Xingyi Co Lake in Daocheng County, Garze
Xingyi Co Lake (兴伊措) is located in the central part of Haizi Mountain (海子山), in the northern region of Daocheng County (稻城县), Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜州), Sichuan Province. Sitting at an altitude of 4,420 meters, this natural freshwater lake is part of the largest ancient glacial remnant on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap (海子山古冰帽). The lake is composed of three interconnected bodies of water, covering a total area of approximately 7.5 square kilometers, with a depth exceeding 30 meters at its deepest point.
Xingyi Co Lake is also the primary source of the Daocheng River (稻城河) and is considered an important habitat for wildlife, including species such as the Tibetan yellow fish (高原裸鲤), wild ducks, and bar-headed geese. The lake holds significant cultural meaning for the local Tibetan people, who regard it as a sacred lake. The Tibetan name “Xingyi Co” (兴伊措) means “Sacred Lake,” which reflects the deep spiritual reverence it holds within the Tibetan community.
Geographic Location
Xingyi Co Lake is located within the Haizi Mountain National Nature Reserve (海子山国家级自然保护区), part of the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 29°14′N to 29°55′N latitude and 99°58′E to 100°36′E longitude. The lake is situated around 70 kilometers from Daocheng County (稻城县), accessible via National Highway G227 (G227国道). However, the road to the lake is relatively rugged, with steep mountain paths that are rocky and challenging to navigate.
Natural Features
The lake is made up of three interconnected bodies of water that stretch in a northwest-southeast direction. The lake’s total width is 3.2 kilometers and its length extends 2.4 kilometers from north to south. With an average water depth of 3 meters, the deepest part of the lake, located in the southeastern area, reaches over 30 meters.
The water primarily receives its supply from glacial meltwater and atmospheric precipitation. The lake’s pH level ranges from 7.2 to 7.8, indicating mildly alkaline freshwater. During the winter months (November to March), the lake surface freezes for up to five months, with ice thickness reaching up to 60 centimeters.
Ecological Resources
The surrounding area of Xingyi Co Lake is characterized by typical alpine meadow ecosystems, with vegetation coverage exceeding 85%. The primary plant species include alpine willows, sagebrush, and gentians. The area is home to a variety of bird species, with 17 species recorded in 2024, including migratory birds such as the bar-headed geese (斑头雁) and the red-crested pochard (赤麻鸭).
The lake is also home to the Tibetan yellow fish (高原裸鲤), a species with a population density of approximately 0.8–1.2 fish per cubic meter of water. In 1982, a scientific expedition team discovered dinosaur tooth fossils along the eastern shore of the lake, dating back to the Late Jurassic period.
Cultural Significance
In Tibetan tradition, Xingyi Co Lake is considered a “Sacred Lake.” Every year, during the Tibetan Lunar Calendar’s fifth month (藏历五月), local Tibetan herders perform a pilgrimage, walking around the lake in a clockwise direction to pray for blessings. Religious symbols such as prayer flags (经幡) and mani piles (玛尼堆) can be found along the lake’s shores, along with meditation caves located on the western hillside.
According to the Tibetan epic King Gesar (格萨尔王传), Xingyi Co Lake is described as a jade basin where the heavenly gods would drink from, further cementing its spiritual and cultural significance.
Scientific Research
Research conducted on the glacial landscape of Xingyi Co Lake in 2012 confirmed that the formation of the lake is directly related to the ancient glaciers from the Last Glacial Maximum (about 21,000 years ago). The lake basin is surrounded by typical glacial trough landforms, which further validate its glacial origins.
In 2025, geological surveys revealed that the area around the lake is dotted with 114 smaller glacial lakes, forming the core display area of the Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap (海子山古冰帽) remnants.
Travel Information
Traveling to Xingyi Co Lake involves crossing the ancient glacial moraine ridges at an elevation of over 4,420 meters. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August), when the region offers opportunities to observe rare bird species such as the black-necked crane (黑颈鹤).
Due to the high-altitude environment, visitors should be cautious of altitude sickness and consider bringing supplemental oxygen. The lake area does not have a fixed management organization, and it is strictly prohibited to fish in the lake or damage the surrounding vegetation.
Hidden Wonders of Daocheng Yading: Discovering Xingyi Co Lake and Hotel Experiences
Xingyi Co Lake: A Hidden Gem
Xingyi Co Lake is revered as the “Sacred Lake” by the local Tibetan people. Located at an average altitude of 4,500 meters on the Haizi Mountain (海子山), it forms part of the largest ancient ice cap in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原). The lake is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of glacial features, with deep glacial valleys, jagged rocks, and numerous smaller lakes. The view of Xingyi Co Lake from afar is breathtaking, with three interconnected lakes that form a giant triangular shape nestled among the mountains.
Travel to Haizi Mountain and Xingyi Co Lake
Haizi Mountain, located 60 kilometers north of Daocheng County (稻城县), is the majestic mountain range where Xingyi Co Lake is found. To reach the lake, travelers will need to take a road from Daocheng towards Litang (理塘), driving approximately 13 kilometers past the airport junction to reach the turnoff. The mountain road to the lake is about 9 kilometers long, with picturesque scenery of strange rock formations, creating a surreal and mysterious atmosphere that feels like stepping onto another world.
Although the journey can be bumpy, visitors can rely on off-road vehicles to reach the lake comfortably. As the area is located at high altitudes, it’s essential to prepare for wind, sun protection, and altitude sickness.
Hotel Recommendations
Ritssong Gongbu Hotel
For luxury accommodation, Ritssong Gongbu Hotel (日松贡布酒店) is the ideal choice. Located at the entrance to the Yading Scenic Area (亚丁景区), this five-star hotel sits at an elevation of 2,800 meters. The hotel offers 213 elegant rooms that blend modern luxury with the stunning natural landscape. Guests enjoy high-quality bath facilities, free high-speed internet access, and digital entertainment systems for a comfortable stay.
Yading Station Hotel
For those seeking a four-star resort experience, Yading Station Hotel (亚丁驿站酒店) offers 278 well-appointed rooms and suites across three buildings. Each room is equipped with a private shower and free high-speed internet access. Some rooms feature a mini bar and LCD TV, and the hotel also offers laundry services, providing a perfect base for rest during your exploration of Daocheng.
