Sculpture in middle of ‘Mirror of the Sky’ China lake criticised for disrupting serene beauty

China’s Chaka Salt Lake, a heaven-like tourist attraction hailed as a “mirror of the sky”, has hit the headlines over an “ugly” installation.The lake in northwestern China’s Qinghai province is famous for its mirror-like surface, formed as a result of the water’s high salt content.It was selected by an authoritative Chinese geography magazine as being among the top must-visit sites in China and received around 40,000 visitors daily last year.However, some people have complained that an installation in the lake has ruined its serene beauty.The sculpture, above, sits in stark contrast to the surrounding scenery. Photo: RedNoteA person posted a video criticising a building-block sculpture featuring a pink heart with angel wings which was erected in the middle of the lake, describing it as a “total eyesore”.Many agreed, saying that the sculpture’s colours “did not match the lake at all”, and that the structure was “gilding the lily”.A member of staff at the Wulan county culture, sports and tourism bureau told the Chinese media outlet Jimu News that the decision to erect the sculpture was made by the company that manages the lake.The Chaka Salt Lake is managed by a state-owned company under the Western Mining Group.According to a member of customer service staff at the resort, the sculpture was commissioned by the company, designed by a professional team and has been in position for more than two years.The sculpture has sparked criticism that it disrupts the lake’s serene beauty. Photo: RedNoteShe said they put the sculpture there after some tourists said the lake’s scenery was “too flat” and it was the first time she had heard complaints about it.Further ReadingIn fact, the sculpture is among a group of installations erected in the lake for tourists to take photographs.According to online posts by visitors, there are also installations which look like boats, metal fish and a number of heart-shaped sculptures. It is also a tradition among visitors to wear red, to highlight themselves in the blue backdrop.The complaints chimed with those about other tourist resorts.China’s tourism witnessed a boom following the COVID-19 pandemic.Last year, Chinese residents made 6.52 billion domestic trips, a 16.2 per cent year on year increase.Domestic tourism spending by Chinese residents was 6.3 trillion yuan (US$922 billion) last year, up 9.5 per cent from 2024.A popular scenic spot in Xian, northwestern China, above. The sculpture controversy has spawned similar online complaints about other tourist sites. Photo: XinhuaBut many people said they were devastated to see the “tacky, ugly” installations that have made attractions across China “all the same”.One such person said on social media: “Be prepared to see these ugly things on your trips: The ‘I am thinking of you at this and that place’ road sign, limestone caves with rainbow lights, artificial towns and streets with fake flowers, garish installations.”“Tourist resorts’ bad taste could be a disaster to the beautiful natural landscape,” said another online observer.“Please give nature back to these scenic spots and give imagination back to tourists,” said another.