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Huohua Lake, also known as the Sparkling Pool, stands at an altitude of 2,187 meters and is nine meters deep. Located between Shuanglong Lake and Wolong Lake in Jiuzhaigou, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, its azure waters are as smooth as a mirror. Surrounded by lush forests, the lake's waters are shrouded in a blanket of emerald green, resembling a shimmering emerald. As the morning mist dissipates and the dawn breaks, the sunlight refracts, creating a scene of flaming sparks, dotting the surface with sparkling, sparkling stars. Hence the name Huohua Lake. If Jiuzhaigou resembles a "Y," Huohua Lake would be the upper half of the vertical line.
However, due to natural evolution, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred in the area at 21:19 on August 8, 2017. Due to the impact of the earthquake, all the water in Sparkling Sea has been lost, which is regrettable!
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Included in the Jiuzhaigou scenic area ticket
Peak season (April 1st to November 15th): Tickets 190 yuan, bus tickets 90 yuan
Off-season (November 16th to March 31st of the following year): Entrance fee 80 yuan, bus ticket 80 yuan
Off-season (November 16th - March 31st of the following year) 08:30-18:00
Peak season (April 1st - November 15th): 07:00-18:00
The Sea of Sparks in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is known for its natural phenomenon where certain bioluminescent organisms, such as fireflies or glowing plants, create a surreal glowing effect over the landscape. The area is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to witness this extraordinary natural spectacle.
The Sea of Sparks is located in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car from Chengdu, which is about 3-4 hours away. Public transportation may be available but is less direct.
The Sea of Sparks is an outdoor natural attraction and can be visited year-round. The best time to visit is during the summer and early autumn months, especially in the evening to experience the glowing effect. The site is open 24 hours, but visiting after dusk will offer the most remarkable experience.
There is no formal entrance fee to the Sea of Sparks itself, as it is a natural site. However, some guided tours or access to surrounding facilities may have a fee, typically ranging from 30-50 CNY. Tickets for tours can be purchased online or at local vendors.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended if you are planning to take a guided tour or visit during peak seasons. A few days’ notice is sufficient for most tours.
You’ll need about 2 to 3 hours to explore the area, particularly if you want to hike or participate in a guided tour. A longer visit is recommended if you plan to camp overnight or fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
The most iconic highlight is the bioluminescent glow that lights up the landscape at night, often visible in certain areas of the forest or meadow. The surrounding natural scenery, including rivers, mountains, and forests, is also a must-see.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and there may be some options for English-speaking guides depending on availability. Audio guides are generally not provided, but local guides can offer detailed explanations of the natural phenomena.
The best viewpoints are generally near the center of the glowing area, where the bioluminescence is most intense. High ground around the site also provides sweeping views of the surrounding natural beauty and the glowing effect at dusk.
Start with a brief hike to the main viewing area during the day to familiarize yourself with the terrain, then return after dark to experience the glowing effect. A guided tour will typically lead you through the most photogenic areas.
Night visits are the highlight of the Sea of Sparks, as the glowing effect is most visible after dusk. There are no formal light shows, but the natural bioluminescence provides an extraordinary visual experience.
The Sea of Sparks is a relatively remote attraction, so it’s not typically crowded. Weekdays or off-peak seasons are the least crowded times to visit, with fewer visitors during the morning and early afternoon hours before the evening glow begins.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available near the entrance. There are no large restaurants or shops inside the attraction, but small food vendors may be available nearby.
The site involves some walking and hiking on uneven terrain, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors. However, certain areas closer to the entrance may be accessible with assistance.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. It is advisable to bring cash in case mobile payments are not available in remote areas.
There are no significant restaurants or cafes directly inside the Sea of Sparks area, but small local eateries are available nearby in surrounding towns offering traditional Tibetan and Sichuanese cuisine.
Vegetarian food options are typically available in local restaurants. Halal food may be limited, but it’s advisable to check with local restaurants ahead of time for specific dietary requirements.
There are several guesthouses and simple hotels in nearby towns, such as Maoxian or other villages in Aba Prefecture. Some visitors may choose to stay in Chengdu and visit the Sea of Sparks as a day trip.
Nearby attractions include the scenic areas of the Tibetan Plateau, including the spectacular Xiaojin River and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Combining a visit to the Sea of Sparks with these sites makes for a rich day trip.
Small souvenir shops may be available in the nearby villages, selling local crafts, Tibetan jewelry, and handmade textiles. The Sea of Sparks area itself does not have many souvenir shops.
Taxi or private car is the most convenient way to continue your trip after visiting the Sea of Sparks. Public buses or taxis from nearby towns can take you back to Chengdu or other surrounding attractions.
