Shangri-La, Yunnan ProvinceHigh Altitude

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

📸Photography 🚙Road Trip 🏕️Camping 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

3,296m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂 ❄️

Duration

2-3 Hours

Ticket

Paid

🏔️ High Altitude Notice

This location is at 3,296m elevation. Mild altitude sickness may occur. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.

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About This Attraction

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.

✨ Why Visit Shudu Lake

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Crystal-clear waters reflecting surrounding spruce forests and mountain peaks

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A high-altitude wetland ecosystem with rich biodiversity and seasonal wildflowers

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Serene landscape of mirror-like water, ancient trees, and untouched natural scenery

Location & Nearby

📍 Shangri-La, Yunnan Province • 🏔️ 3296m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Shudu Lake Travel Guide

Where is Shudu Lake located?

It is located within Potatso National Park, in the northeastern part of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

What does the name "Shudu" mean?

In Tibetan, "Shu" means cheese and "Du" means stone. The name refers to a legend about stones that looked like cheese found in the area.

Can I take a boat on the lake?

Yes, boat rides are available on Shudu Lake, allowing visitors to see the scenery from the water, though walking the plank road is also highly recommended for a closer look at nature,.

What is the altitude of Shudu Lake?

The lake sits at an altitude of approximately 3,705 meters above sea level.

What is the best time to visit?

Late spring/early summer (May-June) is great for wildflowers and the "drunken fish" phenomenon. Autumn (late September to October) offers stunning golden foliage and clear reflections.

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

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.