The Pearl of the Plateau—Gahai Lake

Located on the Gahai Grassland at an altitude of 3,400 meters within the territory of Luqu County, there lies a lake with rippling blue waves under the vast sky, and that is Gahai Lake. Gahai Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Gannan Prefecture, covering more than 10,000 mu during the wet season and over 7,000 mu during the dry season, with the deepest point being about five meters. The lake is surrounded by excellent natural pastures, with rivers crisscrossing and well-preserved vegetation. Various rare and exotic birds inhabit the lakeside. In 1982, Gahai Lake was designated as a wetland type migratory bird sanctuary by the provincial government, and in 1999, it was listed as a national nature reserve by the State Council. In the season of gentle breezes and beautiful sunshine, Gahai Lake is extraordinarily stunning. From a high vantage point, it looks like a blue sapphire inlaid at the top of the plateau, or like a bright mirror opened by a beautiful woman in the morning light, sparkling and shining under the sun. As you approach, you will see snow-capped mountains and green grass, blue sky and white clouds reflected in the lake, clear and distinct; colorful wildflowers bloom splendidly on the lakeshore; yaks and sheep leisurely chew on the fresh grass; shepherdesses gently swing their whips, their graceful figures swaying between the blue sky and green fields, swaying amidst the lake and mountain scenery, like fairies descending to earth. Compared to many famous beautiful lakes in the inland areas, the lofty Gahai Lake appears especially pure, without a hint of artificial embellishment or carving, without the slightest noise and dust of the city. This place is also the 'own kingdom' of various rare birds and colorful butterflies. Every spring and autumn, more than 80 species of migratory birds, including swans, cranes, black storks, great egrets, geese, ducks, and waterfowl, fly here from the coastal areas of southern China, Southeast Asia, Nepal, and the foothills of the Himalayas to nest and breed. The Tibetan herders who have lived on the Gahai Grassland for generations, believe in Buddhism, adhere to the precept of not killing, regard the arrival of rare birds as auspicious, and especially consider cranes as incarnations of immortals, symbols of auspiciousness and beauty, and never disturb or harm them. As a result, in this blessed land, various butterflies dance and compete with flowers; flocks of birds fly up and down, playing and singing. The white feathers of swans floating in the clear water make the lake even more serene, and the red-beaked black storks, as big as sheep, like to wander by the lake, not startled by people, displaying an elegant and noble posture. At this time, Gahai Lake is colorful and lively, a picture of simplicity and elegance where heaven and man are one.