A Stunning Sunset Birdwatching Spot

Hidden among the mountains of Huize, Yunnan, lies a poetic and picturesque secret—Nian Lake. It is not a bustling internet-famous check-in spot, but a soulful sanctuary cherished by winter and migratory birds alike. Originally named "Yuejin Reservoir," people prefer to call it "Nian Lake"—a name filled with deep affection born from longing. From November to March each year, Nian Lake welcomes its most beautiful season. Black-necked cranes fly here from the distant Ruoergai Grassland, dancing gracefully on the lake surface or standing quietly on the shallows, like fairies descending to the world. They are among the rarest cranes globally and serve as ecological indicators of the plateau wetlands. At dawn, when the morning light first shines, mist gently floats over the lake, crane shadows flicker, and the water and sky blend into one, as if only this lively scene remains in the world. Besides black-necked cranes, over a hundred species of migratory birds, including bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and egrets, spend the winter here. At the lakeside birdwatching platform, photographers hold their breath behind long lenses, eager to capture the breathtaking moment of a bird spreading its wings. For ordinary visitors, simply sitting quietly, listening to the wind through the reeds, and watching birds skim the clear waves is enough to calm the heart. When the sun sets, Nian Lake becomes breathtakingly beautiful. Golden twilight spills over the lake, reflecting the silhouettes of returning birds. In the distance, village smoke curls upward, and shepherds slowly lead their flocks across the wetlands, like a slowly flowing oil painting. There are no fences or entrance fees here, no commercial noise—only the pure breath of nature. The beauty of Nian Lake lies not in its stunning views but in its healing power; not in how many photos you take, but in whether you have ever paused for a flying bird. If you have ever felt weary in the city, why not take a walk at Nian Lake? Listen to the wind, watch the water, and wait for a meeting with migratory birds. Perhaps the peace you have long lost is hidden in this silent lake and mountain scenery.