Ranwu Lake, the gem on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway! Encounter the most beautiful snow mountain reflections in autumn, a must-visit in this lifetime

When the self-driving convoy hurriedly passed the Ranwu Lake section of National Highway 318, I chose to stop and stay for a night. Autumn at Ranwu Lake is its most beautiful season. After the rainy season, the lake water changes from turbid to clear, showing charming blue or green hues, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and colorful forests, making it a highlight moment on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. ​​【Itinerary Planning: 2 Days 1 Night Peaceful Journey】​​ ​Day 1:​​ Arrive in Ranwu Town in the afternoon from Basu County or Bomi County. Don’t rush, first visit the lower Ranwu Lake area (towards Zayü from Ranwu Town) for sightseeing. This area offers a wide view and excellent reflections. Wait by the lake at dusk for the sunset golden mountain. ​Day 2:​​ Early morning head to the upper Ranwu Lake (towards Bomi from Ranwu Town) and the directions of Wacun and Laigu villages. The morning light is soft, and the lake surface is like a mirror, perfect for capturing snow mountain reflections. Continue your journey in the afternoon. ​​【Highlights Recommendation: Star Rating】​​ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lower Ranwu Lake: The wide water surface acts like a huge mirror, perfectly reflecting the distant snow mountains and autumn colors, making it the top choice for shooting stunning photos. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Wacun/Laigu Villages: These lakeside villages are full of life, with golden barley racks, wooden houses, and herds of cattle and sheep, forming a picturesque paradise with snow mountains and lakes. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Renlongba Glacier or Laigu Glacier: From Ranwu Lake, you can view or even get close to these glaciers. The deep blue of the blue ice contrasts strongly with the warm yellow autumn colors, creating a very unique scene. ​​【Check-in Guide: Timeline Style】​​ ​Early Morning (around sunrise)​​: Be sure to get up early! The lake surface is calmest and reflections are clearest. Arrive near the upper lake or Wacun to wait for the first sunlight to illuminate the snow mountains—this is the golden hour for photography. ​Morning (9 AM - 11 AM)​​: The light becomes brighter, suitable for capturing the lake’s colors and the details of the autumn forest along the shore. ​Evening (around sunset)​​: In the lower lake area, shoot the light at sunset when the snow mountains are dyed warm yellow and the lake water color deepens. ​Photo Outfit Tips​: The environment is snowy mountains and lakes, so wear brightly colored outdoor clothing or ethnic-style shawls and hats to stand out against the magnificent scenery. ​​【In-depth Experience Story】​​ I stayed at a guesthouse by Ranwu Lake and got up before dawn the next day, walking to the lake with a flashlight. The sound of water flowing, a starry sky, and the cold that made me shiver. I set up my tripod and waited in the cold. As the eastern sky began to lighten, the outline of the snow mountains across the lake gradually became clear. Then, the peaks were tinged with a hint of pink, followed by gold... The most magical thing was that all these colors were perfectly reflected on the motionless lake surface. At that moment, it felt like there were two snow mountains, two worlds. I forgot the cold, only feeling the excitement of pressing the shutter and deep admiration for nature’s wonder. This reward after waiting is something those who sleep in can never experience. ​​【Practical Information✍🏻】​​ ​Best Season​: Late October to November is the dry season at Ranwu Lake, when the water is clearest and reflections are most beautiful. In spring, the lake water is turbid gray-yellow. ​Accommodation​: There are many lodging options in Ranwu Town, but conditions are generally average, and the altitude is high (about 3900 meters), so be aware of altitude sickness. ​Transportation​: Ranwu Lake is right beside National Highway 318, making self-driving or chartering a car the most convenient. It can be an important stop on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway itinerary. ​Safety​: There are many loose stones by the lake, so watch your step. The water temperature is extremely low; do not enter the water. If you want to see the most stunning side of Ranwu Lake, be sure to allow enough time, especially staying for a night.