The Sapphire Eye of the Grassland: Ruoergai Flower Lake and the Black-Necked Crane's Paradise

The "Sapphire" of the Earth's Kidney

1.Located in the heart of the: Re'er Dam Grassland (Re'er Daba) in Ruoergai County, within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, Ruoergai Flower Lake (Huahu) is a mesmerizing natural wetland situated at an altitude of approximately 3,468 meters. As a core component of the Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, it is often hailed as the "Pearl of the Earth's Kidney" and the "Most Beautiful Wetland on the Northwest Sichuan Plateau." The lake is actually a natural dammed lake formed within the vast marshlands. Its water is crystal clear, reflecting the changing colors of the sky—from deep azure to soft cyan—like a giant sapphire dropped onto the emerald carpet of the grassland. A long wooden boardwalk stretches for kilometers into the center of the lake, allowing visitors to walk right above the water and immerse themselves in a world where the "sky and water share the same color." In summer, the lake comes alive as aquatic plants bloom, dyeing the water with vibrant hues, while the surrounding meadows burst into a sea of wildflowers, creating a dreamlike "Garden in the Sky",,,,.

A Sanctuary for the "Panda of Birds"

Flower Lake is not just a scenic spot; it is a vital ecological sanctuary. It serves as the primary breeding and habitation ground for the Black-necked Crane, a national first-class protected species often referred to as the "Panda of Birds." These elegant birds, along with bar-headed geese, swans, and other waterfowl, can often be seen dancing and foraging among the reeds and water plants. The sight of cranes taking flight against the backdrop of snowy mountains and vast grasslands is considered the soul of the wetland's scenery. The local Amdo Tibetan people regard the Black-necked Crane as a "Fairy Bird" or "Sacred Bird" and strictly protect them, believing they bring auspiciousness and peace. This harmonious coexistence between humans and nature adds a profound layer of spiritual beauty to the physical landscape,,,,.

A Canvas of Light, Shadow, and Red History

2.The beauty of Flower: Lake transforms with the time of day and the seasons. The best time to visit is typically from June to September. In summer (July-August), the "Flower Lake" lives up to its name with blooming flowers filling the wetland and the lake surface, while the lush green grass stretches to the horizon. In autumn (September-October), the landscape turns into a golden wonderland as the reeds and grass change color, creating a stunning contrast with the deep blue water. The area is also steeped in revolutionary history; during the Long March (1935-1936), the Red Army passed through these treacherous marshlands. They faced extreme hardships but were supported by local herdsmen. Monuments and relics near the lake commemorate this "Golden Bond" between the army and the people, reminding visitors of the resilience embedded in this serene land,,,.

The Legend of the Flower Fairy

Culturally, the lake is rich with Tibetan folklore. Legends say that the lake was formed by the tears of a Flower Fairy who fell in love with the beauty of the grassland and transformed into the water to stay there forever. Another story tells of Princess Wencheng passing through and praying here, blessing the land. The local Tibetan nomads, living in traditional black tents, maintain a deep spiritual connection to the lake. During festivals like the Flower Picking Festival or the Horse Racing Festival, locals gather to perform the Guozhuang dance, burn juniper branches (Wei Sang), and pray for favorable weather and harvest. Whether you are capturing the golden sunset reflecting on the water or listening to the wind whistle through the reeds, Ruoergai Flower Lake offers a profound encounter with the pure, untouched beauty of the plateau,,.