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Pudacuo National Park, located in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage in northwestern Yunnan, consists of the Bitahai Nature Reserve, an internationally important wetland, and the Shudu Lake Scenic Area of the Haba area of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage. With Bitahai, Shudu Lake and Militang subalpine pasture as its main components, it is also one of the main attractions of Shangri-La tourism.
The scenic area has abundant rainfall and a pleasant climate. Such natural conditions allow plants to grow luxuriantly and the vegetation is rich, making it a natural botanical garden.
Zhang Jie and Xie Na held their wedding here on September 26, 2011.
The reserve has a sub-temperate climate, with long autumns and winters and short springs and summers. Summer and autumn are the best times to visit, with the sea of flowers in summer and the vibrant colors in autumn.
Shudu Lake
There are three ways to view Shudu Lake. The first is to take a bus for a quick overview, the second is to walk across the bridge over the lake, which takes about an hour and a half, and the third is to go about 500 meters and take a boat tour.
Bitahai
Bita Lake is famous for its rhododendron trees that cover the mountains. Every May and June, when the rhododendrons bloom, their petals fall into the lake. Fish eat them and float to the surface, which is called "rhododendron-drunken fish." [1] Bita Lake is the last scenic spot in Pudacuo, and the longest visit takes about 2 to 3 hours. Generally, tourists bring their own food.
Cultural Village
Walking into the Xiage Tibetan Cultural Village is like walking into the ancient times, into life, and into the colorful folk customs painting. Although this is a cultural landscape outside the Pudacuo Park scenic area, it looks particularly romantic against the backdrop of the natural landscape.
long time
100 yuan/person, sightseeing bus within the scenic area 80 yuan/person
[November-March] 8:00-16:00; [April-October] 8:00-17:00
Pudacuo National Park, located in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan, is one of China’s first national parks. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, dense forests, and alpine lakes. The park is significant not only for its natural beauty but also for its conservation efforts in protecting endangered species and preserving the culture of the local Tibetan communities.
Pudacuo National Park is located in Zhongdian (now known as Shangri-La), Yunnan Province. The park is accessible by bus or taxi from Shangri-La city center, about 40 kilometers away. There are no metro services in the area, so bus or taxi is the most convenient option.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is mild, and the flowers are in bloom. The park can be colder in winter and may experience snow, so the summer months are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
The entrance fee for Pudacuo National Park is around ¥105. Tickets can be purchased at the park's entrance or online via various travel platforms. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid long queues.
While booking tickets in advance is not strictly required, it is recommended during peak seasons (May to October) to ensure entry, especially if you are part of a group tour. You can book tickets online a few days before your visit.
To fully explore Pudacuo National Park, you will need at least 1-2 days. This will allow enough time to visit the main highlights, such as Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and the surrounding trails, as well as experiencing the Tibetan culture in nearby villages.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer basic services in English. Audio guides are also available at the entrance for a more self-guided experience. It’s advisable to confirm with your tour operator about language availability.
A recommended itinerary would be to first visit Shudu Lake for a boat ride and scenic views. Then, head to Bita Lake for a peaceful walk along the lake. Afterward, explore the nearby Tibetan villages to experience local life. Finally, take a hike along one of the trails for panoramic views of the park.
Night visits and light shows are not available in Pudacuo National Park. However, special tours during Tibetan festivals or for wildlife watching can be arranged in advance.
Pudacuo National Park can be crowded during peak seasons (May to October) and Chinese public holidays. The best times to visit to avoid crowds are early mornings or weekdays. The off-season (winter and early spring) is less crowded, but some facilities may be limited.
The park has basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and small shops. There are also food stalls selling local snacks and drinks, especially near the park’s entrance. However, it's advisable to bring your own water and food for long hikes.
The main attractions in Pudacuo National Park are relatively accessible, but some of the hiking trails may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. The park's staff can assist with transportation to the major viewpoints, but it is advisable to check in advance about accessibility options.
Cash is accepted at the park, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used. Credit cards may not be widely accepted in rural areas, so it is advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment options.
There are a few small restaurants near the park entrance serving local Tibetan cuisine, including yak meat, tsampa (barley flour), and butter tea. You can also find cafes offering basic refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available, especially dishes made from local vegetables and grains. However, vegan and halal options may be limited, so it's a good idea to confirm with the restaurants in advance.
There are several guesthouses and hotels in Shangri-La city, which is about a 40-minute drive from the park. For a more immersive experience, you can stay in Tibetan-style accommodations near the park.
There are souvenir shops in Shangri-La city where you can buy Tibetan handicrafts, such as prayer beads, thangka paintings, and Tibetan jewelry. Some shops inside the park also sell local products.
After visiting Pudacuo, you can take a bus or taxi back to Shangri-La city for onward travel. From Shangri-La, you can travel to other destinations in Yunnan, including Lijiang and Dali, via bus or private car.
