{"id":723,"date":"2026-08-29T10:46:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T10:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/?page_id=723"},"modified":"2026-08-29T10:46:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T10:46:48","slug":"pudacuo-national-park","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/?page_id=723","title":{"rendered":"Pudacuo National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pudacuo National Park \u2014 Shangri-La Travel Guide<\/h1>\n
Pudacuo National Park<\/strong> (\u666e\u8fbe\u63aa\u56fd\u5bb6\u516c\u56ed) is China’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, nestled in the heart of the “Three Parallel Rivers” region. At elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,159 meters<\/strong>, this pristine wilderness of alpine lakes, ancient forests, and rolling meadows is the crown jewel of any Shangri-La itinerary.<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udccd Overview<\/h2>\n
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Attribute<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Location<\/strong><\/td>\nJiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Prefecture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance from City<\/strong><\/td>\n~22 km (30 min drive)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elevation<\/strong><\/td>\n3,500\u20134,159 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Area<\/strong><\/td>\n~1,313 km\u00b2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rating<\/strong><\/td>\nAAAAA (5A) National Tourist Attraction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UNESCO Status<\/strong><\/td>\nCore zone of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Duration<\/strong><\/td>\n4\u20136 hours (full day recommended for deep exploration)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Phone<\/strong><\/td>\n+86-887-8232533<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfab Tickets & Hours<\/h2>\n
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Full Ticket (Entrance + Shuttle Bus)<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a5138\/person<\/strong> (\u00a568 entrance + \u00a570 shuttle bus)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online\/Package Price<\/strong><\/td>\n~\u00a5100\/person (varies by platform and season)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Opening Hours (Peak: Apr\u2013Oct)<\/strong><\/td>\n08:00\u201316:30 (last entry ~15:30\u201316:00)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Opening Hours (Off-Peak: Nov\u2013Mar)<\/strong><\/td>\n09:00\u201316:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Free Entry<\/strong><\/td>\nChildren \u22641.2m, seniors 70+, disabled, military<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Discount<\/strong><\/td>\nStudents \u226424 with ID, seniors 60\u201370<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u26a0\ufe0f Advance Booking Required<\/strong>: During peak season (Jul\u2013Aug), book 7\u201315 days ahead<\/strong> via the official WeChat account “\u666e\u8fbe\u63aa\u56fd\u5bb6\u516c\u56ed” or platforms like Ctrip\/Meituan. Same-day tickets may sell out.<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udca1 Note<\/strong>: As of 2026, the Bitahai Lake (\u78a7\u5854\u6d77) area remains partially closed<\/strong> for ecological restoration. Check current status before visiting.<\/p>\n
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\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f Main Attractions & Trails<\/h2>\n
The park operates on a shuttle bus loop system<\/strong>. The bus drops you at each major stop, and you explore on foot via well-maintained wooden boardwalks.<\/div>\n

1. \ud83c\udf0a Shudu Lake (\u5c5e\u90fd\u6e56) \u2014 The Crown Jewel<\/h3>\n
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    Trail<\/strong>: 3.3 km wooden boardwalk loop (~1\u20131.5 hours)<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Highlight<\/strong>: The signature experience<\/strong> of Pudacuo. Crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by ancient spruce forests, with fearless squirrels darting across the boardwalks. Morning mist rising from the water creates an ethereal atmosphere.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Activities<\/strong>: Hiking, boat ride (optional, ~\u00a535), photography<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Best Time<\/strong>: Early morning (07:00\u201309:00) for misty, crowd-free views<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    2. \ud83c\udf3e Militang Grassland (\u5f25\u91cc\u5858\u4e9a\u9ad8\u5c71\u7267\u573a)<\/h3>\n
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      Access<\/strong>: Viewing platform only (shuttle bus stop, ~10\u201315 min)<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Highlight<\/strong>: A vast alpine pasture at 3,700 m<\/strong> where yaks, horses, and sheep graze against a backdrop of rolling hills. The name means “the long, narrow eye-shaped grassland.”<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Note<\/strong>: You cannot walk onto the grassland itself \u2014 it’s protected. Enjoy the panoramic view from the elevated boardwalk.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      3. \ud83d\udca7 Bitahai Lake (\u78a7\u5854\u6d77) \u2014\u00a0Currently Partially Closed<\/em><\/h3>\n
