Potatso National Park

香格里拉普达措国家公园

Yunnan, Diqing★ 4.5·24.8480°N, 102.6358°E

Ticket Price

CNY 60 (peak season), CNY 40 (off-season)

Duration

1-2 hours

Rating

4.5 / 5.0

About Potatso National Park

China's first national park, a highland sanctuary near Shangri-La. Boardwalks and boat rides cross alpine wetlands, meadows, and two pristine lakes—Shudu and Bita—where yaks graze beneath snow mountains and Tibetan villages dot the hills.

Highlights

• First national park in China, with Shudu and Bita lakes. • Pristine alpine wetlands, meadows and pastures. • Tibetan villages and grazing yaks.

Suggested Route

Take the shuttle to Bita Lake, then the boat/viewing area, then the Shudu Lake boardwalk and pasture loop; half-day (4-5 h).

Food & Lodging

Simple Tibetan meals and snacks at the visitor hub. Stay in Shangri-La town.

Facilities

Large parking, mandatory shuttle buses, restrooms, boardwalks, partial wheelchair access and an altitude note.

Travel Tips

1) Down jackets are available for rent at the park entrance. 2) Guides may urge you to buy oxygen canisters, as the park reaches over 4000 m. On-site oxygen costs 68 yuan/bottle; if you have no altitude sickness in Shangri-La town, you can skip it or share one between two. (On a clear summer day, neither may be needed.) 3) Buy oxygen in town beforehand if needed; you can also bring food for a picnic in the park.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: Year-round (best March-May and September-October)

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

⏰Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.