Basongcuo Scenic Area in Linzhi City is located in Bahe Town, Gongbujiangda County, Linzhi City, Tibet Autonomous Region, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Also known as Cuogao Lake, Basongcuo has a lake surface elevation of 3,480 meters and an area of approximately 27 square kilometers. It integrates snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, pastures, and historical sites, boasting beautiful scenery. The scenic area is home to Cuozong Temple, an important temple of the Red Sect (Nyingma School). With a construction area of about 300 square meters, Cuozong Temple features a unique architectural style that combines Tibetan architecture with natural landscapes. The crystal-clear waters of Basongcuo are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests, making it one of the lowest-altitude large lakes in Tibet and earning it the reputation of "Little Switzerland of Tibet."
History and Culture
Basongcuo has a long history and rich cultural heritage. Cuozong Temple was built in the late Tang Dynasty and has a history of over 1,500 years. Founded by the Nyingma Sect high monk Master Sangjielinba, it is one of the important heritage sites of the Red Sect (Nyingma School). The temple enshrines Buddha statues such as Padmasambhava and Thousand-Handed Guanyin, as well as many exquisite murals and cultural relics, which have witnessed the development of Tibetan Buddhism.
In local legends, Basongcuo is a sacred lake with miraculous powers. It is said that a goddess bathed here, making the lake exceptionally clear and holy. These legends reflect the local people's awe and love for Basongcuo, adding a mysterious touch to the scenic area.
The villages around Basongcuo have preserved many traditional Tibetan cultures and lifestyles. The villagers have lived by herding and farming for generations, inheriting unique folk customs such as traditional Tibetan songs and dances and handicraft making, showcasing the unique charm of Tibetan culture.
Main Attractions
Basongcuo Lake
Basongcuo Lake is the core attraction of the scenic area. The clear green lake water presents different colors and landscapes in different seasons and weather. The lake is surrounded by continuous snow-capped mountains, such as Jieqingnalagabu Snow Mountain, whose peak is covered with perennial snow, forming a beautiful landscape painting with the lake. There is a Zhaxi Island in the lake, with ancient buildings and mysterious legends. Visitors can take a cruise to tour Basongcuo Lake, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Cuozong Temple
Located on Zhaxi Island, Cuozong Temple is an important temple of the Red Sect. The temple features a unique architectural style that combines Tibetan wooden and stone structures. It enshrines exquisitely crafted Buddha statues such as Padmasambhava and Thousand-Handed Guanyin. The temple's murals are bright in color and rich in content, depicting Buddhist stories and myths. The peaceful environment around the temple, surrounded by green trees and mirrored by the lake, creates a harmonious scene. Visitors can experience a strong religious atmosphere here and learn about the culture and history of Tibetan Buddhism.
Jieba Village
Jieba Village is located by the shore of Basongcuo Lake, a traditional Tibetan village. Most of the houses in the village are traditional Tibetan-style architectures with white walls and red roofs, scattered in an orderly manner along the lakeside. The villagers maintain traditional lifestyles, engaging in herding, farming, and handicraft making. Tourists can experience Tibetan folk culture in Jieba Village, taste Tibetan cuisine, and enjoy singing and dancing performances by the villagers. There are also some homestays in the village where tourists can choose to stay and feel the peaceful rural life.
Xincuo
Xincuo is a beautiful canyon in the Basongcuo Scenic Area, which is rarely visited and retains its original natural features. The canyon is home to clear streams, dense forests, and vast meadows. Walking along the stream, visitors can see many waterfalls and pools, with fascinating scenery. Xincuo is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with picturesque hiking routes where visitors can get close to nature, breathe fresh air, and relax.
Food
Tibetan Xiang Pig
Tibetan Xiang Pig is a specialty food around Basongcuo Scenic Area. Grown in high-altitude areas and fed on natural forage and wild fruits, Tibetan Xiang Pigs have tender and delicious meat that is fat but not greasy. They can be cooked in various ways, such as roasted Tibetan Xiang Pig and braised Tibetan Xiang Pig. Roasted Tibetan Xiang Pig has a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat inside; braised Tibetan Xiang Pig is bright red in color and rich in flavor. Visitors can taste authentic Tibetan Xiang Pig dishes in restaurants near the scenic area.
Stone Pot Chicken
Stone Pot Chicken is a signature dish in Linzhi Prefecture and is also popular in Basongcuo Scenic Area. It is made with local Tibetan chickens and ingredients such as palm ginseng, slowly stewed in a Motuo stone pot. The stone pot is rich in minerals, and the stewed chicken soup is rich in flavor, delicious, and nutritious. Stone Pot Chicken is not only tasty but also has certain tonic effects, making it a must-try for visitors.
