Live Your Best Lives
The charming Reer grassland covers an area of 3.2 million mu. Various wild flowers bloom in the dam, accompanied by lush green grass, stretching as far as the eye can see. There are various wild animals in the dam. We are accustomed to calling this 3.2 million mu grassland the Reer Dam. There is a large lake in the dam, which we call "Flower Lake" because of the dense aquatic plants growing in the Flower Lake. In summer, all these aquatic plants will bloom in clusters, which are extremely beautiful. Later, it was named Flower Lake, which is called "Chazabu" in Tibetan.
Zoige County has a plateau cold temperate humid monsoon climate with no summer year-round. The average annual temperature is 1.1°C, and the annual precipitation is 648.5 mm. There is no absolute frost-free period. Rainfall is concentrated from late May to mid-July, with an annual precipitation of 656.8 mm. The average annual relative humidity is 69%. The ground begins to freeze in late September and completely thaws by mid-May, with the maximum permafrost depth reaching 72 cm.
The best time to visit Huahu Lake is in late June and early July. At this time, the lake is sunny, the water is pure and beautiful, and the lakeside is covered with flowers, creating a fairyland. If you go earlier, the flowers will not have fully bloomed, and if you go later, most of them will have faded. In August, the rainy season arrives, the sky becomes dark, the water is calm, and the lake is stripped of its glitz and glamour. While some may appreciate the scenery, many will be disappointed.
2. It is best to pay attention to the weather before going to Huahu Lake. If it rains continuously, part of the road may be washed away and inaccessible.
3. Huahu Lake is located in the Reer Dam, on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The temperature is about 10 degrees lower than that of the plains. Please bring enough warm clothes and keep warm.
Flower Lake
Tickets: 75.00 yuan, transportation: 30 yuan, insurance: 5 yuan
All day
Gers Prairie, located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is significant as part of the Tibetan Plateau, known for its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. The prairie has long been the heartland for Tibetan nomads, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.
Gers Prairie is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. It can be reached by bus from Chengdu to Aba County, followed by a taxi or local transport to the prairie. The area is remote, so renting a car or joining a tour group is recommended.
Gers Prairie is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the warmer months, from May to October, when the weather is mild and the prairie is lush and green. The summer months also feature various cultural festivals and events.
There is no specific entrance fee for Gers Prairie, as it is an open natural area. However, if you are visiting specific monasteries or cultural sites within the prairie, there may be a small fee. Tickets for such attractions can be purchased on-site or through tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required unless you plan to join a specific tour or visit a popular cultural event. For horse racing events or festivals, it is advisable to book a few weeks in advance.
To fully explore Gers Prairie, 1-2 days is recommended, allowing time to visit local villages, enjoy the scenic drives, and participate in activities like horseback riding or photography.
Guided tours are available in English and Mandarin. These tours can be arranged through local hotels or travel agencies. Guides will offer insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.
Start by visiting the Tibetan villages for a cultural immersion, then head towards the scenic viewpoints for photography. Follow this with a horseback ride across the prairie. If time allows, visit the local monasteries to end the day with a spiritual experience.
Night visits are not typical, but the area offers beautiful star-gazing opportunities due to its clear skies. Special tours may be available during the festival season, including cultural performances and horse racing events.
Gers Prairie is not typically crowded, but it can see an influx of tourists during the summer months and during festivals. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or autumn, or during weekdays.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets, small local food stalls, and rest areas. There are no large shops or restaurants, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water.
While Gers Prairie is an outdoor, natural area with limited infrastructure, most of the area can be accessed by elderly visitors and children. However, some parts may be challenging for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain and a lack of ramps or paths.
Cash is widely accepted in the local villages and small stalls. However, credit cards and mobile payments like WeChat Pay are often accepted in larger towns or cities but not in the remote areas of the prairie.
There are no large restaurants inside Gers Prairie, but you will find small local food stalls and eateries offering Tibetan dishes such as yak meat, barley, and butter tea. Larger restaurants can be found in Aba County.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in the form of Tibetan barley dishes and vegetables. However, vegan and halal options are limited in the remote areas. It’s advisable to bring your own food if you have specific dietary needs.
You can buy local handicrafts, including Tibetan carpets, jewelry, and religious items such as prayer beads and Tibetan incense.
After visiting Gers Prairie, you can take a taxi or bus back to Aba County. From there, you can continue your journey to other parts of Sichuan or back to Chengdu by bus or private car.
