The water is actually that bright turquoise color, but the crowd management is a total headache. Expect massive queues for the park shuttles during peak hours. If you want the pristine photos, sprint to Five Flower Lake at dawn before the tour buses arrive. Skip the overpriced multi-day group tours if you can navigate transit alone. Spend at least one full day walking the wooden boardwalks to escape the noise. Wear good sneakers and prepare for altitude.
