Five

1.Introduction: The Soul of Jiuzhaigou

2.Five Flower: Lake (Wuhua Hai), situated within the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, is widely regarded as the "Soul of Jiuzhaigou". Covering an area of approximately 0.09 square kilometers with depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters, this alpine lake is the most celebrated among the park's 108 "haizi" (lakes). As a core attraction of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Five Flower Lake is consistently ranked as the top destination for photographers and travelers, boasting high praise for its surreal beauty.

The Natural Palette

Often referred to as "The Palette" of the park, the lake is renowned for its breathtaking spectrum of colors. Under the sunlight, the water transforms into a vibrant canvas of blues, greens, oranges, reds, and purples. This phenomenon is created by the calcified mineral deposits on the lakebed, the colorful algae, and the refraction of light. The water is so crystal clear that visitors can gaze deep into the lake to see the calcified patterns that resemble peacock feathers, as well as ancient withered trees that have crisscrossed the lake floor for centuries, adding a touch of ancient mystery to the scene.

Legends and Culture

3.In local: Tibetan mythology, the lake is known as "Halo Tso," meaning "Pool of the Gods". Legend has it that a holy ancient tree sleeps at the bottom of the lake, guarding gems that refract sunlight to create the dazzling colors. Another romantic tale suggests the lake was formed from a mirror dropped by a goddess; the shattered pieces turned into the shimmering water, while her falling rouge dyed the lake its eternal colors. Culturally, the lake is a sacred site ("God's Eye") where locals pray for harvest and good fortune, often tossing wind-horse flags during festivals.

Resilience and Restoration

4.Five Flower: Lake also stands as a testament to the resilience of nature. Following the 2017 earthquake, the waters temporarily turned turbid. However, through ecological restoration efforts and the lake's natural self-healing capabilities, the calcium carbonate deposition reactivated, restoring the water to its original brilliance. This recovery highlights the harmony between humanity and nature maintained in the region.

The Viewing Experience

To truly appreciate the "Nine Villages" philosophy that "no water is worth seeing after returning from Jiuzhaigou," visitors should explore the winding wooden boardwalks that surround the lake. The highest viewing platform offers a panoramic view where the lake resembles a giant painter's palette. The scenery shifts with the seasons: in summer, the water is like a flawless gem; in autumn, the surrounding forest explodes into gold and red, creating stunning oil-painting-like reflections on the mirror-smooth surface.