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Huahu Lake, located along National Highway 213 between Ruoergai, Sichuan, and Langmusi, Gansu, is a natural lake on the Reerba Grassland. Reerba is my country's second-largest grassland after Hulunbuir, at an altitude of 3,468 meters. May and June are the perfect time to see Huahu Lake. The lakeside is ablaze with colors, resembling clouds, while the lake itself is filled with vibrant flowers, resembling water nymphs. These seemingly ordinary plants, however, turn a pale lotus hue in the abundant rain of August, tinting the pure blue waters a faint lotus hue that alternates between deep and shallow, like the blush of a young girl in reverie.
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.
Huahu Lake is a prime habitat for numerous wild birds, home to rare species such as ruddy shelducks, greylag geese, coots, and swans. A viewing platform extends into the lake, where you can stroll to the pavilion to watch the rippling waters, listen to the birdsong, and experience the vastness of the lake in solitude. Swans, black-necked and red-crowned cranes, Tibetan mandarin ducks, terns, vultures, eagles, marmots, foxes, steppe pikas, and many other wildlife unique to alpine wetlands thrive and thrive here.
Tickets: 75.00 yuan, transportation: 30 yuan, insurance: 5 yuan
All day
Flower Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. It is known for its seasonal wildflowers that create a vibrant natural landscape and is a significant ecological area for local flora and fauna.
Located in Sichuan province, within Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Visitors usually reach the area by car or guided tour from nearby towns such as Ruoergai or Songpan. Public transport is limited, so hiring a taxi or joining a tour is recommended.
The lake is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is late June to September when the wildflowers are in full bloom and weather is milder.
There may be a small local entrance fee (approx. ¥50–¥100). Tickets are typically purchased on-site; online booking is rare.
Advance booking is generally not required unless visiting with a guided tour, in which case booking a few days ahead is advised.
2–4 hours is usually sufficient for walking around the lake and enjoying nearby trails. Half to a full day is recommended if combining hiking and photography.
Guided tours are available mostly in Chinese; private guides in English may be arranged through local travel agencies.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the lakeshore clockwise to capture the full scenery, then take nearby trails to elevated viewpoints for panoramic photography.
Night visits are not recommended due to limited lighting and high-altitude conditions. Special tours during wildflower season may be offered by local agencies.
The lake is moderately visited, peaking during July and August. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Basic facilities may be available at the main entrance. Limited food stalls and rest areas; carry your own water and snacks.
The walking paths are uneven and may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the lake but should be supervised.
Cash is recommended for entrance fees and local vendors. Mobile payments may be accepted at some larger stalls, but not guaranteed.
Few small local restaurants near the entrance serve Tibetan-style cuisine. No cafes inside the lake area.
Vegetarian options may be available in Tibetan-style restaurants. Vegan or halal options are limited.
Small souvenir stalls may sell local handicrafts, Tibetan prayer flags, and simple crafts near the entrance.
Return by car or taxi to nearby towns. Local tours can provide transport to other scenic spots in Aba Prefecture. Public buses are limited.
