Nestled amid mountain ranges on the border of Lhasa and Shannan lies Sijin La Co, an alpine lake shimmering like azure jade. In Tibetan, its name means “Powerful Sacred Lake”, yet it is widely known as the Wealth Lake. Beyond breathtaking natural scenery, it carries age-old myths, precious ancient Tibetan manuscripts, and sacred relics scattered along its shores. Today, let us journey into this mysterious, blessed holy lake.
1. Geography: A Treasure Basin Encircled by Mountains
Sijin La Co sits at the boundary between Riduo Township of Maizhokunggar County (Lhasa) and Sangri County (Shannan). It is roughly 124 kilometres from downtown Lhasa, and only 6 kilometres from the turning off National Highway 318. Perched at an altitude of 4,500 metres, the lake is surrounded by layered mountains, forming terrain shaped like a giant treasure basin — a fitting landscape matching its reputation as the Wealth Lake.
Though modest in size, the lake holds crystal-clear water that mirrors blue skies, drifting clouds and distant snow-capped peaks. Mani stone mounds, prayer flags and khata scarves line the lakeshore. Fluttering continuously in the wind, prayer flags endlessly carry prayers and sacred mantras.
2. The Legend of Wealth: Mozhu Sijin Dragon King & the Snake-Tongue Meadow
Sijin La Co earned its title as the Wealth Lake from a millennium-old legend. The lake is said to be the abode of the Mozhu Sijin Dragon King, Lord of Hundred Dragon Wealth. According to folklore, this compassionate dragon king scattered treasures across the snowy land, adorned the earth with rare medicinal herbs, exotic flora and wildlife, and granted blessings to devout believers.
The most renowned tale dates back to Trisong Detsen, Emperor of the Tubo Kingdom. After constructing Samye Monastery, the emperor lacked gold powder to gild Buddha statues. Guided by Guru Padmasambhava, he travelled to the lake to seek aid. Upon arrival, a ferocious viper suddenly blocked his path. Guru Padmasambhava subdued the serpent through sacred rituals, cut off its tongue and tossed it into the lake. The tongue instantly transformed into a lush, tongue-shaped green meadow at the lake’s centre, known to this day as the Snake-Tongue Meadow.
The emperor prayed sincerely by the shore. Waves rose from the water, and more than 7,000 gold coins rolled onto the bank, providing enough gold to adorn the monastery’s Buddha statues. From that moment onward, Sijin La Co’s fame as the Wealth Lake spread far and wide.
3. Ancient Relics & Tibetan Records: Traces of the Sacred Lake in Scriptures
The earliest written record of Sijin La Co appears in the ancient Tibetan text The Five Bequeathed Teachings. The scripture compares the lake to a treasure basin that enshrines a mandala with gold, silver and jewels, and formally records the identity and sacred merits of the Mozhu Sijin Dragon King. This ancient work grants profound historical and religious authority to the holy lake.
Beyond written records, sacred sites circling the lake serve as living history:
· Guru Padmasambhava’s Meditation Cave: On the turtle-shaped mountain behind the lake stands Zhongba Cave, where Guru Padmasambhava entered retreat for spiritual practice, alongside numerous ancient hermitages for practitioners.
· Ceremonial Throne & Meditation Ruins: Ancient greeting thrones and meditation traces remain by the lake. The green meadow magically manifested by Guru Padmasambhava as a cushion for Emperor Trisong Detsen can still be seen clearly.
· Symbolic Mountains & Lakes: The eastern mountain range resembles the Sixteen Arhats; the Peak of Blessing in the southeast is believed to bring good fortune to worshippers. Surrounding smaller lakes symbolise the Five Apsaras, Six Realms, Eight Great Gurus and Three Protectors, forming a complete sacred geographical layout.
These relics and historical texts validate one another, making Sijin La Co far more than a natural scenic spot — it is a tangible scroll of history and culture.
4. Religious Rituals & Heritage
Every year on the 15th day of the 6th Tibetan lunar month, successive Panchen Lamas, Dalai Lamas and Drigung Living Buddhas travel to Sijin La Co to conduct worship ceremonies, casting gold and silver treasures into the lake. This tradition survives to the present day.
On auspicious dates, local residents circumambulate the lake, hold incense offerings (sang), toss lungta wind-horse papers, and cast banknotes, turquoise and coral into the water, praying for prosperity and a fulfilling life. During droughts, monks from nearby Riduo Monastery and Drigung Monastery come here to pray for rainfall. Folklore says prayers are especially potent when the Drigung Living Buddha presides.
5. Practical Travel Guide (For Reference)
· Transport: No direct public transport available. Self-driving or hiring a vehicle is recommended; navigate to “Sijin La Co”. The journey takes roughly 2–2.5 hours.
· Ticket Fees: Peak season (May–October): 50 CNY per person. Off-season (November–April): 25 CNY per person. A sanitation fee of 3 CNY may be charged. Note: Visitors have reported cash-only payment; please prepare cash in advance.
· Recommended Stay: 2–4 hours. The full lakeside circuit spans approximately 8 kilometres, ideal for slow walking and quiet contemplation.
· Best Photography Spot: The western shore offers the finest lake reflections, with soft light between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning.
· Important Reminders:
o The altitude reaches 4,500 metres. Take precautions against altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise.
o Strong winds and low temperatures prevail by the lake. Bring windproof, warm clothing even in summer.
o Respect local customs. Do not shift mani stones or touch prayer flags arbitrarily.
o Dining options within the scenic area are limited. Prepare snacks and drinking water.
Closing Thoughts
Sijin La Co’s charm lies not only in its gem-like waters, but also in the enduring myths, ancient texts and living faith woven around it. If you seek a journey blending breathtaking nature and profound cultural depth, add it to your Tibet bucket list.
Be sure to prepare thoroughly for altitude sickness before setting off, and come with a sincere, reverent heart — perhaps the Mozhu Sijin Dragon King will bestow a stroke of good fortune upon you.
May every wanderlust soul find peace and abundance beside this sacred lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sijin La Co
Q1: Why is Sijin La Co called the "Wealth Lake"?
According to Tibetan lore, the lake is the sacred home of the Mozhu Sijin Dragon King, who governs immense treasures. Emperor Trisong Detsen and Guru Padmasambhava prayed here for gold to gild the statues of Samye Monastery, resulting in 7,000 gold coins washing ashore.
Q2: How far is Sijin La Co from Lhasa?
Sijin La Co is approximately 124 kilometers (77 miles) east of Lhasa, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours by car via National Highway G318.
Q3: What is the Snake-Tongue Meadow at Sijin La Co?
The Snake-Tongue Meadow is a tongue-shaped green islet at the center of the lake. Legend says it was formed when Guru Padmasambhava subdued a fierce giant serpent blocking their path and transformed its cut tongue into a sacred grassy cushion.