The Jade Pool of the Queen Mother of the West, also known as “Xi Wangmu Yaochi (西王母瑶池),” is a revered natural highland lake located at the source of the Kunlun River. This sacred lake is deeply respected in Taoist culture and sits at an average altitude of 4,470 meters. It stretches approximately 12,000 meters from east to west and 5,000 meters from north to south, with the deepest point reaching 21.9 meters. The lake’s crystal-clear, emerald-green waters shimmer in the sunlight, offering a serene and picturesque scene. Waterfowl gather around the lake, either soaring above or swimming gracefully, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The surrounding area is rich with lush vegetation and is home to various wild animals, including yaks, wild donkeys, brown bears, yellow sheep, and Tibetan antelopes, creating a vibrant natural landscape.
According to legend, the Jade Pool is the site where the Queen Mother of the West hosts the grand “Peach Banquet” for the gods on special dates – March 3rd, June 6th, and August 8th of the lunar calendar. During these celebrations, gods from all over come to pay tribute to Xi Wangmu, the ancestral mother of creation, creating a lively and divine spectacle. It is also famously connected to the story of the Monkey King Sun Wukong, who stole the magical peaches and caused chaos in Heaven, as depicted in the classic novel Journey to the West. Additionally, nearby lies the site where Jiang Ziya, a central figure in Investiture of the Gods, is said to have meditated and practiced the Five Elements Dao for forty years.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
The Jade Pool of the Queen Mother of the West is located in Golmud, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. It lies approximately 112 kilometers from the city center of Golmud. The area is remote and not accessible by public transportation, so the only ways to reach the Jade Pool are by hiring a private car or driving yourself.
