Zhangbei Prince Lake

Zhangbei Prince Lake

The beauty of Prince Lake is a tranquil one. For centuries, time here has flowed gently, veiled in misty rain, moving at a leisurely pace, elegant and refined. It seems there have never been towering waves crashing from the sky, nor have dark clouds ever churned violently—much like the state of mind of the people along its shores: peaceful, serene, and quietly content.

Prince Lake gets its name from a local legend. It is said that more than 700 years ago, the third son of Genghis Khan, Ogedei Khan, accompanied by his minister Muqali, climbed to the top of Zhuma Mountain. There, they saw a body of water nestled between northern and southern mountain ranges, embraced by green trees and as clear as a mirror. Lush grasslands teemed with badgers and roe deer, while a riot of blossoms competed in beauty. A cool breeze blew, instantly refreshing the heart and lifting the spirit. From then on, he often visited the site for leisure and pleasure. Hence the name Prince Lake. After the construction of the Yuan Dynasty’s central capital, emperors, princes, and high-ranking officials also frequently came here for hunting and recreation.

Prince Lake features distinctive architecture and scattered herds of livestock, creating a unique grassland nomadic charm unique to the Bashang Plateau. The lake’s waters ripple with emerald waves, and fish play within them. Sitting on a cruise boat or speedboat and drifting across Prince Lake allows you to fully enjoy the plateau “water town” scenery reminiscent of the poetic lines “sunrise over the river outshines fire, spring water as blue as indigo.”

On the northern and southern shores of Prince Lake, fishing ponds and swimming pools have been established respectively. In the fishing pond, fish swim freely, while anglers relax leisurely on the shore rocks. In the swimming pool, visitors linger, reluctant to leave. Upstream from the lake lies a horse racing field where you can mount horses or camels and gallop across the vast grasslands, sparking the imagination. Around the lake are three surrounding hills, each with winding mountain trails that lead directly to the summits. There, you’ll find Mongolian yurts, dove-shaped tents, and regular tents perfect for cooling off or staying overnight. Standing atop the hill and looking out, you can take in the full view of the lake, grasslands, green woods, blooming flowers, and visiting crowds.

The scenery around Prince Lake is reflected in the water, appearing nearly identical to the landscape on land. When a light breeze passes, or when a few water birds skim the surface, the reflections in the lake blur slightly—but soon reform, becoming clear and distinct once again. Egrets circle leisurely, one striding with long legs while patrolling, another dipping its head as if eyeing the water’s surface, while more linger in the shallows among reeds and lotuses. Starlings flit about in a hurry, their black-and-white wings darting past, coming and going. Occasionally, an eagle flies overhead, all without disturbing the lake’s calm. The blue sky and white clouds are mirrored on the lakebed, and moonlit snow scenes cast fleeting shadows on the water. Let the tides and clouds come and go, let winter pass and spring arrive.

Prince Lake has earned everlasting fame through the imprints of history. While a dramatic showdown of mighty figures unfolds, an otherwise unremarkable lake quietly lies there, undisturbed.