Mirror Lake
镜海
A long, narrow lake in the lower Rize Valley whose still surface perfectly mirrors snowy peaks, colorful forests and blue sky in the early morning.
Mirror Lake lies in the lower Rize Valley, below Pearl Shoals Waterfall. It is about 1 km long, with an average depth of about 11 m. Wind and waves are rare here, and the lake is at its calmest before the sun clears the hills. Mountains, trees and drifting cloud shadows are reflected so clearly that it's hard to tell which is above and which below, earning it the name “the most beautiful reflection in Jiuzhaigou.” A boardwalk follows the lake shore; it takes about 20 minutes on foot from Pearl Shoals Waterfall, and sightseeing buses stop at the Mirror Lake stop. Arrive as early as possible after opening: after 10 a.m., wind picks up and crowds grow, and the reflections fade.
Opening hours
Open with Jiuzhaigou scenic area, approx. 07:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Pearl Shoal Waterfall
- Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai)
- Nuorilang Waterfall
- Rhinoceros Lake
- Panda Lake & Panda Lake Falls
- Tiger Lake
- Shuzheng Waterfall
- Arrow Bamboo Lake