Qionghai Lake, like many plateau lakes in China, is celebrated for its serene beauty, with distinct scenery in every season.

In spring, the lake and sky merge into a vast stretch of emerald blue, and shimmering ripples spread across green mountains and wilderness. As the poem goes: Boats glide on blue waves; travelers wander amid a painted scene. Willows sway gracefully and peach blossoms bloom along the banks, while swallows chirp softly.

In summer, the lake is brimming with clear water, set off by gorgeous rosy clouds. Mountain temples and fishing villages complement each other beautifully.

Autumn brings crisp skies and fresh air. Glowing sunset clouds hover over a lone wild duck, and the lake stretches endlessly to meet the horizon, enchanting every visitor.

In winter, the sky and water are crystal clear. Red maples and green cypresses cast vivid reflections on the lake surface. When winds rise in the afternoon, rolling waves surge like flocks of white geese frolicking on the water.

The mesmerizing views of Qionghai Lake, together with the bright moon hanging over Xichang at night, create a poetic scene known as "The moon rising over Qionghai fills the air with romance".

After visiting Qionghai Lake, the renowned Italian explorer Marco Polo spoke highly of its scenery with great delight. In The Travels of Marco Polo, he wrote: "The water is clear and the landscape exquisite. Grass grows lush, fish abound, and fine large pearls can be found here. The scenery is beyond description. Its mild climate and peaceful charm far surpass those of the Mediterranean. Truly, this is a Pearl of the East."

Zhu Qi, a distinguished Chinese economist and historian of the Republic of China era, also left his comments after a tour: "I have boated on West Lake, sailed across Dongting Lake, traversed Taihu Lake and visited Poyang Lake. Dongting is grand and expansive, Poyang magnificent, Taihu Lake profound and elegant, and West Lake like a gorgeously adorned beauty. Qionghai, by contrast, is like a lady with subtle makeup. Each has its unique charm, yet Qionghai stands out most for its unrivaled tranquility."

Apart from stunning natural scenery, Qionghai Lake is also home to numerous fascinating folk legends, which are well documented in ancient works such as Records of Gaizhou by Li Ying of the Eastern Han Dynasty and Imperial Readings of the Taiping Era compiled in the Song Dynasty.

Every late autumn and early winter, 19 species of migratory birds flock to the wetland around Qionghai Lake to spend the winter with their families, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching.

Major attractions along the lakeside include Qionghai Park, Birdwatching Island Wetland Park, Qionghai Hotel, New Beach Fishing Village, Lotus Pond, Moon Bay, Sunshine Resort, Rosa Rose Garden, the World’s Largest Vat, Qinglong Temple, the ruins of Old Lake Pavilion, Walnut Village Sightseeing Garden and the Water Sports School of Sichuan Provincial Sports Commission.

Address: South of Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Tel: 0834-3952075 Admission Fee: Free Boat Rides: Available at Moon Bay, New Beach and Small Fishing Village. Fare: 5 – 30 yuan per person. Each cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours.