Trip Moments Recommendations
#Pudacuo National Park Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Shangri-La in winter is incredibly beautiful! Here's a nanny-level guide to Pudacuo
【Opening】Pudacuo National Park is located in Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Here you can find mirror-like alpine lakes, beautiful grassy pastures, blooming wetlands, and pristine forests where birds and animals often appear.
🛬【Itinerary】Recommended visit time: 1-2 days.
- 🌄Shudu Lake: Take a bus from the scenic area to the tranquil trail (about 20min) and start hiking (about 3.2km). Walk straight to the return point and take a bus back to the entrance of the scenic area🚌
- 🏔Bitahai: Take a bus from the scenic area to the starting point (about 10min), walk forward to the viewing point (about 1.5km), and then return by the same route to take a bus back to the entrance of the scenic area.
⛺【Admission Fee】Ticket + shuttle bus fee: 💰138 yuan/person (half price for student tickets, no discount for bus fees)
⛺【Must-see Attractions】
- 🏞Shudu Lake: The plank road is built along the lake, and you can enjoy different views of the lake, meadow, and forest along the way.
- 🏞Bitahai: Here you can see yaks. Be careful when interacting with small animals.
⛺【Photo Spots】
- 📸Shudu Lake: There are plank roads, lakes, and forests here, and every shot is a masterpiece.
- 📸Bitahai: Here you can see yaks, and taking photos with yaks is super photogenic.
🍩【Must-try Foods】
- 🍜Braised Beef Hot Pot: A specialty of Shangri-La, the meat is fresh and the soup is rich.
- 🍜Barley Cake: A traditional local snack, crispy and sweet.
🏨【Accommodation Guide】
- 🏠It is recommended to choose a hotel or homestay near Dukezong Ancient City, which is affordable and convenient for transportation.
🚌【Transportation Guide】
- 🚗Self-driving: It takes about 3-4 hours from Lijiang.
- 🚌Bus: Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Shangri-La, and then transfer to a bus to Pudacuo.
🧡【Tips】
- 🌂Be careful of slippery roads in the snow season, try not to wear high heels.
- 🌂Keep warm, it is recommended to bring down jackets, scarves, gloves, etc.
- 🌂Pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid traveling in bad weather.
- 🌂Be aware of altitude sickness, it is recommended to take Rhodiola and other anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance.
Pudacuo Yunnan
For those seeking a little more adventure, the hiking trails in Pudacuo National Park offer a thrilling experience. I embarked on the Bita Lake trail, which took me through dense forests and blooming meadows. The sights and sounds of nature surrounded me, and with every step, I felt more alive and connected to the earth. It was an invigorating journey that left me with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
And let's not forget about the incredible wildlife that calls Pudacuo home. From adorable pandas to exotic birds, the park is a haven for animal lovers. I was lucky enough to spot a group of playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree, which added an extra layer of excitement to my adventure.
In addition to its natural splendor, Pudacuo National Park is also home to the local Naxi ethnic minority. Their vibrant culture and traditions can be experienced through the various cultural activities and performances that take place within the park. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the region and gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park is a vast nature reserve classified as a 5A tourist attraction in China. The park is located about 30 minutes drive from Shangri-La, China.
The park includes two scenic areas, Shudu Lake in the north, and Bita Lake in the south of the park. The lakes are surrounded by mountainous woods, streams and grass lands. If you're lucky, you'll see some wild animals.
As opposed to other parks I've been to in China, it seems that this park is completely natural. In order to preserve the nature around the lakes, walking is limited to a boardwalk along each lake. The boardwalk along Bita Lake is blocked midway for some reason.
Since the park is very big, shuttles take the people from the park entrance to the scenic areas.
#China #shangrila #pudacuo #shudu #bita
National park walk with yaks @Shangri-la 🍂
#fallingforfall
Pictures speak louder than words ✌️
How to get there: we came with a cab from Shangri-La (30min)
What’s to see: beautiful national park with lakes
Time needed: half day
What to look for: yaks :)
Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸
IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld
fallingforfall
germaninchina
Getting There - you can take a train , drive a car or reach by airplane.
Attractions - Shangrila old town, Potasao national park and songjiang monestary, Napa grassland
Hotels - Hilton garden
Food & Restaurants - several local restaurants are available
Shopping - If you are looking to buy the soveniers you can go to old town and have variety of things to choose from.
shangrila is really a very mystic place with natural beauty in abundance. there are beautiful landscapes and high mountains. The best seasonx to visit this place is during March to June but i love to go there in any season. i recommend this place to all the nature lovers
Lakes, grasslands and yaks
Pudacuo National Park is mainly comprised of Shudu Lake, Bita Lake and Militang Pasture. Militang Pasture (弥里塘草场) and Bita Lake (碧塔海) in Pudacuo National Park are closed for tourists due to maintanance from 3th September, 2017. The administrative office of Pudacuo National Park hasn't confirmed when they will be open exactly.
Shudu Lake Scenic Area (属都湖) is still open for tourists. The shuttle bus will take you to the scenic area where you can take a stroll down the lake and enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains, grasslands and of course, yaks.
There's also a short hiking route you can take but it's usually closed as well.
#naturalwonders #nature #grasslands #yunnantravel #visitchina #shangrila #passionpassport #lakeview #asiatrip
Miles and miles together
If you are someone who love hiking 🥾 and trekking, especially with your loved ones holding together, then Pudacuo national park is definitely a go to place for you. Sometimes if you're luck 😛 then you can see those rare animals, found only in these hill ranges 🍀. As we started to trek and hike 🥾 a little bit, the vast lake has begun to appear in front of us. There were well laid platforms and you also can find places to put up the local costume 🧝 to take some pictures. You also do have options to take the small cab (they call buggee) and quickly finish up in short time. If you want to have a relaxed day with not much noise then this is the place for you. #nationalpark #couplestrip
#summervacation#hikingtrails
A leisure trek
When it comes to wildlife protection, it is increasingly becoming the need of the hour; as only human-animal conflict has become frequent encounters. And we're expanding our boundaries ever since, also trying to interact with them in a caged nature. In Pudacuo national park the authorities have really taken this into account, and forbidden a part of the park in the name of wildlife protection. You can get to see, some rare birds, Yak, and the ponies. This park is also home to some rare plants & trees like the moustache trees. You can take a leisure walk around the lake and visit these amazing creatures. #nationalpark #yunnantravel
#maydaytrip#urbanexplorer#happylaborday
nationalpark
yunnantravel
Pudacuo National Forest Park is China's first national park
can be said to be an ecological park
because there are strict requirements and standards for environmental animal habitats
plus Shangri-La is located in the plateau natural No pollution
ecological park deserved
[bus tip]
Shangri-La Bus Terminal has four daily shuttle bus to Pudacuo, departure time is 08
Picturesque county-level city
#chinatrip
(Yunnan Shangri-La), also known as Zhongdian, is a picturesque county-level city located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China. Renowned for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and Tibetan influence, Shangri-La is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion.
Some of the notable attractions in Shangri-La include:
1. Dukezong Ancient Town: A historic Tibetan town with traditional architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and ancient temples, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.
2. Songzanlin Monastery: Also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, renowned for its grand architecture, ornate decorations, and serene atmosphere.
3. Pudacuo National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring pristine lakes, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
4. Napa Lake: A scenic alpine lake surrounded by grasslands and snow-capped peaks, known for its breathtaking beauty and vibrant birdlife.
5. Meili Snow Mountain: A majestic mountain range with towering peaks, including the iconic Kawagebo Peak, considered sacred by Tibetan Buddhists and revered for its spiritual significance.
Shangri-La's unique blend of natural beauty, Tibetan culture, and outdoor adventure make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Yunnan Province and the Tibetan Plateau.
Pudacuo National Park, the last pristine land in the world
🧳Pre-travel Preparation:
- Clothing: Pudacuo is located on the plateau with changeable weather, it is recommended to prepare thin long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen. In winter, sufficient clothing is needed, including down jackets, warm and waterproof shoes.
- Food and Water: The restaurants in the park are expensive and have limited choices, it is advisable to bring your own dry food and drinking water.
🚉Transportation Tips:
- External Transportation: You can take a flight to Shangri-La Airport and then transfer to local transportation; you can also choose to drive yourself along the G214 national highway, but be aware of plateau road conditions and weather changes.
- Internal Transportation: There are sightseeing car services within the park, it is recommended to take them to save energy. The sightseeing cars will stop at various attractions, and tourists can get off at designated stops to visit.
✅Must Experience: Pudacuo National Park
- Shudu Lake: The lake water is clear, and the lakeside is a continuous plateau pasture. You can choose to walk, take a boat, or cycle to visit, and along the way, you can also enjoy the primitive forests and snow-capped mountain scenery.
- Bita Lake: In Tibetan, it means 'a sea with dense oak trees'. The lakeside is dense with oak trees, and in May-June, the rhododendron petals fall into the water, and the fish come to the surface, forming a unique scenery. You can take a boat tour of the lake to deeply experience the charm of the plateau lake.
- Leisurely Trail: This is an easy hiking route, where you can enjoy the primitive forests and snow-capped mountain scenery along the way.
🍽Dining Recommendations:
- Dining: There are simple restaurants and snack stalls in the park, but the prices are high and the choices are limited, so it is recommended to bring your own dry food and drinking water.
- Accommodation: There are a variety of accommodation options in Shangri-La city, ranging from budget to high-end hotels. If you want to get closer to nature, you can choose homestays or camping sites near the park.
🌟Highlights:
There is the emerald Shudu Lake, the water is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the continuous mountains. As you stroll along the lakeside, it's like walking into a beautiful painting, with every step filled with poetry.
There is also the mysterious Bita Lake, lying there quietly, exuding a tranquil and distant aura. Here, time seems to stop, and you can fully feel the charm of nature.
Pudacuo, it is a gift from the earth, a paradise on earth. Coming here, you will find that there really is such a place in the world that can give your soul unprecedented peace and satisfaction. Let's step into Pudacuo together and pursue the beauty that belongs to us!
To the Ends of the World | Potatso National Park
Potatso blesses all beings, leading them to the other shore.
Who on earth says Potatso is not fun!! I am the first to object! Potatso is really so beautiful.
🎫Ticket price 138 (Sightseeing car 70 + Entrance fee 68)
Remember to bring your student ID for free admission, and those born in the Year of the Dragon also get free admission.
The weather was particularly good when I went, and it even snowed a few times❄️
In winter, only two scenic spots in Potatso are open, Shudu Lake and Bita Lake.
It is recommended to reserve a whole day for the visit. After entering the park, take the park bus, which takes about 20min to reach the first scenic spot, Shudu Lake. After getting off, walk along the plank road to tour Shudu Lake (the whole journey is 3.3 kilometers, about 1.5 hours), and the scenery along the way is really super beautiful! You can stroll slowly and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
At the end of Shudu Lake, there will be a park bus to take you back to the visitor center.
At this time, you can choose:
1. Go to the next scenic spot, Bita Lake, or 2. End the trip.
There's not much to do at Bita Lake in winter. We walked in for about 20min, and there was a small wooden gate locked in front, not allowing entry. It was already sealed inside, so we just returned the same way.
The whole hiking journey is basically flat, with no slopes to climb, so I don't think it's necessary to buy oxygen.
You can bring some small bread to replenish your energy, and if you encounter little squirrels on the road, you can feed them.
Transportation to Potatso 🚗
Use the mini-program 'Shangri-La Leisure Life' to buy bus tickets, from the East Gate of the Old Town to Potatso, the ticket price is 15r.
The boarding place is opposite the East Gate at the entrance of the People's Court (red bus stop sign). After boarding, the driver will sell return tickets, also for 15r. After payment, the driver will issue a boarding pass, which you will use to board the bus on the return trip. The return time is not fixed, usually, there is a bus every hour.
The Unescapable Shangri-La | A Tibetan Inn Through the Ages
April and May are the best times to visit Shangri-La
Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and the spring of the plateau is just right
Peach blossoms in the mountain temples are in full bloom, vegetation sprouts, and the oxygen content is high
This season is the perfect time for a trip to the paradise of Shangri-La
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🍃The ice and snow are just melting, and the green grass and spruce are already lush
Lying on the green hillside
Watching the cute sheep🐑 in the distance and the sky full of clouds
It's really healing...
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🌸Shangri-La Five-Day Four-Night Itinerary
Day1: Arrive in Shangri-La—stroll around and rest
Day2: Dukezong Ancient Town—Tibetan costume photo shoot—Turtle Mountain Big Buddha Temple
Day3: Napahai—Songzanlin Monastery
Day4: Pudacuo National Park
Day5: Eat and drink, return trip
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🌸Shangri-La Attraction Recommendations
✅Napahai: A pleasant natural reserve with meadows and herds of cattle and sheep, the stunning water highway filming location for 'Sister Teng'!
⏰Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
🎫Ticket: Free
🚗Transport: Self-drive or rent a car, around 150 for a lake circuit!
📷Photo spots:
1⃣Yila Grassland, the largest grassland area on Napahai! Yila Grassland, the largest grassland area on Napahai
2⃣The central area of the grassland, with herds of cattle and horses, and the snow-capped mountains and lakes reflecting each other! The central area of the grassland, with herds of cattle and horses, and the snow-capped mountains and lakes reflecting each other
3⃣The beauty of the lake circuit is all along the road! The beauty of the lake circuit is all along the road
✅Songzanlin Monastery: Built against the mountain, a masterpiece of Tibetan art, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Shangri-La area, built in the 17th century, and one of the important representatives of Shangri-La culture.
⏰Opening hours: 07:00-20:00, no entry after 17:30
🎫Ticket: 90
🚗Transport: About three kilometers from the city center, just take a taxi
📷Photo spots:
Lamuyangcuo Lake, take a panoramic view and reflection of Songzanlin Monastery. The scenery near the monastery is particularly stunning under the evening sun!
✅Dukezong Ancient Town: Also known as the City of Moonlight, with over 1300 years of history, it is an important historical and cultural site of Shangri-La, preserving a large number of ancient buildings and cultural relics! The peach blossoms on Turtle Mountain Big Buddha Temple are in full bloom at the end of April and early May, and the scenery is enchanting!
⏰Opening hours: All day
🎫Ticket: Free
🚗Transport: Within walking distance
📷Photo spots:
1⃣Turtle Mountain Big Buddha Temple, prayer wheels, overlooking the ancient town from the mountain, and the night view!
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🌸: Shangri-La Accommodation
🏡 Inn: Huazhu·Shangri-La Langkangda Inn Hotel
🏞Location factors
The inn is located near Dukezong Ancient Town, with convenient transportation and convenient living
🏞Facilities and equipment for comfort
Floor heating in Shangri-La is really important! Must pay special attention! The floor heating here is very comfortable and natural, without a feeling of dry heat.
The bathroom heating system is very nice, very warm, otherwise bathing in Shangri-La is really too cold!
The room is mainly wooden, with warm tones, very simple, the bedding is also very soft, standard equipped with Marshall speakers
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Shangri-La Jiantang Town Jinlong Street Dalalang No. 105 (near the ancient city gate)
The place closest to heaven—Shangri-La
Shangri-La, the place closest to heaven, boasts beautiful scenery at an altitude of 3600-4200 meters. "Shangri-La" means "the sun and moon in one's heart" in Tibetan.
🔥 Transportation Guide🚙
✈️Plane: Direct flights to Diqing Shangri-La Airport, then transfer to a bus/public transport; or transfer via Kunming/Lijiang to reach by high-speed train/bus.
🚄High-speed train: Shangri-La station, then transfer to public transport/taxi to hotels and attractions (Kunming→Shangri-La, 4.5h).
🚘Self-driving (chartered car): Take the expressway, National Highway 214, or the Eastern Ring Road, with the Eastern Ring Road being the most scenic.
🔥 Attraction Recommendations
📍Potatso National Park
China's first national park, the place of Serteng revival, "Potatso" in Tibetan means to ferry all living beings to the other shore of suffering.
📍Baishuitai
China's version of "Cotton Castle," where the azure spring water💧 flows over naturally formed limestone terraces, Baishuitai is a natural wonder formed by the dissolution of calcium carbonate in the spring water. The spring water, containing calcium bicarbonate, flows slowly, and carbonates gradually precipitate, forming terraces over the years, resembling layered terraces.
📍Songzanlin Monastery
The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world, known as the "Little Potala Palace." It houses a large number of Buddhist relics and classic architecture.
📍Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of China's deepest gorges, hidden at the junction of Shangri-La and Lijiang, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side and Haba Snow Mountain on the other. During the rainy season from May to September, the river water rises rapidly, which is quite spectacular.
📍Dukezong Ancient Town
Known as the "Moonlight City Castle built on stone," it still retains the world's largest and highest prayer wheel, where you can walk clockwise around the prayer wheel three times.
📍Napa Lake
Napa Lake is not a sea but a seasonal highland lake, with Shangri-La's largest grassland, tranquil lakes, and majestic mountains, horses and lambs, and Tibetan dress photography is very photogenic📸.
📍Meili Snow Mountain Gang
Meili Snow Mountain is very close to Shangri-La, with the 'golden pagoda'-shaped main peak of Meili - Kawagebo Peak, the thirteen peaks of Meili, located at the confluence of the Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nu River. It is said that those who see the sun shining on the golden mountain at Meili Snow Mountain will be lucky for the whole year, and the best season is autumn and winter. The Wunongding viewing platform is the best position to capture the panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain.
📍Liangbeng
A place yearned for by many hiking enthusiasts, known as "hiking paradise." The last village in China to be electrified, Liangbeng is located at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, and the sun shining on the golden mountain seen from Liangbeng village has a unique angle.
⚠️When entering Songzanlin Monastery, a Buddhist holy site, be sure to pay attention to your attire when visiting inside; do not wear short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless backless clothes. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, and remember to take off hats and sunglasses to respect local customs and culture.
🔥 Shangri-La Specialty Cuisine
🌟 Zongka Tibetan Meal
The yak meat hot pot ingredients are really good and delicious, very tender! The yak pizza amazed me, with a crispy crust and a very fragrant filling.
🌟 Mariga Tibetan Meal
It's like Tibetan dumplings filled with yak meat, really delicious when dipped in sauce.
🌟 Old Boy Barbecue
🍢 Their barbecue is quite flavorful, with delicious grilled meat skewers and grilled garlic.
🌟 Ama's Butter Tea
🧀 Butter milk cheese: With barley grains and cheese chunks on top, and yogurt below, stir it up, and the barley with yogurt is very fragrant.
🍮 Barley milk tea: With barley on top of the milk tea, the milk tea is not sweet, and it's very warming in the cold weather there.
🌟 Shunshun Snacks
🍜 Yak meat rice noodles: The beef is very fragrant, and the soup base is rich, not the clear soup type, with the addition of pickled cabbage and chili, you can't stop eating.
🍚 Yak meat fried rice: The fried rice is distinct, and when you take a big bite, it's super fragrant, and there's a lot of yak meat.
🥩 Yak meat buns: Their buns are super delicious!!! With large chunks of yak meat paired with green pepper filling, the presence of green pepper perfectly cuts through the richness, making it easy and burden-free to eat, really super fragrant.
Yunnan-Tibet Trip 72
Yunnan-Tibet Trip 72
On 2023.09.24, the Yunnan-Tibet trip arrived at Shangri-La Potatso National Park at 13:30. This is the second visit since 2021.03.22. Due to the vast size of the park, we did not make the effort to tour it again. Potatso is located in the center of the 'Three Parallel Rivers' World Natural Heritage in Northwest Yunnan, consisting of the internationally important wetland Bitahai Nature Reserve and the Haba section of the 'Three Parallel Rivers' World Heritage site, which includes Shudu Lake. The main components are Bitahai, Shudu Lake, and the Milarepa subalpine pasture, which are also one of the main attractions of Shangri-La tourism. The altitude ranges from 3,500 meters to 4,159 meters, belonging to the provincial-level nature reserve, and is an important part of the 'Three Parallel Rivers' scenic area. Potatso National Park has geological features, lakes and wetlands, forests and meadows, river valleys and streams, rare animals and plants, and the original ecological environment is well preserved. Boating on Shudu Lake and looking around at the beautiful lake and mountain scenery under the blue sky and white clouds is truly refreshing...
Pudacuo in mid-March
In March, ladies can buy tickets at half price because of International Women's Day, but the mandatory sightseeing bus in the scenic area is full price, so the total cost after discount is 104 RMB per person.
Taking a Didi taxi near the east gate of Dukezong costs about just over 50 RMB, then you buy tickets to enter the scenic area and take the scenic bus, mainly to visit Shudu Lake. After getting off the bus, you can choose to take a boat for 50 RMB per person, or walk about 3 kilometers to pier number 3. We chose to walk, it's mostly flat terrain, walking around the lake, at an altitude of about 3600 meters, walking while looking and taking photos, it takes a little over an hour. Now is really not a good season, the grass is withered, the weather was overcast yesterday, and the lake water had a reflection from the weak sunlight, which made the photos slightly more colorful. The rhododendrons bloom in May. Personally, I don't think now is the season to visit, the scenery is too ordinary, and with the ticket price, I feel the cost-performance ratio is low. Then I wanted to go to Bitahai, which requires taking a bus back to the main gate. We waited a long time, but there was no sign of departure, nor was there anyone to explain the specific departure time, there were no staff managing the situation. All I can say is that it was just a check-in.
