Ala Lake in Luxi County, Honghe

Overview

Chinese Name: 阿拉湖
English Name: Ala Lake
Alias: 板桥河水库 (Banqiao River Reservoir)
Location: Yunnan Province (云南省), Luxi County (泸西县), Jiu Cheng Town (旧城镇), Mu Long Village (木龙村)
Main Areas: Kuangchang (矿厂), Qingshuigou (清水沟), Mu Long (木龙), Zhongzhai (中摆), Banqiao (板桥), Alapo (阿拉坡)
Established: December 1957
Original Forest Area: 11,000 mu

Introduction

Ala Lake is located in the Banqiao River Reservoir (板桥河水库) of Luxi County (泸西县), Yunnan Province (云南省). Between 1978 and 1985, it underwent three expansions, reaching a capacity of 72.4 million cubic meters, making it a medium-sized reservoir. This project is a key part of Luxi County's "West Water East Diversion" initiative, with a dam height of 37 meters.

The lake features two distinct mountain canyons and two tributaries that interconnect, covering over 40 square kilometers of surface area. Ala Lake, often referred to as a "green cradle of life," is a picturesque artificial lake nestled among majestic mountains. The dam captures the waters of rivers such as the Yiwei River (矣维河) and Banqiao River (板桥河), forming a stunning landscape.

A remarkable feature of Ala Lake is a small, round, green island floating in its turquoise waters, flanked by the mountains on either side, creating a unique vista reminiscent of "two dragons seizing treasure." The lake is also home to the Ala Lake Leisure Resort, which includes thatched huts, grass pavilions, a wildlife breeding ground, and dining facilities. Visitors can enjoy a combination of recreation, dining, and accommodation.

Scenic Features

Upon arrival, visitors can ascend the hills along the stony paths, encountering thatched cottages and grass pavilions for rest. In spring and summer, the lake is calm, blending seamlessly with the sky. The shores are surrounded by lush peaks adorned with a variety of flowers, including camellias (山茶), peach blossoms (桃花), apricot blossoms (杏花), and rhododendrons (杜鹃花). In late autumn, the lake is alive with waterfowl, such as white chickens, wild ducks, and herons.

Local Specialties

Ala Lake is renowned for its Daqiao Fish (大桥鱼). Each spring, as the ice melts and the Ermin River (额敏河) swells, fish from Ala Lake swim upstream to the river to feed and spawn. The area around Bashibai Bridge (巴什拜大桥) offers a broad, gentle stretch of water where people love to fish, thus the fish caught here are called Daqiao Fish.

There are barriers built at the mouth of Ala Lake to prevent fish from swimming upstream, leading to a spectacular phenomenon known as "Carp Jumping the Dragon Gate" (鲤鱼跳龙门). Each year, large fish form long lines at the barriers, leaping into the air, showcasing their brilliance. The sight of fish jumping out of the water creates beautiful rainbows during the day and captivates onlookers at night, earning these fish the nickname "Patriotic Fish" (爱国鱼) from the locals.

Name Origin

The name "Ala" is believed to have been derived from the Yi people's (彝族) general Ala, who guarded the western stronghold. To protect the safety of the tribe, he named the area Alapo (阿拉坡). General Ala bravely fought against external enemies and died on the Banqiao River. The tribe honored him by naming the lake after him.

Climate Characteristics

Ala Lake has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 15°C to 22.6°C. In summer (the rainy season), moist air from the southwest influences the weather, resulting in abundant rainfall. During this period, the sky is often overcast, but the ample moisture leads to moderate temperatures, preventing extreme heat.

The annual temperature variation is significant, with relatively mild summers and cool autumns prone to cold damage. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with summer being rainy and winter dry. The winter (dry season) is characterized by clear weather and abundant sunshine, although it can occasionally be affected by cold polar air and southeastern air currents.

How to Get There

Ala Lake is accessible via various transportation options:

• From Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场): Take a taxi or shuttle to Luxi County, then continue by local transport to the lake.
• From Luxi County Town (泸西县城): Local buses or taxis are available to reach Ala Lake.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn provide mild weather and beautiful scenery.
2. Photography Opportunities: The lake’s stunning landscape is perfect for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
3. Local Cuisine: Be sure to try dishes featuring Daqiao Fish, known for its delicate flavor.
4. Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and water, as the area can be quite sunny and warm.
5. Respect Nature: Follow local guidelines to preserve the natural environment and wildlife around Ala Lake.

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