Niru Village in Shangrila, Diqing

Why is Niru Village So Special？

Niru is a beautiful land that boasts a wide variety of different ecosystems, including meadows, forests and lakes. Niru Village, a tranquil Tibetan village, is where you can find traditional Tibetan houses scattered in the valley on both sides of Niru River like pearls. Both the natural and cultural environment in Niru are well preserved, earning the title “The World’s First Village”. It is a paradise for tourism, adventure and hiking.

Where is Niru Village - Location

Niru village is located in the northeast of Shangri-la in Yunnan Province. Covering a total area of 446 square kilometers, it is adjacent with Yanluo Village of Luoji Township in the south, Jiantang Town in the west, Yading Township of Daocheng County(Sichuan) and Gezan Township of Shangrila in the north, and facing Dongni Township of Daocheng County(Sichuan) and Exi Township of Muli County(Sichuan) across the river.

History and Culture

Niru village is one of the sites nominated for the natural wonders of the world's natural heritage - Three Parallel Rivers (Nu River, Lancang River, Jinsha River). There are 4 natural villages under the jurisdiction of Niru Village, including Niyong(尼拥), Wuyong(吾拥), Tanggu(塘古), Pula(普拉), with 108 households and 650 people in the whole village.

Niru village maintains a primitive folk customs, including "Demba Festival" in July and "Mountain Worshipping and Horse Running Festival" in October, including horse racing, bullfighting, singing and dancing, and worship activities.

Natural Resources

As the lower elevation (about 2705 meters above the sea level) has provided an excellent growth environment for vegetation, forest on the land is large and thickly overgrown with various kind of trees, including white birch, spruce and fir. In addition to rich water resources, Niru river is also abundant in fish stocks, among which the most famous one is Schizothorax. Such kind of fish is one of the national key protected fishes. The pristine enviroment with rare musk deer, bear and lynx etc makes the place a big attraction for those who are fond of adventure travel and hiking.

How to Get to Niru Village?

From Shangrila, tourists can rent a car to Niru Village which will take about 5 hours for the bad road condition. Yunnan Exploration can provide car-rental service, please contact us. Email: [email protected] Tel: +86-18064845137.

Main Attractions

Niru Village

Niru village is one of the well-known pastures in Shangri-La, with vast grasslands and lush water plants. The place has been neglected by people for a long time because there is no road connecting the outside world. Tibetans here live a simple but happy life all year around. Hence, Niru is regarded as the last fairyland in Shangri-La.

Qicai Waterfall

Qicai waterfall, with a height of 30 meters and a length of 330 meters, blossoms out in the sun. The sceneries here are no less beautiful than that of Jiuzhaigou Valley scenic spot in Sichuan Province. It is also viewed as a holy waterfall by local Tibetan.

Nanbao Pasture

With an elevation of about 4000 meters, Nanbao is the largest pasture in Shangri-La. It is a good place for hiking. Generally, it will cost one about two days to hike there. Forests, glaciers, alpine lakes along the way are all believed to be highlights on your trip.

Recommended Visiting Route

Day 1: Niru Village - Qicai Waterfall - Niru Village

Day 2: Niru Village - Nanbao Pasture - Niru Village

Best Time to Go

Niru village has the annual average temperature of 20 ℃ and the rainfall of 5800 mm, with rainy season between June and October. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Every march when the peach blossoms open, you can see the Schizothorax jumping up and down in the river, forming the famous scenery of "March Peach Blossom Fish".

For those who want to see the beautiful scenery of Nanbao ranch, try to come between June to October. Among them, from June to August, there are flowers and grass.

Accommodate at Niru Village

There are only a few inns in Niru Village, such as Yizhu Foreigner Inn, Sumba's House. They can only provides beds for tourists, but also meals.

Nearby Attractions

Pudacuo National Park

Being one of the most bio-diverse regions in China’s Yunnan Province, Pudacuo National Park is the first national park in Chinese mainland which was announced on June 25, 2007. With its crystal-clear lakes, undulating mountains and gurgling streams, Pudacuo National Park is definitely a wonderful natural wonderland. Among China’s 2,500 nature reserves, Pudacuo is the only one meets the standards for national parks established by The World Conservation Union. In addition to its rare vegetation and mammal species, the stunning natural beauty of landscape is unmissable for visitors as well.

Useful Travel Tips

► One need to rent a car to get there. As dirt roads connecting Niru are more dangerous than others, you'd better to find a local driver who is familiar with roads. The charge of a car is about 500 to 600 yuan during holiday such as the May Day. It takes one about 5 to 6 hours.

►After arriving at Niru village, you can find guides and horses in the village, and buy potatoes, rice, vegetables, bacon and other food.

►The terrain of the mountain is complex and it is best not to leave the guide alone.

► Suggestions for hiking:

If you choose to hike to some remote sites, you should bring a sleeping bag, or ride a horse.

Shoes, water-proof clothes, or raincoat are necessary.

Foods such as chocolate, bread and chewing gum need to be prepared before starting trip.

It is impossible for one to have bath during trip.

Tourists who want to hike must have related experiences. Those who has medical history are not allowed to participate in.

Tours including Niru Village

3 Days Shangri-La Niru Village Hiking Tour

4 Days Shangri-La Alpine Pasture and Niru Village Hiking Tour

10 Days Shangri-La Hiking Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge and Niru Alpine Pasture