Panda Lake

Panda Lake

Near Panda Lake, it is said that giant pandas are often spotted. The lakeside cliffs feature uniquely textured rock formations that contrast beautifully with the white stones underwater bearing black stripes resembling a panda’s markings.

The Panda Lake Waterfall is directly connected to Panda Lake and is the highest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley.

Panda Lake is situated in the Rize Valley, adjacent to Five Flower Lake, at an altitude of 2,587 meters, with a depth of 14 meters and a surface area of 90,000 square meters. It is said that the giant pandas of Jiuzhaigou particularly enjoy roaming, drinking, and foraging here, which is how the lake got its name “Panda Lake.” Against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the surrounding peaks stand still, while the lakeshore features layered forests. The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the shimmering mountains and their shadows.

Panda Lake has the highest fish population among all the lakes in Jiuzhaigou and is a great spot to observe the highland naked carp. This species of cold-water fish grows very slowly, and other fish find it difficult to survive here. In 1983, the Chengdu Fisheries Bureau and the Dujiangyan Management Bureau released 55 rainbow trout into the lake, but they disappeared within a year.

Panda Lake Waterfall

Walking to the end of the plank walkway on the north side of Panda Lake and descending a steep staircase, you can see on the right a waterfall cascading down from the mouth of the lake into the deep valley. Along its descent, the waterfall is intercepted by protruding cliffs and large rocks beneath the overhang, splitting it into several segments that form a continuous multi-tiered cascade. This is the Panda Lake Waterfall.

The Panda Lake Waterfall sits at an altitude of 2,592 meters, with a drop of 80 meters and a width of 50 meters. It features three tiers of cascading water, making it an exceptionally spectacular sight. In the depths of winter, the rushing water freezes into an icefall, creating a breathtaking crystalline world.