The Eye of the Buddha: Exploring the Serene Militang Alpine Pasture in Potatso

The Buddha's Eye on the Highland

1.Located deep within the Potatso National: Park (Pudacuo) in Shangri-La, Yunnan, Militang is a vast and breathtaking sub-alpine pasture. The name "Militang" is derived from the Tibetan language, meaning "Buddha's Eye Pasture" or "Eye of the Buddha",. This poetic name comes from the unique geography of the meadow: from a high vantage point, the lush green expanse resembles a giant eye gazing up at the sky. The shape of the pasture, combined with the rivers and willow forests that line it like eyelashes, creates a vivid and spiritual image that locals believe watches over the land with compassion,.

A Landscape of Ecological Wonder

Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters, Militang serves as a vital ecological connection between the park's two major lakes, Shudu Lake and Bita Hai,. The pasture is shaped like a long, slender valley characterized by its lush aquatic plants and high-quality grass. Geographically, it is a sub-alpine meadow where the vegetation changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the field transforms into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, dotting the green canvas with colors of yellow, red, and purple. In autumn, the meadow turns into a sea of gold, contrasting sharply with the dark green spruce and fir forests surrounding it, offering a visual feast that photographers often describe as a "fairyland oil painting",.

The Life of the Pasture

Historically and culturally, Militang has always been a rich grazing ground for local herders. The name implies a spiritual connection, suggesting that the land itself is blessed by the Buddha. While visitors typically view the pasture from a designated observation deck to protect the fragile ecosystem, the scene is often animated by herds of yaks and horses grazing leisurely under the blue sky. These animals, looking like scattered black pearls on a green velvet cloth, add a dynamic element of life to the static beauty of the mountains. The harmony between the grazing animals, the pristine meadow, and the towering snow-capped mountains in the distance perfectly encapsulates the "Highland Aesthetics" of the Shangri-La region,.

A Geological Marvel

2.The unique topography of: Militang includes willow forests that grow along the riverbanks in a "Y" shape, which locals interpret as the eyelashes of the Buddha's eye. This natural formation is not just visually striking but also geologically significant, representing a typical sub-alpine meadow ecosystem preserved within the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site region. The observation deck located at the roadside provides a panoramic view where visitors can take in the entire scope of this "Buddha's Eye," seeing the clear stratification of the forest, the meadow, and the distant peaks in one glance,.