Summary of Key Points
The "Tian Shen Hou Garden," which has been closed for 8 years, finally shows signs of reopening this year—only allowing tourists to view the main peak from a distance in the generally controlled ecological protection area. The core areas (such as Fairy Lake and Demoness Lake) will remain closed for now. The closure was due to excessive damage caused by visitors to the fragile ecosystem, and the 8-year ban allowed the wilderness to recover on its own, with wildlife like snow leopards returning. This reopening is a trial measure aimed at balancing ecological protection with local economic needs, while also testing whether tourists can truly coexist harmoniously with nature.
I. Why was it suddenly closed back then? It was all caused by human behavior
Nian Bao Yu Ze is located in the core area of the Three Rivers Source (the birthplaces of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River), where the ecosystem is as fragile as "human eyes"—it takes years for grass to grow back after being trampled, and a single piece of trash can pollute an entire river. Before 2018, over 2,400 tourists (not including those who entered without buying tickets) flocked to the site daily: some littered, others burned fires on the grasslands, some caught fish from Fairy Lake (which is considered a sacred lake by the locals), and even the glaciers visibly retreated into bare rock. This level of human damage was too much for the ecosystem to bear, leading to the complete closure in 2018, which also resulted in the loss of its 4A-level tourist attraction status.
II. The 8-year ban wasn't in vain; the wilderness has healed on its own
After the closure, the scenic area removed all parking lots and trails and converted the visitor center into a management station, allowing nature to recover on its own:
- Wildlife has returned: Snow leopards (a barometer of high-altitude ecosystems) were spotted for the first time in 2023, indicating an increase in lower-level species in the food chain, such as blue sheep and wild pigs.
- The scenery has improved: Drone footage shows mountains reflected in the lakes, mist lingering over the landscape, and vegetation that is more lush than before.
- The ecosystem is stable: The rate of glacier retreat has slowed down, there are no new signs of trampling on the grasslands, and the water quality has improved.
Although the local economy suffered during these 8 years, the ecosystem has been given a chance to regenerate.
III. This reopening is not a full opening; it's just a small step forward
Don't expect to be able to cross Fairy Lake as before! The official guidelines are very restrictive:
- Only the "generally controlled area" is open: The core protection areas (including the routes that would allow direct access to the main peak) remain closed, and visitors can only view the main peak from a distance.
- The focus is on "distanced viewing": The newly launched "5369 Ecological Tourism Route" allows visitors to see the main peak from a certain distance (the number 5369 refers to the altitude of the peak).
- Reopening depends on conditions: They want to test whether tourists can behave responsibly and if the management system can keep up. If the ecosystem is not affected, they will consider further opening the core areas.
In other words, this reopening is a test, not a gift.
IV. Lian Bao Ye Ze is thriving; is Nian Bao Yu Ze's choice difficult?
Nian Bao Yu Ze and Sichuan's Lian Bao Ye Ze are part of the same mountain range but have taken different paths:
- Lian Bao Ye Ze has opened its doors to more tourists, resulting in higher revenues, but it faces increasing ecological pressures (such as increased trash and grassland degradation).
- Nian Bao Yu Ze was closed for 8 years, allowing the ecosystem to recover, but those who depend on tourism for their income are now affected by the lack of visitors.
This reflects a common dilemma in China's environmental protection efforts: should we prioritize conservation or economic development? There is no absolute right or wrong answer. However, Nian Bao Yu Ze's tentative reopening aims to find a middle ground—neither completely closing nor fully opening the area, but trying to generate some revenue while still protecting the environment.
V. Want to visit? First, ask yourself if you can follow these rules
The key to this reopening is that tourists need to be responsible:
- Don't litter: Take your trash with you, even a single tissue.
- Follow the rules: Don't catch fish from Fairy Lake, don't trample on the grasslands, and respect the beliefs of the local Tibetan people.
- Don't just check off a destination: Treat it as a friend, not just a place to take photos and then leave.
If visitors continue to cause damage, Nian Bao Yu Ze might have to close again—after all, the lessons learned over 8 years show that no one wants to repeat the same mistakes.
Final Thought
Nian Bao Yu Ze has opened a small window for us to make amends. Let's not let selfish behavior shut it back again. After all, some beautiful landscapes are only meant for those who know how to respect them.