[2025 Xinlong Attraction] Travel Guide for Cuoka Lake (Updated Aug)

Not in Switzerland, but Western Sichuan from June to August leaves you speechless with its beauty. Only those who have been there can truly say... People often ask me, what is the magic of Western Sichuan? It wasn't until I actually set foot on this land that I understood - Western Sichuan isn't just a simple place name, but a spiritual journey, a reunion with one's true self. Only those who have been to Western Sichuan can say that the clouds here breathe. Standing atop Zheduo Mountain, you feel like you could reach out and pull down a piece of cloud. They float lazily like cotton at times, then rapidly transform under the wind's command, chasing sunlight to cast ever-changing shadows across the vast land. When the clouds hang low, they merge with distant snow-capped mountains, blurring the line between cloud and snow, leaving you feeling like you're in a dreamlike realm. Only those who have been to Western Sichuan can say that every lake here holds secrets. Milk Lake resembles a blue teardrop fallen from heaven, surrounded by snow mountains, its waters displaying an extraordinary blue under sunlight - from pale to deep - as if containing endless untold stories. Meanwhile, Cuoka Lake mirrors the sky like an exquisite looking glass, embracing blue skies, white clouds, green trees and mountains in its reflection. Fish swimming in the lake create ripples that break the tranquility while adding vibrant energy. Only those who have been to Western Sichuan can say that faith here carries awe-inspiring power. In Sertar, countless red houses blaze across mountain slopes like flames, while monks in crimson robes come and go, their chanting rising and falling in waves. In that moment, restless hearts find sudden peace. Watching their devout concentration, one understands the purity and steadfastness of faith - not mere ritual, but soul-deep devotion and pursuit. Only those who have been to Western Sichuan can say that every road here tells stories. The winding Heavenly 18 Bends challenge drivers at every turn; bumpy dirt roads kick up dust clouds but lead to the most pristine landscapes. Along the way, you'll meet warm-hearted Tibetan locals whose radiant smiles and sincere greetings dispel travel weariness. You'll also encounter kindred spirits - fellow travelers sharing meals and dreams, forging precious bonds under these vast skies. When leaving Western Sichuan, my camera was full of beautiful scenes, but my heart held an inexpressible longing. Every mountain, river, plant and tree here whispers the most moving tales. Only after visiting Western Sichuan did I understand that travel isn't just about seeing the world's beauty, but about meeting a more authentic, open-hearted version of yourself along the way. Perhaps this is Western Sichuan's magic - once visited, never forgotten; though departed, already yearning for the next reunion.

Cuoka Lake, located in Marixiang, Xinlong County, Ganzi Prefecture, is known as "a fairyland on earth, a jade pool in the sky". Cuoka Lake is locally known as Cuoka Haizi, also known as Zanduo Conama, which in Tibetan means black seawater in the midst of rubble. The lake water is as clear as jade, collecting like a kaleidoscope, the figures of the blue sky, white clouds, green trees, and green mountains. Surrounded by green mountains and shrouded in white clouds, it seems to place people in a fairyland. It has the most dreamy reflection, heaven and earth, mountains and lakes, all naturally formed. It's like a fairyland, both real and illusory. In winter, the surface of Cuoka Lake is covered with a layer of hazy white gauze overnight, and the reflection on the lake can be vaguely seen. When the weather is fine, it is the scene of ice melting and snow reviving, the remaining snow is white, as if heralding the warm spring light of the coming days; when the weather is gloomy, the sky hangs up a vast curtain of snow, like a secret realm shuttle.

