Ranwu Lake, called Ngan-tso in Tibetan, is located in the Ranwu Town, Chamdo Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, about 90 kilometers from Baxoi County in the east and 127 kilometers from Bome County in the west. Covering an area of approximately 22 square kilometers, Ranwu Lake is known as the largest lake in Eastern Tibet. The primary source of water is ice and snow from the mountains and glaciers on the three sides.
 

Ranwu Lake,a long and narrow lake,is divided into upper, middle and lower parts, which are actually three lakes connected by little streams. How was the lake formed? Legend has it that the lake came into being because of two oxen. A long time ago, two oxen fought a duel to the death in this region and turned into two mountains eventually. The middle part between these two mountains gradually formed a lake. A scientific explanation is that Ranwu Lake is a dammed lake formed because of mountain building activities.
 

Signified a lake where zombies gather,Ranwu Lake is well-known for its tranquil and colorful water. It turns to dark blue, turquoise or any other colors in accordance with seasonal changes. Green meadows, white snow capped peaks, grey and white water birds, and clear blue sky reflect themselves in the lake water and form a charming picture. Visitors will be definitely stunned by this picturesque scenery.
 

Waba Village, about 10 kilometers to the west of Ranwu Lake, is a typical Eastern Tibetan style village. Houses here are mainly built of wood. It’s a good location to take photos.Visitors can also walk along the lake side to the nearby Laigu Glacier and Laigu village at its foot. They are another paradise for outdoor adventurers.
 

Apart from the natural scenery, one shouldn’t miss three local dances (Guozhuang Dance, Reba Dance and Xianzi Dance) and local food delicacies, such as stewed chicken with caterpillar fungus or fritillary, fish soup mixed with Zanba (roasted highland barley flour) and raw meat sauce. The above mentioned three local dances were included in China's non-material cultural heritage list in 2006.

There are some Sichan-style restaurants in Ranwu Town. Because of the isolated location, dishes can be pricey. Noodles are the common breakfast here. If you don’t like spicy food, please tell the cook not to add chili and pepper.

Visitors can take bus from Bome County in Nyingchi to Chengdu passing by Ranwu Town, and you can get off there, and then take a local car to the lake. 

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Travel Tips
Add:  in the Ranwu Town, Chamdo Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region
Entrance Fee: CNY 0
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 19:00

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