Serling Tso: The Devil's Lake and Its Sacred Cranes in the Qiangtang

The Sapphire of the Northern Tibet Plateau

Located deep within the hinterland of the Qiangtang Plateau in Xainza County, Nagqu, lies a vast expanse of water that defies the arid reputation of the region: Serling Tso (Siling Co). With an altitude of 4,530 meters and a surface area of over 2,391 square kilometers, it stands as the second-largest saltwater lake in China (after Qinghai Lake) and a dominant feature of the Tibetan landscape,. This is not merely a scenic spot; it is a colossal ecological system. From the observation point, visitors witness a stunning contrast: the deep, fluctuating blues of the lake set against the snow-capped peaks of the Gangdise and Nyainqentanglha ranges, and the golden-green hues of the surrounding high-altitude pastureland,.

Legend of the Demon Lake

The name "Serling Tso" translates to "The Golden Demon Lake" or "Selin's Lake" in Tibetan. According to local legend, a powerful demon named Selin once devoured lives in the west of Lhasa. The great master Padmasambhava pursued the demon across the plateau. Upon reaching this vast body of water, the demon had nowhere left to run and plunged into the lake. Padmasambhava commanded the demon to stay within the waters forever and never harm living beings again, thus giving the lake its name. Despite this fearsome backstory, the lake today is a sanctuary of peace, revered by locals who maintain a respectful distance, preserving its pristine condition.

A Sanctuary for the "Plateau Divine Bird"

While the lake's scenery is breathtaking, the true highlight for many travelers is the vibrant life it supports. The Xainza Wetland, located on the shores of Serling Tso, is a crucial habitat for the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), the only crane species in the world that breeds and lives on the high altitude plateau. Known locally as the "Bird of King Gesar" or the "Plateau Divine Bird," these elegant creatures are strictly protected by local customs and laws.

1.From April to: September, the observation point becomes a theater of nature. Visitors can watch hundreds of cranes descend upon the lush meadows. The most captivating sight is the "Crane Dance," where pairs of cranes stretch their necks, flap their wings, and leap into the air in a display of courtship and family bonding. The sight of these black-and-white birds dancing against the backdrop of the sapphire lake and the vast sky is one of the most poetic scenes in Northern Tibet.

A Complete Highland Ecosystem

2.The area surrounding Serling: Tso is part of the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve and the Xainza Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve,. Beyond the cranes, the observation point offers a window into a thriving highland ecosystem. It is common to see herds of Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan gazelles (Procapra picticaudata), and wild yaks grazing on the lake's edge. The lake itself acts as a massive mirror, reflecting the changing weather of the plateau—turning from a deep mystery blue to a vibrant turquoise depending on the sunlight. The observation area allows photographers and nature lovers to witness the harmonious coexistence of these wild spirits in their natural habitat, far from the interference of modern civilization.