Jiren Lake

Jiren Lake

Jiren Lake is the largest, most unique, and most mythical of the 108 lakes, situated at an altitude of 4,100 meters. Here, there are three unnamed lakes of varying sizes arranged like steps, with the topmost lake displaying a sky-blue hue. Standing by its shores, you will truly grasp the meaning of the phrase "where sea meets sky."

Looking around, 108 lakes are scattered like stars and chess pieces across the landscape. From an aerial view, Jiren Lake features four lakes of varying sizes and colors, presented in terraced formation before your eyes — a spectacular sight. The second lake's water is a deep Tibetan blue; the third is emerald green; and the Jiren Lake before you shifts colors with the weather: on cloudy days, it turns a bluish-green; on rainy days, it darkens ominously like an inkwell; on sunny days, it becomes a clear, jade-like green. Every hour or so, a rumbling sound can be heard from the lake. Golden fish can occasionally be spotted in the lake. According to locals, during late autumn, one can see the skeleton of something as large as a yak lying at the bottom of the lake — no one knows what creature it belonged to.

The small island in the lake greatly resembles Taiwan, the treasure island of our country. The vegetation growing on it includes 13 different species. Ruins of old walls remain on the island, where locals have also found ancient copper coins and pottery relics. There are two legends about the ruins on the island: one says that long ago, a monk traveled here and was captivated by the beautiful reflections of the lake and mountains. He built a hermitage on the island, and year after year, he eventually achieved enlightenment, transforming into a rainbow that drifted westward. The other legend says that in ancient times, a foreign missionary came to Decha to preach but failed, so he retreated to this solitary island to practice alone. With no influence, he eventually left for elsewhere. These are all just legends, leaving behind only mysteries. The local Tibetans regard it as a sacred lake. In winter, when the lake freezes three feet thick, Jiren Lake becomes a natural ice rink, allowing both people and animals to cross to the island. With no visible source or outlet, and with water levels remaining constant throughout the seasons, these are yet more mysteries of Jiren Lake.