The Colorful Pond: A Hidden Gem in Jiuzhaigou
One kilometer down from Changhai Lake lies the enchanting Colorful Pond, nestled at an altitude of 3010 meters. This pond, measuring approximately 100 meters in length, 60 meters in width, and 6.6 meters in depth, is hidden deep within the valley, away from the main road. Despite being the smallest and most delicate among all the lakes in Jiuzhaigou, its colors are the most resplendent, rivaling the beauty of Wuhua Lake.
Transparency and Beauty
The Colorful Pond is renowned for its clarity. Its waters are so transparent that one can discern the patterns on the stones at the bottom. The pond’s depth of color is due to the varying hues of the sediment at the bottom and the different colored plants along its edges, which transform the deep blue lake surface into a tapestry of vibrant colors. It is considered the essence and the most exquisite lake in Jiuzhaigou, often referred to as the “eye of Jiuzhaigou.”
Seasonal Constancy
The Colorful Pond has always been celebrated for its beauty, diversity, purity, and transparency. Even in the harsh winter, when the ground is frozen, the pond’s waters continue to ripple gently. Throughout the seasons, with the changing patterns of rain and drought, the pond water remains a constant, supplied underground from Changhai Lake at a higher altitude. The underground temperature remains constant, ensuring the water does not freeze and the supply remains stable year-round.
Underwater Landscape and Plant Life
The gravel at the bottom of the Colorful Pond has distinct edges and corners, with a clear rock surface texture. The pond water itself is a stunning shade of blue and turquoise, clear and translucent. Within the lake, aquatic plant communities such as Spirogyra, Chara, and small ferns thrive, alongside herbaceous plants like reeds, equisetum, and rush. The varying chlorophyll content of these aquatic communities results in a spectrum of colors in the lake water, rich in calcium carbonate. This diversity creates a breathtaking scene where some waters are blue, some bays are light green, some waters are reddish yellow, and some springs are pinkish blue, with endless changes that are incredibly beautiful.
