Napahai Lake
Napahai, a seasonally fluctuating lake and RAMSAR-listed wetland, is Yunnan’s high-altitude biodiversity hotspot. Located 8km northwest of Shangri-La, it spans 25 km² at 3,266m elevation, transforming from a marshy meadow in winter to a 6km² lake in summer. Designated a National Nature Reserve in 1984, it’s a critical stopover for 200+ migratory bird species, including black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese.
Historical Overview
Revered by Tibetan nomads as "Napa" (forest behind the lake), it became a pilgrimage site in the 8th century. In 1992, it joined the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Network, protecting endangered waterbirds. Key events include the 2004 UNESCO designation as a wetland of international importance and the 2016 discovery of ancient Tibetan burial sites nearby.
Structural Layout
1. The wetland comprises:Core Zone: Lake basin surrounded by Shika Snow Mountain (4,449m) and grazing pastures.
2. Ecosystems: Sedge meadows, willow forests, and open water supporting 300+ plant species.
3. Key Features: 10km pilgrimage circuit, 6 birdwatching towers, and the seasonal "Zha-Chu" River delta.
4. Tibetan Villages: Napa and Xiaojiudu villages practicing traditional pastoralism.
Major Attractions
Napa Sunrise Platform: 6 AM viewpoint over mist-covered lake and Shika Mountain.
Lovers’ Meadow: July–August blooms of gentian and primrose.
Bird Island: Floating platform for observing black-necked cranes (Nov–Mar).
Pilgrimage Trail: 10km loop with prayer flags and lakeside stupas.
Tibetan Eco-Museum: Exhibits on nomadic culture and wetland conservation.
Horseback Riding: Guided tours through meadows and yak herder camps.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Sunrise Platform → Bird Island → Lovers’ Meadow → Eco-Museum.
Highlights: Photography, birdwatching, and flora.
- Cultural Route (5–6 hours):
Pilgrimage Trail → Tibetan Village → Yak Butter Making Demo.
Highlights: Nomadic culture and spiritual sites.
- Adventure Route (Full Day):
Horse Ride to Shika Summit → Lakeside Picnic → Sunset Cruise.
Highlights: Panoramic vistas and local cuisine.
Ticket Purchase
Entrance Fee: Free (donations encouraged at Eco-Museum).
Horseback Tours: ¥150–200/hour (includes guide and yak butter tea).
Boat Cruise: ¥50 (30-minute paddleboat rental).
Shuttle Bus: ¥20 (round-trip from Shangri-La Old Town).
Transportation
To Shangri-La:
Flight: Daily flights from Kunming/Lhasa to Diqing Airport (DIG).
Bus: 4-hour bus from Lijiang (¥65) or 3-hour bus from Kunming (¥150).
Local:
Bus: Route #12 from Shangri-La Old Town to Napa Hai Entrance (¥3, 40 mins).
Taxi: ¥40–50 (20 mins) from Old Town.
Bike Rental: ¥30/day for the 16km lakeside trail.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Nov–Mar (off-season) or weekdays.
Best Seasons: Spring (May–Jun) for blooms; autumn (Sep–Oct) for cranes.
Dress Code: Layered clothing (temps range from -10°C to 20°C).
Altitude Note: 3,266m; stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
Respect: Nomadic camps; ask before photographing locals.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable bins (plastic banned in reserve).
Try: Suanna Rougan (smoked yak meat) and Tibetan Barley Wine in Xiaojiudu Village.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
