Why is Yila Prairie So Special?

With a total area of 13 square kilometers, Yila Prairie is the largest and most beautiful grassland in Diqing Shangri-La. It got the name because of the sacred mountain in the north of the prairie. Yila Prairie (yila caoyuan) is the best place to experience the life of Tibetan herdsmen in Yunnan. In summer and autumn, numerous little flowers bloom where while flocks of cattle and sheep graze on the grass.

Where is Yila Prairie – Location

It is 6 kilometers northwest of Shangri-la city, a part of Napahai Lake, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan.

Natural Conditions

Napa Lake is a seasonal lake and Yila prairie is a part of the Napa Lake. A year to the summer, in addition to four hills after the snow melted into the Napa Lake, with Qu River, Naizi River and other rivers also injected more than 10, formed a vast ocean. In the dry season, the lake gradually recedes, Napa Lake became endless green grass up or wetlands, shepherds grazing are the golden season. September each year, a waterfowl Napa Lake world, Bar-headed Goose, duck, black-necked cranes and other rare bird flew here from afar have winter, with a focus on national animal protection one of the black-necked cranes is particularly valuable. It is the world in 12 Cranes a precious, beautiful body grace, and the number of scarce.

How to Get there

You can take a bus from Shangrila directly to Yila Prairie. The drive takes about half an hour. A bus is available every one hour.

Travel Tips

► There are horses available for rental which will take you around with different prices for various routes.

► Tourists can take some photos in Tibetan clothes at a local Tibetan house.

►If you just want to see the grassland scenery, you can see the whole scenery of Yila grassland at the top of the roadside of national highway 214.

Huadianba Meadow of Cangshan Mountain

Huadianba Meadow(苍山花甸坝) is a beautiful basin on the top of Cangshan Mountain, enjoying the rich natural resources and charming landscape.It consists of big and small Huadianba Meadow. Located among the Yunnong and Canglang peaks. The peak of the west is snowy all the year. 40 creeks collect into Wanhua River, as the main water resource of the basin. The entire Huadianba is flat and fertile. The exotic flowers and grasses compete for beauty. Every spring and summer, there are horses and cherry blossoms in the mountains and plains.It becomes the world of flowers.

Where is Hudianba Meadow?

Huadianba Meadow is located among the Yunnong and Canglang peaks of Cangshan Mountain, Dali City. Huadianba is an alpine basin, 2,900-3,200 meters high above the sea level, with the Dahuadian stretching 10 km from south to north, and 2 km from east to west. It’s inlaid between Yunnong and Cangshan Peaks, which are the northernmost part of the Cangshan Mt’s 19 peaks.

Distance from main attractions

24 km from the Cangshan Mountain
9 km from the Butterfly Spring
21 km from the Three Pagodas
7.3 km from the Gufo Cave

How to get to Huadianba Meadow?

Huadianba Basin is composed of two parts, Dahuadian and Xiaohuadian. Two routes to get there:
(1)-Starting from Zhoucheng Village, you can head westward to the foot of Canglang Peak, and then trek along the rugged footpath on Qigushan Mt to Xiaohuadian;
(2)-Heading westward from Xizhou Town, you need to ascend to Hongkui Mt of Wutaifeng Peak, and then trek northward to the centre of Huadianba.
Both routes will take approximately 6-7 hours. And for the sake of safety, we suggest trekkers resort to professional well-informed travel services and guides.

What to See

Escape from the crowd in the ancient city of Dali, indulge yourself in the world of expansive alpine meadows, a sea of rhododendrons and wild flowers in Huadianba Basin on the Cangshan Mt. Walking on the rustic footpaths is the biggest treat the nature gives, and the bumpy road offers a wild experience.

The underpopulated northwestern part of Yunnan is longed for by lots of hikers and trekkers each summer. There are a wide range of trekking routes in the prefectures of Dali, Lijiang, Diqing (Shangri-La) and Nujiang, from the world’s deepest gorge-the Tiger Leaping Gorge, to the Haba Snow Mt, to the hidden Tibetan village of Yubeng, and to the Nujiang Great Canyon.

The four-day trekking to Huandianba, on the Cangshan Mt of Dali, is an authentic eco tour and your access to the nature in summertime. Challenging alike, Huadianba is seemingly not so risky as the Tiger Leaping Gorge on the Yangtze River and Yubeng Tibetan Village at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain between Yunnan province and Tibet.

