Flower Lake (Huahu)

花湖

The core lake of the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve. Boardwalks cross shallow waters and aquatic plants, where you can watch black-necked cranes and the plateau flower sea reflected in the water.

Huahu Lake lies about 45 kilometers north of Zoige County town, beside Provincial Highway S209, deep in the Re'er Daba grassland. It is the core lake of the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve, at an elevation of about 3,468 meters. The lake covers about 1 square kilometer, and its shallow waters are filled with aquatic plants. Around June, the shores bloom with golden and pink-purple wildflowers, which gave the lake its name. The lake is also a breeding ground for the black-necked crane, a first-class nationally protected species. Along the boardwalks you often see black-necked cranes, ruddy shelducks and bar-headed geese. Visiting: buy tickets at the visitor center and take the scenic area shuttle bus for about 10 minutes to the lake. Then walk the wooden boardwalk around the lake, about 2 kilometers, which takes 60-90 minutes, with several viewing platforms along the way. The lakeside platform at the end is the best spot for reflection photos. Admission in peak season is about 75 yuan, and the shuttle bus costs 30 yuan. In the off-season (November to April), admission is halved, but the scenery is bleak, and in some years the site closes in winter. It is best to come early in the morning or in the evening, since light is harsh and crowds are heavy at midday. Notes: the lake area is windy and high in altitude, so bring a jacket even in summer. Outside the boardwalk is marshland, so do not step onto the grass to take photos. Drones must follow nature reserve rules. The lake lies along the route between Zoige and Langmusi, so it is easy to reach by self-drive or chartered car.

Flower Lake (Huahu)

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