As a popular tourist city, Chengdu gets crowded during the May Day holiday, but there are still many hidden gems in the surrounding areas. I. Western Sichuan Hidden Treasures: Plateau Lakes and Snow-Capped Mountains 1. Cuoka Lake Features: Known as the "Heavenly Jade Pool," the crystal-clear lake mirrors Cuoka Temple and surrounding snow mountains, creating a fairyland-like scene. The surrounding grasslands are perfect for camping, dotted with yaks and sheep herds, and remain uncommercial. Route: Chengdu → Ya'an → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Litang → Mari Township (about 6 hours by car). Tips: Winding mountain roads, self-driving or chartered car recommended; best photography times are early morning and dusk to capture golden sunlight on mountains and reflections. 2. Ergu Stream Features: Known as the "Hiking Paradise" of Aba Prefecture, featuring alpine meadows and flower seas that are particularly magnificent in summer. Camp under the stars at night and hike through pristine forests during the day for a true wilderness experience. Route: Chengdu → Rongchang Expressway → Li County → Ergu Stream Village (about 4 hours by car). Tips: Three hiking sections required, travel light; some areas have no signal, download offline maps in advance. II. City Outskirts: Blend of Nature and Culture 1. Wawo Mountain Features: The world's second-largest mesa mountain, with rhododendrons in full bloom (early May), over 95% covered by pristine forest where you might encounter squirrels, red pandas, and other wildlife. Two cable cars reach the summit, and the Lanxi Cliff walkway offers thrilling experiences. Admission: From CNY 88 (including Jinhua Bridge cable car), advance booking required. Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, recommended entry before 8 AM; Half-mountain Gallery open limited hours (8:00-11:00). 2. Dujiangyan Tea Mountains Features: An escape from crowds for "tea-picking serenity," with 1,200 acres of tea plantations hidden at the foot of Mount Qingcheng. Experience carrying bamboo baskets for tea picking and processing, and learn about Sichuan tea culture. Route: Chengdu → Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway → Dujiangyan (multiple tea gardens in the city, such as "Wenhua Village"). Tips: Combine with a visit to Dujiangyan Scenic Area (tickets from CNY 40), stay overnight in Guanxian Ancient Town, and taste local delicacies like pork trotter and iced jelly. III. Unique Cultural Experiences 1. Niubei Mountain Features: China's most beautiful 360° viewing platform offering unobstructed views of sea of clouds, sunrise, and starry skies—comparable to Dawagencha but with fewer tourists. Admission: From CNY 10 (Ya'an Yingjing County). Tips: Climb in the early morning for sunrise, dress warmly; visit Luding Bridge on your way down. 2. Dayi Anren Ancient Town Features: Home to Liu Family Manor and Jianchuan Museum, combining Republican-era architecture with historical exhibits, perfect for photography. Nearby Xiling Snow Mountain (late rhododendron season during May Day) can be visited on the same trip. Route: Chengdu → Chengdu-Wenqiong Expressway → Dayi (about 1 hour by car). IV. Recommended Ways to Avoid Crowds Greenway Cycling: Jincheng Greenway → Qinglong Lake → Dong'an Lake, free cycling, night tour of Guixi Ecological Park light show. Lesser-known Ancient Towns: Pingle Ancient Town (Qionglai City) or Jiezi Ancient Town (Chongzhou), explore old streets during the day and enjoy river cuisine at night. Family Fun: Hike and breathe fresh air in Western Sichuan Bamboo Sea (Qionglai) or enjoy water activities at Dujiangyan Sunac Water World (opening in late April). V. Important Notes 1. Transportation: Self-driving or chartered cars recommended for Western Sichuan routes, prepare offline navigation for mountain areas with poor signals; advance booking required for scenic spots like Wawo Mountain. 2. Weather: Large temperature differences between day and night in Western Sichuan in May, bring windproof jackets; plains areas may be rainy, prepare both sun protection and rain gear. 3. Peak-avoidance Tips: Travel during off-peak times (such as April 28 or after May 2), visit popular attractions early in the morning, and explore lesser-known places in the afternoon.

⛰【Attractions Guide】 📍Detailed address: Cokha Lake is located in Maji Township, Xinlong County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, 32 kilometers away from the county seat, with an altitude of about 4,000 meters. It is known as "a paradise on earth, the Nine Heavens Yaochi". 💞💞💞 🚗Transportation strategy: 1️⃣Take a bus from Chengdu to Xinlong County. After arriving in Xinlong, you can charter a car to Cokha Lake. 💖 2️⃣ Self-driving location: Cokha Lake, Xinlong County, Ganzi Prefecture (2.5 hours from Yajiang). ❤️❤️ 🕙Opening hours: Open all day. [HandsUp][HandsUp] 💰Ticket price: 20 yuan. [Heart][Heart] 🌟Highlights: Cokha Lake is like a gem lost in the world, emitting a mysterious and charming light. When you step into this land, it feels like you have entered a fairyland isolated from the world. ♻️♻️ 💟The lake water is as clear as a mirror for fairies to dress up, reflecting the sky, white clouds, green mountains, green trees, and the ancient temple one by one. As the breeze blew, ripples appeared on the lake surface, and the reflections swayed gently, like a dream. [HandsUp][HandsUp][HandsUp]

