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Mugecuo, also known as the Wild Man Lake, has a lake area of more than 4 square kilometers. It is one of the largest alpine lakes in northwest Sichuan. It is located in the mountains north of Kangding City. It belongs to the Great Snow Mountain Range of the Hengduan Mountain System together with the famous Yala Snow Mountain and Gongga Snow Mountain.
The scenic area covers an area of about 350 square kilometers and consists of six scenic spots: Rhododendron Gorge, Fangcaoping, Seven-Color Sea, Yaochi Boiling Spring, Mugecuo (Wild Man Sea) and Red Sea Grassland. There are many other alpine lakes and hot springs nearby. The primeval forest, grassland and snow-capped mountain landscapes blend with each other.
There are four hot springs in the gully , with the " Medicine Pool " in particular reaching temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius, known for its therapeutic effects on skin and neurological diseases. Diaohaizi (lake) is surrounded by primeval forests and lawns. At one end of the lake, hot springs erupt from the bottom of the lake, mixing with the lake water for bathing.
Mugecuo Lake is a large plateau lake, covering an area of approximately 3 square kilometers and reaching a maximum depth of over 70 meters. The lake is surrounded on three sides by pine, fir, alpine willow, and azalea trees, and on one side it is connected to the vast Tagong grassland.
In summer, Mugecuo is lush and verdant, like a giant piece of jade inlaid at the foot of Paomashan Mountain; in autumn, Mugecuo is vibrant and colorful, like a piece of embroidery in the hands of a goddess. However, when winter arrives, all the colors fade away, and Mugecuo appears at its purest.
Seven-Colored Sea
Mugecuo is the most magical part of the lake, a symbiotic blend of cold and hot springs. To the left of the Seven-Colored Sea, snow-capped peaks tower beneath the azure sky, shimmering in a pure and mysterious light. To the right, underwater springs spit out pearls and jade, while hot mist curls upwards. The harmonious blend of cold and heat echoes like the harmonious and sweet love between the eldest brother Zhang and the eldest sister Li in the poem "Kangding Love Song."
Recommended play time: 3-8 hours
April 1st - November 30th : 105 yuan/person, scenic area sightseeing bus ticket: 90 yuan
December 1st - March 31st of the following year : 75 yuan/person, scenic area sightseeing bus ticket: 90 yuan
April 1st - November 30th : 7:00-16 : 30
December 1st - March 31st : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mugecuo Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, known for its stunning natural scenery and cultural significance to local Tibetan communities. The lake is considered sacred in Tibetan Buddhism and is a center for traditional rituals and pastoral life.
Mugecuo is located near Daocheng County in Sichuan's Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The nearest airport is Daocheng Yading Airport. Visitors typically reach the site by taxi, private car, or organized tour from Daocheng. Public buses are limited in this remote area.
The lake is generally accessible from early morning to late afternoon (around 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM). The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is mild and the lake is clear and colorful.
Entrance fees are moderate and can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Online booking is rarely available; most visitors buy tickets offline.
Advance booking is generally not required, but during peak tourist season (summer months), arranging a guided tour or transport in advance is recommended.
2–3 hours is typically enough to explore the main lake area, nearby trails, and viewpoints.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and English-speaking guides can be arranged through tour operators. Audio guides are generally not available.
Start at the main entrance, walk or take a short hike along the lake shore, explore viewpoints on surrounding hills, visit nearby villages, and finish at scenic picnic spots.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special tours such as photography or cultural experiences may be arranged by local operators.
Mugecuo is usually quiet. Weekdays and the shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) are the least crowded. Summer weekends may see more tourists.
Basic facilities include toilets at the entrance, a few rest areas, and small food stalls nearby. Visitors are advised to bring water and snacks.
The main lake area is accessible with gentle walking paths, but some trails are uneven and may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised near the water.
Cash is preferred for entrance fees and small purchases. Mobile payments are accepted in nearby towns but may not be reliable inside the park.
Restaurants are limited near the lake. Visitors can eat at small local eateries in Daocheng or bring picnic food.
Options are limited; travelers should plan ahead. Some Tibetan vegetarian dishes may be available in local villages.
Accommodations are available in Daocheng County, ranging from guesthouses to small hotels.
Souvenir shops are limited. Typical items include Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and local textiles.
Travelers usually return to Daocheng by taxi or private car and continue to Yading Nature Reserve or other regional attractions by car, bus, or organized tour.
