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Visit Napahai Lake for scenic views, birdwatching, and hiking around the wetland. Experience traditional Tibetan culture in the local villages surrounding the lake. Explore the meadows, enjoy horseback riding, and capture the stunning landscapes. Napahai is also a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Napahai Nature Reserve is the largest spring pasture in northwest Yunnan.
Every May, Napa Lake is covered in lush green grass. From June to July, a variety of wildflowers bloom, creating a scene of cattle and sheep grazing in the wind-blown grass. In August, herds of horses and cattle graze on the grasslands, and wild boars occasionally run by. In autumn and winter, the grasslands are ablaze with golden color, snow-capped peaks are reflected in the lakes, and black-necked cranes, yellow ducks, and barn-headed geese frolic in the grass and on the water, bringing life to the vast, ethereal grasslands. Atop the northwest hills of Napa Lake lie the ruins of the Gunqin Ancient Temple. Climbing the ruins offers a panoramic view of the Napa Grassland, a truly enchanting sight.
plateau climate;
The best time to visit is from June to October
Regular ticket: 60 RMB
08:00-18:00
Napahai, located near Zhongdian (Shangri-La), is a large freshwater lake in the Yunnan Plateau. Historically, it has been important for the Tibetan community, both as a habitat for wildlife and as a source of water for farming and herding. The lake is also known for its ecological diversity, including the migratory birds that stop here.
Napahai is located in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, near the town of Zhongdian. To get there, you can take a taxi or bus from Zhongdian (about a 30-minute drive). Walking is possible within the park itself, but it’s best to drive to the site due to its distance from the town center.
Napahai is open year-round. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, from April to October, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. The wetland is especially beautiful during the bird migration seasons, typically in autumn and spring.
The entrance fee for Napahai is typically around 60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park, but it's best to check locally for availability of online tickets through local travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but for peak tourist seasons (such as summer), it is advisable to book a few days in advance to ensure availability, especially for guided tours.
Exploring Napahai takes approximately 2-3 hours, including time for hiking, photography, and enjoying the surrounding nature. If you plan to visit multiple viewpoints or engage in horseback riding, it may take half a day.
The must-see highlights include the Napahai Lake itself, the wetland areas that are rich in wildlife, and the surrounding grasslands. Birdwatching spots are especially popular. The nearby villages offer a glimpse of Tibetan culture and are worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. They can be arranged at the park entrance or through local tour operators. Audio guides are not commonly offered, so a local guide is recommended for more insight into the area’s natural and cultural significance.
The best viewpoints around Napahai are the edge of the lake, where you can capture the surrounding mountains and wildlife. The meadows and wetland areas offer excellent spots for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the light casts beautiful hues over the landscape.
Start by walking around the lake and enjoying the surrounding wildlife and meadows. You can follow the paths along the lake’s edge for photography, birdwatching, and sightseeing. For those interested in local culture, visit the nearby Tibetan villages for a more immersive experience.
Napahai does not offer night visits or light shows, as the focus is on daytime exploration of the natural scenery. Special tours, such as sunrise or sunset hikes, can be arranged with local guides.
Napahai is generally less crowded than more popular tourist destinations, but it can get busy during the summer months and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), on weekdays, and early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and small shops are available near the entrance. However, the area around the lake is more rustic, with limited food options outside the town of Zhongdian. It’s recommended to carry water and snacks for the hike.
Napahai is accessible for children and elderly visitors, but some areas with uneven terrain may pose difficulties for those with mobility issues. The main viewpoints are generally accessible by car, and there are paths suitable for short walks.
Cash is commonly accepted in Napahai, but mobile payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay are increasingly used in shops and restaurants. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas.
There are small Tibetan restaurants and cafes in the nearby Zhongdian town, where you can try traditional Tibetan dishes such as yak meat, butter tea, and barley bread. The park area itself has limited dining options.
Vegetarian options are available, particularly in the town of Zhongdian. Vegan and halal food options may be more limited, but some restaurants may be able to accommodate specific dietary needs if requested in advance.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Zhongdian (Shangri-La), ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. For a more traditional experience, there are Tibetan-style hotels in the area.
Nearby attractions include the Songzanlin Monastery, the Meili Snow Mountain, and the Napa Lake Nature Reserve. All of these can be easily combined with a visit to Napahai for a full day trip exploring Tibetan culture and nature.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in Zhongdian where you can find Tibetan handicrafts, such as wool carpets, jewelry, prayer beads, and thangka paintings. You can also purchase traditional Tibetan clothing and souvenirs like wooden carvings.
After visiting Napahai, you can continue your trip by taking a taxi or bus to other nearby attractions like Meili Snow Mountain or Songzanlin Monastery. If you're exploring more of Yunnan, renting a car may provide more flexibility.
