Located about 5 kilometers from Xichang, Qionghai is the second-largest freshwater lake in Sichuan Province. Covering 31 square kilometers, it’s blessed with crystal-clear water that reflects the magnificent mountains nearby to form a charming scenic spot.
Going for a float in a battery boat and tasting some barbecue on the lake would be a great way to enjoy Qionghai’s pleasant environment. One battery boat can hold four people and costs about 20 yuan (US$3.15) per hour to rent.
Once you’re far from the shore, turn off the boat’s battery and just drift. Local women sell roasted fish from small wooden boats, offering a delicious snack.
Biking is another great way to absorb the magnificent landscape around Qionghai Lake. Bikes can be rented lakeside.
Other attractions in the area include Qionghai Park, New Beach Fishing Village, Lotus Lake, Moon Bay, Sunshine Resort and Qinglong Temple.
Transport: Fly to Chengdu from Shenzhen International Airport and get to Xichang by train or coach. Take a bus or taxi to Qionghai Lake.
Delicacies: Shrimps, crabs, roasted and fresh fish, fish balls, fish-head soup, and vegetables.
Chayu, Tibet Chayu County in the Tibet Autonomous Region is 2,360 meters above sea level, much lower than the region’s average altitude of about 4,000 meters.
People always liken Chanyu, “the Jiangnan of Tibet,” to a green pearl on the national border. The mountainous region is the native land of the Deng people, who have a limited written language and use rope-knotting and wood-carving to keep records. Mostly engaged in agriculture, Deng men often wear sleeveless shirts that reach their thighs while women dress in short-sleeve blouses.
Because of its wet, subtropical climate in the southern Himalayas, with a more southern latitude than Suzhou and Hangzhou, Chayu has very pleasant natural conditions that allow a large variety of plants to grow. Its complex physiognomy consists of high peaks, deep valleys, snowy mountains and grasslands.
The county boasts a variety of tourist attractions such as forests, waterfalls, lakes, grasslands, glaciers and snowy mountains. Its abundant species, complex topography and unique climate create many scenic spots including the Jigong hot spring, the Dongcong cold spring and the Ziba Valley National Nature Reserve. It is one of the top choices in the world for explorers and photographers.
Transport : Fly to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from Shenzhen International Airport and take a coach to Chayu. There is only one coach from Chengdu to Chayu every week. Or fly to Linzhi, Tibet, from Chengdu and take a coach to Chayu.
Delicacies: Highland barley wine, buttered tea, beef, lamb, barbecued meat, and fruits.(Wang Yuanyuan)
