Wuxuhai means "a brilliant and dazzling lake" in Tibetan language Despite its picturesque scenery, Jiulong, almost a dead end of the Ganzi County of Sichuan Province, is rarely known to the public. Among the string of pearl-like scenic spots, Wuxuhai is the brightest one. Many Tibetan villages and vast fields can be seen lying in the wide river valley in the area between Waze Town and the Songlinqiao in Pengbuxi town, just like those in Xinduqiao Town. Since it is far away from the national way, Jiulong is free from the hustle and bustle of restaurants, retaining the freshness and serenity of the countryside. After Songlinqiao, the river valley narrows down, and becomes sparsely populated. Here is the brink of the west side of Gongga Mountain. Walking along a brook in Xipo Village of Shade Town, one can reach the deep mountain, and have a good view of the water scenery, such as the Renzhong Sea, Bawang Sea, Lotus Lake, and Quanhua Beach, all of which are listed among the classics. Jiulong: A Corridor between the Tibetans and the Yi People Jiulong is located right in the center of where the Tibetan, Yi and Han ethnic groups converge. Hence, the ethnic structure, architecture and food there are all good examples of the "Tibetan-Yi Corridor Jiulong (Nine Dragon) County stands at 2,950 meters above sea level. Though small, its city zone is rather clean, imbued with a light Tibetan flavor. On the street, tricycles rarely seen in Tibetan areas can be found, as can restaurants that serve good food. A large variety of goods are provided in the supermarket. "Jiulong" got its name from nice places, each of which has "long" in its name, such as Sanyanlong, Baguolong, and Maidilong (jiu means "nine"). Even today, there are still many much-told dragon-related tales. In fact, the most famous animals in Jiulong are the yaks, which are said to have the strongest built among the Tibetan yaks. Jiulong is hence the export place of quality yaks. Though the yak is a symbol of the Tibetans, elderly men in typical Yi costume s can be seen frequently. Jiulong belongs to the Ganzi Tibetan Zone and is located in the core area of the "Tibetan-Yi Corridor,¡± a concept raised by Fei Xiaotong, a famous sociologist. As shown by the map, to the west and north of Jiulong lies the vast Tibetan area (Tibetan Plateau), to the east the Han area (Ya'an), and to the south the Yi area (Liangshan). Thus, Jiulong is located right in the center of where the three ethnic groups converge. In Jiulong, each of the three groups takes up one third of its population, and restaurants of the three ethnic flavors can be found. A still better example of the county's important role in the corridor is the Xifan people, a branch of the ancient Tibetans. About 1,000 years ago, Xifan people lived in the rear Tibet (known as Hou Zang), and later moved to Dege County of Sichuan Province due to defeat in war. One main branch moved to the Zi'er Town of Jiulong County and nearby Mianning and Muli. To date, they have come to their 41st generation. About 300 years ago, some Han people also moved here, as did some Yi people 200 years later. The mixed residence of different ethnic groups greatly accelerated the amalgamation of these groups. Hence, in today's Zi'er Town there still live the Xifan people, Tibetans, Yi people, and Han people, with each maintaining their own national characteristics while also influencing the other groups. Wuxuhai: No. 1 Lake on the South Side of Gongga Mountain Wuxuhai lies 25 kilometers away from Jiulong County, but Wuxugou (Wuxu Valley) is directly connected with the county. Out of the county and into the valley, people will soon find themselves submerged in thick forest. At the end of the valley stands a chain of mountain peaks and a luxuriate forest. There lies Wuxuhai, embraced by the Twelve Sister Peak and Langguze Snow Mountain. Wuxuhai, meaning "a brilliant and dazzling lake" in Tibetan language, is 3,670 meters above sea level and reputed as the "No. 1 Lake on the South Side of Gongga Mountain." Surrounded by a dense forest, the lake has transparent blue and crystal clear water. Amid the underbrush there is a small road along which the tourists can have a walk around the lake. Though a national-level scenic area, Wuxuhai, hidden in the deep forest, is rarely visited and still preserves its primitive state. On the lake is a lush summer meadow, where Tibetans living in Wuxu Puzi (meaning village in Tibetan language) pasture their sheep and cattle during April and November. The rich Wuxuhai is the mother of two villages - the upper and lower Wuxu villages. The upper one, located at the foot of Twelve-sister Peak and surrounded by half forest and half fields, is especially beautiful. Tibetan houses, two- or three-storey watchtowers, are strewn at random on the hillside. With a gable roof and a stone and wood structure, these houses have been greatly simplified in their layout. During the "Lake Touring Festival," which falls on July 4 every year, the entire Jiulong County will take a three-day holiday. People from all walks of life will come to Wuxuhai in an endless stream -- walking around the lake, worshiping the mountain, and engaging in horse racing and dancing --, enjoying the beautiful life amid the enchanting scenery. Although Wuxuhai in the winter is usually freezing, the locals' enthusiasm never lessens. Instead, the local families like to celebrate the New Year by picnicking, singing, and dancing beside the lake.