To the west of Huadianba are lofty snow-capped mountains, whose thawed water flows into around 40 streamlets to Huadianba’s main water source, the Wanhuaxi rivulet.

Far from the concrete world, Huadianba is a fertile land and home to a big variety of wild flowers, among which varied rhododendrons are the best flora views you take in in summertime. Most of mountains of Yunnan are home to different azaleas and other kinds of flowers. Among the Yunnan’s eight reputed flowers, which are azalea, gentian, lily, magnolia, meconopsis, orchid, camellia, and primrose, you can find azaleas and gentians are widely growing in the wild, such as the Mt Cangshan of Dali. A such wild tour features much more natural, though you can spend a full day wandering around flower markets in Kunming, like the Dounan Flower Market which starts early in the morning for florists.

Way of Visiting

To fulfill the outdoor programme, you can either rent a horse from locals, or trek all the way six or seven hours a day.

Trekking along the small basin, you can drop by villages here such as the Huangxiongwo, Langxiang, Shanshu, and Runiudun. Semantically, names of these four villages are related to animals and plants, e.g. Huangxiong-Yellow Bear, Lang-Wolf, Shan-Fir, and Runiu-Cow. At the highest point of Huadianba, you also can birds-eye view the Er’hai Lake and admire the fog-encircled Luopingshan Mt.

Camping and picnicking are two things you may find interesting to do, but you have to be well-quipped with waterproof outdoor travel kit such as tents and sleeping bags. But what we recommend is to lodge in locals-run inns and guesthouses where you may happily “squeeze” in a room with your partners.

Resources

In 1958, a state-owned farm was initiated here for locals to grow medicinal herbals, and develop animal husbandry. Elecampane, radix codonopsitis, Angelica sinensis, aconite, red deer, and yaks are what they grow and raise.

It’s a pastoral scene in Huadianba that herds graze at wild grasslands. Goats and cattle (mainly cows and yaks) are the main livestock peasants keep in northwestern Yunnan, and cheese seems too alien to most parts of China, but in this remote southwestern frontier, it is at times prepared to treat guests. Those livestock let you think of the “milk fan”, which is locally called “Ru Shan” in Chinese, and is a Bai ethnic snack Dali prides in. People in Dali make use of every inch of steppes, even in mountainous areas, to raise goats and cows for producing milk which is traditionally made into “milk fan” or cheese.

The poorly paved roads, not asphalted and overgrown with green weeds, are seldom frequented by normal tourists partly because Huadianba is too secluded from the outside world; but for hikers, there is more nature feel to retrieve and enjoy, as they can’t do so in big cities. On the way, you can find endless fun by observing every wild flower you encounter, every raspberry that makes your mouth watery, and livestock feeding on wild grasses.

Walking on the rustic footpaths is the biggest treat the nature gives, and the bumpy road offers a wild experience-if you rent a local horse. Like the Lashi Lake of Lijiang, Yila Grassland of Napa Lake, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge of Shangri-La, local farmers here have earned income by joining in the tourism industry. Anyway, horse riding sounds much more environmentally friendly than riding on a pollution-creating device in big cities.

Useful Travel tips

Best Time to Visit: The most beautiful seasons of Huadianba Meadow are months of May to June. Travelers can enjoy the booming flowers on this meadow.

After visiting the Ten-thousand-flower Camellia in Yufeng Temple, you go all the way east and get to the road to the snow mountain, then drive along the road northward. The road is changing with the rising of altitude. Obviously you are climbing. After getting over a hill, you arrive at an open meadow. This is the  Dry Sea Meadow, 25 kilometers away from the city town of Lijiang. 

Introduction of Ganhaizi Meadow

The Dry Sea Meadow or Ganhaizi Meadow is the first meadow you visit. It is at an altitude of above 3,000 meters. The sceneries here are:

The Dry Sea Meadow is located at the east side of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s the closest and best place to get a full view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at such a high altitude. The 13 peaks of the Snow Mountain line one after another from the north to the south, glittering under the sunshine. It is really lofty and magnificent. Shanzidou, the main peak, towers into the sky, just like a fan. It’s a majestic view. You can also watch the winding green glacier, situated above the snow line. You can clearly see and appreciate this “Green Miracle” of the modern glacier with telescopes.

