Yuhuang Lake in the depths of Baiyun Mountain, Luoyang, is like a jade in the mountains, with colorful lakeshores that are breathtakingly beautiful

A fairyland on earth, Baiyun Mountain, with Yuhuang Lake as a jade in the mountains. Baiyun Mountain in Luoyang is a famous landscape attraction in Central China, not only a long-established national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, but also a UNESCO Global Geopark, and has been rated as the number one 'Most Beautiful Place in China', making it one of Luoyang's undisputed landmark scenic areas.

Baiyun Mountain is named after its peaks. Yuhuang Summit, known as the highest peak in Central China, is not only the main peak of the Funiu Mountain range, but also one of the best viewing platforms for sunrise and sea of clouds in Central China. In addition, there are famous peaks such as Baiyun Peak and Jijiaoman, all towering high into the sky.

In fact, besides being a mountain-type scenic area, Baiyun Mountain also has a well-developed water system within, and its waterscapes are very beautiful. It is the source of three rivers: the Yi River, Ru River, and Bai River (it is not an exaggeration to call it the source of three rivers). They flow into three famous Chinese rivers: the Yellow River, Huai River, and Yangtze River respectively. This is rare among major scenic spots nationwide. In a previous article, Yufan introduced attractions such as Baiyun Lake and Jiulong Waterfall in Baiyun Mountain. Today, Yufan will continue to introduce Yuhuang Lake in Baiyun Mountain.

Yuhuang Lake is located next to the Forest Oxygen Bar scenic area, upstream of Baiyun Lake. The lake is oval-shaped with a water volume of 80,000 cubic meters. Surrounded by mountains, the lake and mountains share the same color, with continuous peaks. A gentle breeze blows, ripples appear, and traveling among the sky light and clouds is endlessly enjoyable.

According to Yufan's observation, Yuhuang Lake should be an artificial lake. Viewed from above, it looks like a slightly elongated heart shape. On the left side of the entrance is the lake's dam. At one end of the dam, there are several large rocks with the characters 'Yuhuang Lake' inscribed on them.

Yuhuang Lake has not been commercially developed. Its surroundings are lush primeval forests. A local friend accompanying us introduced that when there is no wind, the lake is as calm as a mirror, and the reflections are very beautiful. When we arrived, it was late autumn. Fallen leaves on the lakeshore fell into the lake and were blown by the wind, accumulating a thick layer of golden leaves against one side of the dam.

There are two large lakes on Baiyun Mountain. In comparison, Baiyun Lake is larger and more beautiful, with a circular plank road built along the lake for visitors to hike. Yuhuang Lake is smaller, and only the dam side has a path; the rest of the area is covered by dense primeval forests, giving it a more rustic feel.

The primeval forests by the lakeshore are lush and dense, blocking out the sky and sun. The forest structure is intact, with thick undergrowth and wild flowers everywhere. Various rare and precious animals and plants can be seen everywhere. According to surveys, the primeval forest area of Baiyun Mountain is home to 204 species of terrestrial vertebrates belonging to 4 classes, 28 orders, and 69 families, including 10 species under national first-class protection, such as the black stork, golden eagle, and leopard, and 28 species under national second-class protection, such as the giant salamander, dhole, otter, small Indian civet, musk deer, and goral.

In addition to animals, there are as many as 290 species of timber trees, 98 species of starch plants, 143 species of fiber plants, 97 species of wild fruits, 193 species of tannin plants, 467 species of flowering plants, 155 species of wild vegetables, 92 species of aromatic plants, 208 species of oil plants, 822 species of medicinal plants, 27 species of poisonous plants, and 285 species of forage plants, making it a veritable 'green plant treasure house'.

Among the seasons, autumn is the most beautiful time for Yuhuang Lake. Due to the diversity of plants and the relatively high altitude, different plants take on various shades under the autumn wind: green, light yellow, deep yellow, red, purple... colorful, with layers of forests dyed in hues. Viewed from above with a drone, it looks like God's palette has been overturned, a scene of indescribable beauty.