Shangri-La, Yunnan ProvinceHigh Altitude

Potatso National Park: China's First National Park in Shangri-La

China first national park with pristine landscapes

🏕️Camping 🛤️Tea Horse Road(茶马古道)

Altitude

3,550m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂 ❄️

Duration

2-3 Hours

Ticket

Paid

Difficulty

Easy

🏔️ High Altitude Notice

This location is at 3,550m elevation. Mild altitude sickness may occur. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.

ℹ️

About This Attraction

The First National Park of China

1.Located in Jiantang: Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, approximately 22 kilometers from the city center, Potatso National Park is a pristine expanse of high-altitude wilderness. Established in 2007, it holds the distinction of being the first national park in mainland China, often hailed as the "Green Pearl of Shangri-La". Covering a total area of approximately 1,313 square kilometers within the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site, the park is a sanctuary of alpine lakes, lush wetlands, dense primitive forests, and rolling meadows. It serves as a vital ecological barrier and a "living laboratory" for preserving the natural heritage of the Diqing Plateau.

The Three Treasures: Lakes and Pastures

The park is primarily composed of three major scenic areas: Shudu Lake, Bita Hai (Bita Lake), and the Militang Alpine Pasture.

2.Shudu Lake: As the largest high-altitude lake in Shangri-La, Shudu Lake is surrounded by towering spruce and fir forests. The water is crystal clear, often reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. A 3.3-kilometer wooden boardwalk allows visitors to walk along the lakeshore, offering intimate encounters with playful squirrels and diverse birdlife.
3.Militang Pasture: Situated between the two lakes, this vast sub-alpine meadow resembles a "Buddha's Eye" from above. In summer and autumn, it transforms into a carpet of wildflowers where yaks graze peacefully under the vast plateau sky.
4.Bita Hai: Known as the "Pearl of the Plateau," this wetland area is famous for its serene beauty and ecological significance. It is an internationally important wetland where visitors can traverse boardwalks through marshlands and ancient forests.

The Phenomenon of the "Drunken Fish"

One of the most unique biological wonders of Potatso occurs at Bita Hai. The lake is surrounded by old azalea trees. In late spring and early summer, when the toxic petals of these azaleas fall into the water, the fish in the lake (the "Crack-bellied Fish" or high-altitude carp) eat them and become intoxicated, floating on the surface as if drunk. This rare spectacle is known as "Du Juan Zui Yu" (Azaleas Intoxicating the Fish) and is a highlight of the park's biodiversity. Additionally, the park is a wintering habitat for the majestic Black-necked Crane, adding to its ecological value.

A Spiritual Sanctuary

5.In the: Tibetan language, "Potatso" translates to "Boat Lake" or "Reaching the Shore of Happiness". The landscape is steeped in local mythology. Legend has it that Bita Hai is a mirror left behind by a celestial maiden, while Shudu Lake is the drinking water of the gods. The park is not just a natural reserve but a cultural landscape where nature and Tibetan spirituality coexist. The Luorong Tibetan Culture Village within the park preserves traditional lifestyles, showcasing folk arts like Thangka painting and wood carving, allowing visitors to experience the "smoke and fire" of authentic Tibetan hospitality.

✨ Why Visit Potatso

✦

China's first national park in mainland, protecting pristine highland ecosystems at 3500m altitude

✦

Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, two glacial lakes with crystal-clear turquoise waters and submerged forests

✦

Expansive alpine meadows and wetlands, habitat for rare black-necked cranes and other wildlife

✦

Dense primary forests of spruce, fir, and rhododendron surrounding the lakes and valleys

✦

A showcase of the 'Three Parallel Rivers' UNESCO World Heritage Site natural landscape

Location & Nearby

📍 Shangri-La, Yunnan Province • 🏔️ 3550m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Potatso Travel Guide

Where is Potatso National Park located?

A: It is located in Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province, about 22 kilometers from the city center.

What is the altitude of the park?

A: The altitude ranges from 3,500 meters to 4,159 meters. Visitors should be prepared for potential altitude sickness.

When is the best time to visit?

A: The best seasons are Summer and Autumn (May to October). During this time, the weather is mild, wildflowers are in bloom (especially azaleas in late spring), and the autumn foliage is spectacular.

What is the "Drunken Fish" phenomenon?

A: It is a rare event in Bita Hai lake where fish eat fallen azalea petals, which contain a mild toxin, causing them to float on the surface as if drunk.

How much time is needed to visit?

A: A full day is recommended to leisurely hike the boardwalks of Shudu Lake and Bita Hai and visit the pasture. Shuttle buses connect the main scenic points within the park.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Potatso?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.