Site du Lac de l'amour de la vallée de Jiuzhai

The Jiuzhaigou Love Sea Scenic Area, also known as Ganhaizi or Fangcao Sea, is a national 4A-level scenic spot on the ridge country where Songpan and Jiuzhaigou counties meet in northern Sichuan. Once a high-altitude lake, it evolved over time into a broad alpine meadow of clear streams and lush grassland after its outlet widened and the waters receded, and its local nickname of "dry sea" gradually softened into the more affectionate "Gan" or "sweet" sea by which it is now better known.

The landscape is a layered one, ringed by overlapping mountain ridges and dense forest, with streams winding through the meadow and carpets of grass that feel almost like velvet underfoot. In summer and autumn wildflowers dot the meadow and herds of cattle, horses, and mules graze across the open ground, while in winter and early spring the grass turns deep gold, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding snowy peaks and, in autumn, the red leaves of the forests. It is a scene of high-alpine gentleness rather than dramatic verticality, and the scale and openness of the meadow make it a favorite for photography and for slow, contemplative walking.

For visitors, the appeal of the Love Sea area lies in its combination of easy accessibility and authentic alpine beauty. Unlike the deep, enclosed valleys of the main Jiuzhaigou park, this is a wide, open landscape of meadow, water, and mountain that can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, and the sense of space and quiet is a welcome contrast to the busier circuits of the region. The area is especially popular with travelers looking for a gentler, more panoramic alpine experience, or with those on a road trip between Songpan and Jiuzhaigou who want to break the journey with a scenic stop.

The Love Sea Scenic Area is best visited as a half-day stop, either on the way to or from Jiuzhaigou or as a standalone outing from the surrounding area, and the warmer months from late spring through autumn are the most beautiful. Bring layers for the altitude, sun protection for the open meadow, and a camera. For travelers who want to experience the wide, open, pastoral side of the Jiuzhaigou region, the Love Sea is one of the most pleasant and photogenic stops in the area.