Rhino Lake

犀牛海

Rhinoceros Lake is the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley. Every morning, when the mist clears, the reflections of the clouds are so ethereal and real that it's hard to tell which is sky and which is sea. The colorful foliage surrounding the lakeshore is also vibrant and diverse, surpassing all others in its beauty. Rhinoceros Lake boasts a vast expanse, with lush reeds at the northern end and forests and silver waterfalls at the southern exit, all encompassed by a vast expanse of intoxicating blue. The breathtaking scenery of Rhinoceros Lake is a truly captivating experience.
Legend has it that in ancient times, a seriously ill and dying Tibetan lama rode a rhinoceros to this lake. After drinking the lake water, his illness miraculously healed. The lama drank the water day and night, reluctant to leave. Finally, he rode the rhinoceros into the lake and settled there permanently. This lake was named Rhinoceros Lake.

Attractions Location: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Shuzhenggou), Zhangza Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province

Tickets:
Included in the Jiuzhaigou scenic area ticket

Opening hours:
08:00-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0837-7739309

Transportation:
The scenic area can be reached on foot

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Rhino Lake tours

1-Day Itinerary: Explore Jiuzhaigou Rhino Lake

Spend a day visiting Rhino Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and take photos.

  • Morning: Arrive at Jiuzhaigou National Park entrance by taxi or shuttle bus from Jiuzhaigou town (~30 minutes).
  • Take the park shuttle bus to Rhino Lake stop.
  • Explore Rhino Lake and surrounding trails, enjoy lakeside views and wildlife spotting.
  • Return to the park exit by shuttle bus in the afternoon.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Jiuzhaigou town. Try local Tibetan cuisine like yak meat and barley wine, or Sichuan spicy dishes.

Souvenirs: Tibetan handicrafts, local honey, herbal teas, and wooden carvings.


2-Day Itinerary: Rhino Lake & Jiuzhaigou Scenic Highlights

Combine Rhino Lake with other famous Jiuzhaigou sites such as Five Flower Lake and Pearl Beach for a fuller park experience.

  • Day 1: Visit Rhino Lake and hike nearby trails.
  • Day 2: Take shuttle buses to Five Flower Lake, Pearl Beach, and Nuorilang Waterfall.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in local hotels or guesthouses in Jiuzhaigou town. Enjoy Tibetan butter tea and local Sichuan hotpot.

Souvenirs: Tibetan prayer beads, handwoven scarves, and local dried fruits.


3-Day Itinerary: Jiuzhaigou Nature & Culture

Explore Rhino Lake, major Jiuzhaigou lakes and waterfalls, and get a taste of Tibetan culture.

  • Days 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Visit Shuzheng Village, explore Tibetan markets, and enjoy cultural performances. Travel by taxi or local bus (~20 minutes).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Tibetan-style guesthouses. Sample yak cheese, Tibetan noodles, and butter tea.

Souvenirs: Tibetan jewelry, prayer wheels, woven textiles.


4-Day Itinerary: In-depth Jiuzhaigou & Surroundings

Explore the full breadth of Jiuzhaigou’s landscapes including Rhino Lake, and take a day to visit nearby Huanglong Scenic Area.

  • Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4: Day trip to Huanglong Scenic Area (about 2-3 hours by taxi or car each way).

Accommodation/Food: Comfortable hotels in Jiuzhaigou town. Try local specialties including yak meat stew and Tibetan bread.

Souvenirs: Tibetan prayer flags, natural mineral water, and handcrafted wooden items.


5-Day Itinerary: Jiuzhaigou & Aba Tibetan Cultural Tour

Extend your trip to explore Aba Tibetan culture alongside Jiuzhaigou’s natural beauty including Rhino Lake.

  • Days 1-4: Follow the 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5: Visit Aba city to see monasteries, markets, and local crafts (around 2 hours from Jiuzhaigou by car).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Jiuzhaigou or Aba city guesthouses. Enjoy Tibetan specialties and Sichuan cuisine.

Souvenirs: Monastery prayer beads, Tibetan hats, and handwoven textiles.


6-Day Itinerary: Full Jiuzhaigou Immersion

Spend ample time visiting all key Jiuzhaigou spots including Rhino Lake, lakes, waterfalls, Tibetan villages, and nearby Huanglong.

  • Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6: Leisure day for revisiting favorite places or enjoying local hot springs and cultural shows.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Jiuzhaigou town. Try yak yogurt, Tibetan butter tea, and local vegetable dishes.

Souvenirs: Tibetan silverware, herbal teas, and traditional musical instruments.


