Cuona Lake
Nestled in Amdo County, Nagqu City, Tibet, between the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains and the Kunlun Mountains, at an altitude of 4,650 meters on the northern Tibetan grasslands, lies a dazzling "Pearl of the Heavenly Road"—Cona Lake. It is the world's highest freshwater lake and the source of the Nu River. With a surface area of over 300 square kilometers, it is located 20 kilometers from Amdo County. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes close by, at its closest point only 20 meters away, making it the first breathtaking lake encountered by countless travelers on their journey to Tibet.
The beauty of Cuona Lake lies in its blend of purity and dynamism. The lake water is crystal clear, its colors shifting with the changing light and shadow. In the morning, it shimmers with a cobalt blue tinged with silvery mist; at midday, it transforms into a translucent emerald green; and at sunset, it is bathed in the golden glow of the snow-capped mountains. Most magical is the "two-color dividing line" in the center of the lake: on the northwest side, glacial meltwater carrying rock fragments appears milky white, while on the southeast side, filtered underground spring water appears azure blue, like a "hot pot" of contrasting colors created by nature, showcasing the wonders of creation. The vast grasslands along the lake are lush and green in summer, dotted with grazing cattle and sheep like pearls, creating a magnificent plateau landscape against the backdrop of the azure lake and snow-capped mountains.
This is a treasure trove of plateau ecology, maintaining the complete ecosystem of the Qiangtang Grassland. The lake is rich in aquatic life, with plateau naked carp swimming freely, attracting dozens of nationally protected animal species such as black-necked cranes, swans, and ruddy shelducks to inhabit and breed here. The expansive grasslands along the lake are also home to Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild asses, and gazelles, whose silhouettes can often be glimpsed as they roam or rest. To protect this pristine environment, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway has specially established animal migration channels, with trains often slowing down to allow tourists to witness the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Religious and cultural elements imbue the sacred lake with a divine essence. In the hearts of the local Tibetan people, Lake Cuona is the Jade Pool of the Vajra Lum goddess, revered as the "Divine Lake." Legend has it that during the Tibetan Dragon Year, pilgrims who visit the sacred lake can cleanse their sins and pray for peace and well-being. At that time, tens of thousands of believers, dressed in their finest attire, circumambulate the lake clockwise, building mani stones and hanging prayer flags along the way, in a solemn and devout ceremony. The layers of mani stones and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind along the lakeside carry the herders' prayers for favorable weather and thriving livestock, adding a profound atmosphere of faith to this secluded place.
Today, Lake Cuona retains its pristine beauty. The Cuona Lake Station on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, an unmanned observation station, allows passengers to enjoy close-up views of the lake and mountains through the train windows. Here, there is no excessive commercialization or hustle and bustle, only the tranquility of the lake, the vastness of the grasslands, the vitality of life, and the devotion of faith. As the train slowly passes by, the blue lake, snow-capped mountains, and railway tracks outside the window intertwine to create an epic scene, becoming the most unforgettable first impression for countless people on their journey to Tibet, immersing them in the purity and grandeur of the northern Tibetan plateau.