Shangri-La National Park is nestled in the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, in the northwest of Yunnan Province. It falls within the center of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage Site, boasting an exceptionally diverse ecosystem, which is a crucial local treasure trove of biodiversity and ecological safety barriers. Covering a total area of 60,210 hectares, Shangri-La National Park comprises Bitahai Wetland, Shudu Lake, and others with lakes, wetlands, forests, meadows, valleys, streams, and rare flora and fauna. The sight of high-altitude meadows against the backdrop of clear blue skies, together with the mirror-like reflection of the plateau lakes, creates a picturesque paradise reminiscent of a utopian world.

Bitahai Lake

Bitahai Lake, sitting at an altitude of 3,538 meters, stretches for 3 kilometers from north to south, with a width of 1.5 kilometers at its widest point. The water surface area covers approximately 159 hectares, with an average depth of 20 meters. Nestled in the center of the lake is a small island, towering more than 30 meters above the water surface and adorned with lush vegetation.

This enchanting and beautiful high-altitude lake holds great significance as a key component of the Shangri-La described in James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon." The azure blue lake appears like scattered stars on the grasslands, reminiscent of pearls hidden in the forest, creating an unparalleled vista. With a history dating back 50 million years, Bitahai Lake has been shaped by glacial meltwater, providing a stable water source for the lake, while the abundant vegetation helps replenish and conserve this precious water resource, showcasing its splendor to the world.

From a geological perspective, Bitahai Lake is a fault-controlled lake. Its crystal-clear waters harmoniously blend with the surrounding majestic mountains. During the spring season, the vibrant rhododendrons bloom along the lakeside. As herds of cattle and sheep leisurely graze amidst the flower-filled meadows, the harmonious interplay of lake and meadow captivates visitors. The predominant vegetation surrounding Bitahai Lake is primarily composed of spruce and fir trees, along with an abundance of cedar, pine, oak, and birch trees, painting a picturesque scroll painting of lush greenery.

Late May to early June is the ideal time to soak in the beauty of Bitahai Lake. Strolling along the wooden walkway, visitors can witness two renowned spectacles: the mesmerizing "Drunken Fish" by rhododendrons and the "Fishing Bears" at night. During the spring and summer seasons, the hills of Shangri-La National Park burst into a sea of blooming rhododendrons. As gentle breezes carry flower petals onto the lake’s surface, the fish swimming in the lake eat the mildly toxic rhododendron petals. This causes the fish to become lethargic, floating on the water's surface. However, after about half a day, they naturally recover, showcasing the extraordinary spectacle known as the "Drunken Fish." At night, the bears lurking in the forest venture to the lakeshore to catch fish under the moonlight, presenting yet another extraordinary spectacle called the "Fishing Bears."

With a wooden walkway stretching for 4.2 kilometers along the lake, a leisurely walk of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes allows visitors to enjoy the fresh air and the exquisite scenery. This picturesque spot provides a perfect photography opportunity while immersing oneself in the tranquility of Bitahai Lake.

Shudu Lake

Located over ten kilometers away from Bitahai Lake lies the captivating Shudu Lake. Its crystal-clear water shimmers under the sun while lush vegetation surrounds it, creating a picturesque scene enveloped by the dense canopy of ancient forests. To the east of the lake, a vast expanse of white birch forests turns golden during autumn. Towering and robust, the spruce and fir trees in the mountains reach for the sky, their thick green canopies providing shelter from wind and rain. This forest is home to a variety of rare and exotic animals, including musk deer, bears, leopards, golden cats, tufted deer, and Tibetan eared-pheasant. Grazing fields with herds of cattle and sheep can also be found along the lakeshore, adding a touch of delight to the scenic area.

Shudu Lake, the highest-altitude geological fault-controlled lake in Yunnan Province, sits at an elevation of 3,595 meters. Spanning 2.8 kilometers from east to west and 0.7 kilometers from north to south, with a total area of 120 hectares, Shudu Lake is renowned for its "reflection in the morning mist" spectacle. If one ventures into the misty embrace of Shudu Lake, it feels as if stepping into a fairyland, where beauty unfolds in magnificent splendor. In spring, Shudu Lake combines harmoniously with blooming rhododendrons, creating a serene atmosphere. During summer, the lake is surrounded by vibrant flowers and abundant grazing fields, providing respite from the scorching heat. In autumn, the lake and its surroundings transform into a picturesque canvas with a riot of colors, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine, endless white snow.

Throughout the year, Shudu Lake offers delightful scenery along its path. Walking along the 3.3-kilometer wooden walkway allows for intimate encounters with the pristine forest, immersing oneself in the joyful chorus of insects and birds, engaging in friendly interactions with playful squirrels, experiencing the loveliness and intelligence of the wildlife, and truly understanding the essence of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Shudu Lake also serves as a natural oxygen bar, where one can feel as if stepping into a realm of clarity, allowing thoughts to soar freely. The colorful and layered autumn scenery here is an ideal habitat for photography enthusiasts and has been featured in numerous film and television productions. Additionally, Shudu Lake hosted the closing ceremony of the Yunnan leg of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay.

