Sijin Latso
Nestled amidst the snow-capped mountains of Sangri County in Shannan City, Sijin Latso Lake lies like a sapphire lost on the plateau, resting in the embrace of the southern slopes of Mila Mountain, gazing across at the Woka Hot Springs, together nourishing this hidden Tibetan paradise. In Tibetan, its name means "Lake of the God of Wealth." At an altitude of over 4,500 meters, the crystal-clear lake reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains. There are no bustling crowds, only the gentle rustling of prayer flags and the whispers of the wind across the meadows, telling the thousand-year-old legends and stories of this sacred lake, carrying the most devout prayers of the Tibetan people.
The purity of Sijin Latso is the purest gift of the snow-covered plateau. Far from the hustle and bustle of the world, the lake water is crystal clear, with visibility reaching dozens of meters. The water changes with the light, sometimes a deep blue, sometimes a gentle jade green, like the clear eyes of the earth. Lush meadows surround the lake, with cosmos flowers and lousewort blooming freely. The distant snow-capped mountains stand majestically, and nearby prayer flags flutter in the wind. Mountains, water, flowers, and flags complement each other, forming a tranquil and serene picture of the sacred lake, every breeze carrying the purity and crispness of the plateau.
The very fabric of this sacred lake is imbued with the profound faith of the Tibetan people and the romance of ancient legends. Legend has it that Sijin Latso was a sacred place of prayer for Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is said to have stayed and meditated here, praying to the sacred lake for peace in the snow-covered land and happiness for all beings. For generations, it has been the "Sacred Lake of the God of Wealth" in the hearts of Tibetan believers, nestled alongside the surrounding sacred mountains, embodying people's aspirations for a better life. Every prayer flag and every mani stone pile is inscribed with the most devout faith.
For the villagers living by the lake, Sijin Latso has long been integrated into their daily lives, becoming both the backdrop and the spiritual anchor of their existence. They protect every blade of grass and every drop of water in the sacred lake, upholding the ancient tradition of not polluting the water or harming the creatures around the lake. On auspicious festivals, devotees travel from afar to burn incense, offer khatas (ceremonial scarves), and scatter prayer flags, praying for the sacred lake to bless their homes with abundance and their families with good health. The chanting of prayers blends with the sound of the wind by the lake, and a warm feeling permeates the snowy landscape.
Today, Sijin Latso still maintains its pristine sanctity. The clear lake water reflects the image of the sacred mountain year after year, and the prayer flags continue to whisper prayers in the wind. It is untouched by deliberate embellishment or worldly clamor, a miraculous masterpiece of nature, a vessel of Tibetan faith and culture, and a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the plateau people and nature. This sacred lake of the snowy region, with its tranquil power, tells the story of Sangri's millennia-old prayers and the passage of time.