7-Day Itinerary: Jiuzhaigou & Regional Exploration

A comprehensive week exploring Rhino Lake, entire Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Tibetan culture in villages, and additional regional highlights.

  • Days 1-6: Follow the 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Visit nearby natural hot springs or take a short hike to lesser-known spots within Jiuzhaigou National Park.

Accommodation/Food: Comfortable hotels or traditional Tibetan guesthouses in Jiuzhaigou. Mix of Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine recommended.

Souvenirs: Handcrafted Tibetan jewelry, yak wool products, prayer beads, and local herbal products.


User Reviews

By cherry |

The Rhino Lake we saw was so quiet, without a trace of wind. At this time, the Rhino Lake looked more like a mirror, with the lake surface reflecting the sky and everything around it like a mirror. Choosing to walk on the tree-lined plank road also has its disadvantages, because it is close to the original forest. Where there are lakes, there are also original shrubs blocking the view, so we can't see the full view of the lake. But under the scorching sun, this is the best choice.

By hyydr |

Rhino Lake is Jiuzhaigou's second largest lake, and its reflections are unmatched by any other sea. Every morning, as the mist clears, the reflections of the clouds appear both illusory and real, while the colorful leaves surrounding the shore are vibrant and vibrant, surpassing all others in their beauty.

By scholar's spirit |

They say that after visiting Jiuzhaigou, you won’t want to see water. The most amazing thing about Jiuzhaigou is its water. When I reached Laohuhai, I believed it. When there is no wind, the water in Jiuzhaigou is as still as a mirror and full of colors.

By sockmai |

Arriving at Rhino Lake, I have to say this: there are no rhinos in Rhino Lake, and no tigers in Tiger Lake. But the calm and profound nature of Rhino Lake and the vibrant colors of Tiger Lake make the names seem quite fitting. While at Rhino Lake, the warm sunshine suddenly made me want to leave, so I sat on the railing, enjoying the breeze, the sun, and the view. The inky blue of Rhino Lake is almost black, but it's my favorite color. The breeze, the sun, and the inky Rhino Lake—they all cleverly formed dark ripples shimmering with golden light. It made me even more lazy, unable to move.

By mud sauce |

Rhino Lake seems to have gotten its name because its shape resembles a rhinoceros when viewed from above. It is not the highlight of the scenic area, so friends who are short on time can skip it.

By fincen |

It has the width of Changhai and the tranquility of Mirror Sea. It is the same as Mirror Sea. It is best to come here at 8 o'clock in the morning. The calm water surface is like a mirror. Unfortunately, time is limited. Most people will choose to go to Mirror Sea at this time.

By babyyang |

Rhino Lake is one of the lakes with the most varied scenery in Jiuzhaigou. It is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, and its reflections are almost the best among all the lakes. Every morning when the mist clears, the reflections of the clouds are so illusory and real that it is hard to tell where the sky is and where the sea is. The colorful leaves around the lakeshore are also bright and colorful, the most gorgeous among all the flowers. Rhino Lake has a vast water area. At the end of the north bank is a lush reed bed, and at the exit of the south bank are both woods and silver waterfalls, with a large expanse of intoxicating blue lake in the middle. The beautiful scenery of Rhino Lake will make visitors linger.

By Big Bad Wolf |

The largest lake in Shuzhenggou, Rhino Lake, has a vast expanse of water. The northern end of the lake is lined with lush reeds, while the southern exit is bordered by trees and silver waterfalls, with a vast expanse of intoxicatingly blue water in the middle.

By Li travels all over the world |

Rhino Lake is a natural lake approximately 2.2 kilometers long, 17 meters deep, and located at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Its deepest point reaches over 40 meters. It is the largest lake in Shuzhenggou. A trestle bridge connects the southern end of Rhino Lake to the other side. Legend has it that in ancient times, a seriously ill and dying Tibetan lama rode a rhinoceros to this lake. After drinking the lake's water, his illness miraculously healed. He continued to drink the water day and night, unwilling to leave. Eventually, he rode his rhinoceros into the lake and settled there permanently. This lake became known as Rhino Lake. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see the rhinoceros faintly visible on the seabed.

By Mars User |

Very blue and beautiful, walking on the plank road is more interesting, the water is calm

By Xiaolian |

I walked into the small trail of Rhino Lake. There were no people here, only the sound of birds singing. New branches grew on the tree trunks leaning over the lake. The mountains and clouds were reflected in the water, which was perfectly symmetrical. Among the clouds in the distance, the green snow-capped mountains revealed their faces.