The  Dry Sea Meadow is a natural pastureland. The land formation has not many risings and fallings. There are short pine trees here and there. Grasses and trees set off with each other. Occasionally herds of yaks are seen walking across the open meadow. It’s an authentic scenery of high mountain grazing-land. Setting off by the scene of the far away snow mountain, this is an ideal place for you to take pictures and view the beautiful sceneries.

Activities you can choose in Ganhaizi Meadow

There are many tour facilities, spreading all over the  Dry Sea Meadow like stars in the sky. It’s a great convenience for the tourists, who can do skiing, sliding on the sand or on the grass, gliding, car racing, horse racing, and towed gliding.

Why is Militang Alpine Pasture So Special?

“Miritang,” meaning “Buddha’s eye – shaped meadow,” is so named because it looks like a slender Buddha’s eye. It is the largest pasture in Potatso National Park, about 3.7 miles and 10 minutes’ drive from Shudu Lake. Under the azure sky dotted with clouds, the grassland is like a giant green carpet paved on the ground, with yaks and sheep scattered around and smoke from herdsmen’s chimneys drifting in the breeze. 

Where is Militang Alpine Pasture – Location

Militang Alpine Pasture is about 10 minutes away for Shudu lake by driving. Situated in the east of Shangri-La, Pudacuo National Park is about 22 kilometers and 40 minutes’ drive from Shangri-La downtown area. It is about 26.2 km from Songzanlin Monastery and 25.1 km from Dukezong Old Town and Guishan Hill.

Function of Militang Alpine Pasture

It is said that the plants grown in the pasture are rich in protein and fat, which the cattle and sheep have eaten will make them produce massive milk and high-proportion of butter and cheese, so the Miritang pasture has been an important pasture in Shangri-la.

How to Get There

By Bus: At Shangri-La Bus Station, there are buses running to Pudacuo National Park at 08:00, 08:30, 09:30 and 10:00. And the return  time is 14:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 16:30.

By Minivan Rental: Tourists can hire minivan to Pudacuo National Park at the square in Dukezong Old Town. 

By Taxi: It takes 40 minutes from Shangri-la County; a single trip costs CNY 80 and a round-trip costs CNY 150.

Recommended Visiting Route

Militang is the Second Stop of Pudacuo National Park tour. Travelers cannot get down to the pasture and have close contact with the cattle, horse, sheep yet, but there is a grand sightseeing platform for travelers to shoot amazing photos and enjoy the gorgeous meadow scenery. It is recommended to stay for 10-15 minutes.

Best Time to Go

In spring and summer, a number of flowers are blossoming, which decorates the grassland into a colorful picture. In autumn, the land will be carpeted by spruce, azalea bosk, quercus, aquifolioides and redwoods. Wild mushrooms can be seen everywhere. It looks golden on the whole, tranquil and elegant. In winter, the land will turns into a tranquil white paradise. 

Chinese name:云杉坪索道

Location: the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Overview of Spruce Meadow Cable way

Walking through the Spruce Plank Roadway, a beautiful and large pastureland came into your eyes at the end of the primitive forests, and you are suddenly enlightened. This is the Spruce Meadow with an area of 1000 square meters.  It’s a natural grazing land in high mountains, and the second snow mountain meadow you come across.Green is everywhere, spreading its way till to the edge of the forests. Spruce forests are densely around the four sides of the meadow, looking like a skirt edged with green.

About Yak Meadow 

Yak Meadow, an important component of Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area, lies at the northern tip of Yulong Snow Mountain. It begins from Liming Road in the east, and ends at the Black Water River in the south. Its west is the east side of Yulong Snow Mountain and its north is the upper part of Xuehua Village. It covers an area of 16.6 square kilometers. Main residents in this scenic area are the Yi minority nationality and Tibetans. 

The main sight of the Yak Meadow is a representative pastureland. The scenery of snowfield in the high mountain accompanies the brook of the Black Water River. Taking the natural and quiet primitive forests as the center, scenic spots in Yak Meadow are colorful and manifold.

On the Yak Meadow, full bloom flowers are as brilliant as brocade in spring. In summer, the grass is turning into a green carpet. In autumn, all plants are growing luxuriantly. In winter, the meadow is dressed in white snow. The picturesque Yak Meadow is an incomparable holy place for sightseeing and vacationing.

