Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap Relics: A Journey to the "Mars" of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sea of Stones

The "Extraterrestrial" Landscape on the Heavenly Road

1.Located on the border between Litang: County and Batang County in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap Relics (Haizishan Nature Reserve) presents one of the most singular and shocking landscapes along the National Highway 318 (G318). Covering an area of over 3,000 square kilometers with an average altitude exceeding 4,000 meters, this vast plateau is not a typical mountain range with jagged peaks, but rather a massive, rolling expanse of granite boulders and rock formations. Often described by travelers as resembling the surface of Mars or the Moon, its desolate, rugged, and primitive beauty offers a stark contrast to the lush valleys of the lower plateau. It is widely recognized by the scientific community as the largest and best-preserved ancient ice cap relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, earning it the title of a "Live Fossil of the Ice Age".

A Legacy of the Quaternary Glaciation

2.The landscape of Haizi: Mountain is a direct result of the Quaternary Glacial Period. As the climate warmed and the massive ice sheets retreated, they left behind a chaotic yet mesmerizing "Sea of Stones." Millions of granite boulders of various sizes, known as glacial erratics, are scattered across the wilderness. These stones, ranging from small rocks to massive monoliths, form a natural "Stone Forest" that stretches as far as the eye can see,. Geologists treasure this site for its wealth of glacial features, including stone rivers, glacial troughs (U-shaped valleys), and "sheepback" stones (roches moutonnées), providing a visual history of the earth's climatic changes over millions of years.

The Land of a Thousand Lakes

The name "Haizi" stems from the local dialect for "lake." True to its name, the Haizi Mountain plateau is dotted with approximately 1,144 alpine lakes of varying sizes. These lakes are glacial erosion lakes, formed in the hollows and basins carved out by the movement of ancient ice. They glitter like diamonds or sapphires scattered across the grey, rocky canvas,. The most famous among them are the Sister Lakes (Haizishan Sister Lakes), two turquoise bodies of water that sit side-by-side near the mountain pass, reflecting the surrounding snow peaks and serving as a dazzling iconic image for travelers on the Sichuan-Tibet line.

A Wilderness of Solitude and Awe

3.Driving through the Haizi Mountain Nature: Reserve is an experience in solitude and awe. The lack of tall vegetation—mostly low-lying moss, lichens, and hardy grass—accentuates the vastness of the sky and the sheer quantity of stone. In the past, this area was a formidable barrier on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a "Ghost Gate" that caravans dreaded due to its harsh weather, high altitude, and desolate terrain. Today, it stands as a testament to the raw power of nature. Whether viewed under the stark midday sun which turns the rocks blindingly white, or under the moody cover of clouds which emphasizes its "sad" and ancient atmosphere, Haizi Mountain offers a unique aesthetic that challenges and expands the definition of beauty on the high plateau.