Overview of Diji Pasture

Niru (尼汝, Nírù) is like a forgotten corner of time, quietly nestled in Luoji Township (洛吉乡, Luòjī xiāng), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市, Xiānggélǐlā shì), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州, Dìqìng zàngzú zìzhìzhōu) in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán shěng). This place seems to be the favored child of nature, boasting stunning landscapes that will take your breath away.

Diji Pasture (地吉牧场, Dìjí mùchǎng) is backed by green mountains and faces clear waters, featuring expansive grasslands and picturesque views. The pasture is rich in pastoral charm, offering visitors the chance to interact closely with lovely cattle and sheep, allowing them to experience the harmony and beauty of nature.

Best Seasons to Visit

• May to June: The best time to enjoy the blooming rhododendrons, which create a breathtaking spectacle.
• September to November: Autumn paints Niru in vibrant colors, making it perfect for hiking and photography.

Travel Tips

Transportation

• Driving: From Shangri-La City, drive approximately 75 kilometers along the Duzang Highway (滇藏公路, Diānzàng gōnglù) to reach Niru Village (尼汝村, Nírù cūn). Alternatively, consider hiring a car or driving yourself.

Accommodation

Niru Village offers various guesthouses and homestays for visitors. Camping is also an option for those wishing to immerse themselves in nature.

Dining

Local specialties include yak meat (牦牛肉, Máoniúròu), butter tea (酥油茶, Sūyóu chá), and barley cakes (青稞饼, Qīngkē bǐng), allowing you to savor authentic Tibetan flavors.

Important Considerations

• Altitude: Niru is at a high altitude, so it is advisable to take precautions against altitude sickness in advance.
• Safety: When hiking, ensure safety and comply with park regulations.
• Environmental Protection: Respect the environment by not littering.

Getting There

To drive to Niru, take the East Ring Road (东环线, Dōng huánxiàn) and then the R-3 County Road (R-3县道, R-3 xiàn dào) to Niru Road (尼汝公路, Nírù gōnglù), which will lead you to your destination.

Opening Hours

• 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)

Location

Diji Pasture is located in Niru Village, Luoji Township, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

Come to Niru and embark on an unforgettable journey through this enchanting paradise!

Chinese Name: 南宝牧场
English Name:  Nanbao Pasture in Niru Village, Shangrila

Geographical Location: Northern highland area of Niwu Village, Luoji Township, Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Area: Approximately 500 hectares
Famous Attractions: Nanbao Yellow Lake and Nanbao Black Lake

Nanbao Pasture is located in the northern highland area of Niwu Village, Luoji Township, Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province. With an elevation of over 4,000 meters and an area of approximately 500 hectares, it is one of the finest pastures in Shangri-La County. Nearby, there are seven glacial lakes of various sizes, among which the two largest are Nanbao Yellow Lake and Nanbao Black Lake.

Pasture Overview

Nanbao Pasture belongs to the Hongshan area of the Three Parallel Rivers region and has been rated by the World Heritage Committee as an “original landscape resource research and display area with extremely high conservation value and development potential.”

Travel Tips

Spring and summer are the most beautiful seasons at Nanbao Pasture, with various wildflowers blooming. The vast grasslands are covered in lush grass, and the area is dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. If you want to see the stunning scenery of Nanbao Pasture, try to visit between June and October. During June to August, you will find flowers and grass; September to October, especially in October, features autumn scenery with vibrant reds and yellows.

The only access from Niwu Village to Nanbao Pasture is via a rugged mountain path, either on foot or on horseback. There are two routes: one passes through Selie Lake, and the other through Dingru Lake. The route via Dingru Lake is longer, taking about eight to nine hours; the route via Selie Lake is shorter, about six hours.

Nearby Attractions

• Nanbao Yellow Lake: In Tibetan, it is called “Nabosuo Xue,” meaning “Yellow Lake at the Edge of the Sky.” It is very close to Nanbao Black Lake. The contrast between the yellow and black lakes is enchanting and captivating.
• Nanbao Black Lake: In Tibetan, it is called “Nabosuo Na,” meaning “Black Lake at the Edge of the Sky.” The lake is at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. Due to the rich growth of peat moss, algae, and lichen at the lake bottom, the lake appears black. The local people refer to it as “Cuona.”

Hiking Guide

Hiking to Nanbao Pasture usually starts from Niwu, known as the world’s first ecological village. The route follows the Niwu River, crossing a pass at 4,100 meters, and passes through Selie Lake and Nanbao Lake before reaching Nanbao Pasture for camping and returning the same way. For our trip, we started from the Pulang Copper Mine.

The hike begins through forests and rhododendron fields with gentle slopes. The mountains are covered in dense rhododendron shrubs and various tree species with lichen-covered branches. Some trees are gnarled and twisted, while others are tall and straight. Fallen branches and rotting wood are naturally returning to the earth. Sunlight filters through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and the sounds of cowbells and birdcalls enhance the peaceful atmosphere.