Just returned from a fun trip to Yunnan, having a deep tour of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La
When preparing for the Shangri-La itinerary, many posts emphasize that it is better to go to Pudacuo in summer, and the vegetation withers in winter. However, I insisted on visiting in winter, and the fact proved that this decision was absolutely correct😍!
❄️【The unique charm of Pudacuo in winter】:
1️⃣ Snowy fairyland meets the first snow: For southerners, witnessing the white snow of Shangri-La with their own eyes is like opening the door to a new world. The frozen lake exudes a blue and white intertwined light, the soft snow allows you to have fun, and the crystal clear icicles tell the story of winter. And the first snowman⛄️ in my life, as if condensed the beauty of the four seasons.
2️⃣ Tranquility and far-reaching, enjoy the beauty alone: Compared to the crowded popular scenic spots in Lijiang, in Pudacuo, you can enjoy tranquility and comfort. As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the scenic spot, I happened to meet the national protected animal white horse chicken to socialize, and the silly and cute appearance of this social cow made people laugh😅. Walking among them, only the sound of nature's breathing and the slight movement of squirrels jumping over the trees, this long-lost tranquility, for us who live in the bustling city, is undoubtedly a spiritual SPA.
3️⃣ The air is sweet, and the oxygen bar is heaven: The air quality of Pudacuo is excellent, and the full tree of Spanish moss is the best proof-this kind of green fluff that only grows in a high-quality ecological environment is the pure label that nature gives here. Even if there is a slight high anti in Shangri-La, but in Pudacuo with lush vegetation and abundant oxygen, it seems that every breath is nourishing the body and mind💖.
Of course, everyone's perception of beauty is different, as the saying goes, "A thousand readers have a thousand Hamlets in their eyes". The above is my personal experience and feelings of Pudacuo in winter, I hope it can inspire your travel planning, and I look forward to you also finding your own touch and surprise in Pudacuo in winter💫!
So beautiful that I can't take my eyes off the early spring in Pudacuo
The early spring in Tibet, without the bleakness of winter❄️, still carries on the beauty of the snowy mountains🏔️ and the tranquility of Tibet.
Yunnan Province - Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture - Shangri-La City - Jiantang Town - Hongpo Village - Pudacuo National Forest Park
Pudacuo in Tibetan means 'the boat that ferries all sentient beings to the other shore of the sea of suffering'. Located in the center of the 'Three Parallel Rivers' World Natural Heritage in Northwest Yunnan, the highest point is 4670 meters above sea level, and the lowest point is 2347 meters above sea level, 22km away from Shangri-La city. The park features streams, deep gorges, primitive forests, alpine meadows, wetlands, lakes, and other ecosystems.
'The sanctuary of the soul, the paradise in dreams' is how it's known.
🎫Ticket: Adult 138 (including scenic area bus), Student 107
Three attractions: Secluded Path, Shudu Lake, Bita Lake
Secluded Path - About 2.2Km on foot, preserving the original natural environment, walking on the wooden plank road is like adventuring through the forest.
Shudu Lake - Three ways to enjoy
🦯 Lakeside plank road walk 3.3Km, 1.5 hours, close to nature.
🚣♂️Boat ride, 15 minutes, 💰50, viewing the clear lake water.
🚵♀️Cycling, 40 minutes.
Bita Lake - Requires walking, the whole journey is 2.2Km. A world-class plateau freshwater lake wetland, 'Bita' in Tibetan means 'oak trees forming a felt', and there are a large number of oak forests and primitive forests around the lake.
Extremely beautiful, but even more beautiful was the state of mind at that time, beyond words.
Pudacuo Journey: A Sanctuary for the Soul, a Perfect Fusion of Natural Beauty and Culture
Shangri-La, meaning 'Sun and Moon in Heart' in Tibetan, is a sacred destination longed for by many. In this mysterious land, Pudacuo National Park stands like a dazzling jewel, quietly waiting for everyone willing to draw near.
Upon my first visit to Pudacuo, it felt as though I had entered an isolated fairyland. Here, there is none of the city's clamor, only the harmony and tranquility of nature. The park's pristine forests, azure lakes, and distant snow-capped mountains compose breathtakingly beautiful scenes.
Walking along the forest paths, surrounded by dense trees, sunlight filters through the leaves creating a dappled tapestry of light and shadow. The air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, prompting an involuntary deep breath to savor nature's gift. Here, every step is full of surprises. Occasionally, a squirrel leaps from branch to branch, or birds sing softly by your ear, as if telling the stories of this land.
The lakes of Pudacuo are especially captivating. The water is so clear that the bottom can be seen, shimmering like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding scenery. Standing by the lake, I experienced an unprecedented sense of peace and tranquility. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore seemed to whisper tales of a thousand years. In the distance, snow-capped mountains stand against the sky, complementing the lakes and creating a perfect picture.
Beyond its natural beauty, Pudacuo is also rich in cultural heritage. During my visit, I learned that it is one of the sacred sites of Tibetan Buddhism, with many temples and prayer flags interspersed among the landscape. These temples are not only symbols of faith but also bearers of cultural heritage.
