Yi Sea Scenic Area

Yi Sea Scenic Area

Yi Sea Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Originally called Yuhai Zi, named for its abundance of fine-scaled fish, the local Yi people call it "Wulesubo." Located on Yangping Mountain, 40 kilometers north of Mianning County in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and 117 kilometers from Xichang, the capital of Liangshan Prefecture, Yi Sea features a memorial hall and monument that showcase a significant chapter of the Long March by the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. The landscape, with its bright and fresh mountains, waters, and forests, offers a breathtaking view from above—like a sapphire embedded in the mountains, glistening brilliantly and crystal clear. Towering ancient trees and lush grasslands surround the lake, with azaleas, lilacs, and camellias vying in beauty. Key attractions in the Yi Sea Scenic Area also include: New Alliance Village, Alliance Spring, Gazing Trees, Acquaintance Wetland, Yi Sea Study, Alliance Well, Little Sea, and Red Army Forest Wetland.

Yi Sea holds a glorious page in the history of the Red Army's Long March: On May 22, 1935, the advance unit of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army—its commander and Commissar Nie Rongzhen—met with Yi chieftain Xiao Yueda (Xiao Yedan) by the Yi Sea. They swore brotherhood by using water as wine and mixing blood in a ritual, enabling the main army to pass smoothly through a hundred-mile Yi-inhabited area.

Yi Sea is located on Caoping Mountain, 47 kilometers north of Mianning County, at an elevation of 2,280 meters. Originally called Yuhai Zi, it was named for its abundance of fine-scaled fish and is known locally as "Wulesubo." Yi Sea is a high-mountain deep-water lake. The lake is shaped like a gold ingot, stretching from north to south, covering an area of 233 mu, with an average depth of 9.8 meters and a maximum depth of 15 meters. It holds a perennial water volume of 1.353 million cubic meters. Yi Sea boasts enchanting scenery, cool and tranquil surroundings. Viewed from the mountaintop, it resembles a sparkling sapphire embedded among the peaks. Surrounded by layers of mountains, dense forests, and verdant greenery, the area is dotted with blooming wildflowers. The lake water is clear and azure, while the shores are covered with lush green grass, creating intoxicating views of the lake and mountain scenery. Visitors can experience the uniquely beautiful atmosphere described as “not quite the Jiangnan region, yet surpassing it” and “a riot of blossoms among the trees, with flocks of orioles darting about.” The Alliance Monument, Alliance Stone, and Alliance Water Collection Site are also powerful testimonies to China’s revolutionary history. When you stand under the grandeur of the monument at Yi Sea and reflect on the magnificence and hardships of the Red Army’s Long March over 70 years ago, while listening to the earnest teachings left by revolutionary predecessors... vivid images of the Red Army marching toward Northern Shaanxi and Yan'an come to mind. Transportation: The journey from Xichang to Mianning County is 88 kilometers, with daily buses available at around 14 yuan per ticket. From Mianning, take a bus to Yi Sea Township, then walk or take local transport for another 7–8 kilometers to reach the scenic area.