Pudacuo National Park

Shangri-la

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China's first national park, this collection of small mountain lakes is about 25km east of Shangri-la. From the visitor centre, a 20-minute bus ride drops travellers on the shore of Shudu Lake (属都湖, Shǔdū Hú). Follow the 3.3km wooden boardwalk around the shore of the lake, where buses wait to whisk you back to the visitor centre.

Smaller Bita Lake (碧塔海; Bìtǎ hǎi) was closed indefinitely at the time of research, but if or when it reopens expect ticket prices to get considerably more expensive. There's an 8.30am bus (¥30 round-trip) from Shangri-la directly to the park; make sure to confirm the return time before you get off.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    Baishuitai is a series of limestone travertines around 108km southeast of Shangri-la, with some breathtaking scenery and Tibetan villages en route. For…

  • Gyalthang Ringha Monastery

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    One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Yunnan, local monks claim this small hilltop temple in a walled forest reserve is at least 500 years old and perhaps…

  • Nàpà Hǎi

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    Some 7km northwest of Shangri-la you’ll find the seasonal Napa Sea, surrounded by a large grassy meadow that pushes right up to the mountains. Between…

  • Ganden Sumtseling Gompa

    Ganden Sumtseling Gompa

    15.15 MILES

    This 300-year-old Tibetan monastery complex about 4km north of the old town is home to around 600 monks. Extensive rebuilding has robbed the monastery of…

  • Bǎijī Sì

    Bǎijī Sì

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    For the best views over Shangri-la, head to this delightfully named and little-visited temple. The temple has a couple of monks inside and a handful of…

  • Guishan Buddhist Temple

    Guishan Buddhist Temple

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    Atop 'Great Turtle Hill' in the heart of the old town, this modern temple stands on the site of an original 1667 construction consecrated to a replica of…

  • Zhuǎnjīng Tǒng

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View more attractions

Nearby Shangri-la attractions

1. Gyalthang Ringha Monastery

14.39 MILES

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Yunnan, local monks claim this small hilltop temple in a walled forest reserve is at least 500 years old and perhaps…

2. Ganden Sumtseling Gompa

15.15 MILES

This 300-year-old Tibetan monastery complex about 4km north of the old town is home to around 600 monks. Extensive rebuilding has robbed the monastery of…

4. Guishan Buddhist Temple

16.12 MILES

Atop 'Great Turtle Hill' in the heart of the old town, this modern temple stands on the site of an original 1667 construction consecrated to a replica of…

5. Zhuǎnjīng Tǒng

16.12 MILES

This huge prayer wheel just beside Guishan Temple stands at 21m high and contains 100,000 small prayer wheels. At least six people are needed to make it…

6. Shangri-la Thangka Academy

16.21 MILES

Thangka master Lobsang Khudup trains young students in painting and Buddhist philosophy here. Even if you're not in the market to buy, it's worth stopping…

7. Bǎijī Sì

16.61 MILES

For the best views over Shangri-la, head to this delightfully named and little-visited temple. The temple has a couple of monks inside and a handful of…

8. Nàpà Hǎi

18.89 MILES

Some 7km northwest of Shangri-la you’ll find the seasonal Napa Sea, surrounded by a large grassy meadow that pushes right up to the mountains. Between…

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