This trip to Pudacuo has profoundly made me appreciate the charm of nature and the depth of culture. Here, I found a sanctuary for my soul and an opportunity to converse with my inner self. Pudacuo is not just a tourist attraction; it is a sacred place where one's spirit can be purified.
In the future, I hope to have more opportunities to explore Pudacuo, to experience the beauty and mystery of this land. At the same time, I wish for more people to come here, to personally experience its allure, and to allow their souls to truly relax and purify. Pudacuo National Park, a fairyland worth exploring for everyone.
Listen to my advice! Winter is the winning season to visit Pudacuo
If Shangri-La is the last pure land on earth, then the tranquil and remote Pudacuo is the most beautiful fairy tale within this pure land.
Winter is truly the most beautiful time in Pudacuo,
compared to the vibrant and lush summer,
the quiet world of white snow in winter is even more romantic!
Especially when the sunlight filters through the primeval forest,
when the surface of the lakes turns into thick white ice,
when the snow-capped mountains stand above the forest meadows~
It's so beautiful it makes me cry😭
Although the early morning temperature in Pudacuo can drop to minus 10 degrees in winter,
it doesn't affect the visual impact of the winter snowscape at all~
In Pudacuo, not only will you hike the 3.3-kilometer Shudu Lake wooden walkway,
getting close to the ice lake, facing the snow mountains, and delving into the primeval forest.
You will also hike the 1.5-kilometer Bita Lake walkway,
during this 20-minute walk......
you will proceed along the vast meadows,
ultimately rewarded with the clear turquoise waters,
and enjoy the highland's lake and mountain scenery!
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📍Navigation|Pudacuo National Park
🚗Drive|30 minutes from Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La
⏱️Time|The scenic area is open from 08:00-16:30, half a day is enough to enjoy Pudacuo
🎫Ticket|Full ticket 138 RMB per person (including 70 RMB for the sightseeing bus and 68 RMB for the entrance fee), half-price ticket 104 RMB per person (including 70 RMB for the sightseeing bus and 34 RMB for the entrance fee)
🎉Play|
✅Take the sightseeing bus at the entrance of the scenic area to the entrance of the Shudu Lake wooden walkway, the hiking time is 2 hours, take the sightseeing bus back to the entrance of the scenic area at the end of the hike;
✅Then transfer to the Bita Lake sightseeing bus, the hiking time is 40 minutes, and you must walk back the same way to the drop-off point, then take the sightseeing bus back to the entrance of the scenic area.
‼️TIPS:
1️⃣The walkways may have snow in winter, be sure to wear anti-slip and waterproof shoes.
Pudacuo is very cold in winter, please wear hats, gloves, and scarves.
2️⃣It is recommended to carry 2 bottles of oxygen in case of altitude sickness.
3️⃣It is advised to bring a walking stick and some dry food, etc.
Potatso National Park
A park larger than Hong Kong, can you believe it? Just the first Shudu Lake is 3.3 kilometers.
With children and the elderly, fortunately everyone's physical strength has been to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, so there is no physical discomfort in plateau hiking.
A lake was frozen by ice and snow, there is snow on the mountain, various birds in the forest, if spring comes here, there should be many flowers, but the winter view is really spectacular, a different kind of beauty!
The park is very humane, there are many rest places, and small shops. There are many photo check-in points, you can take beautiful photos here, and children can have fun playing with snow.
Friends who are preparing to go to Shangri-La, listen to my advice
【Weather]
You must bring a down jacket! Shangri-La is extremely cold from December to February, with temperatures around minus four or five degrees. Make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes! Don't bring your summer dresses.
🛣️Transportation:
✈️Airplane: Fly directly to Shangri-La Diqing Airport, then take the No. 11 bus🚌 to the city.
🚝High-speed rail: It's very convenient to go to Shangri-La, many attractions offer discounts and exemptions. After arriving at the station, take the No. 1 bus🚌 to the North Gate of the Ancient City.
🌟🌟🌟Highlights:
✨Dukezong Ancient City: Also known as Moonlight Ancient City, turn the big prayer wheel, dance the Guozhuang Dance💃 with the local Tibetans at night.
Pudacuo: Primitive forests, meadows, lakes and migratory birds🐦, the snow❄️ scenery in December is good (138/person for tickets🎫 + sightseeing car🚟).
✨Ganden Sumtseling Monastery: Little Potala Palace (55/person).
✨Napahai Yila Prairie: Before the rainy🌧️ season it is a prairie, after the rainy season it becomes a sea.
✨Tiger Leaping Gorge: More spectacular in the rainy season, if you don't have enough energy, you can take the elevator🛗 (45/person).
✨Baishuitai: You have to climb a lot of steps, once you reach the top, you'll feel that life is worth it (30/person).
🍽️🍛Food:
Mom's butter tea🍵 (Tibetan butter tea and barley milk tea are worth a try)
Quiet Mani Stone Tibetan Restaurant (Hot pot with beef and beef buns) and fresh milk🥛, barley cake🫓, yogurt residue and other delicacies.
🏨Accommodation:
It is recommended to stay near the North Gate|East Gate of Dukezong Ancient City, where it is very convenient for eating, drinking and playing.
⚠️⚠️⚠️Tips:
✅Wear bright clothes (color clash yyds) whether you are in the snow mountains or at the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, you will stand out!!!