Butter Tsamba
Butter Tsamba is a traditional Tibetan staple food. It is made by mixing butter, tsamba (highland barley flour), and tea. The rich aroma of butter and the delicate taste of tsamba create a unique flavor when mixed. Visitors can add appropriate amounts of sugar or salt according to their taste and stir well before eating. Butter Tsamba can be tasted in Tibetan restaurants or villagers' homes around Basongcuo Scenic Area.
Yak Beef Jerky
Yak beef jerky is a special snack in Tibet and is also sold in Basongcuo Scenic Area. It is made from the beef of highland yaks through multiple processes such as pickling, air-drying, and baking. Yak beef jerky has a firm texture, delicious taste, and is rich in protein, making it a popular tourist souvenir and snack for visitors. Visitors can buy different flavors of yak beef jerky in the scenic area's specialty stores or markets.
Admission
Low Season (November - April): 60 RMB per person
High Season (May - October): 120 RMB per person
Ticket prices are subject to change. Please refer to the actual ticket prices at the scenic area. For preferential policies, please consult the staff on-site.
Opening Hours
Basongcuo Scenic Area is open year-round.
Low Season (November - April): Opening hours are 09:00 - 18:30.
High Season (May - October): Opening hours are 08:30 - 20:30.
During special weather conditions or festivals, opening hours may be adjusted. Visitors are advised to check the scenic area’s official website or relevant announcements in advance to plan their trips reasonably.
Itinerary Recommendations
Recommended itinerary: Visitors first take a sightseeing bus to Basongcuo Lake and can choose to take a cruise to tour the lake and admire Zhaxi Island. After landing on the island, visit Cuozong Temple to experience religious culture. After leaving Zhaxi Island, go to Jieba Village to experience Tibetan folk culture and taste Tibetan food. If time and physical strength permit, go to Xincuo for a hiking trip to enjoy the original natural landscape. The entire tour takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, and visitors can adjust the itinerary and stay time according to their own time and interests.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: There are buses from Linzhi Urban Area to Basongcuo Scenic Area with fixed daily schedules. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the fare is approximately 50 yuan. However, the number of buses is limited, so it is recommended to consult and book in advance.
- Chartered Car: Chartered cars to Basongcuo Scenic Area are available in Linzhi Urban Area. The charter fee varies depending on the vehicle type and trip duration. Generally, the daily charter fee for a regular car is around 500 to 800 yuan. Chartered cars are convenient and allow for flexible arrangement of the itinerary and stop times.
- Self-Driving: Starting from Linzhi Urban Area, drive along National Highway 318 and then turn onto the road to Basongcuo. The whole journey is about 120 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2 hours. The scenic area has a parking lot with a parking fee of 10 yuan per day. Self-driving allows for more freedom to enjoy the scenery along the way, but attention should be paid to driving safety at high altitudes.
Must-See Attractions
- Basongcuo Lake: The core of the scenic area, with a lake surface elevation of 3,480 meters and an area of about 27 square kilometers. The clear lake water is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Visitors can take a boat tour and admire Zhaxi Island.
- Cuozong Temple: Located on Zhaxi Island, built in the late Tang Dynasty with a construction area of about 300 square meters. It is an important temple of the Red Sect, featuring exquisite Buddha statues and murals.
- Jieba Village: A traditional Tibetan village with Tibetan architecture, where visitors can experience folk culture, taste local food, and stay to experience rural life.
- Xincuo: A beautiful canyon with few visitors, featuring streams, forests, meadows, waterfalls, and other landscapes, making it a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
Travel Tips
- As the Basongcuo Scenic Area is at a high altitude, visitors should prepare for altitude sickness in advance, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medications and avoiding strenuous exercise.
- The ultraviolet rays in the scenic area are strong, so remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection products to prevent sunburn.
- If going hiking in Xincuo, it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes and outdoor clothing and carry sufficient water and food.
- When experiencing folk culture in Jieba Village, respect local customs, such as seeking the host's permission before entering a residence.
- When tasting food, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too much raw or cold food to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
- As the scenic area is large and some attractions are far apart, it is recommended to arrange time and itinerary reasonably to ensure full exploration of all attractions.
Notes
- Comply with all regulations of the scenic area, follow the instructions of staff, and do not enter unopened areas without permission.
- Protect the environment of the scenic area, do not litter or spit, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When playing by the lake, do not approach dangerous areas by the lake, pay attention to safety, and avoid accidents.
- When visiting temples, respect religious beliefs and cultural customs, and do not make loud noises or touch cultural relics and Buddha statues.
- When taking sightseeing buses or cruises, fasten seat belts, follow staff arrangements, and do not stick your body out of the vehicle or boat.
- In case of emergencies, call the scenic area's emergency rescue hotline or seek help from nearby staff.