Basum Tso, also known as Cuogao Lake, is a famous sacred lake and scenic spot in Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi City, Tibet. It is Tibet's first and currently only national 5A-level tourist attraction of natural scenery, and is known as the "Emerald of the Plateau".
Lake Water and the Island in its Center
Lake Water Color: The most impressive feature of Basongcuo Lake is its water color. Due to special minerals and light refraction, the lake water changes color with the seasons and weather, displaying sapphire blue or emerald green hues, crystal clear and transparent.
Zaxi Island: There is a small island in the center of the lake called Zaxi Island, accessible only by a floating bridge or boat. Legend has it that the island is a "hollow island" floating on the lake surface, meaning it is not connected to the lake bottom.
Cuozong Monastery
Location: Located on Zaxi Island in the center of the lake.
History: A Nyingma (Red Hat) sect Tibetan Buddhist monastery, it was founded in the late Tang Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years.
Features: The monastery is not large in scale, but it is very popular with worshippers. The main deity worshipped in the monastery is Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The area surrounding the temple is imbued with a mysterious religious atmosphere:
Phallic Worship: Wooden models of male and female genitalia are placed on either side of the temple entrance. These are unique symbols of Nyingma temples, representing the origin of life and procreation, and also serving as ritual implements for exorcising evil spirits.
Ancient Trees and Legends: The island boasts ancient trees such as thousand-year-old oaks and pines. One tree bears naturally formed Tibetan script patterns, considered a miracle by believers. There is also a "Peach Embracing Pine," where a pine tree grows from a peach tree, seen as a symbol of love and good fortune.
Surrounded by Snow-capped Mountains and Forests
Basum Tso is surrounded by snow-capped mountains that never melt, such as the famous "King's Throne" peak and the "Burning Flame" peak.
The scenic area is covered with dense primeval forests, including fir, spruce, and alpine pine, earning it the title of "natural oxygen bar."
Unique Status
5A-level Scenic Area: As Tibet's first 5A-level scenic area focusing on natural landscapes, its tourism facilities and services are relatively complete within the Tibetan region.
Sacred Lake Status: Basum Tso is not only a natural landscape but also a sacred lake in the hearts of the local people. Every year on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, locals have the custom of circumambulating the lake to pray for blessings.
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Voltage and socket
The standard voltage in China is 220V. The commonly used socket shape is as shown in the picture. Most luxury hotel rooms are equipped with universal sockets, and tourists can also rent socket adapters at the hotel front desk.
Make a phone call
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese fixed-line phone in China, it is necessary to dial the China area code (+86) and the city area code (e.g. Beijing +10) before the fixed-line phone number to be dialed.
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese mobile number, it is necessary to dial the Chinese area code (+86) before the mobile number of the person being called.
Emergency call:
Call the police: 110
Fire emergency: 119
Traffic police: 122
Emergency: 120
Purchase a SIM card for a Chinese mobile phone
At major airports serving as ports of entry in China, there are designated counters for communication service providers, such as China Mobile and China Unicom. Foreign tourists can purchase SIM cards for Chinese mobile phones simply by presenting their passports.
Traffic safety tips
In China, all vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
Health and medical tips
It is recommended to bring along commonly used medications (such as painkillers or gastrointestinal medications). If you need to take prescribed medication for an extended period, it is advisable to prepare sufficient quantities before departure and carry along doctor's certification documents, medical records, etc.
It is recommended to visit the international medical department of a general hospital or a foreign-funded hospital for treatment, as they generally provide medical services in English.
It is recommended to purchase relevant insurance before departure, and properly keep diagnosis certificates, outpatient medical records, fee lists, prescriptions, invoices, etc.
Cultural taboo
China is a multi-ethnic country, and there are significant differences in customs and habits among various ethnic groups. Especially when traveling in ethnic minority areas, it is important to pay attention to cultural taboos, such as taking off shoes when entering a Dai bamboo house, avoiding pork in Hui restaurants, and treating Buddhist statues, scriptures, and beads as sacred objects that must not be touched. It is recommended to listen carefully to the pre-trip introduction provided by the accompanying personnel and respect local culture and customs.
