Sister Lake

Sister Lakes, the jewel of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet line. Sister Lakes, a dazzling jewel on the Sichuan-Tibet line, is really beautiful, located between Litang and Batang. This is not a scenic area, there is no entrance fee, the most important thing is that you don't have to take the endless scenic area bus. It is on the 318 highway from Litang to Batang, basically everyone who passes by will stop and take in the beautiful scenery. ~ Navigation location: Sister Lakes viewing platform Altitude: 4500 meters The viewing platform is in a relatively high place, with a good view, you can take a panoramic view. After taking pictures, there will be another viewing spot on the right side of the downhill road, which is relatively closer, and it says 'Batang Sister Lakes National Wetland Park'. The terrain of Sister Lakes is more suitable for drone shooting, very wide, with snow-capped mountains as the background, it is very easy to produce pictures. We suddenly encountered hail that day and didn't dare to fly, it feels so pity!

The Sister Lakes are located on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318, at an altitude of about 4685 meters, situated between Litang and Batang, belonging to Batang County of Ganzi Prefecture. On the thousand-mile Sichuan-Tibet route, the Haizi Mountain Sister Lakes are an important geographical landmark, historically a major Han-Tibetan thoroughfare. The Sister Lakes are right beside the highway, and traveling along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318 means passing right by them. Heading west along the G318 National Highway, after crossing a pass in the middle of the Shaluli Mountain Range and turning a corner, one can behold a breathtaking view. In the distance, where the National Highway 318 stretches, two serene and crystal-clear alpine lakes nestle closely together*, lying quietly at the foot of Haizi Mountain, connected yet distinct, hence also known as the 'Spectacle Lake'. On a clear day, due to the high altitude, the temperature is also low, only around 5 or 6 degrees Celsius, with strong winds, it is still quite cold. The Sister Lakes are one of the larger ancient glacial relics on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known to the world as the 'Daocheng Ancient Ice Cap'. If one wishes to see the scenery of the Sister Lakes while visiting Daocheng Yading, they can drive more than 100 kilometers west from Litang County along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318. The best viewing point for the Sister Lakes is on the viewing platform along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318. Not only can one take in the full view of the Sister Lakes, but also the pure pastoral scenery beside them. There is no admission fee for the Sister Lakes, and many tourists stop here. The two lakes, like sisters, are closely connected, with emerald green waters and a mirror-like surface. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the reflection of Haizi Mountain in the lakes is incredibly beautiful. From a distance, the lakes, reflected by the azure sky and brilliant sunshine, shimmer and shine, resembling two green gems dropped from heaven. They also look like two crystal-clear teardrops from a fairy, nestled in the embrace of snowy peaks, pure and tranquil, as immaculate as a goddess. The best spots for photographing the Sister Lakes are the roadside viewing platforms, with the best times being early morning and evening, as the sidelight during these times gives the mountains on both sides more depth and enhances the three-dimensionality of the image. The higher one climbs up the mountain next to the viewing platform, the rounder the 'eyes' captured in the photo. Under different light and shadows, the Sister Lakes present various enchanting colors. In summer, when the snow melts or after heavy rain, the water levels of the two lakes increase, and sometimes they even connect, at which time a bit of charm is lost. ⚠️Warm Tips: 📍Location: Direct navigation to Sister Lakes, located between Batang and Litang, Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve. 🎫Ticket Information: Free. ❤️Tips: You can rent a Tibetan outfit in Litang and drive here to take photos. (🅿️There is a free parking lot here). The road from the viewing platform to the lakeside is rough, so be careful; from the lakeside, you can look at the snow mountains on the opposite side and also build a Mani stone pile for blessings. The altitude here is around 4500 meters, be aware of the risk of altitude sickness.

The mountains and rivers are like wine, a toast to the extraordinary gentleness of the world. 📍Yala Snow Mountain Scenic Area Set aside most of the day to visit this place, don't just go to the viewing platform, the scenic area won't disappoint you. ⭕️Ticket price is 150, and the scenic area shuttle can only reach the foot of the mountain (Basong), which is a 15km one-way trip, taking about 40 minutes. The rest of the journey requires climbing or horseback riding. The horse teams are not managed by the scenic area; they are independent, and safety is your own responsibility. ⭕️The hiking route is: Basong--Youcuo Wetland (picture 7)--Yala Youcuo (Youcuo Lake, picture 1), with a hiking distance of 7km, following the horse trail, and the round-trip duration is about 3-3.5 hours. Yala Youcuo is at an altitude of 4100m; starting from Youcuo Wetland, there is another sister lake in a different direction, with a hiking distance of 11km, and the time required is unknown. 🔺Hiking enthusiasts, charge ahead! Beginner-friendly. 👉There are no supplies in the scenic area, so you need to prepare your own trail meals. 👉The horse trail is similar to a normal dirt mountain trail, but it gets difficult to walk when you reach Youcuo Wetland, so it's best to wear waterproof and dirt-resistant shoes. 👉You can reach the lakeside of Youcuo Lake by going down the small path on the right side after seeing the prayer flags. 📌If you're not physically fit, you must ride a horse (the round-trip price to Youcuo Lake is 260; to the sister lake is 460), and don't overestimate your strength. If you collapse halfway, rescue will be a big problem.

