The Emerald Lake of Memory: Diexi Haizi and the Submerged Ancient City

The "Plateau Green Gem" Born from Tragedy

1.Located in Diexi: Town, Maoxian County, within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Diexi Haizi (Diexi Lake) is a stunning stretch of turquoise water that tells a story of geological power and human resilience. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters, this lake is not a typical glacial lake but a barrier lake formed by the devastating 7.5 magnitude Diexi Earthquake on August 25, 1933. The violent tremors caused massive landslides that blocked the flow of the Minjiang River, burying the ancient town of Diexi and creating a string of five lakes that cover about 1.3 million square meters. Today, the lake is hailed as the "Plateau Green Gem," where the water remains a deep, calm emerald green, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and ancient watchtowers. It serves as a vital stop on the tourist route to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, offering a serene yet poignant landscape that contrasts sharply with the bustling cities further downstream.

The Mystery of the Underwater Ancient City

2.Beneath the tranquil surface of Diexi: Haizi lies a hidden history—the "Underwater Qiang City." Before the earthquake, Diexi was a strategic military and trading town on the ancient Tea Horse Road, known as a bustling center for the Qiang people. The earthquake caused the entire town to sink and be submerged by the rising waters. On clear days, or with the help of a boat, visitors can sometimes glimpse the shadowy outlines of ancient stone streets, walls, and watchtowers resting at the bottom of the lake. Legends say the lake was formed by the tears of a goddess who mourned the destruction, vowing to protect the Qiang people with the everlasting water. This submerged ruin adds a layer of mystery and solemnity to the scenic beauty, making it a unique "Pompeii of the East" preserved by water rather than ash.

A Sanctuary of Qiang Culture and Red History

3.Surrounding the lake are vibrant signs of: Qiang culture. The local Qiang people, known as the "People on the Clouds," worship the White Stone, which can be seen placed on the corners of rooftops and altars around the lake to ward off evil and pray for blessings. The area is also rich in revolutionary history; in 1935, the Red Army passed through Diexi during the Long March. They rested by the lake, establishing deep bonds with the local Qiang villagers who provided guides and food. Monuments and relics commemorating this unity and the Red Army's journey can be found along the lakeshore, blending historical reverence with the natural landscape. Whether you are admiring the "Tears of the Goddess" or exploring the nearby Qiang fortress towers, Diexi Haizi offers a profound connection to the land's turbulent past and its enduring beauty.