[2025 Shangri-La Attraction] Travel Guide for Potatso National Park - Viewing Platform (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina Potatso National Park, located in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, is China's first national park meeting international conservation standards. Spanning 500 square miles, it features diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows, wetlands, and forests. Highlights include Shudu Lake, Militang Pasture, and Bita Lake, each offering serene beauty and vibrant biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, boat rides, and breathtaking views of rare flora and fauna. Potatso National Park is a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure amidst stunning scenery.

Potatso National Park, located in Shangri-La, Yunnan, is China's first national park to meet international conservation standards. The park features diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows, wetlands, and dense forests, making it a sanctuary for wildlife such as the rare black-necked cranes. Key attractions include Shudu Lake, known for its tranquil waters, Militang Pastures with fields adorned by wildflowers, and the serene Bita Lake, which can be explored via wooden walkways. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, stunning natural vistas, and the park's extraordinary biodiversity. Potatso National Park is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a pristine retreat amidst awe-inspiring scenery.

🇨🇳 Share a travel plan for China, Lijiang-Dali (Lijiang-Dali) 8 days 7 nights 😂 This trip was born from wanting to follow the Chinese series Where the Wind Blows (Meet Yourself) plus going to the place to travel to the fullest, so this trip was born. Both Lijiang and Dali are important cities in Yunnan Province, which both cities have a unique charm. ✈️ We flew directly to Lijiang with Ruili Airline, arrived in Lijiang in the evening and flew back in the morning. Day 1️⃣: Bangkok - Lijiang 📍 Walk around the ancient city of Lijiang at night 🏨 Stay in the ancient city of Lijiang Day 2️⃣ & 3️⃣: Lijiang - Shangri-La 👉🏻 We bought a local tour with the hotel for 2 days and 1 night, priced at 660 yuan/person, including transportation, food, accommodation, and breakfast at all tourist attractions. Except for the Tiger Leaping Gorge escalator fee, we can choose to walk by ourselves or use the escalator. 📍Tiger Leaping Gorge 📍Potatso National Park 📍Guishan Temple or Dafo Temple 📍Shangri-La Ancient Town 🏨 Stay in Shangri-La 📍Songzanlin Monastery 📍Napa Lake 🏨 Stay in Lijiang Ancient Town Day 4️⃣: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 👉🏻 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Yunnan. With the high mountains covered with snow all year round - We let the hotel buy a One Day Trip tour for 450 yuan / person (did not watch the show) 📍 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain / Yulong Snow Mountain 📍 Blue Moon Valley 🏨 Stay in Lijiang Ancient Town Day 5️⃣: Lijiang - Shaxi - Shuanglang - Xizhou 👉🏻 We rented a car with a driver (contact the hotel in Lijiang) for 1,200 yuan, including everything, go anywhere, no time limit, except for the entrance fee to the tourist attractions that must be paid by yourself if there is 📍 Shaxi Ancient Town - The filming location of the series Meet Yourself. The highlight is the Yujin Bridge. 📍 Shuanglang Ancient Town - An ancient town that combines new and traditional architecture. It feels like walking in a resort from the seaside air, but not hot. 🏨 Stay at a hotel in Xizhou Day 6️⃣: Xizhou -Dali 👉🏻 In the morning, we visited the ancient town of Xizhou. Then let the hotel find a taxi to take you to the hotel in Dali. 📍Xizhou Ancient Town - The highlight is the Corner Tower, which is like an old wooden house, and the barley field (you should come in the right season to see it). 📍Dali Three Pagodas - Dali's important tourist attractions. 🛺 Bargain for a tricycle to Caicun Wharf 😂 📍Caicun Wharf - Ride a bicycle along Erhai Lake 🚴 📍Dali Ancient Town - Dali Ancient Town is similar to other ancient towns. 🏨 Stay at a hotel near Dali Ancient Town. Day 7️⃣: Dali - Lijiang 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Dali to Lijiang (book with Trip.com 1 day in advance. We actually booked in the evening and took the morning round, which was fine.) 📍 Other ancient towns near Lijiang and collect souvenirs. 🏨 Stay in Lijiang Ancient Town (Not the same hotel) Day 8️⃣ : Bye bye ✈️ Fly back to Bangkok on the morning flight #Travel to China #Plan to travel to China

