Butuo Lake
Nestled in Dingqing County, Changdu City, Tibet, at an altitude of 4,560 meters in the heart of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, lies a hidden paradise comprised of two high-altitude lakes—Butuo Lake. Located approximately 25 kilometers from Dingqing County, it comprises two lakes, Big Butuo Lake and Little Butuo Lake, separated by 5 kilometers. Nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains and surrounded by vast wetlands and grasslands, it is a rare plateau double-lake landscape in eastern Tibet and the core area of a national wetland nature reserve. The core charm of Butuo Lake lies in its unique "twin lakes competing in beauty." Big Butuo Lake, covering approximately 9 square kilometers, is a typical plateau freshwater lake. Its wide, clear surface reflects the drifting clouds and distant snow-capped mountains like a mirror. The lake's color changes with the light, sometimes as blue as a jewel, sometimes shimmering with a pale green halo. Xiao Butuo Lake, covering approximately 1.5 square kilometers, is smaller yet more serene. Its shoreline is winding and meandering, dotted with wetlands and lush vegetation, creating a striking contrast to the grandeur of Da Butuo Lake. The two lakes complement each other, forming a breathtaking picture of "the vastness of the large lake and the delicate beauty of the small one." The surrounding natural landscape is equally captivating. The lake is surrounded by boundless alpine meadows, lush and green in summer, dotted with wildflowers like Gesang and wolfsbane, like stars adorning the earth. In autumn, the grasslands don golden hues, contrasting beautifully with the azure lake and pristine snow-capped mountains, showcasing the majestic grandeur of the plateau. Streams crisscross the wetlands, their clear waters originating from snowmelt, meandering through the meadows, nourishing this fertile land and providing habitat for numerous creatures. This is a "natural treasure trove" and "bird paradise" of the plateau ecosystem. Butuo Lake boasts a complete wetland ecosystem, home to dozens of nationally protected bird species, including the black-necked crane, bar-headed goose, and Tibetan snowcock. During migration season, large numbers of birds stop and breed here, their calls echoing throughout the tranquil lake, adding a vibrant atmosphere. The lake is rich in plateau schizothorax, and Tibetan gazelles and blue sheep are frequently seen roaming the grasslands. Valuable medicinal herbs such as cordyceps and fritillaria grow in the forests, showcasing the vitality and abundance of nature. The nomadic culture adds warmth to this hidden gem. For generations, Tibetan herders have lived here, using the grasslands surrounding Butuo Lake as their natural pasture. Black yak tents are scattered across the grasslands, and herds of yaks and sheep graze leisurely like scattered pearls. The herders maintain their traditional nomadic lifestyle, displaying warmth and simplicity. Every summer, lively nomadic festivals are held on the grasslands, with horse racing, archery, and Guozhuang dances taking place in succession, accompanied by melodious songs and a joyful atmosphere. Layers of mani stones are piled up along the lakeshore, and colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, carrying the herders' reverence for nature and their prayers for a better life. Today, Butuo Lake retains its pristine beauty, untouched by excessive commercial development. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, experiencing the crystal-clear waters of the two lakes and the vastness of the grasslands, or gaze at the snow-capped mountains in the distance, feeling the tranquility and sanctity of the plateau. Here, there are no bustling crowds, only the grandeur of heaven and earth, the purity of nature, and the vibrancy of its people, allowing every visitor to forget the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse themselves in the unique charm of the eastern Tibetan plateau.