After about two hours, we reached a small lake, one of the seven glacial lakes around Nanbao Pasture. The park’s sign is prominently displayed, and a small wooden hut serves as a supply station. In July, the plateau’s light moonlight comes as expected, and the summer rains are a constant companion. The misty rain makes the lakes look even more mysterious and enchanting. The misty clouds and blooming rhododendrons create a picturesque scene, each moment resembling a painting.

We soon arrived at the pasture hut of Zaxi’s family. Zaxi’s grandparents warmly welcomed us. After graduating from junior high school, Zaxi returned to the village and spends every summer on the pasture with his grandparents, tending the cattle. Discussing his future plans, it seems he may not want to continue herding cattle on the mountain forever. After enjoying freshly made butter tea by the warm hearth, we set off again.

Nanbao Pasture, at an elevation of 4,100 meters and covering approximately 500 hectares, is one of the finest pastures in Shangri-La County. It is part of the Hongshan area in the Three Parallel Rivers region, and is rated by the World Heritage Committee as an “original landscape resource research and display area with extremely high conservation value and development potential.” In spring and summer, the pasture is at its most beautiful, with various wildflowers blooming. In July, the gray-backed rhododendrons have mostly faded, leaving yellow buttercups as the main attraction, with occasional early spring flowers. The pasture is dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, and there is an observation station (supply station) nearby. The pastoral life involves a significant portion of the year spent feeding cattle, gathering firewood, and producing butter, which is the main source of income for the family. As winter approaches, the family returns to the village, year after year, presenting a poetic and tranquil scene.

Nearby Lakes

• Nanbao Yellow Lake: In Tibetan, “Nabosuo Xue,” meaning “Yellow Lake at the Edge of the Sky.” It is small, shallow, and its size varies with the amount of rainfall each year.
• Nanbao Black Lake: In Tibetan, “Nabosuo Na,” meaning “Black Lake at the Edge of the Sky.” The lake is at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. The black color of the lake is due to the growth of peat moss, algae, and lichen.

Travel Tips

Spring and summer are the most beautiful seasons at Nanbao Pasture, with various wildflowers in bloom. The vast grasslands are lush and dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. To experience the stunning scenery, try to visit between June and October. During June to August, you will see blooming flowers and lush grass, while September to October, especially in October, offers spectacular autumn colors with vibrant reds and yellows.

The only access to Nanbao Pasture from Niwu Village is via a rough mountain path, either on foot or on horseback. There are two routes: one passes through Selie Lake and the other through Dingru Lake. The route via Dingru Lake is longer, taking about eight to nine hours, while the route via Selie Lake is shorter, approximately six hours.

The Nanbao Yellow and Black Lakes lie quietly on the edge of Nanbao Pasture, reflecting the blue sky, clouds, trees, and mountains, creating a scene of pure happiness and opening up a picturesque paradise before us.

From Nanbao Pasture to Niwu Village, there are two routes: one via Selie Lake and the other via Dingru Lake. We chose the route via Selie Lake. Selie Lake, meaning “Golden Pasture,” is a freshwater lake formed by snowmelt and is also a habitat for migratory birds.

Transportation

• By Car: From Shangri-La City, take the East Ring Road to the Shelluo Section and then the Niwu Road, which takes about 3.5 hours.

Opening Hours

• All Year Round (January 1 to December 31, Monday to Sunday)

Chinese Name:宁蒗县牦牛坪
English Name: Yak Meadow Basin in Ninglang County, Lijiang
http://www.ynnl.gov.cn/newsshow.asp?id=20721

Maoniuping is not the first time for Liangshan Jun to visit; each visit brings different feelings. In 2018, Liangshan Jun stood on this colorful land of Maoniuping, marveling at how nature’s craftsmanship painted this high-altitude plateau in vibrant colors, both boldly and subtly.

Thus, the phrase “Whether there are yaks in Maoniuping is no longer important” was born. Two years later, returning at the same time reveals a different scene. Nature always surprises humanity with its unintentional wonders, and this beauty is not just a product of nature’s artistry but also a reflection of human wisdom in transforming nature and a yearning for prosperity.

The mountain road is rugged, winding up from the Dongfeng Village Committee of Xinyingpan Township along the tortuous Tangshi Road, with stunning views along the way. In the midst of summer, the distant towering mountains are shrouded in greenish-blue mist. The lush greenery stretches from the mountainsides to the foothills, with clusters of farmhouses featuring gray tiles and white walls nestled in the embrace of the mountains, becoming more numerous as one descends.

On both sides of the road, one can see fields of buckwheat swaying in the wind, with the vibrant green buckwheat thriving in the fields.