This place is too beautiful! You can see the panoramic view of the two lakes of Sister Lakes You can also see the snow mountain of Cuo Pu Gou on the opposite mountain And the unknown snow mountain behind, there are white snow mountains all around - Although it's really shocking and beautiful But I, a person with a blood oxygen level of 90+, have high altitude sickness here!! - It was still sunny before I got here It turned cloudy when I got to the top of the mountain, and the altitude was 4700+ The wind was very strong at the top of the mountain, and the hat was thin and didn't fit the head Because the car was parked far away, on the flat ground on the mountain The head was blown by the cold wind and took off clothes to take pictures After taking the pictures, I climbed up the slope to find the car without rest This directly led to my severe altitude sickness. - I thought it was okay, but after getting on the car, I had a splitting headache The painkiller didn't work, then I slept for more than ten minutes After waking up, I recovered after descending the altitude This is the only time I have high altitude sickness in my Sichuan West trip!! On the last day, I adapted to jumping around at an altitude of 4900+ without any problems Hahaha - Don't learn from me! Dress well and wear thick clothes!! If you have altitude sickness, take oxygen and medicine in time!!! You must not catch a cold on the plateau in winter!

An Absolutely Underrated Secret Place. Chopugou is simply a condensed version of Xiaochuanxi. Snow mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, canyons, waterfalls, hot springs, grasslands, wild animals, etc. The natural beauty and cultural landscapes of western Sichuan can all be seen here. When we came, there weren't many tourists, and staying here was very comfortable. Just walk around and take pictures casually. [Travel Guide] It takes a day to explore Chopugou, so it's recommended to arrive at the entrance before 8 AM. After buying the ticket, take the elevator to the 3rd floor to board the sightseeing bus. ✔ The first stop is: Rekeng Hot Spring Group, the best viewing time: 7:00-9:30 AM. Walk about 330 meters along the hot spring boardwalk through the mist, and enjoy the only hot spring breakfast on the plateau at the hot spring breakfast market. You can sit in the glass restaurant with a full view and enjoy the double experience of food and scenery. The hot spring group here is highly ornamental, with white mist filling the entire valley. The white steam columns, several meters high, contrast with the blue sky and snow peaks. The sound of jets and sprays is as loud as drumming, rising and falling, very shocking. ✔ The second stop is Zhangde Grassland, an endless wetland grassland where various wildflowers compete for beauty. At the northern end of Zhangde Grassland are the sacred mountains of Zha Jin Jia Bo and Zha Jin Jia Mo. From a distance, the cliffs of Zha Jin Jia Bo Sacred Mountain are rugged, and the vast grassland connects to the majestic sacred mountain. ✔ The third stop is Haimen Stone Sightseeing Car Stop. The next journey can be done on foot or by switching to a convertible car, priced at 20 yuan/person. Our route is to take the convertible car -- Chopu Temple (visit the temple) -- hike to Sister Lakes to tour Kangzhula Tso and Zhima Yongcuo -- walk the blessing boardwalk -- hike around Chopu Lake for about an hour along the lake boardwalk -- reach the bridgehead stop and take the convertible car back to Haimen Stone -- take the sightseeing bus back to the entrance of the scenic spot. The surface of Chopu Lake sparkles, fish play in the crystal-clear water, various water birds gather in the center of the lake, and the five-colored prayer flags on the lakeside flutter in the wind. Walking along the lake boardwalk, the quiet forest boardwalk is surrounded by alpine plants, towering ancient trees, and moss-covered stones. Looking at the lake through the forest, the water and sky blend into one, with a beautiful view at every step.

