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Pudacuo National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Pudacuo National Park, located in the Shangri-La region of Yunnan Province, was the first national park in China to meet international standards. Covering an area of approximately 1,300 square kilometers, the park sits at an average elevation of over 3,500 meters above sea level. Its primary attractions are Bita Lake and Shudu Lake, which are framed by ancient coniferous forests and expansive alpine meadows. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, providing a sanctuary for rare species such as black-necked cranes, Himalayan bears, and numerous endemic orchids. It preserves a vital part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To protect the fragile high-altitude ecosystem, visitors traverse the park via extensive wooden boardwalks. Pudacuo serves as a model for ecological conservation and eco-tourism development within China's mountainous regions.

Location: China
Top sights: Potatson National Park · Bita Lake
Nearby: Shangri-La (29 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-3	-1	2	6	10	13	13	13	11	7	2	-1
Rain mm	6	11	27	42	58	108	192	162	101	49	9	3

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The park is located near Shangri-La in Yunnan province and can be typically reached by bus or taxi from the city center. Dedicated eco-buses usually operate from the main visitor center to transport guests inside.

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Best season

Spring and autumn are widely considered the best seasons, offering lively flora or colorful fall foliage and clear skies. Winters can be bitterly cold with snow, while summer brings the rainy season with frequent showers.

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Terrain & paths

The area features well-maintained wooden boardwalks that surround the pristine lakes and traverse the marshlands. The overall terrain is mostly flat and accessible, set at a high altitude that requires a slow pace.

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What to bring

Due to the high elevation, warm layered clothing is essential even in summer as temperatures can drop quickly. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalks, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle.

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Parking

Extensive parking facilities are generally provided at the main visitor center before you enter the park itself. It is usually well-organized, accommodating both private vehicles and larger tour buses throughout the year.

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Safety

Altitude sickness is a genuine concern here, so visitors should ascend gradually and consider carrying supplemental oxygen cans. Stay on the designated boardwalks to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and avoid marsh hazards.

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Time needed

A typical visit lasts about four to six hours, encompassing the bus rides and leisurely walks around the main lakes. Those looking to complete all the walking trails without relying heavily on the buses should plan for longer.

Geography

Coordinates

27.83000, 100.00000

Facts

Pudacuo was established in 2007 as China's first national park.
The park is situated at an elevation ranging from 3,500 to 4,159 meters.
It protects nearly 100 endangered species, including the black-necked crane.
The park consists of Bita Lake, Shudu Lake, and Militang Pasture.
Wooden boardwalks extend over 10 kilometers to protect the forest floor.
It is part of the Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tiger Leaping Gorge18 km · NEExplore →

Shangri-La29 km · SExplore →

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain29 km · NEExplore →

Lijiang31 km · NEExplore →

Three Pagodas45 km · NEExplore →

Dali54 km · NEExplore →

Lugu Lake87 km · NExplore →

Loi Pangnao129 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Pudacuo National Park (2)

Potatson National Park📍 landmark

Potatson National Park is located in China's Yunnan province, protecting alpine forests, meadows, and lakes.

Bita Lake📍 landmark

Bita Lake is situated in Potatson National Park in Yunnan, China, a high-altitude lake with clear water.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is this national park located?

It is located near Shangri-La in Yunnan Province.

What are the main lakes in the park?

Shudu Lake and Bita Lake are the most famous bodies of water.

Are there shuttle buses?

Yes, shuttle buses are used to reach the hiking trails.

Is the park ecologically protected?

Yes, it was mainland China's first national park meeting international standards.

What is the altitude of the park?

The park is at an average altitude of over 3,500 meters.

Pudacuo National Park: where is it located?

Pudacuo National Park is located in China.

Pudacuo National Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Potatson National Park, Bita Lake.

Pudacuo National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Pudacuo National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Pudacuo National Park, located in the Shangri-La region of Yunnan Province, was the first national park in China to meet international standards.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →