Bailong Lake National Scenic Area

　　Bailong Lake National Scenic Area is situated in the low mountain and canyon region where the Longmen Mountain and Motianling Mountain ranges meet, in the eastern part of Qingchuan County. It occupies a water area of 62 square kilometers and was named a National Key Scenic Area by the State Council in January 2004. Located at the upper reaches of the Bailong River, a tributary of the Jialing River system, the lake lies just downstream from the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. With unpolluted water sources, crystal-clear waters, vast expanses, and breathtaking scenery, the area combines natural landscapes—including lakes, islands, mountains, forests, canyons, and caves—with rich historical and cultural heritage. It serves as an ideal destination for leisure, vacation, and water sports in Southwest China.

　　The surrounding hills of Bailong Lake are lush and layered, with steep and majestic mountain ridges. The lake shorelines are winding and twisting, featuring inner lakes within the main lake and interconnected water bodies that create ever-changing vistas. The lake area centers around the Yangping Peninsula and is divided into five uniquely featured scenic zones. The central lake zone spans 14 square kilometers, offering broad waters of stunning clarity, encircled by verdant peaks and reflected mountains, presenting a magnificent and picturesque landscape, thus earning the title “The Number One Lake in Southwest China.” Huangmao Gorge stretches over 2,000 meters, flanked by towering, peculiar cliffs, steep red cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and flowing springs—a truly spectacular sight. There are more than 30 karst caves of various sizes, including the Ganlong Cave, showcasing a rich array of stalactites in diverse forms. Surrounding the lake are approximately 100,000 mu of olive groves, creating undulating green waves and the refreshing aroma of ripening fruit, offering a unique orchard experience.

　　Since ancient times, the Bailong Lake area has been a vital transportation hub. It was part of the ancient road to Shu during the Qin and Han dynasties, where the renowned Jinniu Path, Jinggu Path, and Yinping Path converged. As a strategic military location, it has retained many historical sites such as ancient passes, roads, cities, battlefields, relics, as well as remnants from the Red Army’s Long March.

　　On the shimmering lake surface, fishermen around Bailong Lake have built floating fishing villages among rows of net cages. Sitting on woven stools and wearing straw hats, they cast their fishing rods as their light boats gently rock on the water—like drifting back to a cradle in childhood. Drifting in the middle of the lake, they hum softly, marveling at the lively movements of fish biting the bait and watching the joyful leaps of those caught in the nets. With light clouds and gentle winds, the sky and water both deep blue, holding a freshly caught fish to slowly roast, letting the heart drift along with the curling smoke above the water, one becomes completely immersed and loses all sense of self.

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