The Pearl of the Plateau: Shudu Lake's Alpine Splendor and the Legend of Cheese and Stone

The Stone of Cheese

Nestled within the magnificent Potatso National Park (Pudacuo) in Shangri-La, Yunnan, Shudu Lake (Shudu Hu) is a glittering jewel of the high plateau. Standing at an altitude of 3,705 meters, it is one of the largest alpine lakes in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The name "Shudu" carries a charming local legend. In the Tibetan language, "Shu" means cheese or curd, and "Du" means stone. Legend has it that in ancient times, an eminent monk wandered here and saw the ground covered in stones that resembled chunks of cheese, hence the name "Stone of Cheese". As a core component of China's first national park on the mainland, Shudu Lake offers a pristine encounter with the "Highland Aesthetics" of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage region.

A Wonderland of Mist and Water

Shudu Lake is renowned for its ethereal beauty, particularly in the early morning. When the first rays of the sun pierce through the morning mist, the lake surface, often calm as a mirror, reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains, birch forests, and drifting clouds, creating a dreamlike "Sky Mirror" effect. The water is crystal clear, allowing visitors to see the aquatic life teeming beneath the surface. The lake is surrounded by lush primeval forests of spruce and fir, which provide a habitat for diverse wildlife, including musk deer, bears, and leopards, though they are rarely seen by casual visitors,.

1.The Ecological Miracle: Azaleas and "Drunken Fish"

2.The ecosystem of Shudu: Lake is unique and fragile. The lake is famous for a peculiar natural phenomenon known as "Dujuan Zui Yu" (Azaleas Intoxicate Fish). In late spring and early summer, the azalea bushes lining the lake shore bloom in vibrant colors. When their petals fall into the water, the Schizothorax (a type of cracked-belly fish unique to the plateau) eat them. The slightly toxic petals cause the fish to float on the surface as if drunk, creating a fascinating spectacle,. Additionally, the ancient trees in the forest are draped with "Usnea" (Old Man's Beard), a parasitic plant that only survives in environments with extremely pure air, serving as a natural indicator of the park's pristine air quality.

Walking the Plank Road

3.To fully experience the beauty of Shudu: Lake, visitors can walk along a well-maintained 3.3-kilometer wooden plank road that winds through the forest and along the lakeshore. This walking route allows for an immersive experience, distinct from viewing the scenery through a bus window. Along the way, you can breathe in the fresh air scented with resin and wildflowers, spot squirrels jumping between trees, and observe the yak herds grazing on the alpine meadows beside the lake,. The juxtaposition of the golden meadows, the blue lake, and the dark green forest creates a palette of colors that changes dramatically with the seasons, from the flowers of spring to the golden hues of autumn.