Napa

The "Eye of Shangri-La"

Located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Shangri-La City in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Napa Hai (Napa Lake) is a breathtaking seasonal high-altitude wetland. Known poetically as "The Eye of Shangri-La," this expansive reserve sits at an altitude of about 3,260 meters and covers a total area of approximately 660 square kilometers, though the water surface varies drastically with the seasons. It is a unique geographical entity that transforms throughout the year: in the rainy season (summer), it swells into a vast, shimmering lake reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains; in the dry season (late autumn and winter), the water recedes to reveal the lush, golden expanse known as Yila Grassland. This duality makes it a fascinating destination where the boundaries between lake and meadow blur, offering a landscape that is both a "Mirror of the Sky" and a pastoral paradise.

A Winter Paradise for Black-Necked Cranes

1.Napa Hai is designated as an: International Important Wetland and is one of the most critical wintering grounds for migratory birds in China. It is famously hailed as a "Winter Paradise for Black-Necked Cranes". From December to February, hundreds of these rare, national first-class protected birds migrate here from the colder northern regions. Visitors can witness flocks of cranes dancing elegantly over the wetlands, accompanied by wild ducks and other waterfowl, creating a vibrant ecological tableau against the stark, serene winter backdrop. The harmony between the local Tibetan population and these sacred birds is a testament to the region's conservation efforts and cultural reverence for nature.

Yila Grassland and the Golden Autumn

During the dry season, particularly from September to November, the area transforms into the Yila Grassland, the largest grassland in the Shangri-La region. In autumn, the meadow turns a brilliant golden hue, described as "Buddha's light paving the ground". This is the prime season for one of the area's most popular activities: horse riding. Visitors can rent horses to gallop across the vast, open fields, surrounded by grazing yaks and sheep, with the majestic snowy peaks standing guard in the distance. The experience offers a glimpse into the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kham Tibetan people, complete with the ringing of horse bells and the scent of wild grass.

Sacred Legends and Tibetan Culture

The name "Napa Hai" translates from Tibetan "Napa Tso" as "The Lake Behind the Forest". It holds deep spiritual significance for the locals. Legend has it that the lake was formed by the tears of a goddess or visited by Princess Wencheng on her journey to Tibet, lending the waters a sacred quality. The surrounding area is dotted with traditional Tibetan villages where ancient customs are kept alive. The local Tibetans engage in "circumambulating the lake" (turning the lake) as a form of prayer, believing that walking clockwise around the sacred waters brings safety and blessings for the coming year. Visitors are often welcomed into these villages to taste tsampa (roasted barley flour) and yak butter tea, immersing themselves in the "fire and smoke" (hospitality) of the plateau.

A Cycle of Withering and Glory

2.The charm of Napa: Hai lies in its seasonal cycle of "Withering and Glory". In summer, the lake is full, mirroring the sky and mountains; wildflowers bloom in profusion along the banks, creating a colorful rim around the water. In winter and autumn, the water retreats, and the golden grass takes over. Whether one chooses to drive along the scenic water highway that sometimes floods during high water, or hike through the wetland trails to spot birds, Napa Hai offers a dynamic and ever-changing connection to the raw beauty of the Shangri-La plateau.