The Sapphire of the Yellow River Source: Ngoring Lake and the Legend of Princess Wencheng

The "Blue Long Lake" of the Plateau

Ngoring Lake, known in Tibetan as the "Blue Long Lake," is a magnificent high-altitude freshwater lake situated in the western part of Madoi County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is one of the two primary source lakes of the Yellow River, sitting at an elevation of 4,268 meters. Covering an area of approximately 610 square kilometers, its scale is equivalent to nearly 100 West Lakes in Hangzhou. Geographically, it is located to the east of its twin, Gyaring Lake. The lake is shaped like a giant gourd, being narrow from east to west and long from north to south. Its waters are exceptionally clear and exhibit a deep, brilliant green color, earning it its descriptive name.

A Mirror to the Heavens

1.The beauty of Ngoring: Lake lies in its pristine clarity and the vivid reflections it provides. On clear days, the azure sky, drifting white clouds, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains—specifically the Bayan Har Mountains—are perfectly mirrored on the lake’s surface. This creates a stunning visual effect where the mountains and lake seem to merge into one spiritual landscape. The Yellow River flows from Gyaring Lake through a 20-kilometer-long canyon before injecting its waters into the southern part of Ngoring Lake, marking a critical transition in the river's journey across the plateau.

The Legacy of Princess Wencheng

Historically known as "Baihai," Ngoring Lake and its twin are deeply intertwined with the history of the Tang Dynasty. In 641 AD, Princess Wencheng passed through this region on her historic journey to marry the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is widely believed that the royal meeting and wedding ceremony took place here on the banks of these source lakes. To the local Tibetan people, Ngoring Lake is a "Holy Lake," serving as a significant site for pilgrimage and religious worship. The shores are often adorned with hundreds of Mani stones and vibrant prayer flags, left by the devout as symbols of faith and protection.

An Ecological Treasure

2.As a core component of the Sanjiangyuan: National Park, Ngoring Lake is a vital ecological sanctuary. The lake and its surrounding wetlands provide a haven for diverse wildlife, particularly rare bird species. Visitors may spot bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and the majestic black-necked crane. The vast grasslands surrounding the lake are also home to herds of wild yaks and Tibetan wild asses, flourishing in an environment largely untouched by industrialization. This harmony between the rugged earth and the gentle waters makes Ngoring Lake a premier destination for those seeking the raw, original beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.