🦌 Potatso National Park is located near Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China. It is the first 5A-level national park in China. It covers an area of ​​about 1,600 square kilometers and consists of Shudu Lake and Bita Lake. Surrounded by pine forests and grasslands, it is home to a variety of wild animals, such as mountain goats, yaks, snow monkeys, and peacocks. 🚌 Once you enter the park, you will need to take a bus to get there. Then, there will be a nature trail. 🏞️ There are 3 main trails: 1. Shudu Lake and Bita Lake Trail, 3 kilometers long 2. Shudu Lake and Tibetan Village Trail, 5 kilometers long 3. Shudu Lake and Putazuo Peak Trail, 8 kilometers long 🚗 Travel from Shangri-La: Charter a private car or take a bus from Shangri-La Bus Station Daily service from 8:00 a.m. One-way fare is 15 yuan. Travel time is about 20 minutes. **Please check the bus schedule again.** 🕰️ Opening hours: Daily service - April - October Open 07:30–16:00 - November - March Open 08:30–16:00 💰 Entrance fee: Entrance fee includes the bus fare within the park, approximately 142 yuan/person, with buses available at various points within the park. ❤️ If anyone has time, I recommend visiting Putazu Park. The natural view is very beautiful. The atmosphere is good. Take pictures all the way. We were there from the afternoon until the park closed. We enjoyed walking around and taking pictures. The staff rushed us to get on the last bus back. ‼️ There aren't many foreign tourists here. You may have to look for or ask Chinese tourists about the walking route because some points have boats available. But we couldn't communicate, so we didn't get on. 😂 #TravelChina

🤩 2 days 1 night Shangri-La travel plan from Lijiang with a tour 😂 At first, we planned to go by ourselves, studied how to travel by bus, including how to hitchhike to Tiger Leaping Gorge, but we were still a bit worried because no one could speak Chinese when we went. So the hotel owner recommended this tour. It was a tour that included places we wanted to go to but were difficult to get to. So we agreed to go on a tour. 💰 Tour price: 660 yuan/person, including transportation, accommodation, food, and entrance fees to various attractions, except for the escalator at Tiger Leaping Gorge, which costs an additional 70 yuan/person (round trip). It is recommended to buy it because the stairs up and down are very high, 2,000 steps. 🏠 Attractions included in the tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge - Potatso National Park - Guishan Temple - Shangri-La Old Town - Songzanlin Monastery - Napa Lake Grassland ❤️❤️❤️ Starting from getting on the car in Lijiang, the car picked us up at around 8:00 a.m. We joined a group of 2 Chinese guys in a 9-seat van, which was quite comfortable. The car will stop at rest stops at intervals, where you can take pictures, buy food, and buy water. The view from the rest stop is beautiful. Take lots of photos 🚗📸 1️⃣ Day 1: Tiger Leaping Gorge - Potatso National Park - Guishan Temple - Shangri-La 1. Tiger Leaping Gorge: Located between Lijiang and Shangri-La, it is a canyon above the Yangtze River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (a Chinese guy said that the bridge is a gorge where tigers can leap, so it is called Tiger Leaping Gorge. I'm not sure if it's true 😂) - Pay an additional escalator fee of about 70 yuan/person round trip - We spent about 2 hours here. The car stopped to take us to eat - don't expect food and bathrooms. 2. Potatso National Park - 5A level park When you get in, you have to take a bus that the park has prepared for you to go in again. When you get off the car, there will be a nature trail. We walked to the end of the trail, taking pictures along the way. The view is very beautiful. Taking pictures is very beautiful. We like this place very much. Walked and stopped to take pictures until the end of the trail. Until the Chinese guy said that this was just one route, there were other routes, but we walked only one route until the park closed, took the last bus back. 3. Guishan Temple or Dafo Temple: The temple is in Shangri-La. The highlight is the giant golden wheel that we can spin to make a wish. The way up to the temple is quite high. The temple is on a mountain. It was tiring to get to the top. 4. Zhongdian Ancient City - Shangri-La Ancient City: We walked around for only a short while because it was quite late and we were quite tired from the whole day. 🍲 For dinner, the tour took us to eat something like shabu, but I think it was yak meat. There was also a show. 2️⃣ Day 2: Songzanlin Monastery - Napa Lake Grassland 1. Songzanlin Monastery: A landmark tourist attraction of the city, over 300 years old. Once you get in, you have to take another bus. You can rent clothes and walk around (there is a shop at the bus stop for rent). The temple is on a high mountain, so you have to walk up the stairs. And don't miss the photo spot at Muyangchu Lake - We walked around and took photos for almost 2 hours. 2. Napa Lake Grassland: The lake view depends on the time you go. You can walk around for free and there is a horseback riding service to see the lake - We didn't use the service. We took photos of the view around and then headed back to Lijiang. The car stopped at a rest stop - The view from the rest stop is beautiful everywhere except for the bathroom. 🥹 ❤️❤️❤️ That's the end of the Lijiang-Shangri-La trip. ❤️❤️❤️ #TravelChina #PlanTravelChina

#discoverchina Potatso National Park is located in Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is China’s first national park. It is also an important part of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Natural Heritage site in northwestern Yunnan, making it a highly worthwhile destination to visit. Situated at an average altitude of over 3,500 meters, the park features a rich natural ecosystem that includes alpine lakes, pristine forests, wetlands, meadows, and rare wildlife. Known as the “heart of Shangri-La,” Potatso offers a truly unique and unforgettable landscape that is well worth experiencing.

