On the Pamir Plateau of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there is a lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Lake Karakul, famous for its color-changing water and breathtaking views, is a wonderland hidden in the mountains.

Lake Karakul is a glacial lake. It is located in Akto County of the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, 196 kilometers away from Kashgar City of Xinjiang. It has an altitude of 3,600 meters and is the highest lake on the plateau. From the lake, three snow-capped mountains are visible: Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh and Kongur Tiube. All the peaks are more than 7,000 meters in elevation.

Lake Karakul's water changes its color depending on the weather. On a clear day, the blue sky lets the lake appear blue and azure. And a cloudy day makes the water look dark because of the reflection. Besides, different depths of the lake contribute to the different colors.

(Cover: Lake Karakul against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo)

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