By Eat well |

Nice~ Beautiful scenery, walking and strolling leisurely

By |

The scenery of the Rhino Sea is pretty good.

Very fresh

By Fan Baibin 373 |

When I arrived at Rhino Sea, I was already at the stage of visual fatigue. Everything I saw looked the same, and I felt sleepy. Hahaha

By Miao |

The lake is calm, and the mountains extend right into the water, making it a great place to take photos.

By Jenny |

Rhino Lake is the largest lake in Shuzhenggou and a unique scenic spot. The transportation is quite bumpy and inconvenient, but the scenery is stunning and relaxing. It's a great place for one or two people to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery.

By smile |

Jiuzhaigou is so beautiful that it is worth a second visit.

By Winter velvet flowers |

The scenery is indeed beautiful. Jiuzhaigou is all about seeing the water.

By Maomao's Little Life |

After waiting in line for a long time at the entrance, I finally got in. The sky in Jiuzhaigou was beautiful early in the morning.

By Yuka Shimizu |

I met it on the way back, it looked very beautiful!

By Sea-Cyan |

Every shot is beautiful, and blue is my favorite color.

By Stone as Pure as Pristine Jade |

Jiuzhaigou's second-largest lake, second only to Changhai Lake, is located upstream of Shuzheng Valley and the first downstream of Nuorilang Waterfall. Local Tibetan herders once grazed yaks near the lake, but later returned the area to forest. Some say it's shaped like a rhinoceros, while others say a seriously ill monk rode a rhinoceros to the lake, was cured by a nearby sacred spring, and left the rhinoceros to guard it. The vast, tranquil waters reflect the distinct green layers of the mountains and forests. It's here that the magical waters of Jiuzhaigou begin to emerge.

By Mu Ziying |

Compared to the green of the lake above, the Rhino Lake is more blue, which is a color I love very much. It is very pleasant to walk here.

By It's okay to cough |

I particularly like the reflection of Rhino Sea. I was deeply attracted when I passed by it by car on the first day. However, when we arrived at the scenic spot, there was wind on the water surface and we couldn’t take pictures of the reflection! I feel that the reflection of Rhino Sea is much more beautiful than that of Mirror Sea!

By make a sightseeing tour |

Rhino Lake is located in Shuzheng Valley, the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou.

By His Royal Highness Wang Jiuye |

Rhino Lake is a little over a kilometer downriver from Nuorilang Waterfall. You can take a car, but if you have time, walking is recommended. There are many beautiful sights along the way. Every lake in Jiuzhaigou is worth savoring, and the vastness of Rhino Lake is truly captivating. Indescribable beauty flows through my heart, and every lake lived up to my expectations, making me thankful for my winter trip to Jiuzhaigou.

By Autumn Shadow |

It is the largest lake in Shuzhenggou. The reflection of the mountains in the water is magnificent.

By Vivian |

There's an interesting water-flowing prayer wheel on the shore of Rhino Sea. It uses the flowing water to spin the prayer wheel, which is used for blessing. Going to Rhino Sea in the morning will be less crowded.

By Chubby |

Rhino Lake, located within Jiuzhaigou Valley, is a natural lake approximately 2.2 kilometers long and 17 meters deep. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters, its deepest point reaches over 40 meters. It is the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley, and a trestle bridge connects the southern end of Rhino Lake to the other side.

By Mars User |

Many Jiuzhaigou locals claim the reflections at Rhino Lake are just as impressive as those at Mirror Lake. Rhino Lake is quite large, and the plank roads on either side offer plenty of angles for viewing the reflections—it just depends on your ability to find them. I circled Rhino Lake several times, both early morning and midday, and it was truly quite impressive.

By Fish |

Rhino Lake is the largest lake in Shuzhenggou. At its southern end, a trestle bridge connects to a forest path on the opposite bank. When the wind is calm, it's a great place to admire the reflections on the lake.

If you come in autumn, it’s the best!

By Cappuccino |

Rhino Lake is 2,301 meters above sea level, 2,000 meters long, 216-225 meters wide, and 17 meters deep, with a reservoir capacity of 3.4 million cubic meters. Legend has it that in ancient times, a seriously ill and dying Tibetan lama rode a rhinoceros to this lake. After drinking the lake's water, his illness miraculously healed. The lama continued to drink the water day and night, unwilling to leave. Eventually, he rode his rhinoceros into the lake and settled there permanently. This lake became known as Rhino Lake.

Because I just took a picture of the reflection in Mirror Sea, the difference in Rhino Sea was not big, so I didn't take any pictures. Continuing down, there is a large stream, and the stream flows around the trees, which is very beautiful.