Pudacuo National Park is a nature reserve in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China. It is a typical plateau forest ecosystem. The park not only has beautiful forest scenery, but also lakes, grasslands, and rich wildlife. It is an ideal place for visitors to enjoy nature, hike, and take photos. Here is a travel guide to Pudacuo National Park to help you plan your trip: 1. Best time to visit The best time to visit Pudacuo National Park is in spring and autumn (April to June, September to November). The weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate, making it suitable for outdoor activities. In winter (December to February), the weather is cold and some areas may be covered with snow. In summer, there may be more rain, but the scenery is still beautiful. Be prepared for rain. 2. Recommended attractions • Pudacuo Lake (Shudu Lake): This is one of the most famous attractions in the park. The lake is clear and surrounded by forests. The reflection of the lake is especially beautiful in the morning and evening, making it a great place for photos. • Bita Lake: A quiet plateau lake surrounded by dense forests and mountains. The lake is a beautiful blue-green color. There are wooden walkways around the lake where visitors can stroll and enjoy the tranquility of nature. • Meadows and forests: The meadows and forests in Pudacuo National Park are intertwined. In spring and summer, the meadows are full of wildflowers, making it a great place for hiking and outdoor adventures. • Niubei Mountain: If you like a challenge, you can climb Niubei Mountain. The view from the top is very open and you can see the whole park. • Pristine forests and wetlands: There are many pristine forests and wetlands here, making it a paradise for bird watchers. You can see many rare plants and animals here. 3. Hiking routes There are several hiking routes in Pudacuo National Park, the most famous of which is the route from Pudacuo Lake to Shudu Lake. This route is relatively flat and suitable for most visitors. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes, forests, and meadows. 4. Recommended accommodation There are some eco-hotels and resorts in the park, suitable for visitors to stay and rest. You can choose to stay in Shangri-La city or in a resort near the park for a more natural experience. • Hotels in Shangri-La city: If you don't mind traveling back and forth every day, staying in Shangri-La city is a good choice. There are many hotels to choose from. • Resorts in the park: There are some resorts around the park that offer a more natural experience. You can enjoy the lakes, forests, and fresh air. 5. Transportation tips • From Shangri-La city: Pudacuo National Park is about 30 km from Shangri-La city, about 1 hour by car. You can choose to rent a car, share a car, or join a tour group to the park. • Public transportation: There are buses from Shangri-La city to Pudacuo, but there are not many buses, so it is best to check in advance. 6. Tips • Altitude sickness: Pudacuo National Park is located at a high altitude (about 3,000 meters above sea level). If you are sensitive to altitude sickness, it is recommended to acclimatize in advance and bring oxygen bottles and necessary medication. • Clothing tips: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes that are not suitable for walking. Even in summer, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so it is recommended to bring a jacket. • Sun protection and mosquito repellent: Pudacuo is located on a plateau, so the UV rays are strong. Remember to apply sunscreen. In addition, there may be mosquitoes in the wetlands and forests, so bring mosquito repellent. • Environmental awareness: Pudacuo National Park is a nature reserve. Please do not disturb the wildlife, keep the environment clean, and take all your trash with you. 7. Local food • Shangri-La Tibetan hot pot: Shangri-La Tibetan hot pot has a strong local flavor and can be tasted in the city. • Butter tea: A traditional Tibetan drink with a strong flavor, suitable for the cold climate of the plateau. • Barley cakes and yak meat: These are local specialties of Shangri-La. Trying the local snacks is very interesting. Pudacuo National Park is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, suitable for visitors who love nature and hiking. Here, you can experience the unique charm of the Yunnan plateau and enjoy the tranquil lakes, ancient forests, and fresh air. We hope this guide will help you have an unforgettable trip!

Nestled just 40 minutes from the heart of Shangri-La City, Potatso National Park feels like stepping into a living postcard. The journey itself was an adventure; a scenic ride with snow-draped mountains and frozen lakes in the distance, all for just 130 yuan via Didi Express. The park's entry fee of 180 yuan per person is well worth it, and to our delight, kids under seven enter for free. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped by the crisp alpine air and a vast, untouched winter wonderland. Our first stop was the enchanting snow fields, where laughter echoed as families and friends built snowmen and tossed snowballs. We joined in, our hands wrapped in woolen gloves, shaping snow creatures with delight. Around us, locals offered wooden sleds, adding to the joyous cacophony as children slid down gentle slopes. Beyond the snowplay, a short trail led us to Shudu Lake, its icy surface shimmering under the pale winter sun. The wooden boardwalks provided a perfect vantage point to take in the serene beauty, the surrounding forests standing tall and silent as if guarding the lake's secrets. Potatso offers more than just scenic beauty—it’s an immersion into the region’s vibrant ecosystem. Yak herds grazed peacefully in the distance, and we spotted rare birds darting through the trees. The park’s eco-buses provided a warm respite and convenient transportation to different zones, including lush meadows and the iconic Bitahai Lake. Each corner of the park told a story of harmony between nature and culture. As the sun began to set, painting the snow in hues of gold and rose, we realized that Potatso wasn’t just a destination—it was an unforgettable of our Shangri-La journey. #potatso #pudacuo #shangri-la #snow #lake #shudu #tibet