What to see in Yak Meadow

Major scenic spots in the Yak Meadow are as follows: the Yak Snowfields, the Yak Snow Valley, the Black-river Secluded Valley, the Ice Bridge of Black-river Waterfalls, the Lake of Snow-flakes, the Jasper Lake, the Yak Brook, the beautiful grassland, the romantic mountain flowers, Lijiang hemlock firs , Chinese larches, the yellow oaks, spotted ethnic villages and Tibetan folk customs.

The Xundian Beidaying Grassland (寻甸北大营草原) is located northeast of Xundian County (寻甸县), approximately 23 kilometers from the county center. This ecological grassland spans 18,000 acres and features a scenic tourism area of 36 square kilometers. Each summer, the expansive grassland blooms with lush greenery, where cattle and sheep roam freely.

Overview of the Grassland

The tourism development of Beidaying Grassland focuses on meticulous planning and attracting foreign investment. The Yunnan Tianshi Real Estate Company (云南天实房地产公司) has invested 550 million yuan in the development of Beidaying Grassland, and initial results are already evident.

The development strategy primarily utilizes the grassland, hot springs, hills, solitary mountains, waterfalls, mountain springs, river valleys, complex terrain, and natural landscapes. Key tourism projects include:

• Grassland film and television base
• Western town
• Horse racing
• Grass skiing
• Off-road jeeping
• Hot air ballooning

These projects highlight the distinct advantages of the region. The total planned area of Xundian Beidaying Grassland covers 36 square kilometers, encompassing 18,000 acres.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the Scenic Area
2. Scenic Area Map

Introduction to the Scenic Area

Xundian Beidaying Grassland is an ecological treasure trove located 23 kilometers northeast of Xundian County. With its vast expanse of 18,000 acres of lush grassland and a scenic tourism zone spanning 36 square kilometers, the region transforms into a vibrant paradise each summer. The blooming flora and grazing livestock create a picturesque scene that enchants visitors.

The strategic tourism development plan aims to enhance the region’s natural beauty while promoting economic growth. With substantial investment from the Yunnan Tianshi Real Estate Company, the grassland is on its way to becoming a premier tourist destination.

Attractions and Features

Key features and attractions of Xundian Beidaying Grassland include:

• Ecological Grassland: 18,000 acres of verdant grassland
• Scenic Tourism Area: 36 square kilometers for exploration and enjoyment
• Natural Attractions: Hot springs, hills, waterfalls, and unique topography
• Tourism Projects:
  • Grassland film and television base
  • Western town experience
  • Horse racing events
  • Grass skiing activities
  • Off-road jeep adventures
  • Hot air balloon rides

The Xundian Beidaying Grassland is poised to become a hub for eco-tourism, combining natural beauty with diverse recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking adventure and tranquility in nature.

Overview

Xingfu Grassland (幸福大草原, Xìngfú Dàcǎoyuán) in Kaiyuan City (开远市, Kāiyuǎn Shì) was established in 2009 and is located between Dongxin Road (东新路, Dōngxīn Lù) and Jianshe East Road (建设东路, Jiànshè Dōnglù). It is adjacent to the administrative center of Kaiyuan City and a newly developed residential area. Initially covering an area of approximately 47,000 square meters, the grassland has expanded to 168,000 square meters over five years of development. The grass used here includes walkable East African foxtail grass and a mixed blend of other grasses.

The grassland is equipped with solar-powered and wind-powered lighting, a large-screen television, and facilities for direct drinking water and a musical fountain.

Activities and Atmosphere

As the weather in Kaiyuan becomes increasingly warm, many citizens flock to the grassland after dinner. Families often bring mats or blankets, with adults and children alike enjoying various activities. Some choose a good spot to watch television and chat, while others fly kites, play frisbee, or take leisurely walks. Some even set up tents to camp on the grassland. Visitors from outside Kaiyuan also come to experience the joy of the grassland. The atmosphere is one of happiness and contentment, leading to its name “Xingfu Grassland.” Statistics show that nearly ten thousand people visit Xingfu Grassland each night. Given its spaciousness and excellent facilities, the Kaiyuan City government has designated it as a disaster prevention and risk refuge site.

Xingfu Grassland is a treasure trove that offers a refreshing escape, just waiting for you to explore!

