Mahu Lake Scenic Area

Covering 100 square kilometers, the Mahu Lake Scenic Area is located in Leibo County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The scenic area consists of the Mahu Lake, the Jinsha River Valley and virgin forests. There used to be a watercourse in what is today's upper part of the lake and deep ditches and valleys in its lower part. The valleys later crumbled in strong earthquakes, forming a dam of piled-up stones and a beautiful lake. As an alpine deep-water lake, Mahu Lake is surrounded by lofty mountains on three sides and the natural stone dam on one side. The shores of the lake are occupied by tea plantations and lush forests. Nearby, the steep Jiansha River Valley is made more dangerous by the rapids and the large number of jagged rocks. Villages of the Yi ethnic style added colors to the scenic area. [Photo provided by Wei Chunjun to China.org.cn]