Gahai Lake (尕海湖), the largest freshwater lake in Gannan, is an important wetland located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Revered as a pearl on the plateau, it was designated as a provincial-level nature reserve for migratory birds in 1982. Locally known as “Cuoning,” meaning “a place where yaks roam,” Gahai Lake boasts lush waters and grasses, providing a haven for many rare migratory birds such as black-necked cranes, gray cranes, and swans, which rest and breed here.
Situated at an altitude of 3,480 meters, the nature reserve of Gahai Lake spans 162,000 acres, with the lake itself covering 15,000 acres. The sky over the Gahai Grassland is deep and clear, with clouds resembling flowing skirts. The sacred lake, nestled within the grassland, mirrors the blue sky and white clouds, creating a breathtakingly serene landscape. Birds fly and fish leap across the vast lake surface, creating a lively scene.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Best Time To visit Gahai Lake
- Legends about Gahai Lake
- Useful Information
- Vlog about Gahai Lake
- Other Attractions in Luqu County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 21.00 |
Location and Transportation
Gahai Lake is located in Gahai Town, Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, China. It is approximately 49 kilometers from the county seat and situated at the 400th kilometer mark on National Highway 213. To reach Gahai Lake:
- There are no direct buses to Gahai Lake. Travelers can take buses from Xiahe (夏河) or Hezuo (合作) heading towards Langmu Temple. They should get off at Gahai Town and arrange further transportation.
- From Xiahe, direct buses to Langmu Temple depart at 6:40 AM and 7:40 AM daily, costing approximately 71.5 RMB. The journey takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a brief stop at Gahai for photos. From Gahai, it takes another 30-60 minutes to reach Langmu Temple.
- There are also buses from Hezuo to Langmu Temple at 6:30 AM, 7:20 AM, and 12:00 PM, costing around 50 RMB.
Best Time To visit Gahai Lake
July to Sempter, especially August, is the best time to visit Gahai Lake, as the gentle breeze carries the fragrance of lakeside flowers, bringing a sense of tranquility and delight. Flocks of waterfowl take flight along the shore, capturing the attention of visitors. These birds, with their black feathers, white bellies, and strikingly red legs and long beaks, gracefully soar through the air, skim the water, and gently land on the meadows, displaying their elegant beauty.
Legends about Gahai Lake
Gahai Lake is steeped in local lore and legends. One tale tells of seven celestial maidens who sang and danced on the beautiful Gahai Grassland, dropping an emerald that transformed into the vast, shimmering holy lake, thus becoming the source of life for the Gahai Grassland. Another story speaks of Gahai Lake as the incarnation of a goddess, the wife of a great mountain deity’s minister and the daughter of the Water Dragon King. When the mountain deity assigned his minister to govern the lush and thriving Gahai Grassland, the minister’s wife, Lekga Xiumu, fell deeply in love with the land. When the minister departed, she chose to stay, transforming into a clear spring that nourishes the flora and fauna of the Gahai Grassland.
Useful Information
The lake is fed by streams from hills such as Qiongmu Danqu, Wengniqu, and Duomuqu, and it eventually flows into the Tao River via Zhouqu. About 50 kilometers southwest of Gahai Lake lies Maqu County, home to the first bend of the Yellow River. Approximately 40 kilometers southeast is Langmu Temple. While Gahai Lake covers a large area, the developed scenic part is located on the northern side. Although the lake can be seen from other locations, it is challenging to get close to it from those spots and the sceneries are pretty average.