✅Communicate more with the charter driver. If you think the driver is reliable, you can go to eat with him, usually at local restaurants, where you can taste authentic food (and also learn about local culture and customs).
✅Near the big bend of the Jinsha River, there is a God of Wealth that locals often go to. Locals will clean the God of Wealth with a brush and offer him drinks as a sign of respect. If you pass by, you can also pay a visit.
✅Be sure to bring a self-heating water cup, a cup of hot water on the plateau can relieve half a day's fatigue.
✅Download an app called 'GPS Altitude Table' to see the real-time changes in altitude.
✅It's best to arrange accommodation in Dukezong, where transportation and food choices are convenient. If you're worried about altitude sickness, you can choose a hotel/guesthouse with oxygen supply.
✅If you don't like beef, remember to bring some of your favorite dry food because there are beef hot pots everywhere (it's hard to find stir-fried dishes).
Pudacuo Super Full Guide|Love the vastness of winter
|Love the vastness of winter. Come to Pudacuo National Park. I've heard that the scenery here is stunning in summer, but I didn't expect that winter also has a different landscape✨
📍Transportation:
Buy a bus from Dukezong Ancient City to Pudacuo on the "Diqing Passenger Transport" public account, 15r/person, 30-40min by car. After getting on the bus, the driver will let everyone scan the code to buy a return ticket on the bus, the price is the same, there are return buses at 1/2/3/4/5/6 pm, choose the return bus according to your own play situation, super convenient~ The driver is also very enthusiastic, introducing the attractions and precautions along the way. Highly recommended!
🚩Play:
1. Buy tickets on site to enter the scenic area (ticket 68r+ bus ticket 70r, student ID free ticket)
2. Take the scenic bus to the first station "Shudu Lake", walk 3.3 kilometers on the plank road after arrival
3. Take the scenic bus to the second station "Bitahai" (if you don't want to go to the second station, you can get off at the entrance of the visitor center in the middle), walk about 1.2 kilometers after arrival, and then return the same way (equivalent to walking more than 2 kilometers)
4. Take the scenic bus back to the entrance and start the return journey
👣Time reference:
We took the passenger bus departing from the ancient city at 9:40 in the morning, bought tickets and entered at about 10:20, walked in a Buddhist way at Shudu Lake + often stopped to take pictures + eat, played for a long time about 2-3 hours, took the bus to Bitahai at about 13:30, and took the bus from Pudacuo back to the ancient city at 16:00 in the afternoon, and arrived at the ancient city at about four and a half in the afternoon~
💙Feelings:
I love this vastness, where the eye can see is beautiful scenery, very lucky to catch up with good weather and snow, grassland, lake, snow scene, and yaks, horses, squirrels of relatives, bks the closest place to heaven, can not forget for a long time after coming back.
Precautions:
1⃣Remember to buy oxygen in advance, do not ignore the altitude of more than 3,000 meters. The driver of the passenger bus recommends that a normal person prepare a can of oxygen, if it is a person who has not been to the plateau/headache/cold/menstrual/elderly etc. prepare two cans of oxygen.
2⃣Oxygen should be inhaled in advance, you can take a breath from time to time when you go up by car
3⃣The walking distance in Pudacuo is long, be sure to walk slowly according to your own situation and rest from time to time
4⃣There is not much food for sale in the scenic area, we all solve lunch by ourselves, so remember to bring dry food in advance, such as some bread, biscuits, chocolate, etc.
Pudacuo National Park is too beautiful in winter
🎫The total cost of tickets and transportation is 138 yuan (round-trip sightseeing bus ticket is 70 yuan)
In February, visitors who are born in the year of the Dragon have free admission!
On-site purchase of student tickets can be half price
The uncles who traveled with us were all born in the year of the Dragon🐲, so they all got free admission! Cool yy😆
After entering, take about 20 minutes by car, and you will arrive at the plank road, which is about 3.3km long. I was worried about altitude sickness all the way, and brought a bottle of oxygen just in case, but it was okay in the end.
The lakes on both sides are covered with snow❄️, and you will encounter squirrels on the road🐿️
‼️The worst experience is: After walking the plank road, I wanted to wait for the car to the next scenic spot, but nearly a hundred people were blowing in the cold wind for nearly half an hour before the car came, which greatly affected the mood and physical condition of the tour. The wind was so strong that it made my head hurt! In the end, I didn't go to the second scenic spot, and went down the mountain directly🤣
Pudacuo National Park
Green hills and clear waters, where the water and the sky blend into one
Pudacuo National Forest Park. If Shangri-La is the last pure land in the world, then the serene and distant Pudacuo is the most beautiful fairy tale in this pure land. A must-visit spot for those coming to Shangri-La — Pudacuo National Forest Park.
Yunnan Free Tour Stop ③ Shangri-La
You must visit Shangri-La once in your lifetime, it's really beautiful here! It is recommended to come in July or August, listening to the guide explaining the local customs and historical culture: To greet, you have to say 'Tashi Delek', men are called 'Tashi', women are called 'Zhuoma', eating and singing have to stomp the floor (the host says if you stomp the floor, he will give you a cow) 😂
Lightning protection: Wear thicker clothes as the temperature difference is quite large, bring some candies and don't buy from the mountain, it's expensive! If you have a lot of money, you can ignore this (Dove chocolate🍫15 per bar) Drink more hot water and definitely bring oxygen!! Altitude sickness is very serious! If you feel uncomfortable, you won't be in the mood to play anything~
What is the experience of living in a native Tibetan village for a day? Check in at Luorong Village
In the morning, every household chants scriptures
Burn incense for blessings
Men go up the mountain to carry firewood, and those over 60 go to the mountain to herd yaks (this is a relatively easy job)
Women make Tibetan cheese and cook at home
The thicker the pillar in the living room, the richer the family
The white Hada represents blessings to the guests
Four pots/buckets represent different statuses
Watch the galaxy at night
It is said that a yellow flag on the house means that a living Buddha has emerged from the family
Have you noticed?
