The Sword in the Sapphire Sea: Erlangjian Scenic Area and the Legend of Base 151

The Sword Piercing the Ocean

1.Located on the southern shore of the vast: Qinghai Lake, Erlangjian Scenic Area (Erlang Sword) is arguably the most famous and developed observation point for experiencing China's largest inland saltwater lake. Situated in Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, about 151 kilometers from Xining, this scenic spot is defined by a unique geographical feature: a winding sandbar that stretches over 20 kilometers into the deep blue waters. Looking down from high ground, this narrow strip of land resembles a sharp sword unsheathed and thrust into the "West Sea," giving the area its evocative name "Erlang Jian" (Erlang's Sword). According to local legend, this sandbar was formed when the deity Erlang Shen dropped his sword while fighting the Monkey King, or sliced the mountain to form the lake, leaving this "sword" as a permanent mark of mythology upon the landscape,.

The Secret History of Base 151

Beyond its natural beauty, Erlangjian holds a mysterious page in modern Chinese history. It was formerly known as Base 151 (Yiwuyao Base), which was China's first torpedo launching test base. In the past, this area was a restricted military zone where the depth and breadth of Qinghai Lake were utilized for underwater weapons testing. Today, the military veil has been lifted, and the base has transformed into a prime tourist destination. Visitors can still see traces of this history, adding a layer of intrigue to the serene lake views. The juxtaposition of the "Sword of Erlang" mythology with the "Sword of the Nation" military history makes this spot unique among the many scenic areas around the lake,.

A Canvas of Blue and Gold

2.The visual palette of: Erlangjian is a photographer's dream, particularly in summer. The area perfectly captures the "Highland Aesthetic" of Qinghai. To the south, rolling mountains provide a rugged backdrop; to the north, the boundless sapphire waters of Qinghai Lake merge with the sky. In July and August, the contrast becomes even more striking as thousands of acres of rape flowers (canola) bloom along the lake shore. The vibrant yellow of the flowers, the deep blue of the lake, the white of the clouds, and the emerald of the distant grasslands create a surreal, high-saturation landscape that feels like an oil painting come to life. Walking along the wooden boardwalks that extend into the lake allows visitors to immerse themselves in this color spectrum, surrounded by the sound of waves and the call of waterbirds,.

A Hub of Culture and Recreation

Erlangjian is not just for viewing; it is a hub for engaging with the lake's culture and ecology. The scenic area features a Sea Worship Platform (Jihai Tai) and piles of Mani stones engraved with mantras, reflecting the profound spiritual connection the local Tibetan people have with the "Holy Lake." Devout pilgrims often come here to offer prayers and perform the kora (circumambulation). For those seeking adventure, the area offers high-speed boat rides and cruises from the pier, allowing tourists to venture deep into the lake and see the sandbar from the water. Ecologically, the adjacent wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers, where one can spot bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls, and black-necked cranes nesting and foraging, making it a vibrant classroom for highland biodiversity.