Tianbao Terrace

Every winter, the snow-covered Tianbao Mountain becomes a haven of purity and sanctity. Standing on Tianbao Terrace, one can behold the pristine beauty of Tianbao Snow Mountain. Tianbao Terrace not only offers the best vantage point for admiring Tianbao Snow Mountain but also provides an excellent view of Jinzigou. Looking south from the observation deck, one's eyes are greeted with the rolling and undulating landscape of Tianbao Snow Mountain. Seasonal in nature, Tianbao Snow Mountain has an average elevation of 4,800 meters. Its snow-covered peaks during winter earned it the title of "Alps of Shangri-La," affectionately called "Bukonggang" by the local Tibetans.

Luorong Village

Luorong, meaning "a good path" or "a good place" in Tibetan, is a village with 36 households and over 150 residents. Prior to the era of reform and opening-up, the village was surrounded by pristine forests, maintaining minimal contact with the outside world, and its existence was largely unknown. Luorong Village serves as a concentrated embodiment of the cultural landscape resources in the Shangri-La National Park. For a deeper understanding of the authentic ethnic cultural connotations of Shangri-La, one must immerse in the daily life of the local Tibetan people, who will unravel their ancient legends.

Gangcaba Meadow

Gangcaba Meadow is a renowned summer pasture in Shangri-La. Stretching over 2 kilometers in length and 0.4 kilometers in width, with a total area of 80 hectares, it sits at an elevation of 3,600 meters. Characterized as a sub-alpine marshy meadow, this type of meadow has high water content and humidity. Walking on it, both humans and horses feel as if stepping on a sponge soaked with water, which can eventually result in soreness and fatigue. It is because of this unique experience that the meadow earned the name "Gangcaba." In 2004, this meadow, along with Bitahai Lake, was included in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The surrounding vegetation of the meadow mainly consists of spruce, highland willow, sea buckthorn, rhododendron, and oak trees.

Militang Sub-alpine Pasture

Militang Sub-alpine Pasture presents a completely different landscape from the high-altitude lakes, offering a renowned sub-alpine summer pasture in Shangri-La.

Militang Sub-alpine Pasture is the preferred grazing ground for local Tibetans during the summer, primarily for yaks, yellow cattle, and ponies. Yaks are cherished livestock passed down through generations in Tibetan culture, uniquely adapted to the harsh cold and capable of carrying loads up to 100 kilograms, traveling 25-30 kilometers each day. Consequently, they are hailed as the "ships of the plateau," and Tibetan people's livelihoods are deeply intertwined with their presence.

Dacuo Serene Manor

Nestled within the heart of Luorong Village in the Shangri-La National Park, Dacuo Serene Manor gracefully resides alongside the mountains and waters, keeping company with cattle and sheep. Its Tibetan-style decor blends seamlessly with the rustic village atmosphere, creating a tranquil and harmonious ambiance. At daybreak, as the sun rises in the east, a thin veil of mist blankets the lake surface, imbuing an air of mystery. Fields, meadows, lakes, forests, and butter sculptures adorn the landscape, presenting a feast for the eyes. Being here, one can reconnect with the innate freedom and spontaneity of life.

During spring blossoming, the sub-alpine meadows in Northwest Yunnan burst into a riot of colors, earning the nickname "Meadows of Five Flowers" bestowed by botanists. In the spring and summer, these meadows become a vibrant tapestry of myriad flowers, adding a dazzling touch to the Shangri-La National Park. In winter, these sub-alpine meadows and highland wetlands become a habitat for birds such as cranes and geese. From September to October each year, flocks of black-necked cranes, grey cranes, bar-headed geese, and various wild ducks migrate from distant northern regions to the wet meadows and highland lakes of the Shangri-La National Park, where they forage and winter until March or April of the following year. Thus, in winter, the Shangri-La National Park becomes not only a splendid destination for admiring snowscapes but also a place to observe migratory birds and precious avian species. In golden October, the landscape of the Shangri-La National Park is bedecked with vibrant colors, as fiery red rowan trees, golden birches, and deep green spruces paint a spectacular picture. With the arrival of winter snowfall, the Shangri-La National Park becomes a pristine wonderland, draped in a blanket of pure, untainted brilliance, as if stepping into an unpolluted fairy tale world.

If Shangri-La is a magnificent painting depicted by the heavens, then Shangri-La National Park undoubtedly serves as its crowning touch. If Shangri-La is the ethereal embodiment of earthly beauty by a celestial nymph, then Shangri-La National Park represents the profound and affectionate gaze of this divine figure.

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(Editors: Ines, Amy)