Potatso National Park
- Chinese name: 普达措国家公园
- Location: Pudacuo National Park, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
- Add: 云南省迪庆藏族自治州香格里拉市建塘镇红坡村双桥
- Climate: Sub-temperate and cold-temperate monsoon climate
- Area: 1313 km²
- Type: National Park
- Altitude: 3500 meters to 4159 meters
- Opening hours: April 1st-October 10th 08:30-16:00 (last entry 16:00); October 11th-March 31st of the following year 08:30-16:00 (last Admission 15:30)
- Attraction level: AAAAA level
- Official Website: https://www.pdcuo.com/en/
- Tel: 0887-8232523 13800138000
- Tickets Price: 138 (70 yuan tour fare, 68 yuan entrance fee)
- Virtual Tour: https://720yun.com/t/378jz5wurn7?scene_id=8203620
- Suggested tour time: more than 3 hours
Potatso National Park
Experience the Pristine Wilderness of Potatso National Park
Welcome to Potatso National Park, China’s first national park and a jewel of Shangri-La, Yunnan. Spanning vast highland meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A Sanctuary of Biodiversity
Potatso National Park is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, showcasing the rich ecological tapestry of the Tibetan Plateau. The park’s unique high-altitude ecosystem is home to rare species such as black-necked cranes, golden pheasants, and yaks. With every step, visitors are immersed in a living gallery of wildflowers, including rhododendrons and azaleas, that bloom vividly in spring and summer.
Breathtaking Natural Wonders
- Shudu Lake: One of the park’s crown jewels, Shudu Lake enchants visitors with its tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding alpine scenery. A wooden boardwalk encircles the lake, offering an easy and scenic way to soak in its serene beauty.
- Bita Lake: Known as the “Pearl of the Plateau,” Bita Lake is another must-see. Surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks, it’s a place of unparalleled tranquility and an ideal spot for photography.
- Grasslands and Wetlands: The rolling meadows and wetlands are teeming with life. Herds of grazing yaks and Tibetan horses create a picturesque scene, while birdwatchers will delight in spotting a variety of avian species.
Immersion in Tibetan Culture
Potatso National Park isn’t just about nature; it’s also a gateway to Tibetan culture. The local communities have lived harmoniously with the land for centuries. Visitors can learn about their sustainable lifestyles, enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine, and experience their warm hospitality. Festivals and prayer flag-adorned shrines add a touch of spirituality to the park’s natural splendor.
Activities to Enrich Your Visit
- Hiking and Walking Trails: Discover the park’s beauty on well-maintained trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along lake shores. These trails cater to all fitness levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Wildlife Observation: Bring your binoculars for a chance to spot rare animals and birds in their natural habitat.
- Eco-Tourism Programs: Participate in guided tours to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Why Visit Potatso National Park?
Potatso National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and Tibetan culture. Whether you’re seeking solitude in breathtaking landscapes or an enriching cultural experience, Potatso promises memories that will last a lifetime. Come and explore the unspoiled beauty of this natural treasure—a true Shangri-La awaits!
Potatso National Park Tourist Map
Potatso National Park Video
Potatso National Park Photo
Potatso National Park Travel Guide
Pudacuo National Park, with an average elevation of about 3,500 meters above sea level, is mainly composed of three major scenic spots: Shudu Lake, Militang and Bitahai.
Shudu Lake (currently open): This is one of the largest mountain lakes in Shangri-La. A 3km wooden plank road was built around the lake, and the beauty of the lake can be seen from different angles. Hiking is the best way to visit. Among the plants that grow along the lake, you can also encounter cute little squirrels.
Bitahai (ecological maintenance, temporarily closed): This is one of the highest lakes in Yunnan. There is a small island shaped like a round tower in the center of the lake, which is regarded as a sacred mountain by the locals. Lakeside wetlands and alpine meadows coexist. From ancient times to the present, this beautiful place has also been given a lot of mythology. Unfortunately, since 2017, this attraction has been temporarily closed to protect the local ecology.
Militangya Alpine Pasture (ecological maintenance, temporarily closed): 3700 meters above sea level, because the overall shape is like a slender Buddha’s eye, this alpine meadow is named “Buddha’s Eye Meadow”, which is the local dialect “Militang”. This is an important pasture in Shangri-La, and the unique conditions make the cattle and sheep produced here extraordinarily fat. Unfortunately, in order to protect the ecology, this scenic spot has also been temporarily closed to the public since 2017.
Recommended itinerary
- Around 8:30: Depart from the city and head to Pudacuo.
- 9:00-11:00: Arrive at Pudacuo, take the scenic sightseeing bus to the “Luorong Village” station. After getting off the bus, go on foot, and the walking time is about 1-2 hours.
- Around 11:00: Take a sightseeing bus to the scenic area of Shudu Lake.
- 11:00-13:00: Trekking on the plank road around the lake, about 1-2 hours.
- Around 14:00: Return to downtown Shangri-La.
Note: If you want to feed the squirrels, you can bring some sunflower seeds. The squirrels in the scenic area are not too scared for tourists. You can take pictures very close, but please don’t hurt them.
