Jiuzhaigou Long Lake: The Largest Alpine Lake in Zechawa Valley

Long Lake (Changhai) sits at the far end of Zechawa Valley, the longest of Jiuzhaigou’s three main branches. It is the highest, largest, and deepest lake inside the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve.

At 3,060 meters (about 3,100 meters in some references), the lake covers roughly 300,000 square meters and holds an ink-blue color that sets it apart from the smaller, more colorful pools downstream. Often called the “Mother of Jiuzhaigou,” Long Lake functions as a natural reservoir that feeds the valley’s other bodies of water through underground seepage and never overflows or dries up.

This article explains exactly where Long Lake is located, why it deserves a visit, how to reach it, and what kind of traveler will enjoy it most. We also cover photography tips, seasonal changes, and the Tibetan legend that gives the lake its romantic aura.

All information is drawn from the provided source data and safe general knowledge about high-altitude travel in Sichuan. No ticket prices, permit rules, or exact bus departure times are included because the source material does not support those details.

Where Is Long Lake (Changhai) in Jiuzhaigou?

Location within Zechawa Valley

Long Lake is situated at the very top (southern end) of Zechawa Valley. Zechawa Valley is the eastern branch of the Y-shaped Jiuzhaigou scenic area.

Unlike the other main valley (Rize Valley) that ends at Primeval Forest, Zechawa extends further south and terminates at Long Lake. From the valley’s start at the central junction (Nuorilang area), the sightseeing bus ride to Long Lake takes about 20–30 minutes, passing through montane forest with occasional glimpses of Five-Flower Lake and Seasonal Lakes along the way.

How to Reach Long Lake

Visitors must enter Jiuzhaigou park at the main gate and then board the internal sightseeing buses. The bus system is the only practical way to reach Long Lake because the distance from the entrance is roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) one way.

Once the bus drops you at the Long Lake stop, a short walk leads to a large viewing platform and wooden boardwalks that run along the lake’s edge. The walking surface is flat and generally easy, though the high altitude will slow most people down.

No hiking trail allows direct access from lower sections of Zechawa Valley; the road is exclusively for the park’s electric buses. If you prefer to walk the entire Zechawa Valley, the distance is too great for a half-day visit, so taking the bus to the top and then walking down is the standard strategy.

Altitude and Safety Considerations

The altitude at Long Lake is approximately 3,060 meters (10,040 feet). This places it in the moderate-to-high altitude category. Most visitors from lower elevations will experience some effects, such as faster breathing, mild headache, or light dizziness.

The park provides oxygen canisters for purchase, but the best precaution is to move slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid rushing from the bus to the viewpoint. Acclimating for a day in Jiuzhaigou Village (Zhu’gukou) before entering the park is recommended.

Long Lake’s altitude is not extreme enough to require medication for most healthy adults, but anyone with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before traveling above 3,000 meters. Children and elderly visitors should take extra breaks. No altitude sickness clinic exists inside the park, so be prepared with your own supplies if needed.

Why Visit Long Lake? Key Highlights

The King of Lakes – Size and Depth

With a surface area of about 300,000 square meters and a depth that makes it the deepest lake in the entire Jiuzhaigou reserve, Long Lake earns its nickname “the King of Lakes.” Its water is a deep, almost inky blue rather than the turquoise found in smaller travertine pools. This color is caused by the lake’s volume and the reflection of the surrounding dark conifer forests. Because the lake is so large and deep, it can store a massive amount of water, which slowly seeps underground to sustain downstream lakes like the Five-Color Pond and Seasonal Lakes.

Seasonal Spectacle: Best Times to Visit

According to the source data, the best seasons for Long Lake are spring and autumn. In autumn (mid-to-late October), the hillsides turn gold and red, creating a striking contrast with the blue water and snow-capped peaks. Spring (April–May) brings fresh green growth and occasional wildflowers on the lower slopes, though the lake may still reflect some remnant snow on the surrounding mountains.

Winter (December–February) offers a unique “ice mirror” effect. While the lake is so deep that it rarely freezes entirely, the surface can form a thin sheet of ice that reflects the surrounding white world. This creates a different but equally beautiful landscape that appeals to adventurous photographers. Summer (June–September) is the rainy season; clouds can obscure mountain reflections, but the lake remains impressively full.

The Legendary Origin – Mirror of Goddess Semo

Long Lake is deeply connected to Tibetan folklore. According to the legend, the hero Dage gave a magic mirror made of wind and clouds to the Goddess Wono Semo as a token of love. When a demon broke the mirror into 108 pieces, those pieces became the 108 “Haizi” (lakes) of Jiuzhaigou.

Long Lake is said to be the largest fragment of that mirror, or alternatively, the lake formed by the goddess’s tears after the mirror shattered. This narrative gives Long Lake a poetic significance that adds meaning to a visit. Local Tibetan people still regard the lake as a holy site, and some believe that walking around the lake (a kora) can help purify negative karma.

Geological Wonder – Natural Regulator Without Outlet

From a scientific perspective, Long Lake is fascinating because it has no visible surface outlet. Despite receiving seasonal rainfall and melting snow, it never overflows, nor does it dry up during dry months.

The water exits entirely through underground karst seepage, which then resurfaces downstream as the source of other lakes and waterfalls. This natural water regulation system maintains the delicate balance of Jiuzhaigou’s travertine pools, making Long Lake a key component of the entire ecosystem.

