Bailong Lake National Scenic Area

Bailong Lake National Scenic Area

Bailong Lake National Scenic Area is a national-level scenic spot.

Bailong Lake National Scenic Area, located in the eastern part of Qingchuan County, covers a water area of 62 square kilometers. In January 2004, it was designated as a National Key Scenic Spot by the State Council. Bailong Lake is situated in the low-mountain gorge region where the Longmen Mountain and Motianling Mountain ranges meet, belonging to the upper reaches of the Bailong River, a tributary of the Jialing River system. Its upstream area includes the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The water source is unpolluted, the water is clear, and the vast waters offer beautiful scenery. It is a new scenic area that integrates natural landscapes—including lakes, islands, mountains, forests, gorges, and caves—with rich historical and cultural heritage. It is an ideal destination in Southwest China for leisure, vacation, and water sports.

The surrounding mountains of Bailong Lake are lush and verdant, with steep and majestic peaks. The shoreline is winding and twisting, featuring inner lakes within the main lake and outer lakes connected to one another, creating an ever-changing water landscape. The lake area centers around the Yangping Peninsula and is divided into five distinctive scenic zones. The central lake area spans 14 square kilometers, featuring expansive waters with crystal-clear blue surfaces, encircled by rolling green mountains and peaks that create a stunning reflection on the water, presenting a magnificent and picturesque scene. It is hailed as the “Number One Lake in Southwest China.” The Huangmao Gorge extends over 2,000 meters, with steep cliffs on both sides, towering red cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and flowing springs, offering a spectacular view. There are more than 30 karst caves of various sizes, including the Ganlong Cave, where the stalactites inside take on a myriad of shapes, creating a rich and diverse landscape. Around the lake, there are approximately 100,000 mu of olive groves, creating undulating waves of green and the fragrance of fruit, offering a unique orchard experience.

The Bailong Lake area has long been a vital transportation hub since ancient times. It was part of the ancient road to Shu during the Qin and Han dynasties, where the famous Jinniu Path, Jinggu Path, and Yinping Path converged. As a strategic military location, it has witnessed many historical events and preserves numerous ancient passes, roads, cities, battlefields, cultural relics, as well as remnants from the Red Army’s Long March.

On the shimmering surface of the lake, fishermen around Bailong Lake have built floating fishing villages among rows of net cages. Sitting on woven stools, wearing straw hats, and holding fishing rods, they gently sway on small boats as if rocked in a cradle from childhood. Drifting in the middle of the lake, they hum softly, marveling at the liveliness of fish biting the bait and the playful leaps of fish caught in nets. With light clouds and gentle breezes, the sky is blue and so is the water. Holding a freshly caught fish to slowly roast, one lets the mind drift along with the curling smoke, merging with the surroundings and forgetting all else.

Source: CPC Qingchuan County Committee and People’s Government of Qingchuan County