Love Lake
Nestled in the valleys of the central Himalayas within Yadong County, Shigatse City, Tibet, lies a secluded paradise imbued with romance by its very name – Duoqing Lake (Lake of Affection). At an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, it lies only about 20 kilometers from Yadong County, nestled at the foot of Mount Chomolhari. Its mirror-like surface reflects the snow-capped peaks, creating a picturesque scene. It is both a pristine and sacred lake on the Tibetan border and a gentle haven steeped in romantic legends.
The beauty of Duoqing Lake lies in its perfect symbiosis with Mount Chomolhari. Mount Chomolhari, at 7,326 meters, is perpetually snow-capped, its summit resembling a sacred goddess standing amidst the clouds. At its foot, the crystal-clear waters of Duoqing Lake, fed by snowmelt, are refreshingly sweet and perfectly reflect the mountain's silhouette, creating a breathtaking panorama of "snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake, and the lake complementing the snow-capped mountains." The lake's color shifts with the light, sometimes shimmering a translucent light blue, sometimes a warm, emerald green. A gentle breeze stirs the ripples, causing the reflection of the snow-capped mountains to sway gracefully, creating a scene of ethereal elegance.
The lake's name is steeped in a touching legend. It is said that Mount Zhuomula was a beautiful goddess, and the lake her lover. For millennia, they have remained together, guarding this border land. Therefore, the local Tibetan people not only regard this lake as sacred but also as a symbol of love. Many couples make a special trip to pray for their love to be as enduring as the lake and the snow-capped mountains. Layers of mani stones are piled along the lakeshore, and colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, embodying both reverence for nature and wishes for beautiful love.
The ecosystem here is pure and vibrant, a natural treasure trove on the border. The lakeshore stretches to the horizon, a vast alpine meadow where, in summer, lush green grasses bloom in profusion, dotted with wildflowers like cosmos and wolfsbane, and grazing cattle and sheep graze like pearls, creating a soothing pastoral scene with the lake and snow-capped mountains. The lake teems with highland fish, attracting bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and other waterbirds, their calls mingling with the gentle lapping of the water, adding vitality to the tranquil sacred lake. The surrounding mountains are verdant forests, where glimpses of wild animals like blue sheep occasionally appear, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
As a landmark of the Yadong border, Duoqing Lake retains its pristine beauty, free from excessive commercialization. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside road, stopping to admire the scenery and capture breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake at the best vantage points; or wander through the meadows, enjoying the fragrance of grass and the scent of the lake in the gentle breeze. Here, the majestic grandeur of the border plateau is tempered by the tender charm of a love legend, captivating every visitor with the romance and purity of this eastern Tibetan border region.