Haizi Mountain Sister Lakes: The Turquoise Tears of God on the G318 Heaven Road

The Sapphire Eyes of the Sichuan-Tibet Line

1.Located on the border between Litang: County and Batang County in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, the Haizi Mountain Sister Lakes (also known as the Haizi Mountain Dual Lakes) are a breathtaking natural wonder situated at the summit platform of the Haizi Mountain pass. Resting at an average altitude of approximately 4,680 meters, these twin lakes serve as the dazzling crown jewels of the National Highway 318 (G318), often referred to as the "Heavenly Road." Unlike many remote attractions that require arduous trekking, the Sister Lakes are directly accessible from the highway, offering road trippers a sudden, stunning vision of turquoise tranquility amidst the rugged high-altitude wilderness. They are widely regarded as a "must-visit" landmark on the journey to Tibet, scoring exceptionally high marks among photographers and travelers for their pristine beauty and accessible grandeur.

A Geological Miracle: The Ancient Ice Cap

2.The Sister: Lakes are the most famous water bodies within the Haizi Mountain National Nature Reserve, which preserves the largest and best-kept ancient ice cap relics on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The surrounding landscape is a vast, desolate, yet magnificent expanse of granite boulders and glacial debris, often compared to the surface of Mars or the Moon. Scattered across this "sea of stones" are over 1,144 alpine lakes, from which the mountain gets its name ("Haizi" means lake in local dialect). The Sister Lakes stand out as the most exquisite among them. The two lakes lie snugly together in a deep basin; one is slightly larger with deep blue waters, while the other is smaller and teal, connected by a slender waterway. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, they resemble two bright eyes or two teardrops of God falling onto the plateau, offering a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding grey glacial rocks,.

Legends of the Tea Horse Road

Historically, this area was a formidable barrier on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Caravans would struggle over the high mountain pass, finding respite and water at these lakes. The lakes are steeped in local folklore, particularly connected to the sacred Genyen Holy Mountain. Legend says the lakes are the incarnation of two fairy sisters from the mountain who descended to earth to transform into water, ensuring the safety and hydration of passing merchants and pilgrims. Today, this spirit of protection continues as the lakes watch over the modern travelers on the G318. The site is not just a geological marvel but a cultural bridge connecting the history of the caravans to the modern "Two Roads Spirit" of the highway builders,.

A Photographer's Dream

For photography enthusiasts, the Sister Lakes offer a perfect composition of elements: the leading lines of the winding G318 highway, the rugged texture of the glacial boulders, the serene reflection of the snow peaks in the water, and the vast, high-altitude sky.

• 3.The Perfect Reflection: On clear days, the lakes act as mirrors, reflecting the majestic snow mountains in the distance (including the Genyen massif).
• 4.Seasonal Beauty: In summer (June to August), wildflowers bloom around the lake shores, softening the rugged landscape. In autumn (September to October), the atmosphere becomes golden and crisp, offering the highest visibility. In winter, the lakes freeze into sapphire ice gems set against a white world of snow.

Standing on the viewing platform at the mountain pass, breathing the thin, pure air, visitors are treated to a panoramic view that encapsulates the raw power and tender beauty of the Highland Aesthetics. It is a place that heals the soul and creates a lifelong memory of the journey to the roof of the world.