Author: Annie Barton (Support Original)

Hi, I'm Annie Barton, sharing travel stories and fun

Lijiang, Yunnan, not only has the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the ancient Lijiang Old Town, the beautiful Erhai Lake, but alsoa lake nestled in mountains and rarely visited– Cheng Hai.Where is Cheng Hai?

Cheng Hai is located between Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area and Erhai Lake

about 100 kilometers north and south respectively, a drive of 2 hours and plus,Cheng Hai Lake is one of the nine major plateau lakes in Yunnan, and also the second largest freshwater lake in Dianxi. It belongs to the Jinsha River Basin in Yunnan Province.

Although

it stands shoulder to shoulder with the famous scenic spots in Lijiang, it has not been overdevelopedand has always been the place where local villagers gather and live. The lakeside villages are rustic and natural, the fields are fertile and abundant, and the villagers have maintained their original farming and hunting customs.Traveling to Cheng Hai brings a sense of cleansing the mind and bodyThe origin of Cheng Hai

Cheng Hai is also known as Cheng River, locals also call it 'Black Wood Lake', it is formed by fault valley created by the Neo-Tethys Continental System, with water accumulating in the low-lying area. So it is a

sinkhole lakeIn the past, the Cheng River was named after it, flowing from north to south and merging into the Jinsha River, which was recorded as early as the Tang and Song Dynasties: According to the 'Yunnan Official History' Volume Four 'North Shang', 'Cheng Hai Stone Tablet: Legend has it that a fisherman caught fish and unexpectedly obtained a stone tablet, inscribed with 'Great Saint Cheng River's Insight into the Emperor', which was originally created by the Meng clan to imitate the royal seal. The stone water dried up in decades and still retains moisture

'Yunnan Supplement Compilation' – Stone Record: According to Liu Wenjing's 'Yunnan Record' Volume Three, the same as the record, only the Meng clan imitated the royal seal as Duan.

Due to geological and climate changes since the modern times, the residents around the lake have gradually increased, the lake water has risen, and it no longer flows out, becoming an inland lake. The main source of water now is groundwater springs and rainwater accumulation from the surrounding basin.

Why is Cheng Hai called Cheng Hai?

According to local legend, it was originally named by a Chen family who lived there, with a homophonic meaning, so it was called Cheng Hai. And there are indeed Cheng, Chen, and Hai surnames clustered here, belonging to the Yi ethnic group

Cheng Hai is beautiful because it is original and natural

In Cheng Hai Lake, taking leisurely strolls, feeling the gentle breeze, listening to the insects and frogs. The sky is blue and clear, guarding the white clouds, Cheng Hai is clear and beautiful, capturing all the beautiful scenery. The lake reflects the scenery, and the sound of the wind makes people feel calm and peaceful

At night, staying by Cheng Hai Lake is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. The sunset over Cheng Hai Lake is so intense that it mesmerizes people, the evening glow spills across the calm lake surface, like an orange-red canvas, the clouds dance and swirl on the canvas.

Sitting by the lake, you can also have a cup of tea, overlooking the quiet lake, listening to the rustling of leaves and the gentle singing of birds, occasionally a few dogs bark. Time seems to stand still here

Standing by the lake, turning back, the gaze passes through the dense Phoenix trees, olive trees, sugarcane fields and quinoa fields on the lakeside, falling on the dilapidated villages. The surrounding mountains are lush and green, with morning mist and clouds. Blue water, blue sky, clouds, farmland and forests blend into a picture beyond words.

Walking leisurely, you can choose a beautiful homestay by the lake, sit by the lake, drink a cup of good tea, and overlook the quiet lake, listen to the rustling of leaves and the singing of birds, occasionally a few dogs bark. A wonderful evening by Cheng Hai

At dusk, the flowers release their fragrance, mixed with the scent of grass, the birds sing and the fishermen play their tunes. The night gradually fell, and the stars began to appear, if you are lucky, you can just see the moon reflected in the lake, a rare sight. The evening and night view of Cheng Hai is indescribable, this scene will make people feel refreshed and rejuvenated

The wind blows, the fragrance of flowers and grass, the calls of birds and the melodies of fishermen blended together

During the Qing Dynasty, there was a Hu Dun who wrote a poem about the night view of Cheng Hai:

'Cheng Hai Fishing Lights'

Falling into the peaks, fishing lights float through the night

Pearl shines on the shore, fireflies dance on the deserted island

Suspecting the moon in the shadows, the is known in the boat

Looking around, the smoke gathers and merges, flowers are everywhere in autumn

Cheng Hai is beautiful because it is original and natural

In Cheng Hai Lake, there are many flowers, various trees, flowers, the blooming of the lilac, flame flowers, purple bell flowers and bird of paradise, competing for beauty. In summer, there are red phoenix flowers, olive trees, sugarcane and quinoa. In autumn, there are hibiscus, jasmine, wild chrysanthemuses. In winter, there are reeds, like a poem and painting

On the south bank of Cheng Hai Lake, there is a sandy beach called Erwaimin, which is a natural swimming and playing ground. The villagers of the past had a poem describing the night view of Cheng Hai:

The main ethnic group in Cheng Hai is

Yi people

and there are also

Shaoshan Mao family descendants

The Yi people have 'knife festival' which is very exciting and dangerous, using traditional qigong, it is worth visitingThe Mao family descendants live in Mao Guanyuan, the ancestor Mao Taihua. There are still more than 3,000 Mao family descendants living around Cheng Hai Lake today

Cheng Haicuisineincludes

Lake fish, mountain mushrooms, fruit, vegetables... Many small villagesThe silver fish, sugarcane and other specialty products are all from Cheng Hai

The lake has many fish, such as carp, silver carp, hook-nosed fish, red-winged fish, carp, even imported Taihu silver carp

There are many aquatic products in the lake, and it is known as 'Blue Treasure Lake'Tips: 1. Cheng Hai has a large temperature difference, prepare warm clothes. 2. The tourism supporting resources of Cheng Hai are relatively small, it is necessary to reserve hotels in advance. 3. Protect the environment, cherish this land.#Awaken Good Fortune#

#My Eyes See Spring#

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