A Sanctuary Amidst Nature
Nestled in the heart of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Heritage site in Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Pudacuo National Park stands as a pristine expanse of natural beauty. Spanning an impressive area of approximately, 1313 square kilometers and located just 22 kilometers from the urban charm of Shangri-La, this park embodies the essence of ecological preservation and natural wonder. The name “Pudacuo” derives from Sanskrit, symbolizing a boat lake that ferries all beings to salvation.
A Park of Diverse Landscapes
Comprising two main scenic areas, Bitahai and Shudu Lake, Pudacuo National Park ((普达措国家公园) ) is a mosaic of unique landscapes. From fault cliffs and forested brooks to deep gorges and valleys, the park showcases an intricate mix of pristine forest thickets, alpine meadows, wetlands, geological formations, and river canyons. Although Bitahai scenic area has been closed to the public since 2017 for ecological maintenance, the park’s commitment to conservation is evident in its untouched natural splendor.
China’s First National Park
Marking a significant moment in 2007, Shangri-La’s Pudacuo was officially recognized as China’s first national park. This designation has not only preserved its complete original forest ecosystem but also attracted visitors from around the globe, boosting the area’s revenue to over 2 billion in recent years.
Must-Visit Attractions
Shudu Lake
Shudu Lake, positioned in the northeastern part of Shangri-La, stands as one of the largest plateau lakes in the region. More than just a lake, it’s a divine water source enveloped in morning mists, crystal-clear waters, and colorful forests, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Approximately 40 kilometers from the town, it has become a favored spot for many tour groups, offering a serene alternative to Bitahai. The lake is home to the unique Shudu Lake Split-belly fish, known for its golden body and delicate taste. The area is also a haven for a variety of birds, including wild ducks and yellow ducks.
Explore on Foot
Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Shudu Lake through three distinct routes: a 3.3-kilometer wooden walkway along the south shore, a 2.2-kilometer eco-trekking trail along the Shudugang River, and a 3-kilometer cultural experience trail on the north shore, showcasing the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan people.
A Gateway to Tranquility
Pudacuo National Park is more than a destination; it’s an experience that offers a deep connection with nature’s untouched beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply in search of peace, Pudacuo welcomes you to explore its enchanting landscapes and discover the tranquility that lies within.
Discover the Hidden Treasures of Shangri-La: The Niru Village Trek
The Traditional Trekking Route in Niru
Niru Village, nestled deep within the Shangri-La Pudacuo National Park, offers more than just a journey to the Rainbow Waterfall and Napa Pasture. To truly uncover the hidden gems of Pudacuo National Park, one must venture beyond the beaten path. The traditional trek from Niru Village often leaves many secrets of this enchanting region undiscovered.
A Journey Through Pudacuo’s Pastoral Beauty
The trek through Niru encompasses five majestic pastures within Pudacuo National Park: Conggu Pasture, Dijitang Pasture, Xirenlong Pasture, Napa Pasture, and Shuo’er Pasture. It also unveils five sacred lakes: Shudu Lake, Seli Lake, Huanghai, Heihai, and Dinglang Lake. Each pasture presents a unique landscape, with cattle and sheep roaming freely, clouds hovering so low they feel within reach, and mountains adorned with a romantic bloom of alpine rhododendrons and wildflowers in June and July, creating a scene of ethereal beauty.
The Pristine Forests and Sacred Waters
Among these, the trek from Dijitang Pasture to the Rainbow Waterfall traverses through pristine forests to reach the crystal-clear waters below the waterfall, considered sacred by the local Tibetans. Known as “Shenpu” (Divine Waterfall) to the locals, it’s believed that witnessing the waterfall and rainbows brings blessings. Thus, many Tibetan mani stone piles, representing prayers and blessings for families, are found beside the lake.
Niru Village: A Hidden Gem
Ascending from the Rainbow Waterfall through mountains and valleys leads to the secluded Niru Village. This ancient Tibetan village, lying deep within the Shangri-La Pudacuo National Park, remains untouched by the outside world, earning it the title of “The World’s First Village” by the United Nations.
“Niru,” meaning “a place bathed in sunlight” in Tibetan, sits at an elevation of 2705 meters and is home to over a hundred families. Surrounded by lush green mountains and dense forests, its lower altitude fosters a rich biodiversity. Niru serves as a crucial hub for trekkers heading to the five grand pastures and the sacred lakes, offering a gateway to a variety of natural landscapes, including glacier peaks, river caves, and virgin forests.
Niru Village and its surrounding pastures and lakes are Shangri-La’s best-kept secrets, offering an immersive experience into the heart of Yunnan’s unparalleled natural beauty and Tibetan culture. Trekking through this serene landscape not only connects adventurers with the tranquility of nature but also with the spiritual heritage of the land.
Discover Bitahai Lake: A Pristine Highland Wetland in Shangri-La
Bitahai Lake: A Sanctuary of Natural Splendor
Bitahai Lake is one of the principal attractions within Pudacuo National Park, recognized as a provincial-level natural reserve and an internationally significant highland freshwater lake wetland. This wetland ecosystem, along with the surrounding forests, marshes, and meadows, has remained in its primal state, serving as a habitat for rare fish species like the Zhongdian schizothoracin and providing a haven for rare birds, including the black-necked crane. “Bitahai” translates to “a carpet of oak trees” in Tibetan, highlighting the vast oak forests and primeval woods mirrored in the lake’s serene waters. A 4.4-kilometer walking plank path allows visitors to explore this breathtaking landscape closely.
