Long Lake - Jiuzhaigou’s Highest and Deepest Lake
Long Lake, also called Chang Hai, is located at the end of Zechawa Valley. As the highest, widest, and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, it stretches about 5 km long with a maximum depth over 100 meters. Fed by snowmelt and underground springs, its water remains clear blue year-round, earning it the local nickname “the treasured gourd that never overflows or dries up.”
Surrounded by alpine forests with distant snow-capped peaks, Long Lake offers a serene and pristine high-altitude landscape, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
How to Get There
Visitors must take Jiuzhaigou’s eco-friendly shuttle buses:
- From Nuorilang Center Station, board a shuttle toward Zechawa Valley; Long Lake is the final stop.
- Travel time: approximately 30 minutes.
- Return by shuttle to Nuorilang Center, then transfer to other valleys.
Tip: Plan shuttle rides carefully to avoid missing the last bus, as there is no other access from Long Lake to the park exit.
Main Attractions
- Expansive Lake Surface: Deep blue, calm water reflects surrounding forests and snow-capped mountains. Straight, wide shoreline offers unobstructed panoramic views.
- One-Armed Old Cypress: Solitary cypress on the north shore, one side lush, the other bare—a perfect photography landmark.
- Snowy Mountain Views: Far end of Long Lake shows clear snow lines and peaks, especially on clear autumn days, contrasting strikingly with the blue water.
- Seasonal Changes: Summer: bright blue; Autumn: golden forests reflected in water; Winter: frozen lake covered in snow creating a silver-white landscape.
Suggested Visiting Duration
Recommended visit: 40 minutes to 1 hour, mainly walking along the wooden observation boardwalk while enjoying the views and taking photos. At 3,100 meters above sea level, move slowly and avoid long stays to prevent altitude sickness.
Photography Tips
- Best Angles: Main observation deck for full lake and mountain views; near One-Armed Old Cypress for foreground.
- Lighting: Morning (9:00–11:00) enhances colors; afternoon may cause backlighting on peaks.
- Composition: Use mirror reflections, include distant mountains, mid-distance lake, and foreground trees for depth.
- Equipment: Wide-angle lens for expansive scenes, telephoto lens for mountains, CPL filter to reduce glare.
Important Tips & Precautions
- Altitude Awareness: Avoid running or strenuous activity; rest or descend if dizzy or short of breath.
- Weather & Clothing: Temperature lower than park entrance; bring windproof/warm jackets, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Safety & Regulations: Walk only on boardwalks; do not climb barriers or enter lake/forests.
- Facilities: Only basic shelters and toilets; bring water/snacks, carry out trash.
- Last Shuttle: Plan your visit to catch the last bus back.
Nearby Attractions
- Five-Color Pool (Wucai Pool): 5 minutes downhill by shuttle; small but extremely colorful, contrasting with Long Lake.
- Zechawa Village: glimpse Tibetan culture along return route.
- Nuorilang Center Station: Transportation hub with restaurants; transfer to Rize Valley or Shuzheng Valley.
Recommended Route: Take earliest shuttle to Long Lake, then visit Five-Color Pool; return to Nuorilang Center for lunch or onward travel.
