Zhegu Scenic Area
Nestled on the plateau in the northeastern part of Cuomei County, Shannan City, lies a secluded paradise—the Zhegu Scenic Area—a haven of lakes, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife. At an altitude of 4,100 meters, about 160 kilometers from Shannan City, it centers around the crystal-clear Zhegu Lake, the vast Zhegu Grassland, and the magnificent snow-capped mountains, making it a unique natural and cultural destination on the southern Tibetan Plateau.
The soul of the scenic area is the mirror-like Zhegu Lake. With a total surface area of approximately 70 square kilometers, its azure waters are crystal clear, resembling a giant sapphire embedded in the grassland. Sourced from snowmelt, the lake is free from industrial pollution, boasting exceptionally high visibility. It reflects the distant, continuous Yarlung Tsangpo Snow Mountain, its shadows intertwining with the clouds on the surface. A gentle breeze creates shimmering, dreamlike ripples. The winding shoreline is dotted with mani stones, and prayer flags flutter in the wind, adding a sacred religious atmosphere to the lake.
Nestled beside Zhegu Lake lies the vast Zhegu Grassland. Spanning over 300 square kilometers, the grassland is flat and open, lush with water and grass. In summer, the grassland is covered in verdant grass, dotted with wildflowers, while yaks and sheep graze leisurely like scattered pearls. In autumn, the grassland dons a golden hue, creating a vibrant highland landscape against the backdrop of the azure lake and pristine snow-capped mountains. This is a paradise for wildlife; rare animals such as Tibetan wild asses, gazelles, and argali sheep often roam in herds, running and playing, showcasing the pristine vitality of the highland ecosystem.
The rich cultural heritage adds a profound dimension to this hidden paradise. Zhegu Grassland is a traditional pasture for Tibetan herders, who have lived here for generations, maintaining a nomadic lifestyle of following the water and grass. Black yak tents dot the grassland, and the aroma of butter tea wafts through the air amidst the rising smoke. Every summer, a lively horse racing festival is held in the area. Herdsmen, dressed in their finest attire, ride their horses across the grasslands, with traditional activities such as archery and wrestling taking place in succession. The cheers and the clatter of hooves blend together, showcasing the bold and passionate spirit of the Tibetan herdsmen. The ancient Zhegu Monastery on the lakeside, its red walls and golden roofs nestled against the blue sky and white clouds, is shrouded in the melodious chanting of sutras, lending the scenic area a tranquil religious atmosphere.
Today, the Zhegu scenic area retains its pristine and unspoiled beauty, free from the hustle and bustle of excessive commercialization. Strolling through it, one can see the clear lake, the vast grasslands, and the majestic snow-capped mountains; hear the melodious pastoral songs and fluttering prayer flags; and seemingly forget worldly troubles, immersing oneself in the unique vastness and grandeur of the southern Tibetan plateau.