Kunlun Spring (昆仑泉), located at an altitude of 3,700 meters in the famous town of Nachitai on the northern bank of the Kunlun Mountains, is also known as Nachitai Spring (纳赤台泉). The spring consists of two outlets, a larger and a smaller one, situated about 50 meters apart. The larger spring is conveniently located next to the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, surrounded by a stone structure that forms an octagonal platform about one meter high. The spring’s outlet has a diameter of 1.6 meters and a water depth of approximately 1 meter, with an additional outlet nearby.
As the largest unfrozen spring in the Kunlun Mountains, Kunlun Spring is fed by the melting ice and snow from the mountains, which seeps underground and emerges as clear, pure water. This water is noted for its sweetness and cleanliness, maintaining a consistent temperature of 7°C throughout the year. The high altitude and lack of pollution contribute to its reputation as “the sweet dew from the ice mountains.”
According to legend, when Princess Wencheng was married off to the Tibetan King, she brought with her a massive statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. As her entourage reached Nachitai, they were exhausted from the long journey and decided to rest. However, they soon realized there was no water available for cooking, so they had to make do with their rations and sleep without a proper meal. The following morning, they discovered that the area where the Buddha statue had been placed had flattened, and nearby, a crystal-clear spring was gushing forth.
Believing that this was a divine act by Shakyamuni Buddha, the devout princess honored the Buddha by tossing a string of pearls into the spring. From that moment, the water became even cooler and sweeter. Consequently, the area around Nachitai became known as “Buddha’s Platform,” and Kunlun Spring was affectionately referred to as “Pearl Spring.” This enchanting spring remains a significant site for visitors, blending natural beauty with rich cultural history.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Kunlun Spring is located in Nachitai Town on the northern bank of the Kunlun River in Golmud City, Qinghai Province. It is approximately 90 kilometers from the city center of Golmud. The most convenient way to reach Kunlun Spring is by self-driving or hiring a vehicle, as public transportation options are limited in this remote area.