Deqin
Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, an ethnic autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province, with its capital in Shangri-La City, is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, at the junction of Yunnan, Tibet, and Sichuan provinces.
Shangri-La in Tibetan means 'the sun and the moon in the heart', originally named 'Zhongdian', and Tibetan name 'Jiantang'.
In the 1930s, the novel 'Lost Horizon' by British writer James Hilton was yearned for by the world, and it was soon made into a film of the same name and won several Oscars, making it well known to the world.
The history of the Shangri-La Tibetan area is long, the natural scenery is brilliant, and it has attractions such as Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient City, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
🌍Address: Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
🚗Transportation: High-speed rail
⛱️Surroundings: Dukezong Ancient City
💬Language: Mainly Tibetan
⚠️Note: The temperature in the plateau area varies greatly, and the temperature difference between day and night is large
Yunnan | Pudacuo National Park | Super awesome check-in place
Pudacuo National Park is the 1️⃣st national forest 🌳 park, a natural scenic spot integrating lakes, mountains, and forests! Each season has its own beauty, among which the famous attractions are Shudu Lake and Bitahai~
It takes 20 minutes to reach Shudu Lake by 🛵 sightseeing car from the entrance of the scenic area. In this high-altitude area nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, it is rare to have such a vast lake. The lake water of Shudu Lake turns into a blue gem 💎 in winter, with a thin layer of ice on the lake surface, and the trees 🌲 by the lake are covered with snow, becoming a beautiful picture!
There are 3️⃣ ways to visit Shudu Lake: one is to take a sightseeing bus, the second is to walk along the lakeside plank road, and the third is to cross the lake by boat. Walking along the 3.4-kilometer wooden plank road to visit Shudu Lake is the best way to see the lake, and it's relatively easy to walk.
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The whole journey is full of lake views and beautiful mountain views ⛰️, with a thin layer of mist rising from the lake surface, like a veil. When the weather is clear, 👀 the scenery of the plank road is even more beautiful. It takes about 1 hour to walk and take pictures along the way. After the tour, you can take a sightseeing car to the entrance of the scenic area.
🚌Transportation
1, 22 kilometers away from Shangri-La city, about 30~40 minutes by car;
2, There are buses to Pudacuo from Shangri-La Bus Station, 15 yuan/person;
3, There are also direct buses from Dukezong Ancient City for 15 yuan/person, but there are only two buses a day.
The place closest to heaven in China is 'Shangri-La'
Shangri-La, Yunnan, is located on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at the northern end of the Hengduan Mountains, in the hinterland of the 'Three Parallel Rivers', forming a unique landscape integrating snow mountains, canyons, grasslands, alpine lakes, primitive forests and ethnic customs, and is a multifunctional scenic spot.
The snow peaks in Shangri-La are continuous, with the highest peak in Yunnan Province, Kawagebo Peak, and others majestic. Only within Shangri-La, there are 470 snow mountains above 4,000 meters above sea level, deep-cut canyons, the most famous of which are the Jinsha River Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lancang River Canyon and other large canyons, as well as vast alpine grassland pastures, vast primitive forests and scattered alpine lakes, making the natural landscape of Diqing magical, dangerous and quiet.
Climate, best travel time
Suitable for all seasons, green grass in spring and summer, rhododendrons bloom from March to May; autumn colors in autumn, wolfsbane flowers bloom from September to October; snow in winter
Suggested number of days to play, location
Moonlight Ancient City
It is an ancient city called 'Dukezong' by Tibetans, which was built according to the ideal country of Shambhala in the Buddhist scriptures. The ancient city is built according to the mountain, the road surface is uneven, those are some old stones paved according to the natural terrain, so far, there are still deep horseshoe prints on the stone road.
Songzanlin Monastery
The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, and one of the famous large monasteries in Kang District, has a pivotal position in the entire Tibetan area, known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. The temple is built on the mountain, the shape is like an ancient castle, the culmination of Tibetan modeling art, also known as the 'Tibetan Art Museum'.
Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park has mirror-like alpine lakes, beautiful grassy pastures, blooming wetlands, and primitive forests where birds and beasts often appear. Zhang Jie and Xie Na held their wedding here.
Napahai
This is the largest grassland in Zhongdian County, and one of the most plateau-characteristic scenic spots. Due to the careful care of the Tibetans, many birds visit here when autumn comes, such as black-necked cranes, yellow ducks, and spot-billed geese flying high and low over the grassland, which is quite heartwarming.
Shika Snow Mountain
Shika Snow Mountain is the place described in the novel 'Lost Horizon'. It is a seasonal snow mountain with snow in autumn and winter. In Shika Snow Mountain, you can appreciate the infinite scenery of Shangri-La's alpine belt above 4,000 meters above sea level and the natural ecology of alpine flowing stone beaches, and feel the magical charm of mountain culture and temple mountain culture.
Suggested number of days to play: 3 days this day
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