The lake with the highest elevation in the Yunnan province, Bita Lake sits over 3,500m above sea level and covers a total of 1.4sq km with a length of 2.8km. Set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains, rolling hills and lush vegetation, it is no surprise that people used to think this lake, along with the other plateau lakes in the vicinity, were formed when a goddess accidentally dropped her vanity mirror onto the Earth. Indeed, the Bita is affectionaly referred to as “A Pearl on The Plateau” because of its beautiful waters.

Located in the Potatso/Pudacuo National Park, the lake is protected and requires a small fee to enter, a pittance compared to the natural beauty you can feast your eyes on. The centre of the lake features an islet which apparently looks like a boat on the water’s surface, jutting out to a height of 30m. Here, you can find an undisturbed piece of nature, with birds chirping and rare plants and trees.

Between May and July, the lake is famous for its “drunk fish”, a phenomenon whereby the lake’s fishes ingest the falling azaleas, which happen to be slightly poisonous. This causes the fish to appear on the lake’s surface, belly up but not dead! Despite the bizarre sight, it’s easy to understand why this lake is called the lake of peace and tranquility in Tibetan.