Ningqiang Tianhu Scenic Area

　　The Tianhu Scenic Area is situated in Erlangba Township, southeastern Ningqiang County, Shaanxi Province. Highways from Xi'an, Chengdu, and Hanzhong provide direct access to Ningqiang, with the area being 96 kilometers from Hanzhong City. The scenic zone is a pristine ecological nature reserve that combines natural landscapes with water features. In 1999, the provincial Erlangba Hydropower Company closed the dam at the Tianshengqiao Reservoir, forming the high-mountain lake known as “Tianhu” (Heavenly Lake).

　　With a surface elevation of 1,180 meters, Tianhu Lake stretches approximately 14.7 kilometers from north to south, reaches a depth of 100 meters, and covers a water area of 1.5 million square meters, with a storage capacity of 78 million cubic meters. The width of the lake varies with the surrounding mountains and scenic features, reaching up to 500 meters at its widest and narrowing to less than 20 meters at its narrowest. The water is clear and serene, while the steep cliffs on both sides and the peculiar peaks and rocks create a sense of mystery.

　　The winding and narrow Tianhu Lake offers a unique experience along every stretch of its thirty-li (approximately 15 kilometers) waterway, with each section showcasing its own charm. Coupled with the mystique of legendary tales, the area’s landscape is infused with the allure of novelty, wonder, and adventure. The scenery here is extraordinary, offering captivating views in all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The area boasts lush vegetation and dense forests, maintaining a pristine ecological environment. Towering ancient trees provide ample shade, while old vines and deadwood form intricate natural networks, creating secluded pathways. Flocks of wild ducks gather on the lake surface, mandarin ducks play with visitors in the deep pools, and egrets echo the sounds of boats across the quiet valleys. The scenic area is home to numerous nationally protected animal species, including the Chinese giant salamander, tiger frog, as well as rare wildlife such as serows, black bears, deer, mandarin ducks, egrets, and golden pheasants. The region also produces high-quality local specialties such as shiitake mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and gastrodia elata—all natural products of exceptional quality.

　　Forests, snow, flowers, and mist are the four major wonders of Tianhu. Mandarin ducks fly together over the lake, elk roam freely, and birds sing in the valleys with echoes that are crisp and lingering. In spring, the layered forests are lush and green; in the peak of summer, it's cool and tranquil; during golden autumn, red leaves paint the landscape and the air is fragrant with fruit; in deep winter, the mountains are blanketed in snow, and the lake surface is veiled in mist, resembling a serene ink-wash painting.