Visitor Information

• Name: Xingfu Grassland (幸福大草原, Xìngfú Dàcǎoyuán)
• Location: 150 meters west of the intersection of Xingyuan North Road (兴远北路, Xīngyuán Běilù) and Qiangsheng Road (强盛路, Qiángshèng Lù), Kaiyuan City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng)
• Opening Hours: Open all day, welcoming visitors at any time.

How to Get There

By Public Transport:

You can take Kaiyuan Bus Route 19 and get off at the Kai 11 Middle School (开11中) stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the grassland.

By Car:

The roads are in good condition, making for a smooth journey. Fuel stations are conveniently located along the way, enhancing your driving experience.

Travel Tips

1. Admission: Entry to all attractions in the grassland is free, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery without any cost.
2. Self-Driving: The route is straightforward and well-maintained, making your self-driving trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

At Xingfu Grassland, you can run freely, let your spirit soar, and experience the vastness and freedom of the grassland. Come and embark on your journey to the grassland!

Honghe Xingfu Grassland in Kaiyuan City, travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Xingfu Grassland in Honghe (开远幸福大草原).

Overview

Wanmu Caoshan Grassland (万亩草山) is located in Maming Town (马鸣乡), Malong County (马龙区), Qujing (曲靖), Yunnan Province (云南省). This artificial grassland covers over 12,000 acres and is just 1 kilometer from the town government, 36 kilometers from Malong County seat, and 16 kilometers from the old county interchange on the Kunming-Qujing Expressway. With its picturesque European pastoral scenery and the grandeur of the northern grasslands, it offers a refreshing experience typical of Mongolian grasslands.

Geographic Location

Wanmu Caoshan Grassland lies in the central part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (云贵高原), spanning from 102°42′ to 104°50′ East Longitude and 24°19′ to 27°03′ North Latitude. It borders Guizhou (贵州) and Guangxi (广西) to the east, Kunming (昆明) to the west, Wenshan (文山) and Honghe (红河) to the south, and Zhaotong (昭通) and Bijie (毕节) to the north. This area is an important land route connecting Yunnan to the inland regions, often referred to as the “key to Yunnan” (云南咽喉). Qujing is Yunnan’s second-largest city, after Kunming, and an important industrial hub.

Natural Attractions

Located in a region with rich natural beauty, Wanmu Caoshan Grassland features unique landscapes, vibrant ethnic culture, and a pleasant climate. The area is characterized by karst topography (喀斯特地貌), surrounded by lush mountains and vast grasslands, embodying the essence of rural serenity. It is well-known for its picturesque views, where one can see livestock grazing gently in the breeze. The local Yi culture (彝族) adds to the charm, offering traditional drinks such as the famed Yi-style wine (泡缸酒), cherished for its clear color and sweet flavor.

Tourism Development

In recent years, Malong County has seized the opportunity to develop a leisure and entertainment hub between Kunming and Qujing. The local government aims to enhance the area’s tourism infrastructure while preserving its natural resources. The focus is on balancing development with environmental protection, ensuring that the unique natural and cultural advantages of Wanmu Caoshan are maintained.

Travel Consumption

• Parking Fee: Parking around the scenic area is not convenient.
• Guide Fee: No guide is necessary for this area.
• Car Rental Fee: Car type: Great Wall Haval (长城哈弗); Price: 550 CNY per day.
• Local Products: Wild delicacies such as chicken fungus (鸡枞), bamboo fungus (竹荪), and wood ear mushrooms (木耳) are available, along with local handicrafts like Miezha crafts (蔑扎工艺品), embroidery (刺绣), batik (蜡染), and specialty products like Du Zhong tea (杜仲茶) and Yunjing wine (云精酒).

How to Get There

To reach Wanmu Caoshan Grassland, you can drive or take a bus to Malong County. From there, follow the signs for Maming Town, which is about a 20-minute drive. If you prefer public transportation, buses are available from Qujing to Malong.

Travel Tips

1. Transportation: If you’re traveling by car, the route is straightforward with road signs. Public buses are also an option from Qujing.
2. Shopping: Look for local delicacies and handicrafts as souvenirs.
3. Accommodation: There are various local guesthouses and hotels in Malong County for a comfortable stay.
4. Best Time to Visit: The scenic grasslands are particularly beautiful in summer when the flora is lush.
5. Festivals: Enjoy local cultural events and festivals that showcase Yi traditions and local products during the peak tourist season.