By Rabbit |

Open water surface, where you can see the reflection, it is better to choose a windless morning

By Tyreke |

It's okay, the water color is nice, but other than that there are not many features.

By Pirate ambitions |

The lake is very big, so it’s best to go there in the afternoon. If you go there too late, the sun will set on the other side of the mountain.

By Little lemon ing~ |

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, even in winter, I can’t resist its beauty.

By banana2028 |

The Rhino Sea is very wide, and the light green water converges together to reflect the same blue as the sea.

By Dugu Xiaoxiaopei |

The water here contains minerals that make it particularly charming. If you stare closely at the water surface, you will experience hallucinations.

By sunny |

It is also a place to appreciate the reflection. The calm lake reflects the mountains in the water, which is both real and illusory, making up for the regret of the mirror sea.

By I Walk Alone Through the Mountains |

In the morning, you can see the distant mountains covered with a layer of mist. Near noon, the mist recedes and the mountain tops emerge, and the reflections in the water are very beautiful.

By Love Yu |

A big lake, I didn’t miss it much...

By Tony |

It's beautiful. We walked from here towards the gully entrance. It was very quiet, with few people around. This morning, when we took the shuttle bus into the gully, we saw the snow-capped mountains in the distance, paired with this vast lake. It was absolutely beautiful, though unfortunately we couldn't take photos from the bus. In the afternoon, when we left the gully, it was cloudy, so we couldn't see the snow-capped mountains in the distance, which was a bit disappointing.

By Happy Ranger |

Rhino Lake is a natural lake approximately 2.2 kilometers long, 17 meters deep, and located at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Its deepest point reaches over 40 meters. It is the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley. A trestle bridge connects the southern end of Rhino Lake to the other side. Rhino Lake offers one of the most varied scenery in Jiuzhaigou. It is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, and its reflections are almost unmatched by any other lake. Rhino Lake boasts a vast expanse, with lush reeds at the northern end and forests and a silver waterfall at the southern end, with a vast expanse of intoxicating blue water in the middle.

By kakyoin |

Rhino Sea~~ The clear and transparent water makes people feel refreshed

By Azhe |

We will pass by on the way back from Nuorilang, and it feels like it’s not the time to shine yet.

By Home Girl-t1ng |

Well, it's very quiet here. There were very few people here when we went, so it was nice to take pictures. It's mainly a very peaceful feeling.

By LOOKING NATRE |

Rhino Sea, doesn't it look more like a paradise on earth, quiet and peaceful?

By A gray rabbit 🐰 |

The last stop. I can’t walk any more. I’ll take a break, eat some cookies and go back.

By Qingxin Candy💋 |

Rhino Lake is 2,301 meters above sea level, 2,000 meters long, 216-225 meters wide, and 17 meters deep, with a reservoir capacity of 3.4 million cubic meters. A glacially dammed lake, its water level remains stable year-round, and its reflections are even more stunning than the actual scenery.

By Monica |

The colorful water has different colors when you see it from different angles. I was really conquered by the colorful water.

By Bo Yisheng |

Actually, I uploaded Wolonghai. I didn't go to Rhinohai for some reason. I really recommend you to go to Wolonghai.

By My name is Shishui, okay? |

The photography skills are poor and there are a lot of people. I don’t feel amazing, but overall it’s good.

By 🌙moon🌙 |

Rhino Lake is one of Jiuzhaigou's most diverse lakes and the second largest in the area. Approximately 2 kilometers long and 18 meters deep, it sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Its reflections are unparalleled among all the other lakes. Every morning, as the mist clears, the reflections create a surreal illusion, blurring the lines between sky and sea. The vibrant foliage surrounding the lake's shores is dazzling, surpassing all others in its beauty. Rhino Lake boasts a vast expanse of water, its northern shore bordered by lush reeds, while its southern entrance offers a blend of forests and a silver waterfall, with a breathtaking expanse of blue water in the center. The breathtaking scenery of Rhino Lake is truly captivating. Legend has it that in ancient times, a gravely ill and dying Tibetan lama arrived here on the back of a rhinoceros. After drinking the lake's water, he miraculously recovered. To express his gratitude, the lama left the rhinoceros to guard the lake, and the lake became known as Rhino Lake.

By tears |

The sightseeing bus arrives at the Rhino Sea.

By wn196111 |

It's so beautiful! Every vantage point offers breathtaking views. I spent two days in the ditch and still haven't seen it all. I'll definitely go back when I have time.

