Namtso, meaning "heavenly lake" in Tibetan, is located in the central part of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, spanning Damxung County of Lhasa and Baingoin County of Nagqu. 

Covering an area of over 2,000 square kilometers and sitting at an elevation of 4,718 meters, it is the world's highest-altitude large saline lake. Nestled alongside the snow-capped Nyainqentanglha Mountains, it was ranked third among "China's Five Most Beautiful Lakes" by Chinese National Geography. As one of Xizang's "three sacred lakes," it draws countless visitors each year with its breathtaking landscapes.

In April, the ice and snow at Namtso begin to melt as temperatures rise, revealing a landscape of crystalline purity. Azure ice glistens alongside distant snow-capped peaks, where blue and white hues intertwine, offering a sweeping view of the plateau's pristine vastness.

This sacred lake is now welcoming visitors from far and wide with a renewed look. As part of efforts to achieve national 5A tourist attraction status, 50 million yuan (about $7.3 million) was invested in 2025 to comprehensively upgrade parking facilities, signage systems, smart tourism infrastructure, as well as security and medical services. These projects have now been completed and are fully operational.

The benefits of tourism development have also reached local communities. The scenic area has implemented unified management of yak and horse resources, created employment platforms and established profit-sharing mechanisms, enabling residents to share in the fruits of development.

Namtso today is embracing visitors from all directions with improved facilities and more standardized services. Through innovative mechanisms that ensure local participation, it is forging a new path of integrated development, where stunning scenery goes hand in hand with shared prosperity.