Selincuo
Nestled deep within the Qiangtang Plateau, at the junction of Nyima County and Shenzha County in Nagqu City, Tibet, lies Siling Co, the largest lake in Tibet and the second largest saltwater lake in China. At an altitude of 4,530 meters, with a total surface area exceeding 2,300 square kilometers, it is a tectonic lake formed during the formation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its Tibetan name means "Devil's Lake Reflecting Majestic Light." With its vast and magnificent scenery, complete plateau ecosystem, and mysterious legends, it is the core area of the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve.
The core charm of Siling Co lies in its extreme vastness and desolation. Standing on the lakeshore and gazing into the distance, the lake water and the blue sky merge at the horizon, an endless expanse of blue spreading out. The color of the lake changes with the light and shadow, sometimes as blue as a jewel, sometimes tinged with a deep indigo. A gentle breeze ripples the surface, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring panorama with the surrounding vast plateau meadows. The lake's shoreline meanders, interspersed with mudflats and wetlands, and dotted with gray-brown lacustrine terraces, bearing witness to the lake's millennia-long transformation. In winter, the lake freezes over, a thick layer of ice like silver armor covering its surface, contrasting beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains, enhancing the plateau's tranquility and solemnity.
This is a "natural treasure trove" of plateau ecology, maintaining the ecological balance of the Qiangtang grassland. Selin Co and its surrounding satellite lakes provide an excellent habitat and breeding ground for numerous rare wild animals. Every spring and autumn, dozens of migratory bird species, including black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and ruddy shelducks, stop over and breed here, their calls echoing throughout the tranquil lake area, adding a vibrant touch. On the lakeside grasslands, Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild asses, and Tibetan gazelles, all national first-class protected animals, often appear in herds, leisurely foraging or galloping, showcasing the vitality and freedom of plateau creatures. The lake also abounds in unique fish species such as the plateau naked carp, forming a complete plateau ecological chain.
Mysterious legends add a unique cultural depth to Serling Co. In Tibetan folklore, Serling Co is said to be the manifestation of a "demon" subdued by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), hence its name "Devil's Lake." Despite the awe-inspiring nature of the legend, the local Tibetan people still hold a deep reverence for nature in their hearts. Scattered along the lakeshore are layers of mani stones, and colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, expressing the herders' prayers for favorable weather and the well-being of all living beings. For generations, Tibetan herders have used the lakeside grasslands as their pastures. Black yak tents dot the landscape, and the aroma of butter tea mingles with the crisp scent of the lake, showcasing the simplicity and richness of nomadic life in northern Tibet.
Today, Serling Co retains its pristine beauty, untouched by excessive commercial development, making it an ideal destination for ecotourism and photography. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside road, gazing at the vast expanse of the high-altitude lake; or stop in designated areas to observe the agile movements of wild animals. Here, there are no bustling crowds, only the tranquility of the lake, the vastness of the grassland, and the freedom of life, allowing every visitor to forget the hustle and bustle of the world, immerse themselves in the unique vastness and purity of the Qiangtang Plateau, and experience the greatness and wonder of nature.