By Shi Xiaonvyy |

Coming down from the Nuorilang Waterfall at the intersection of three points, the first stop of the car was Rhino Lake. Rhino Lake was the place where we stayed the longest besides Wuhua Lake. There were fewer people on the small path to Rhino Lake, unlike Wuhua Lake, Jianzhu Lake and other places above which were crowded with people. Walking on the road and admiring Rhino Lake was really sparkling and special in beauty. It was not until we arrived in Jiuzhaigou that we found that no gorgeous words could express the beauty of Jiuzhaigou.

By Lutu Travel Diary |

Rhino Sea, a great place with lots of scenery.

By Mr. Xiaoyao |

Walk from Shuzheng Waterfall to Rhino Lake, where the lake is crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, which is very pleasant.

By wzp |

Rhinoceros Lake is the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley. Every morning, when the mist clears, the reflections of the clouds are so ethereal and real that it's hard to tell which is sky and which is sea. The colorful foliage surrounding the lakeshore is also vibrant and diverse, surpassing all others in its beauty. Rhinoceros Lake boasts a vast expanse, with lush reeds at the northern end and forests and a silver waterfall at the southern exit, leaving a vast expanse of intoxicating blue water in between.

By Mumu |

It's very beautiful, even more beautiful than the Mirror Sea. The scenery of the highway plank road and the forest plank road are very beautiful.

By Yuri |

Each lake is unique, and the legend about Rhino Lake also adds a lot of color to it.

By Little Witch Rainy (Leprechaun) |

The color is unique. Unlike the clarity of other lakes, Rhino Lake has a clean and thick feeling, a bit like clean turquoise!

By There is a silent sea in my heart |

It's very beautiful, the beauty that can't be captured by the camera. There were a lot of people walking there after getting off the bus at Shuzheng Village.

By Ah Qi Mama |

To be honest, I have been to almost every scenic spot, but I can't remember or tell which one is worth visiting.

By Ye |

Rhino Lake is located in Jiuzhaigou. The water in Jiuzhaigou is very beautiful and the scenery is everywhere you go.

By vvs_y |

The water surface is like a mirror, and the photo looks like a painting

By A D's little world |

At the first stop in Shuzegou, many tourists did not stop, but the sun was shining brightly that day, and the water level in Rhino Sea remained the same throughout the year, so it looked azure blue and very beautiful.

By Young |

In Shuzhenggou, the altitude is not very high and the water is very clear, which is suitable for a slow swim.

By Cat half-immortal. |

After I came back and sorted through the photos, I really couldn't tell which lake was which or which valley was which. The water in Jiuzhaigou is beautiful. The rocks are beautiful too. I should go see them when they bloom.

By Snacks |

Rhino Lake is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. Even in the cold winter, the lake remains frozen. The azure waters sparkle, and the green trees and mountains are reflected in the lake, like a landscape painting.

By siege |

The blue sea resembles shimmering blue crystal, or even beautiful jade. Just by looking at the lake's hue, one can almost imagine the elegance of a beautiful woman wearing matching earrings. Looking down, the reflections of leaves in the water create a refreshing atmosphere. The beauty of this place is so captivating, it's no wonder it's so often depicted in the works of so many artists.

By Pig who wants to travel with her husband |

It’s very blue, and the tour guide in the scenic area will tell you its story on the bus!

By Drunk alone |

Rhino Lake is a natural lake about 2.2 kilometers long, 17 meters deep, 2,400 meters above sea level, and over 40 meters deep at its deepest point. It is the largest lake in Shuzhenggou.

By There are so many monsters |

Although the scenic area is easily accessible by bus, I strongly recommend walking along the artificial plank road to fully appreciate the charm of Rhino Lake. Because the plank road was not open when I visited in mid-February, I walked along the road. These are the photos taken along the roadside, watching the big trees reflected in the blue water and the mountains reflected in the lake. The wind blowing in your face and the rustling of leaves are also another kind of beauty.

By 13795797020 Travel |

Rhino Lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park boasts one of the most vibrantly colored lakes in the area. It's the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, and its reflections are unparalleled. Every morning, as the mist clears, the reflections—so ethereal yet so real—make it hard to distinguish between sky and sea. The vibrant, vibrant foliage surrounding the lake's shores is unparalleled. Rhino Lake boasts a vast expanse, its northern shore bordered by lush reeds, its southern entrance punctuated by forests and silver waterfalls, and a vast expanse of breathtaking blue waters in between. This expanse of Rhino Lake captivates many visitors to Jiuzhaigou. Come experience this heavenly beauty.


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