Five Color Lake Guide
A Kaleidoscope of Colors: Discover the Mystical Five Color Lake Guide
Five Color Lake, also known as Wuse Hai, is a stunning alpine lake nestled within the Yading Nature Reserve in Daocheng County, Sichuan Province, China. This sacred lake is renowned for its vibrant and ever-changing colors, which shift depending on the angle of the sunlight and the surrounding environment. It's a challenging but rewarding hike to reach the lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The lake's name, "Five Color Lake," reflects the diverse hues that can be observed in its waters. These colors are attributed to the varying mineral content and the reflection of the surrounding landscape. The lake is considered sacred by the local Tibetan people, who believe it possesses mystical powers. Prayer flags adorn the surrounding area, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. The lake sits at a high altitude, requiring visitors to acclimatize to the thin air before attempting the hike. The primary activity at Five Color Lake is hiking and enjoying the stunning scenery. The hike to the lake is challenging, involving steep climbs and uneven terrain. It's essential to be in good physical condition and to take necessary precautions, such as drinking plenty of water and wearing appropriate clothing. The views from the lake are well worth the effort, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and pristine valleys. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with the lake, visitors can enjoy Tibetan and Sichuanese cuisine in Daocheng before or after their hike.
Transportation
To reach Five Color Lake, you first need to get to Yading Village within the Yading Nature Reserve. From Daocheng, you can take a bus or hire a private car to the Yading scenic area entrance. From the entrance, you'll need to take a park bus to Longtongba. From Longtongba, you can either hike or take an electric cart to Chonggu Temple. From Chonggu Temple, it's a challenging uphill hike of several hours to reach Five Color Lake. Consider hiring a local guide for assistance.