Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园) is China’s first national park, formed by the merger of the original Shudu Lake Scenic Area and Bitahai Scenic Area. It is one of the most representative attractions in Shangri-La. The park’s entrance is located at the head of Xiagei Village, known as the “First Village of Shangri-La.”
The park is primarily composed of Bitahai Lake and Shudu Lake, featuring a diverse range of tourist resources, including wetland lakes, forest meadows, river valleys, and rare flora and fauna. Its pristine ecological environment is well preserved.
Pudacuo National Park offers different sceneries in each season. In spring, visitors can enjoy the blooming alpine meadows and abundant rhododendrons. Summer brings lush green mountains, providing a cool retreat. In autumn, the vibrant hues of layered dense forests create a picturesque landscape, while winter showcases the striking contrast of the blue lakes against a snowy white backdrop.
A typical visit to Pudacuo National Park takes about 4 to 6 hours. To explore the park, visitors must use the sightseeing buses provided within the park due to the expansive area. Given its high altitude, temperatures can be quite low, so it’s important to dress warmly.
Travel Information about Pudacuo National Park
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 138 yuan (includes the scenic area sightseeing bus).
Opening Hours: 8.30 – 16.00
Best Time to Visit
The optimal times to travel to Shangri-La are from May to July and September to October. During these months, the temperature and weather conditions are most suitable for travel. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers, lush green grass and trees, and an expansive blue sky, creating stunning scenery.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Xiagei Village, 22 kilometers east of Shangri-La City, Diqing Prefecture.
Shuttle Bus: There are buses available from the Shangri-La Bus Station and Dukezong Ancient Town to Pudacuo National Park, departing at 9:30 AM and returning at 3:30 PM.
Chartered Vehicle: Visitors can also hire a vehicle from Shangri-La City to Pudacuo; regular taxis can be used for this purpose.
Taxi: Alternatively, taking a taxi is an option. It’s advisable to arrange a pick-up time with the driver and obtain their phone number to avoid issues when returning.
Scenic Area Rating
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Pudacuo National Park
Shudu Lake
Shudu Lake is located 35 kilometers northeast of Shangri-La City and is one of the largest lakes in the region. The lake features crystal-clear water that is tranquil and mirror-like, with nearly zero pollution. The pristine environment allows visitors to see moss growing on trees nearby.
In the early morning, the sunlight dances on the surface of Shudu Lake, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The tranquil atmosphere immerses you in this pure land, and the distant sound of bells from yaks adds to the enchanting experience, making it feel like a paradise on earth.
Currently, there are two boardwalks constructed around Shudu Lake, measuring 2.7 kilometers and 0.5 kilometers respectively. The breathtaking views are primarily concentrated along these boardwalks, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery without having to retrace their steps. After exploring the lake, you can easily take a vehicle to the next scenic spot, the Mili Tang Pasture.
Mili Tang Pasture
Mili Tang Pasture is located approximately 6 kilometers from Shudu Lake, accessible by a short drive of around ten minutes, which includes crossing a mountain ridge. This journey takes you through a forested area, showcasing a pristine and beautiful landscape. Upon arriving at the Mili Tang station, you can find a viewing platform. A short walk down from the platform will immerse you in the vastness of the grasslands.
Situated between Bita Lake and Shudu Lake, Mili Tang Pasture is named for its elongated shape, resembling a delicate Buddhist eye. The entire pasture is classified as a sub-alpine meadow at an elevation of 3,700 meters. The vegetation here is rich in protein and fat, which contributes to the robust health of the cattle and sheep that graze on it. As a result, Mili Tang Pasture has become a significant livestock farming area in Shangri-La, known for producing animals that yield high milk output with a rich content of butter and cheese.
Bita Lake
Bita Lake, meaning “the place where oak trees grow thick,” is known as a gem of the plateau and is the highest lake in Yunnan Province. Surrounded by dark, majestic mountains, it resembles a green emerald set amidst the peaks. The area around the lake is adorned with vibrant rhododendrons, while the shores are filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrant blooms of flowers. From the sea of rhododendrons, you can gaze out over the expansive meadows, where herds of cattle and sheep leisurely graze among the colorful flowers, creating a picturesque blend of lake and grassland.
Bita Lake features a 4-kilometer-long lakeside boardwalk. Visitors can explore the lake in two ways: by taking a boat ride or walking along the boardwalk. It’s recommended to first walk along the boardwalk for about 30 minutes before boarding a boat. The boat ride allows you to visit the small islands on the lake, which are considered the most beautiful spots within the entire scenic area.
Visitor Guide for Pudacuo National Park
Transportation Within Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park is quite expansive, featuring eco-friendly buses that transport visitors to various attractions. The cost of the eco-bus is included in the entrance ticket price.
For those who are physically fit and wish to explore more, there are many scenic walking paths throughout the park. Additionally, at Bita Lake, visitors can enjoy a boat ride for a separate fee of 30 yuan, which allows for a different perspective of the stunning surroundings.
Accommodation in Pudacuo National Park
Visitors to Pudacuo National Park can choose to return to Shangri-La city for accommodation after a day of exploration. However, if you wish to spend more than a day immersing yourself in the park’s beauty, staying within the park itself is an excellent option.
One notable place to stay is the Youyou Manor (悠幽庄园), which is nestled among mountains and streams, surrounded by grazing cattle and sheep. This accommodation features a rich Tibetan decorative style that blends harmoniously with the rustic village atmosphere. It offers a simple and tranquil environment, allowing guests to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and truly reconnect with nature.
Cuisine in Pudacuo National Park
Within Pudacuo National Park, the Mili Tang Comprehensive Service Area features the Mili Tang Restaurant, designed in a charming Tibetan style. This wooden structure, painted in a vibrant red, adds a romantic touch to the dining experience. Here, visitors can enjoy local dishes that highlight the unique flavors of the region while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the park.
Useful Tips for Visiting Pudacuo National Park
Environmental Protection: As a national forest park, it’s crucial to protect the environment during your visit. Avoid damaging plants and the park’s facilities. The little squirrels in the area are a charming sight – please treat them kindly and do not harm them.
Health Precautions: Shangri-La is located at a high altitude, so it’s advisable to bring some common medications for any unexpected health issues. If you plan to visit in summer, don’t forget to pack rain gear!