Ya'an Baizhang Lake

Ya'an Baizhang Lake

Ya'an Baizhang Lake is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

The Mingshan Baizhang Lake Scenic Tourism Area, renowned as "a jade on the Southern Silk Road," is located in Mingshan County in the southwestern part of the Sichuan Basin. It lies 117 kilometers east of Chengdu and 35 kilometers west of Ya'an, with the National Highway Sichuan-Tibet passing through.

Also known as the Baizhang Reservoir, the lake was initially built between 1957 and 1958, and underwent two expansions in 1975 and 1978. Covering an area of over 3,000 acres, it retains approximately 20 million cubic meters of water year-round. The lake area features "verdant peaks cradling emerald waters, with light boats gliding across the blue waves," complementing the nearby Mount Mengding in a perfect harmony. The lake's water originates from the Yuxi River at the foot of Mount Jiajin, where snowmelt cascades down, creating piles of green reflections. White cranes gather here, along with wild ducks. You can paddle a boat in the lake’s center or fish along the shore, await the sunrise at dawn or watch fishing boats’ lights at dusk — an endlessly delightful experience. Along the lakeshore stands the Baizhang Lake Resort, a grand complex of Tibetan-style antique buildings nestled against the mountains and by the water. Dazzlingly ornate, it houses mid-to-high-end guest rooms, a luxurious ballroom, various restaurants, and meeting rooms, making it a premier destination for vacation and conferences. It is hailed as "the first village along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway."

Baizhang Lake boasts a relatively expansive area and retains around 20 million cubic meters of water year-round. Climbing to a height along the lake, you’ll see vast stretches of water surrounded by rolling peaks, with green shadows cast upon the blue waves. Fish and birds swim together, while men and women enjoy the scenery. In spring, mild breezes blow and flowers bloom in competition. In summer, the landscape is lush and the woods are wrapped in green. When autumn winds begin to blow, wild geese fly south. After the first snowfall, trees are draped in silver. Sometimes, peach and plum blossoms are in full display, and hundreds of sails compete in beauty. Other times, the fragrance of famous teas wafts through the air as various flowers vie for splendor. The seasonal scenery is enchanting and unforgettable.

In recent years, to allow visitors to fully appreciate the lake area’s beautiful landscapes, tourism development in the scenic area has taken initial shape. Numerous hotels and resorts with innovative designs, exquisite architecture, and cozy comfort have sprung up. These antique-style complexes, built along the lakeside and mountain slopes, are dazzlingly resplendent and exude refined elegance. In the woods, there are tea pavilions, towers, terraces, and viewing pavilions. On the lake’s central island, there are bamboo huts that can accommodate over a hundred guests, as well as entertainment facilities such as fresh fish hotpot restaurants, fishing ponds, chess and card rooms, and billiard rooms. There are nearly a hundred watercraft available, including pedal boats, small sampans, painted pleasure boats, motorboats, and speedboats. There is also a special waterside hotpot dining area where guests can enjoy both the lake view and the unique hotpot experience of Baizhang Lake.