In May, Namtso, which had been frozen for a long time, shed its heavy ice armor. The lake surface under the plateau sunshine has a clear color, like a sapphire embedded between heaven and earth. The brown headed gull flies gracefully over the water, while the white yak stands by the lake with its white Hada draped over it. The gentle breeze carries the scent of butter and hidden fragrance.

Namtso after the melting of ice and snow. （Xinhua| Zhou Yulong）

On May 19th, coinciding with China Tourism Day, a cultural tourism festival with the theme of "Snowy Ancient City, Holy Land Lhasa" for 2026 was held, namely the opening ceremony of Namtso Lake. 

Lake Namtso sits at an elevation of 4,718 meters above sea level, and its name means "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan. "The lake is so high that it feels like being in the sky, which is why we call it 'Heavenly Lake,'" said Gongga Dorje, a villager from Dabu Village, Namtso Town, Damxung County. Every May, as the ice and snow on the lake melt, this unique plateau natural spectacle is celebrated by local residents as the "Opening of the Lake."

Actors dressed in traditional costumes perform by Lake Namco.（Xinhua| Zhou Yulong）

Tourist sketch at the "Lake Opening" ceremony in Namtso.（Xinhua| Zhou Yulong）

Actors dressed in traditional costumes take photos by Lake Namco.（Xinhua| Zhou Yulong）