Location:

Overview

Dajimu Grassland (吉达姆草原) is located in the heart of Shangri-La (香格里拉), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), at the confluence of the Jinsha River (金沙江), Lancang River (澜沧江), and Nu River (怒江). Renowned as one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in Southwest China, Dajimu Grassland is a defining feature of the Shangri-La landscape.

Scenic Features

Dajimu Grassland offers a quintessential highland meadow experience, characterized by distant snow-capped mountains, lush alpine pastures, and herds of cattle and sheep. The iconic stone piles and fluttering prayer flags found throughout the grassland are known as mani piles (玛尼堆), also referred to by Tibetans as “Manza” or “Stone Offerings.” These structures symbolize blessings and are places for pilgrims to circumambulate in devotion. Both young and elderly Tibetans, upon encountering a mani pile, will respectfully walk around it several times. More affluent devotees may also attach a prayer flag to the pile.

Cultural Significance

The area also features the first Tibetan village encountered when entering from northwestern Yunnan, named Jisha (吉沙). In the Naxi language, “Ji” means water, and “Sha” means blood, together signifying “blood water.” This unique cultural aspect adds to the rich tapestry of the region.

Admission Information

• Ticket Price: Free to visit.
• Opening Hours: Open year-round.

Location

• Address: Dajimu Grassland, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.

Scenic Attractions

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of surrounding peaks, including Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山), Thousand Lakes Mountain (千湖山), Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山), and the sacred mountains of Gongga (贡嘎) and Yading (林亚丁). The landscape during summer is especially stunning, with vibrant blue skies and green grass.

Travel Duration

• Recommended Time: 3 hours or more for a comprehensive visit.

Transportation

• By Car: From the center of Shangri-La, drive approximately 30 kilometers along the G214 National Highway to reach Dajimu Grassland. A day trip can easily be made to and from the site.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Summer offers the most beautiful scenery, with clear skies and lush greenery.
• What to Bring: Ensure to pack sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the meadow fully.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of cultural practices, especially around mani piles and local villages.

Overview

Yana Qingbo (亚那青波) is one of the best pastoral areas in the Jiantong (建瑭) region of Shangri-La (香格里拉), situated on the slopes of Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山). Travelers heading to Shika Snow Mountain must pass through Yana Qingbo Pasture.

Natural Beauty

Yana Qingbo Pasture is at an elevation of 3,746 meters. The pasture is surrounded by dense alpine willow shrubbery, mixed forests dominated by mountain oaks, and rhododendron bushes. The western hillside is home to a lush, primeval forest of long-cone firs. From the summit of Shika Snow Mountain, the entire pasture resembles a green gem embedded in the forest. In July and August, the meadows are covered with leaves resembling banana leaves, known locally as “guyuhua” (酥油花), which perfectly complement the elegant, umbrella-shaped willow trees, adding an endless poetic charm to Yana Qingbo Pasture. This pasture is famous for its high-quality grass, resulting in premium butter and cheese from the local yaks (耗牛).

Transportation

Yana Qingbo Pasture is located on the slopes of Shika Snow Mountain, and visitors must take a cable car to reach the summit. It is one of the better pastures in the area, known for its high-quality grass and robust yaks. Unfortunately, I don’t enjoy autumn, but I plan to return in the summer when I have the time.

Despite winter having arrived and the grass turning yellow, many yaks are still seen grazing. This area has been inhabited by Tibetan people (藏民) for centuries, with small wooden cabins scattered throughout.

Local Delicacies

In the small wooden cabins, we tasted homemade yak milk (牦牛奶) and roasted yak meat (烤牦牛肉). The milk was rich and creamy, while the meat was delicious. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate it, but later I found myself longing to try it again. I wonder if the elderly owners will still be around years later, and whether the taste will remain as pure.

Seasonal Insights

We visited in April, when the snow on the mountaintop had not yet completely melted, and the pasture grass was not in full bloom. The guesthouse owner mentioned that it becomes especially beautiful when the entire area is covered in flowers around May and June. We booked our tickets through the guesthouse for 180 yuan per person, which included entrance fees, a round-trip cable car ride, and transportation from the hotel to the scenic area.

