The Secret Sapphire of Western Sichuan

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The lake surface is a shattered palette of the sky, and the mountains are witnesses to time standing still.

Transportation Guide

· Self-driving route: Depart from Chengdu, head west along National Highway 318, passing Kangding and Xinduqiao to Batang, then turn onto the Cuopu Valley Scenic Area road (approximately 600 kilometers in total, recommended to split into 2 days)
· Secret entrance: After navigating to "Cuopu Valley Scenic Area," you need to transfer to an eco-friendly vehicle; the final section is a hiking trail that feels like a path to a fairyland

Three Core Experiences
🌊 Watch the lake’s color-changing wonders
The water of Cuopu Lake changes through seven shades of blue with the light—morning shows a misty blue, noon reveals Tiffany blue, and evening deepens into cobalt blue. It is recommended to wait for sunrise at the west side viewing platform; when the first ray of sunlight ignites the snowy mountain peaks and the blue lake surface ripples with golden waves, you will understand the true meaning of "the water’s enchanting color."

🏔️ Hike around the lake to find Zen
Walk slowly along the 3.5-kilometer lakeside boardwalk, where every turn brings a new surprise:

· The meditation cave of Master Padmasambhava on the south shore, with prayer flags chanting in the wind for a thousand years
· Natural hot springs on the north shore, where you can soak your feet in 40°C geothermal pools to relieve fatigue
· Encounter Tibetan antelopes drinking water in the lakeside meadows, their neck bells ringing clear and ethereal

📸 A photographer’s paradise captured in full

· Classic shot: the island in the misty lake center with snowy mountain reflections
· Creative composition: use the Mani stone piles as foreground to enhance depth
· Star photography: at night, the lake reflects the Milky Way; September is the best time for stargazing

Travel Tips

· Best season: June to October annually (avoid the rainy season)
· Essential gear: oxygen tank, sunscreen, windbreaker, hiking shoes
· Accommodation recommendation: Cuopu Valley Tibetan family guesthouse, experience butter tea with barley cakes
· Plateau reminder: avoid washing your hair on the first day, move slowly

When prayer flags chant in the wind and cloud shadows paint on the lake surface, this secluded blue will cleanse all worldly troubles. "Such a scene should only exist in heaven, how fortunate it has fallen to the mortal world"—engrave this beauty deep in your memory, carry the lake’s clarity, and continue your journey to the mountains and seas.