Photography and Best Viewing Tips

When Light Is Best

The source data indicates that photographers should aim for morning or afternoon light. Morning light (before 10:00) hits the western mountain slopes and often creates a sharp reflection of the snow peaks on the calm lake surface. Afternoon light (after 14:00) can warm the colors of the surrounding forests.

Midday light, especially in summer, is flat and less dramatic. In all seasons, wind is the main variable; when the lake is perfectly still, the reflection is mirror-like.

Composition Ideas

To capture the “ink blue” quality of the water, use a polarizing filter to cut surface glare and deepen the color. A wide-angle lens (16–24mm) works best to show the full expanse of the lake and the mountain backdrop. For a silhouette effect, position yourself near the boardwalk trees and shoot toward the distant peaks. In autumn, include a foreground of golden birch leaves to add depth.

What to Bring

• Warm layers: even in summer, temperatures at 3,060 meters can drop to 5–10 °C in the morning.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV radiation is intense at altitude.
• A windbreaker: cold gusts often come from the south.
• Snacks and water: the nearest restaurant is back at the Zechawa Valley bus stop, about 10 minutes away.
• Camera tripod: allowed on the boardwalks, useful for long-exposure reflection shots.

Who Should Visit Long Lake (and Who Should Skip)

Ideal for:

• Photographers: The lake’s scale, seasonal color shifts, and reflection conditions offer endless composition possibilities.
• Nature and geology enthusiasts: Observing a lake that acts as a natural regulator without a visible outlet is a rare opportunity.
• Trekking-oriented travelers: While the lake itself is accessed by bus, the surrounding Zechawa Valley offers a variety of trails for those who wish to walk back down.
• Couples: The legend of the goddess and the magic mirror gives Long Lake a romantic reputation among local tour guides.

Less suitable for:

• Visitors with severe altitude sensitivity: Anyone who has struggled badly above 2,500 meters should consider a lower-altitude stop like Panda Lake or Five Flower Lake first.
• People with very limited time: Getting to Long Lake requires a bus ride of about 30 minutes each way, and walking the boardwalks comfortably takes at least 1 to 1.5 hours. If your park entry is only half a day, you may have to skip it.
• Families with small children who cannot tolerate bus rides or cold wind: The open boardwalk area can be very windy, and the altitude affects children more quickly. However, with proper bundling and snacks, it is manageable.

Long Lake Within the Jiuzhaigou Park Itinerary

Suggested Duration and Route Plan

The source data lists the recommended duration as half a day. Since the entire Jiuzhaigou park is large, most visitors allocate one full day for the park, and one valley per half-day.

A logical approach is to take the morning bus directly to Long Lake (the farthest point) and then work your way down Zechawa Valley, stopping at Five-Flower Lake (actually named Wucai Chi, not to be confused with Five-Flower Lake in Rize Valley) and the ancient horse track at the valley bottom. After finishing Zechawa, take the bus to the main junction (Nuorilang) and then explore Rize Valley in the afternoon.

Comparison with Other Lakes in the Park

Long Lake differs from the smaller, more popular lakes like Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake in both visual character and visitor density. Five Flower Lake is known for its clarity and colorful travertine bottom, but it is smaller and often more crowded. Mirror Lake is famous for reflections but is very shallow and dries partly in summer.

Long Lake is deeper, less vibrant in color, but more expansive. It carries the advantage of being the only lake where you can stand at a viewpoint and see no park buildings in the frame, as it sits in a natural bowl surrounded by raw forest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Lake

Where is Long Lake located?

Long Lake is at the far end of Zechawa Valley, the southeastern branch of Jiuzhaigou. It is the highest and largest lake in the reserve.

What is the best time to visit Long Lake for photography?

The source data suggests mid-to-late October for autumn colors, and any time from early morning to late afternoon for reflections. Winter offers a unique “ice mirror” effect when the surface freezes.

What is the altitude of Long Lake?

The lake sits at 3,060 meters (approximately 10,040 feet). This is high enough that visitors should take it slowly and drink plenty of water.

Can I walk to Long Lake?

No direct walking path exists from the park entrance. You must take the sightseeing bus to the top of Zechawa Valley. Once there, you can walk the boardwalks along the lake.

Does Long Lake freeze in winter?

The depth and volume of the lake prevent it from freezing entirely. However, surface ice often forms, producing a beautiful reflective “ice mirror” effect.

Is Long Lake worth visiting in summer?

Yes. The lake remains full and deep, and mountain reflections can be dramatic on clear mornings. However, summer afternoon clouds can obscure the peaks, and rain is common.

Is there a restaurant near Long Lake?

No café or restaurant operates directly at the lake. The nearest food options are at the Zechawa Valley bus stop, about 10 minutes away by bus. Bring your own snacks.

Can I do a kora (circumambulation) around Long Lake?

Local Tibetan pilgrims sometimes walk around parts of the lake, but the boardwalk only covers the western and southern shores. A full circumambulation is not officially maintained and may require off-trail walking, which is generally discouraged in the park.

Final Thoughts

Long Lake is the anchor of Jiuzhaigou’s Zechawa Valley. Its vast size, deep blue color, and absence of an outlet make it a natural marvel that you can absorb without the crowds that gather at smaller pools. The addition of the Tibetan legend transforms a geological site into a place with emotional resonance.

Whether you come for the autumn leaves, the winter ice mirror, or the calm spring reflections, Long Lake rewards those who make the trip to the top of the valley. Plan your route to arrive early, dress for the altitude, and take time to stand still and watch the lake breathe.