💙🌨 Western Sichuan Secret Realm: Explore the Five Stunning Blue Ice Lakes 🚗✨ 🎉 This winter, I embarked on a marvelous journey to find the blue ice lakes, with the destination being the Ganzi loop in Western Sichuan! No need to travel far to Tibet or Xinjiang, the ice lakes here are just as breathtakingly beautiful, each with its own unique charm, and they are easily accessible by car! 🚗🌨️ 💎 Batang Sister Lakes: Located between Litang and Batang, these ice lakes are like two dazzling sapphires set amongst the snow-capped mountains. The ice surface, covered with cracks, is like a masterpiece of nature, leaving one in awe. Drive along National Highway 318, and the lake view is right by the road, park your car and you can enjoy this stunning scenery. 📸 💎 Yulong La Tso (New Road Lake): Surrounded by snow mountains, Yulong La Tso is known as the 'Western Celestial Pond' on the Northern Sichuan-Tibet line. The lake water exhibits a unique green color, and the ice surface also carries a hint of green. Although it's not pure blue ice, the scenery here is definitely worth a visit. The scenic area is currently under construction, and there is an entrance fee, but believe me, you will find it more than worth it. 🏞️ 💎 Ga'er Temple Mountain Tso Na Lake: Near Ga'er Temple Mountain, this blue ice lake is like a gem nestled among the mountains. Standing by the lake, one can gaze at the Gongga Mountains and feel the grandeur of nature. Although the location is a bit remote, a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle can easily reach it, and the tranquility and beauty here are definitely worth exploring. 🚘 💎 Blacksmith Mountain Blue Ice Lake: This is a serendipitous surprise! Below the Blacksmith Mountain pass, this blue ice lake lies quietly by the road. Although it's a bit difficult to walk to the lake, the stunning view from above is enough to mesmerize you. Navigate to the village below, then head towards the direction of Genie Holy Mountain, and you will find this secret realm. 📍 💎 Siding Tso: Next to Kangding Airport, Siding Tso is an excellent spot to view the Gongga Mountains. Although the ice surface is more white, on a clear day, it still reveals a faint blue color. With just a 10 yuan cleaning fee, you can enjoy this beautiful lake. 🌤️ 🚩 Itinerary Recommendation: Day 1: Depart from Chengdu - Batang Sister Lakes - Yulong La Tso Day 2: Yulong La Tso - Ga'er Temple Mountain Tso Na Lake - Blacksmith Mountain Blue Ice Lake Day 3: Blacksmith Mountain - Siding Tso - Kangding/Chengdu 💡 Tips: Be careful not to slip when stepping on the ice, it is recommended to wear ice grips so you can walk on it as if on flat ground. Due to the high altitude in Western Sichuan, please keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. Respect nature, protect the environment, and do not litter. 🌟 Let's embark on this wonderful journey to find the blue ice lakes together this winter! 🌨️🚗💙

The Sister Lakes are known as a pair of pearls on the Batang Plateau. The Sister Lakes are located between Litang and Batang, about 90 kilometers from Litang and about 80 kilometers from Batang, at an altitude of 4486 meters. They are ancient glacier relics on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, often referred to as the 'Ancient Ice Cap of Daocheng.' From the viewing platform at an altitude of 4900 meters, the two nearly circular water surfaces look like two pieces of jade holding hands in the mountains, or like a pair of bright eyes on the plateau, shining brilliantly under the sunlight, presenting a breathtaking view...

✨In a corner of the world, there lies a sanctuary untouched by the hustle and bustle, and that is the mysterious Sister Lakes located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This is not just a trip, but a spiritual baptism, allowing every visiting soul to find a moment of tranquility and purity.🏞️ 🌊【Attraction Introduction: The Lost Eyes of Paradise】🌊 Sister Lakes, like two dazzling sapphires on the plateau, are quietly nestled in the embrace of snow-capped mountains, the most selfless gift from nature. The lake water displays different shades of blue with the changing sunlight, from deep to clear, as if it can wash away all the worries of the world. Standing by the lake, gazing at the reflection of the snow mountains in the water, at that moment, time seems to stand still, leaving only the whisper of the wind and the shock in the heart.🏔️💧 🚗【Itinerary: Journey on the Dreamy Sky Road】🚗 DAY 1: Depart for Lhasa, acclimate to the high-altitude environment, stroll around Barkhor Street, and experience Tibetan style. DAY 2: Drive to Yamdrok Lake, enjoy the scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo River along the way, arrive at Sister Lakes in the afternoon, set up camp, and wait for the sunset over the lake and mountains. DAY 3: Meditate by the lake in the early morning, then hike around the lake, exploring the surrounding secrets. Return to Lhasa in the evening, with the possibility of visiting local Tibetan homes and experiencing Tibetan dining culture. DAY 4: Free day in Lhasa, visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and end the unforgettable journey. 🍜【Food Recommendation: The Taste of Tibetan Style】🍜 Do not miss the Tibetan dining experience: the rich and warm butter tea, the sweet and slightly intoxicating barley wine, paired with the fresh taste of hand-grabbed lamb or the simple zanba, each bite is an ultimate temptation for the taste buds. Don't forget to try the authentic Tibetan yogurt, where the sour and sweet intertwine, as if tasting the freshness and vastness of the plateau.🐑🥛 🛣️【Transportation Strategy: A Journey Through the Clouds】🛣️ •External transportation: First fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, with direct or connecting flights from major cities. •Internal transportation: It is recommended to rent a car or join a local tour group. Due to the complex terrain of the plateau, self-driving requires caution and an experienced driver. Departing from Lhasa and heading west along National Highway 318, the journey offers endless scenery, but with variable road conditions, so it is advised to allow ample time. 💌Every trip is a touch of the soul, and the journey to Sister Lakes is undoubtedly the closest conversation with the sky. Here, you will not only encounter the most beautiful scenery but also meet the most authentic self deep inside. Pack your bags and embark on this journey to find the home of your soul!🌟