Cuoka Lake in Chuanxi, A dreamlike realm of thousands of years at a glance. The clear and mirror like lake water is unbelievably blue, like a huge sapphire embedded in the mountains. The sky, white clouds, green mountains, and ancient temples are all reflected in it, unable to distinguish between reality and illusion, so beautiful that it is suffocating. A gentle breeze blows by, creating shimmering waves on the lake surface. The interplay of light and shadow creates a wallpaper for every frame. Strolling along the lake, the surroundings were so quiet that only one could hear their own footsteps and the sound of the lake gently tapping the shore. The distant sound of reciting scriptures, ethereal and sacred, instantly purified the soul. Here, time seems to stand still, and all worries are thrown into the clouds.

🍁 From Yaqing Temple to Litang, you will pass by Cuoka Lake, the "Lost Horizon." The road is uphill, with steep slopes and sharp turns. After 140 sharp turns, you will be amazed by the golden roof of Cuoka Temple shining in the sun. At an altitude of 3,800 meters, the temple is surrounded by mountains, and in front of it is the clear and green Cuoka Lake. The lake and the temple together create a fairyland on earth. 🍁 Cuoka Temple is built on a mountain and is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a history of hundreds of years. Padmasambhava once blessed Cuoka Temple. The temple is composed of a group of large and small temples, which look solemn and mysterious. 🍁 Although Cuoka Lake is not very large, the water is crystal clear. With the temple, blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, and tall trees as a backdrop, the lake becomes even more beautiful and charming. 🍁 When you see Cuoka Lake, you will be so excited that you want to scream, but in the end, you will just stand quietly by the lake, unwilling to break the peace and beauty.

Blue sky and white clouds, fairyland, beautiful Cokha Lake.

#August2024 There is a vast lake here, the lake surface is as blue as a huge sapphire inlaid in the snow-capped mountains and meadows. The lakeside is dotted with snow-capped peaks and glaciers, which sparkle in the sunlight. The most fascinating thing is that the lake surface can sometimes perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains and clouds. The scenery of the lake and mountains is reflected and blended in the water, as if bringing people into a completely new parallel space. In addition, there are often wisps of white clouds floating in the blue sky, forming a calm and beautiful picture.

Embarking on a journey, once again came to western Sichuan, and started again. The snow-capped mountains are pure white, the lakes are clear, and the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan will hear the love songs sung to you by the world. Embarking on a journey, once again came to western Sichuan, and started again the story of meeting those mountains, those lakes, and those people. Lake Coka, it's the third time to come. The sun shines on the fragmented waves of Lake Coka, the reflection of the sky, the reflection of the trees, and the reflection of the temple, swaying with the slight waves. Lake Cuo Pu is like a colorful pearl, embedded in the valley of Zajin Jabo Mountain. Under the sunlight, Lake Zima Yong is full, as if it is covered with a layer of shining silver. The Gato Temple hidden in the lush greenery, the crimson courtyard wall, the apricot yellow roof, all bathed in the breeze and drizzle. Looking up, the mountain is the sky, the sky is the mountain, where you go, the front, back, left, and right are all mountains, as if you can touch the mountain peak with your hand.

This scene should only be seen in the sky / humans? Tokka Lake, located in Maji Township, Xinlong County, Ganzi Prefecture, 32 kilometers away from the county seat, is known as "the paradise on earth, Jiutian Yaochi". When we arrived, it was nearly noon. The lake was sun-baked with blue sun, and the reflections of the temples and Buddha statues reflected in the water, a beautiful and peaceful picture. The legendary Tacka is here to be taken care of by the gods, and the Hercules is back to the water. Since then, the lake has raised the mortal beings in a ditch in the town of Ma Ri, although the years have passed, the lake still For example, when the gods released water, they were generally clear and translucent, and there was no reduction. Xinlong, the real Chuanxi mystery you must come Arrival: Self-driving from Xinlong County to Tsuka Lake less than two hours into hemp After the daytime, it is basically Panshan Road, so it is recommended to use the off-road vehicle to go uphill : There are many local fish in the Lake of Tuca (cold water turtle), tourists can bring some bread/cookies and other feeding tickets Price: 20 yuan for a car to enter, no time