The Three Lakes Valley Megalithic Piles and Deer Stones

The Three Lakes Valley Megalithic Piles and Deer Stones

In July 2001, the Three Lakes Valley Megalithic Piles and Deer Stones were designated as part of the fifth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level by the State Council.

The Three Lakes Valley is located over 40 kilometers northeast of Qinghe County, in a high-altitude mountainous area at an elevation of 2,690 meters, with geographical coordinates of 46°48′41″N, 90°52′23″E. It is made up of three alpine lakes: Huahai (Flower Lake), Zhonghai (Middle Lake), and Bianhai (Edge Lake). Fed by snowmelt from the high mountains, these lakes are the source of the Xiaqing River. The area offers expansive views, lush grasslands, and abundant water, making it an important summer pasture for Qinghe County. The mysterious megalithic piles of the Three Lakes Valley are situated here.

According to expert assessments, the surface design of the Three Lakes Valley megalithic piles is highly structured, making it the largest such structure discovered in China to date. The manpower and resources required for its construction were far beyond what a typical tribal leader could muster. To this day, scholars hold varying opinions on the nature, age, and purpose of the megalithic piles, and no definitive conclusion has been reached.

In addition, there are more than 50 smaller stone piles of varying sizes and shapes near the Three Lakes Valley, forming a megalithic complex together with the large pile. According to research by relevant scholars, the shape of the stone piles in the Three Lakes Valley bears a striking resemblance to the mysterious crop circles found around the world today.