Mugecuo Lake

1.Introduction: A Romantic Highland Fairytale

Mugecuo, formally known as the Kangding Love Song (Mugecuo) Scenic Area, is a breathtaking alpine sanctuary located in Guza Town, Kangding City, within the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. Situated just 17 kilometers from downtown Kangding, this "Fairytale on Earth" covers a total area of approximately 350 square kilometers. Often hailed as "Little Jiuzhai" for its stunning water features and the "Jade Pool of the Human World," Mugecuo offers a pristine ecosystem of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, hot springs, and primitive forests.

2.As a: National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and a vital part of the Mount Gongga National Scenic Spot, Mugecuo is one of the most complete alpine lake ecosystems in Western Sichuan. Unlike the glaciers of Hailuogou or the grasslands of Tagong, Mugecuo is defined by its romantic blend of thermal springs and lake scenery, making it a top destination for photographers and road-trippers exploring the Sichuan-West Loop.

The "Wild Man Sea" and Natural Wonders

3.The core of the scenic area is: Mugecuo Lake, also known as the "Wild Man Sea" (Yeren Hai). Legend has it that in ancient times, a Tibetan hero split the mountain with an axe to save his people, creating this lake. Another interpretation suggests the name comes from the dense forests surrounding the lake, which evoke a sense of wild mystery.

The scenic area is composed of several distinct natural wonders:

• 4.Seven Color Sea (Qisehai): A crescent-shaped alpine lake whose waters change into seven different hues depending on the sunlight and weather. It is considered a place where Bodhisattvas manifest their spirits, offering stunning reflections of snow peaks and azaleas.
• 5.Medicine Pool Boiling Spring (Yaochi Feiquan): A rare cluster of high-temperature hot springs where the water can reach up to 90°C. The steam rising from these springs creates a mystical atmosphere, and visitors can soak their feet in the mineral-rich waters, which are believed by locals to be blessed by Bodhisattvas for healing.
• 6.Azalea Canyon (Dujuan Xiagu): In summer, this canyon transforms into a sea of red and pink as thousands of azaleas bloom along the cascading streams, creating a "flower ocean" perfect for hiking.

7.Culture: The Hometown of Love Songs

Mugecuo is deeply intertwined with the culture of the Kangding Love Song, a world-famous Chinese folk song. The area is celebrated as a "Sanctuary of Love Songs," where the romantic traditions of the Khampa Tibetans come alive. Historically, this region was a branch of the Tea Horse Road, and today, it preserves the spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Visitors can experience this cultural depth during festivals, particularly the Azalea Festival in summer, when locals dress in traditional attire to dance the "Guozhuang" and sing love songs. The blend of the "Wild Man" legends and the romantic atmosphere creates a unique travel experience that embodies the Tibetan philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature.

Photographic Beauty and Seasons

8.The landscape of: Mugecuo is a feast for the eyes year-round. In spring and summer (May-June), the mountains are ablaze with wild azaleas; in autumn (September-October), the forests turn into a golden kaleidoscope, reflecting perfectly in the deep blue lakes. Winter brings a quiet, snowy charm, turning the area into a silver wonderland where the hot springs steam against the cold air. From various points in the park, visitors can also catch distant views of the majestic Mount Gongga, the "King of Sichuan Mountains," bathed in the golden glow of sunrise.