Must-Visit in Western Sichuan: Cuotong Emerald Lake, the Forgotten Fairyland

Hey buddies👋, the breathtaking scenery of Western Sichuan always lingers in our dreams. Today, I’m sharing an ultra-niche gem—Cuotong Emerald Lake! It’s like a green jewel left on earth, so stunning it takes your breath away😍 **Cuotong Emerald Lake: The Mystical Allure of a Dreamy Tri-Colored Lake** Hidden in Dege lies a little-known paradise—Cuotong Emerald Lake, also called Cuotong Three-Linked Lakes. What makes it extraordinary is its trio of closely connected lakes, each with its own unique hue🌈. One shimmers with the vibrant green of peacock feathers, while another dazzles with deep Klein blue. When sunlight dances on the water, the dreamy colors create a real-life fairy tale, and every snapshot is postcard-worthy📸. 📍 **Navigation Tip**: Just search "Cuotong Emerald Lake" and follow the route to embark on this magical journey~ 🎫 **Ticket Surprise**: Free! Free! Free! Say it three times—top-tier beauty without spending a dime, what a steal🥰 🚗 **Road Guide**: Strongly recommend driving🚙. Without a drone, the experience might feel incomplete. After turning off National Highway 317, there’s an 18 km stretch to the lake: 4 km paved, the rest unpaved with potholes—rugged terrain best tackled by an off-road vehicle. Sedans, proceed with caution! The uphill drive takes about an hour, but the view at the top makes it all worth it! ⚠️ **Altitude Alert**: At 4,500+ meters, altitude sickness is a real risk. Prioritize your health if you’re prone to it~ **Stunning Western Sichuan Road Trip Itineraries from Chengdu🚗** **Route 1** **Day 1**: Chengdu → Kangding → S434 → Moya Temple → Tagong Start from Chengdu, head to Kangding, cruise along S434, admire the solemnity of Moya Temple, then soak in Tagong’s vast grasslands~ **Day 2**: Daofu County → Luhuo County → Garze King Gesar’s Royal City → Danxia Town Wander through Daofu and Luhuo, explore the ancient legends of King Gesar’s Royal City, and end in Danxia Town’s unique charm. **Day 3**: Danxia Town → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso (New Road Sea) → Dege The highlight! Marvel at Cuotong’s tri-colored lakes, unwind at Yulong Lhatso, then arrive in Dege. **Day 4**: Dege → Printing Monastery → Kathok Monastery → Baiyu Discover the cultural depth of Dege’s Printing Monastery, visit Kathok Monastery, then head to Baiyu. **Day 5**: Baiyu → Yarchen Monastery → Tsopu Valley Scenic Area Entrance Experience serenity at Yarchen Monastery, then prep for Tsopu Valley’s wonders the next day. **Day 6**: Tsopu Valley → Litang → Yajiang Adventure in Tsopu Valley, then enjoy the landscapes of Litang and Yajiang. **Day 7**: Yajiang → Xinduqiao → Kangding City → Chengdu From Yajiang, pass Xinduqiao and Kangding, then return to Chengdu—a perfect wrap! **Route 2** **Day 1**: Chengdu → Kangding → S434 → Moya Temple → Tagong **Day 2**: Daofu County → Luhuo County → Garze King Gesar’s Royal City → Danxia Town **Day 3**: Danxia Town → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso → Dege **Day 4**: Dege → Printing Monastery → Kathok Monastery → Baiyu **Day 5**: Baiyu → Yarchen Monastery → Xinlong Tsoka Lake **Day 6**: Xinlong Tsoka Lake → Litang → 18-Bend Sky Road → Yajiang → Jagenba **Day 7**: Jagenba → Zesangla Sky Garden → Riche Village → Chengdu **Route 3** **Day 1**: Chengdu → Rongchang Expressway → Sun Valley → Lover’s Lake Speed along Rongchang Expressway, bask in Sun Valley’s warmth, then feel the romance at Lover’s Lake. **Day 2**: Lover’s Lake → Guanyin Temple → Foot of Sertar Larung Gar Visit Guanyin Temple, embrace spiritual power, then await Sertar’s grandeur the next day. **Day 3**: Sertar Larung Gar → Kasa Lake → Garze King Gesar’s Royal City → Danxia Town (Royal City moved to Day 4) Immerse in Sertar’s red sea, explore Kasa Lake and Danxia Town. **Day 4**: Danxia Town → Cuotong Emerald Lake → Yulong Lhatso → Que’er Mountain Viewpoint → Dege Printing Monastery Chase beauty at Cuotong, visit Yulong Lhatso and Que’er Mountain, then delve into Dege’s culture. **Day 5**: Dege → Kathok Monastery → Baiyu → Yarchen Monastery **Day 6**: Yarchen Monastery → Xinlong Tsoka Lake → Larima Village → Zhongni Town → Daofu **Day 7**: Daofu → Bamei → Gunong Village → Balangshengdu → Moya Temple → Zhonggu Hot Spring Village (soak!) **Day 8**: Zhonggu Hot Spring Village → Kangding (stroll Liuliu Town) → Chengdu Buddies, with Cuotong’s beauty and these epic road trips, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embrace this dreamy Western Sichuan adventure🚀!