Interspersed among the buckwheat are potato fields, with the potatoes blooming during this season, their red and purple flowers swaying gracefully in the breeze. As we reach the halfway point up the mountain, we see that the entire valley is occupied by the enormous fans of a wind power plant, stretching like a cascade of stars. The green alpine meadows are covered with a green carpet, adorned with small flowers in red, yellow, blue, and purple, some blooming alone and others in clusters, creating a riot of colors.

Continuing forward, upon reaching the Maoniuping Pass, a vast expanse of purple and white flowers comes into view, stretching towards the horizon!

Surrounded by this expansive sea of potato flowers, I feel a sense of tranquility and joy. In a space filled with blue and purple hues, I have long forgotten that I am just an inconspicuous mortal in this world. The distant, ethereal white clouds and scattered villages in the valley, along with the nearby flower fields and the lush potato plants, make me wonder if this is a paradise created by the people of Ninglang?

The scattered white and purple petals dance in the wind, some vibrant and alluring, others in bud, like young maidens in spring or graceful dancers in flight, captivating passersby with their myriad forms.

So, how did the colorful fields of 2018 transform into a continuous sea of potato flowers in just two years? This story begins in 2019.

Maoniuping Village is located in Lanijinqiang Township, Ninglang County, at an altitude of 2,850 meters, with an average annual temperature of 8°C and annual precipitation of 1,100 mm, making it suitable for growing potatoes, bitter buckwheat, and oats, as well as raising cattle and sheep. Due to the high altitude, arid climate, and sandy soil, the potatoes grown here are sweet and have a high starch content, making them a well-known source of high-quality potatoes and seed potatoes in the county.

On October 13, 2019, the Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs organized and invited relevant experts from the province, city, and county to form an expert group to conduct yield assessments on the “2019 Lijiang City Potato Green, High-Quality, High-Efficiency Creation Project” implemented by the Lijiang Seed Management Station in Lanijinqiang Township, Ninglang County. Starting from October 1, 2019, a large-scale excavation and planting of 3,000 acres of seed potato base in Maoniuping began, primarily supplying winter potato production areas in Dehong Prefecture’s Mangshi and Yingjiang, Honghe Prefecture’s Kaiyuan and Jianshui, and Wenshan Prefecture’s Pingyuanjie and Yanshan. With the development and growth of the Ninglang potato industry, potatoes have become a significant characteristic industry for many local families to increase their income, while also playing a positive role in winning the battle against poverty, promoting rural revitalization, and supporting the development of the potato industry throughout the city.

Maoniuping transforms disadvantages into advantages, adapting to local conditions, and relying on potatoes to achieve prosperity. By combining science and technology, it fundamentally changes the potato planting model, making Ninglang a major county for the potato industry and bringing the small Liangshan potatoes to tables across the country and even the world…

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
• Yunnan Attractions
• Yunnan Tours
• Yunnan Shopping
• Yunnan Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
• Yunnan Climate
• Yunnan Transportation
• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
• Yunnan Dining
• Yunnan Accommodation
• Yunnan Education
• Yunnan Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

Create My Trip

You Might Like

• 20 Days Laos-China-Mongolia Motorbike Tour from Mohan to Erenhot
• 15 Days Best China Tea Tour to Hangzhou, Anhui, Fujian and Yunnan
• 6 Days Western Yunnan Border and Tropical Forest Tour with Minorities Discovery
• 8 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Overland Tour
• 25 Days Kyrgyzstan-China Self-Driving Tour Kashgar to Shanghai
• 3 Days Kunming City Muslim Tour
• 3 Days 2 Nights Kunming Spring City Golf Course and Lake Resort Tour Package
• 16 Days Laos-China-Mongolia Self-Driving Tour from Yunnan Mohan to Inner Mongolia Erenhot

Grasslands and Pastures

Diji Pasture in Shangri La, Diqing

Overview of Diji Pasture Niru (尼汝, Nírù) is like a forgotten corner of time, quietly nestled in Luoji Township (洛吉乡, Luòjī xiāng), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市, Xiānggélǐlā shì), Diqing Tibetan...

Attractions    Veiw

• Diqing
• Grasslands and Pastures
• Shangri-La
• Three Parallel Rivers

Nanbao Pasture in Niru Village, Shangrila

Chinese Name: 南宝牧场 English Name:  Nanbao Pasture in Niru Village, Shangrila Geographical Location: Northern highland area of Niwu Village, Luoji Township, Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province Area: Approximately 500 hectare...

Attractions    Veiw

• Diqing
• Grasslands and Pastures
• Niru Village
• Shangri-La

Yak Meadow Basin in Ninglang County, Lijiang

Chinese Name:宁蒗县牦牛坪 English Name: Yak Meadow Basin in Ninglang County, Lijiang http://www.ynnl.gov.cn/newsshow.asp?id=20721 Maoniuping is not the first time for Liangshan Jun to visit; each visit brings different feelings. In...

Attractions    Veiw

• Grasslands and Pastures
• Lijiang
• Ninglang County