions. A historical quote from the Qing Dynasty describes Qinghai Lake as: “恍疑龙抱骊珠卧，照映秋林桂子黄” (Huǎng yí lóng bào lí zhū wò, zhàoyìng qiū lín guì zǐ huáng), translating to “It seems like a dragon cradles a pearl, reflecting the golden autumn woods.”
Specialty Products
Qinghai Lake is renowned for its abundance of fish species, including crucian carp (鲫鱼, jìyú), carp (鲤鱼, lǐyú), and green fish (青鱼, qīngyú). It also produces lotus roots (莲藕, lián’ǒu) and reeds (苇, wěi), making it a paradise for aquatic flora and fauna. The lakeside is adorned with lush bamboo and willows, providing a graceful ambiance under the moonlight.
How to Get There
Qinghai Lake can be accessed via local roads from Xiangyun County. Visitors may take buses or taxis from the county seat to reach the lake.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early autumn provide the best weather and scenery.
- Night Visits: Consider visiting at night to enjoy the moonlight reflecting on the lake.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Local Cuisine: Try local specialties at nearby restaurants and enjoy the picturesque setting.
- Respect Nature: Maintain the natural environment by not littering and respecting wildlife.
