Mirror of the God's Garden: The Spiritual Splendor of Xiannü Lake

A Sacred Gem in the Golog Highlands

1.Located in Jiuzhi: County, within the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, Xiannü Lake (known as Ximmutso in Tibetan) is a breathtaking high-altitude glacial lake nestled at the foot of the legendary Nianbao Yuze mountain range. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 4,300 meters, it serves as one of the core attractions of the Nianbao Yuze National Geological Park. Unlike the more commercialized lakes of the plateau, Xiannü Lake retains a primitive and spiritual atmosphere, offering a tranquil sanctuary for those seeking a deep connection with nature and Tibetan culture.

The Daughter of the Mountain God

2.The lake is deeply steeped in: Tibetan mythology, where it is revered as the daughter of the mountain god Nianbao Yuze. According to local legend, the mountain god married his three beautiful daughters to a brave hunter, and these daughters transformed into the peaks and lakes of the region. To the local Tibetan people, the lake is a "Holy Lake," and every year on the 4th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, a grand ritual is held where monks and herdsmen gather to chant prayers and offer sacrifices to the mountain and lake gods for protection and a good harvest.

A Palette of Divine Colors

3.The most striking feature of: Xiannü Lake is its ever-changing colors and the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding granite peaks. During the peak summer season in July and August, the lake's shores transform into a vibrant "Back Garden of the Gods," carpeted with a sea of wildflowers, including golden globeflowers and rare highland flora. Under the clear plateau sky, the dark blue or emerald waters perfectly reflect the jagged, snow-dusted ridges of Nianbao Yuze, creating a visual symphony of stone, water, and sky.

A Sanctuary for Soul and Wildlife

The lake area is a thriving ecosystem and a pilgrimage site. Visitors can often see eagles soaring above the peaks and schools of plateau fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Along the shoreline, the presence of Mani stones carved with scriptures and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind marks the spiritual devotion of the Tibetan pilgrims who come to perform a kora (ritual circumambulation) around the lake. This blend of raw natural power and profound human faith makes Xiannü Lake one of the most evocative destinations in the "Big Shangri-La" region.