Despite its serene appearance, this tranquil lake in southern China is surrounded by tales of a mysterious creature lurking beneath its shimmering surface.
Nestled in Zhanjiang, a peaceful town in Guangdong Province, this lake offers a stark contrast to the buzzing cityscape of nearby Shenzhen. With its clean air, lush greenery, and relaxed pace of life, Zhanjiang has become a favorite weekend escape for city dwellers looking to reconnect with nature.
Huguangyan National Geopark: A Lake Formed by Fire and Shrouded in Mystery
One of the town’s most iconic attractions is the Huguangyan National Geopark, located in the southwest of Zhanjiang. At the heart of this park lies a volcanic crater lake covering only 38 square kilometers, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer natural wonder. Surrounded by gentle hills and fed by rainfall and underground springs, the lake remains perfectly clear year-round — its waters glimmering with an emerald hue.
But Huguangyan Lake is not only known for its beauty. It’s also one of China’s most mysterious locations, long associated with local legends of an ancient water creature.
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The Legend of the “Sacred Fish”
Locals have passed down stories of a shimmering rock that once sat at the center of the lake — said to glow faintly at night. According to legend, sometime in the 1990s, strange phenomena began to occur. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a massive shadow moving beneath the surface, sparking fears that something enormous was hiding in the lake’s depths.
Those living near the lake in Huguangyan spoke of encountering an unusually large creature gliding across the water. The stories spread quickly, and the mysterious being was soon dubbed the “Sacred Fish” — a creature of myth, awe, and fear.
Scientists vs. Folklore: What’s Really in the Lake?
Unsurprisingly, this mysterious lake attracted waves of curious visitors, from amateur monster hunters to trained scientists. Researchers from the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology suggested the sightings could be attributed to a large patch of plankton, thriving due to the lake’s unique ecosystem created by a volcanic eruption over 160,000 years ago.
Others speculated the mysterious creature might be a type of Asian arowana, a rare and ancient fish known for its dragon-like features. Despite all the theories, no definitive answer has ever been found, and the legend lives on.
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A Natural Enigma That Captures the Imagination
Today, Huguangyan Crater Lake continues to draw both tourists and mystery seekers alike. Whether you’re visiting for its volcanic origins, its pristine natural beauty, or the legend of the hidden lake monster, this unique destination offers an experience unlike any other in China.
FAQ
What is Heaven Lake and where is it located?
Heaven Lake (Tianchi) is a volcanic crater lake located on the border between China’s Jilin Province and North Korea. It sits atop Mount Paektu (Changbai Mountain), an active stratovolcano and one of the most sacred mountains in both Chinese and Korean cultures. The lake lies at an altitude of over 2,100 meters (6,900 ft) and is often covered in mist or snow.
Why is Heaven Lake considered mysterious?
Apart from its geological origins and dramatic appearance, Heaven Lake has gained widespread attention due to repeated sightings of a strange aquatic creature in its depths. Reports of a “lake monster” first surfaced in the 1960s and have continued sporadically ever since — especially from soldiers, locals, and tourists.
The fact that the lake is deep, remote, and often difficult to access only adds to its air of secrecy.
What exactly have people seen in the lake?
Witnesses describe seeing:
- A large black or dark grey creature, sometimes moving in pairs or groups
- Objects that resemble serpent-like heads or humps emerging from the water
- Sudden ripples or whirlpools, with no obvious explanation
- Movements too fast or patterns too irregular for known aquatic animals
In one case from 2007, a group claimed to have seen two creatures chasing each other, creating huge waves. Even video footage has been released, though often blurry and inconclusive.
Could it be a real creature?
There are several theories:
- Unknown species: Some speculate that the creature could be a prehistoric survivor or undiscovered animal adapted to the harsh, cold environment.
- Large fish or sturgeon: Others suggest sightings may be large fish or floating logs misinterpreted.
- Myth and mass psychology: Many scientists argue that the “monster” is a result of myth-building, optical illusions, or people simply seeing what they want to believe.
So far, no conclusive scientific evidence supports the existence of a monster.
Is Heaven Lake connected to other legends?
Yes. Heaven Lake is considered a sacred site in local folklore. In Korean tradition, it’s believed to be the birthplace of Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea. In Chinese mythology, it’s a place where heaven and earth connect.
These deep-rooted spiritual beliefs likely contribute to the lake’s mystique and may fuel the enduring tales of supernatural beings.
Is the lake accessible to visitors?
Yes, but with restrictions. Tourists can visit the Chinese side of Heaven Lake via Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve. The road leads to an observation platform overlooking the lake. However, the North Korean side is much more difficult to access due to travel restrictions.
The best time to visit is during late summer (August–September) when the lake is less likely to be frozen or fog-covered.
Has any research or expeditions been done?
Yes, both Chinese and Korean researchers have attempted to explore the lake with sonar, underwater cameras, and observation drones, but they haven’t uncovered definitive proof of a large unknown creature.
Some environmental factors — such as volcanic activity, gas bubbles, or light reflections — have been proposed as explanations for the strange movements on the water.
What makes this legend so captivating?
It’s a mix of natural mystery, cultural mythology, and human curiosity. Much like Scotland’s Loch Ness or Canada’s Ogopogo, Tianchi’s monster draws attention because it sits at the intersection of the unknown and the believable.
The idea that something ancient and unexplained may still exist in today’s world is a powerful force in storytelling — and Heaven Lake provides the perfect setting.
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Monster or Myth? Whether or not a creature actually lives beneath the icy waters of Heaven Lake, the legend continues to thrive. For some, it’s a genuine mystery waiting to be solved. For others, it’s a symbol of the unknown corners of nature that still elude science.
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One thing’s for sure: Heaven Lake isn’t just another lake — it’s a place where nature, legend, and imagination collide.