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        Trail<\/strong>: 2 km out-and-back boardwalk (~40 min)<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Highlight<\/strong>: A serene highland lake known for the rare “double-lip fish” (\u91cd\u5507\u9c7c), a relic species from the Ice Age. Surrounded by primeval forest and rhododendrons.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Status<\/strong>: Check opening status before your visit \u2014 ecological restoration may limit access.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        4. \ud83c\udf32 Youyou Trail (\u60a0\u5e7d\u6b65\u9053) \u2014\u00a0Hiking Only<\/em><\/h3>\n
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          Trail<\/strong>: 2.2 km (~45 min)<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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          Highlight<\/strong>: A raw forest path along a mountain stream, passing small waterfalls and ancient trees. Chance to spot wild boar or free-roaming horses. Alpine rhododendrons bloom here in late spring.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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          \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f Recommended Route<\/h2>\n

          Standard Loop (3\u20134 hours)<\/h3>\n
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          Park Entrance \u2192 Shuttle Bus \u2192 Youyou Trail (optional, hiking only)\r\n    \u2193\r\nShuttle Bus \u2192 Shudu Lake (walk the 3.3 km boardwalk)\r\n    \u2193\r\nShuttle Bus \u2192 Militang Grassland (viewing stop)\r\n    \u2193\r\nShuttle Bus \u2192 Bitahai Lake (if open, walk the trail)\r\n    \u2193\r\nShuttle Bus \u2192 Return to Entrance<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          Deep Exploration (6\u20138 hours)<\/h3>\n
          Add the Youyou Trail at the beginning, take your time at Shudu Lake for photography and squirrel encounters, and enjoy a picnic at one of the rest areas. Some visitors report spending a full day and still wanting more.<\/p>\n
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          \ud83d\ude8c How to Get There<\/h2>\n
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          Method<\/th>\nRoute<\/th>\nCost<\/th>\nDuration<\/th>\nNotes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          \ud83d\ude8c Park Shuttle Bus<\/strong><\/td>\nShangri-La Bus Station \u2192 Pudacuo<\/td>\n\u00a530 round-trip<\/td>\n~40 min<\/td>\nDeparts 09:30 daily; returns after your visit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83d\ude8c Public Bus<\/strong><\/td>\nShangri-La \u2192 Shuangqiao<\/td>\n\u00a515 one-way<\/td>\n~40 min<\/td>\nDriver contact: +86-130-8742-6618<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83d\ude95 Taxi \/ Didi<\/strong><\/td>\nDirect to park entrance<\/td>\n\u00a580 one-way \/ \u00a5150 round-trip<\/td>\n~30 min<\/td>\nAgree on pickup time; leave driver’s number<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83d\ude97 Charter Car<\/strong><\/td>\nFull-day hire<\/td>\n\u00a5180\u2013200\/day<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nBest for combining with other attractions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83d\ude99 Self-Drive<\/strong><\/td>\nShangri-La \u2192 Benba East Road \u2192 East Ring Road \u2192 Pudacuo<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n~30 min<\/td>\nFree parking at entrance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          \ud83d\udca1 Pro Tip<\/strong>: Ask your guesthouse\/hostel owner to help arrange a shared ride \u2014 many travelers split charter costs.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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          \u26a0\ufe0f Essential Tips<\/h2>\n
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          Category<\/th>\nAdvice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          \ud83e\udec1 Altitude Sickness<\/strong><\/td>\nAt 3,500\u20134,159 m, even light walking feels strenuous. Walk slowly<\/strong>, take frequent breaks, and carry an oxygen bottle (\u00a520\u201330 at city pharmacies, cheaper than at the park). Consider taking Rhodiola (\u7ea2\u666f\u5929) one week before arrival.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83e\udde5 Clothing<\/strong><\/td>\nTemperatures are 10\u201315\u00b0C lower<\/strong> than in Shangri-La town. Bring a warm jacket even in summer. Weather changes rapidly \u2014 pack a rain jacket.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \u2600\ufe0f Sun Protection<\/strong><\/td>\nUV is intense at high altitude. SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat are essential.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83c\udf6b Food & Water<\/strong><\/td>\nFood options inside the park are very limited<\/strong>. Bring snacks, sandwiches, and plenty of water. There are simple noodle stalls near the entrance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83d\udd0b Camera Battery<\/strong><\/td>\nCold weather drains batteries fast. Bring spare batteries or a power bank.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83e\udd9f Mosquitoes<\/strong><\/td>\nPresent in wetland areas during summer. Bring repellent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83c\udf27\ufe0f Weather<\/strong><\/td>\nRainy season (Jul\u2013Aug) brings afternoon showers. Some boardwalks may be slippery or temporarily closed for safety.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83c\udf30 Squirrels<\/strong><\/td>\nThe squirrels at Shudu Lake are famously tame \u2014 they’ll eat sunflower seeds from your hand. Hold seeds overhead and they may climb onto your shoulder! But don’t touch their tails<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          \ud83d\ude4f Respect Nature<\/strong><\/td>\nStay on designated paths. Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife. Carry out all trash.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          \ud83d\udcf8 Photography Guide<\/h2>\n