The Inaugural Shangri-La Outdoor Sports Festival
On May 27, 2022, the first Shangri-La Outdoor Sports Festival opened its doors in Yunnan Province’s Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, within the captivating Pudacuo National Park. Hosted by the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s Department of Education and Sports, along with the Diqing Prefecture Sports Federation and Pudacuo National Park, the festival unveiled the untapped potential of sports tourism in the region.
Spanning three days, the festival offered an array of exciting activities, including refined camping at the secluded estates of Pudacuo National Park, trekking from the park to “The World’s First Village” Niru Village, experiencing rural tourism in Niru Village, and engaging in the Dianxi Sports Tourism Development Summit. These events showcased Diqing’s rich sports tourism appeal, blending the thrill of outdoor activities with the stunning natural beauty of the area.
A Gateway to Adventure and Tranquility
Bitahai Lake, with its untouched natural beauty and the vibrant outdoor activities of the Shangri-La Outdoor Sports Festival, presents a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the calm of pristine wetlands, the charm of ancient forests, or the excitement of outdoor sports, Bitahai Lake and its surroundings offer an unmatched experience in the heart of Shangri-La.
Embrace the Skies with a Hot Air Balloon Adventure in Pudacuo National Park
Soar Above Shangri-La’s Natural Wonder
If you’ve ever dreamed of a close encounter with the vastness of nature, our hot air balloon experience in Pudacuo National Park is your perfect pick. Glide through the skies and witness the boundless beauty of the park from above. As the balloon ascends, you’ll dance with the wind, reveling in the ultimate freedom. Overlooking magnificent landscapes from high above, you’ll feel the power and beauty of nature in an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Elevating Nature Education in Pudacuo
To enhance the level of natural education in Pudacuo National Park, a new ecological nature education trail beneath the forest canopy around Shudu Lake has recently been introduced. This addition enriches the natural education research tours in the park, solidifying the foundation of nature education while diversifying its offerings and perfecting the service system.
Unlike the wooden plank paths frequented by the masses, the Shudu Lake underforest ecological nature education trail has been optimized from existing outdoor hiking trails. It leverages the park’s linear natural resources and landscape experience nodes to conduct a variety of natural education activities. These initiatives aim to spread knowledge about the park’s natural ecology, foster a connection with nature, strengthen natural values, and cultivate environmental ethics.
Rich natural resources in Pudacuo
Spanning 1.5 km, the trail encompasses a rich array of natural resources, including trees, shrubs, lichens, ferns, and wild fungi. It provides convenient natural conditions for activities like “plant observation,” “micro-ecosystem exploration,” “wild fungi study,” “specimen creation,” and “plant leaf pressing.” The trail also enables cultural experiences, crucial to the activities’ success. Participants can immerse themselves in local pastoral culture, listen to stories from cultural teachers at the pastures, experience milking yaks, taste the rich yak milk, dance, and sing with the Tibetan people. Additionally, visitors can follow local villagers into traditional Tibetan homes to gain hands-on experience and insight into the architectural features, lifestyle customs, and unique ecological cultural preservation wisdom of the Tibetan people.
Through these nature education classes, young people and families across the country can deeply understand the biodiversity conservation achievements of Pudacuo National Park. We aim to bring participants closer to nature, unraveling its mysteries and maximizing the park’s educational potential. We warmly invite nature education institutions and schools from all over the country to discuss cooperation and conduct nature education programs in the park.
A Natural Gem in Shangri-La
Opened to the public in 2007, Pudacuo National Park quickly became a must-visit destination for both local and international nature lovers. Situated within the enchanting Shangri-La, the park is remarkably accessible, lying close to the lively town. Visitors can meander along various trails or opt for an eco-bus ride to efficiently cover the park. Depending on your pace and interest, exploring the park could take anywhere from half a day to a full day, with plenty of signage to guide your journey.
Majestic Altitudes and Natural Wonders
Perched at an elevation of around 3,500 meters above sea level, Pudacuo National Park is a sanctuary of spectacular attractions. It neighbors the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Three Parallel Rivers, adding to its prestige. Among the park’s jewels is Shudu Lake, renowned for its unique fish species, liefuyu. The lake’s shallow waters invite visitors to admire its beauty from a plank path, offering a serene experience sans swimming.
Birdwatchers’ Paradise: Bita Lake
Bita Lake, another enchanting body of water within the park, sits at the same elevation as Shudu Lake but boasts a depth of 40 meters. At its heart lies a small islet, a sanctuary for numerous bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by diverse flora, including rhododendrons, which, while beautiful, can have a lethal effect on the fish when their flowers fall into the water due to their toxicity.
Militang Pasture: Home of the Yaks
Separating the two lakes is the lush Militang Pasture, a vast expanse where yaks graze against the backdrop of the park’s stunning landscapes. This area adds to the rich tapestry of habitats within Pudacuo, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and natural beauty.
Plan Your Visit
Address: Shangri-la County, Diqing
Admission Fees: RMB 190
Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Getting There: Access is convenient via Road 214, with bus services available.
Pudacuo National Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in its unspoiled beauty. Whether you’re tracing the paths that wind through this natural paradise, riding the eco-bus, or indulging in birdwatching by the lakes, the park offers an unparalleled experience of tranquility and natural wonder in the heart of Shangri-La.