Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park, China’s first modern national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, spans 1,300 km² in Yunnan’s Shangri-La region. Known for pristine alpine lakes, wetlands, and meadows, it’s home to 20% of China’s plant species and rare wildlife like black-necked cranes and snow leopards. Elevations range from 3,200m to 4,159m, offering subarctic to temperate ecosystems.
Historical Overview
Established in 2007 under China’s National Park System, Pudacuo merged three protected areas: Bita Lake, Shudu Lake, and Militang Pasture. In 2008, it became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, balancing conservation with Tibetan herding traditions. Key events include the 2016 return of wolves (after 50 years) and 2021’s expansion to include new hiking trails.
Geographical Layout
The park is divided into three zones:Shudu Lake: 3.3km² turquoise lake with a 3.5km boardwalk.
Bita Lake: 15km² glacial lake surrounded by primeval forests.
Militang Pasture: 10km² alpine meadow with grazing yaks and eagles.
Key Features: 70km loop road, 12km of trails, and the 4,159m Shambhala Peak.
Major Attractions
Shudu Lake: Boardwalk with views of Songzanlin Monastery reflections.
Bita Lake: 10km hiking trail through ancient cypress forests.
Militang Pasture: Wildflower meadows (June–August) and yurt camps.
Attu Goddess Waterfall: 30m cascade accessible via Bita Lake trail.
Alpine Flower Sea: July–August blooms of rhododendrons and primulas.
Tibetan Villages: Traditional homes in Napa Village (park entrance).
Shambhala Peak: 4-hour round-trip hike to 4,159m summit.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Shudu Lake Boardwalk → Attu Waterfall → Militang Pasture.
Highlights: Lakes, waterfalls, and pastoral views.
- Nature Route (5–6 hours):
Bita Lake Hike → Ancient Cypress Forest → Shambhala Peak Viewpoint.
Highlights: Wildlife, forests, and alpine vistas.
- Adventure Route (2 Days):
Day 1: Shudu Lake → Militang Camping.
Day 2: Bita Lake Circuit → Shambhala Peak Summit.
Highlights: Multi-day hiking, camping, and stargazing.
Ticket Purchase
Entrance Fee: ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).
Shudu Lake Boat Tour: ¥50 (20-minute cruise).
Bita Lake Shuttle: ¥30 (round-trip).
Combined Pass: ¥160 (entrance + boat + shuttle).
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:
Park Shuttle: ¥20 (round-trip) from Shangri-La Old Town.
Taxi: ¥80–100 (40 mins) to park entrance.
Car Rental: ¥400/day (includes driver).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Nov–Mar (off-season) or weekdays.
Best Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) for rhododendrons; autumn (Sep–Oct) for clear skies.
Wear: Layered clothing (temps drop 10°C/1,000m), waterproof boots, and sunglasses.
Safety: Hike with a buddy; carry water (no refills on trails).
Respect: Tibetan culture; don’t disturb yaks or prayer flags.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable bottles (free water stations at visitor centers).
Try: Tsampa (roasted barley flour) and Suanna Rougan (Tibetan beef jerky).
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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