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          Shot<\/th>\nBest Time<\/th>\nLocation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          Misty lake sunrise<\/strong><\/td>\n07:00\u201309:00<\/td>\nShudu Lake east bank<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Mirror reflections<\/strong><\/td>\nWindless mornings<\/td>\nShudu Lake boardwalk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Yak herds on golden grassland<\/strong><\/td>\nLate afternoon<\/td>\nMilitang viewing platform<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Tame squirrels<\/strong><\/td>\nAll day<\/td>\nShudu Lake boardwalk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Milky Way<\/strong><\/td>\nMoonless nights<\/td>\nAway from park lights (stargazing tours available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Autumn colors<\/strong><\/td>\nSeptember\u2013October<\/td>\nEntire park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Best Time to Visit<\/h2>\n
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          Season<\/th>\nMonths<\/th>\nExperience<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          Spring<\/strong><\/td>\nApr\u2013May<\/td>\nRhododendrons bloom; fresh green meadows; moderate crowds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Summer<\/strong><\/td>\nJun\u2013Aug<\/td>\nLushest landscapes; rainy season; afternoon showers common; peak crowds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Autumn<\/strong><\/td>\nSep\u2013Oct<\/td>\nBest overall<\/strong> \u2014 golden foliage, clearest skies, ideal photography; moderate crowds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Winter<\/strong><\/td>\nNov\u2013Mar<\/td>\nSnow-covered forests and frozen lakes; serene and uncrowded; very cold<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          \ud83c\udf42 Top Pick<\/strong>: September\u2013October offers the most reliable weather and stunning fall colors.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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          \ud83c\udfe1 Where to Stay<\/h2>\n
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          Option<\/th>\nLocation<\/th>\nPrice<\/th>\nNotes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          Shangri-La City<\/strong><\/td>\n~22 km away<\/td>\n\u00a5150\u2013600\/night<\/td>\nMost convenient; better dining options; easy to arrange transport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Serene Manor (\u60a0\u5e7d\u5e84\u56ed)<\/strong><\/td>\nInside the park entrance<\/td>\nMid-range<\/td>\nIncludes park tickets; be first inside in the morning; outdated facilities but unbeatable location<\/p>\n
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          Songtsam Linka Hotel<\/strong><\/td>\nNear park<\/td>\nLuxury<\/td>\nPostcard views of surrounding mountains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f Nearby Combinations<\/h2>\n
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          Attraction<\/th>\nDistance<\/th>\nCombo Suggestion<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          Songzanlin Monastery<\/strong><\/td>\n22 km<\/td>\nSeparate morning visit; Pudacuo in afternoon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Napa Lake \/ Yila Grassland<\/strong><\/td>\n30 km<\/td>\nHalf-day before or after Pudacuo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Dukezong Ancient Town<\/strong><\/td>\n22 km<\/td>\nReturn for dinner and evening prayer wheel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
          Sample Full-Day Itinerary<\/h3>\n
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          07:30  Depart Shangri-La (charter car or bus)\r\n08:30  Arrive at Pudacuo; board shuttle bus\r\n09:00  Youyou Trail (optional, 45 min)\r\n10:00  Shudu Lake boardwalk (2 hours, squirrel encounters, photography)\r\n12:30  Picnic lunch at rest area\r\n13:30  Militang Grassland viewpoint\r\n14:30  Bitahai Lake (if open)\r\n16:00  Return shuttle to entrance\r\n17:00  Back in Shangri-La; dinner at Dukezong Ancient Town\r\n19:00  Guozhuang dance at Sifang Street Square<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          In a nutshell<\/strong>: Pudacuo is Shangri-La’s natural masterpiece \u2014 a place where ancient forests, mirror-like lakes, and alpine meadows converge at the roof of the world. Come early, walk slowly, feed the squirrels, and let the pine-scented air remind you why James Hilton called this place “Shangri-La.” Allocate a full day if you can \u2014 this is not a park to rush through.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
          Pudacuo National Park \u2014 Shangri-La Travel Guide Pudacuo National Park (\u666e\u8fbe\u63aa\u56fd\u5bb6\u516c\u56ed) is China’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, nestled in the heart of the “Three Parallel Rivers” region. At elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,159 meters, this pristine wilderness of alpine lakes, ancient forests, and rolling meadows is the crown … Continue reading Pudacuo National Park<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":717,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/723"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=723"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/723\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":724,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/723\/revisions\/724"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.ynatcn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}