The cable car service is divided into two segments: the first segment goes from the base of the mountain to the mid-level pasture, while the second segment takes you from the mid-level pasture to the summit. Yana Qingbo Pasture sits at an elevation of about 3,800 meters, and it’s advisable to rest here for a while to acclimate before ascending to the summit, which is over 4,000 meters high to avoid altitude sickness (高反). Our visit was not at the ideal time, as the pasture grass was sparse and not much was blooming, but we did spot many unique local black pigs (小黑猪). For the best experience at the big pasture, it’s recommended to visit after May, although the mountaintop will be snow-free then.

How to Get There

• By Car:
  • Route: Xiangbala Avenue (香巴拉大道) → Dawa Road (达娃路) → Lakeside Highway (环湖公路) → Destination.

Opening Hours

• Time: 09:00 – 21:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)

Location

• Address: Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山), Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省迪庆藏族自治州香格里拉县石卡雪山的山腰).

Travel Tips

1. Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually acclimatize to the high altitude, as sudden elevation changes can lead to altitude sickness.
2. Seasonal Timing: Plan your visit during late spring or summer to enjoy the blooming meadows and lush greenery.
3. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to taste local yak milk and meat when visiting the area.
4. Transportation Booking: It is advisable to book transportation and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

This stunning location offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Happy travels! ???

Overview of Xiadiaoge Pasture

Nestled in the hidden realms of Shangri-La (香格里拉, Xiānggélǐlā), Niru (尼汝, Nírǔ) is known as the “Secret Within a Secret.” This Tibetan village, located deep within pristine forests, remains untouched by commercial influences, preserving its pure natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

At an altitude of 3,200 meters, the pasture is abundant with cattle and sheep. While wildflowers may not be abundant in certain seasons, the stunning blue skies and white clouds create breathtaking vistas. The area is free to visit, making it a perfect spot for photography. Enjoy the scenic drive with the windows down while listening to music; it’s an ideal choice for independent travelers!

Xiadiaoge Pasture (下掉阁牧场, Xià diào gé mùchǎng) is situated in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán shěng), on the route from Niru Village to the Rainbow Waterfall (七彩瀑布, Qīcǎi pùbù). Surrounded by trees and dotted with wildflowers, this expansive grassland offers a beautiful landscape with diverse flora and herbs.

Key Features

• Altitude: 3,200 meters, providing a unique highland ecosystem.
• Natural Beauty: Lush pastures surrounded by trees, with a rich variety of wildflowers and herbs.
• Accessibility: Ideal for a short visit, with options for photography and leisurely exploration.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Lijiang (丽江, Lìjiāng) → Shangri-La (香格里拉, Xiānggélǐlā) → Luoji Township (洛吉乡, Luòjī xiāng) → Niru Village (尼汝村, Nírǔ cūn)

Day 2: Niru Village → Xirenlong Pasture (习仁龙牧场, Xírénlóng mùchǎng) → Selie Lake (色列湖, Sèliè hú) → Nanbao Pasture (南宝牧场, Nánbǎo mùchǎng)

Day 3: Nanbao Pasture → Shuo’e Pasture (硕俄牧场, Shuò’é mùchǎng) → Dinglang Lake (丁浪湖, Dīnglàng hú) → Niru Village

Day 4: Niru Village → Rainbow Waterfall → Dijitang Pasture (迪吉塘牧场, Dìjítáng mùchǎng)

Day 5: Dijitang Pasture → Conggu Pasture (葱古牧场, Cōnggǔ mùchǎng) → Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园, Pǔdácuò guójiā gōngyuán) → Shudu Lake (属都湖, Shǔdū hú) → Lijiang

How to Get There

To reach Xiadiaoge Pasture, drive along the East Ring Road (东环线, Dōng huánxiàn) to County Road R-4 (R-4县道, R-4 xiàndào) and follow the Niru Road (尼汝公路, Nírǔ gōnglù) to your destination.

Travel Tips

• Time Required: Plan for 1-3 hours to fully enjoy the scenery.
• Admission: For ticket details, please consult the local tourist information.
• Opening Hours: Open daily from 08:00 to 12:00 (January 1 – December 31).
• Altitude Precautions: Due to high altitude, be prepared for altitude sickness; stay hydrated and acclimatize gradually.
• Environmental Respect: Follow local guidelines, avoid littering, and respect the natural surroundings.

Experience the untouched beauty of Xiadiaoge Pasture and immerse yourself in the tranquil essence of nature!

Yunnan Travel Guide

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