Yila Grassland of Napahai Lake: Explore the Dreamland of Shangri-la

Written by Veronica | Updated October 27,2025

Napa Lake of Shangri-la is a nature reserve and a seasonal wetland in Yunnan, covering an area of 31.25 square kilometers, with an elevation of 3,266 meters. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with villages scattered around it, this attraction mainly features a highland lake landscape and rich ecological resources. Besides, Napa Lake also serves as a winter habitat for migratory birds like the black-necked crane.

As “the lake behind the forest,” Napa Lake and Yila Grassland, the largest and most beautiful grassland in Diqing Shangri-La, are coupled with each other. When the rainy season comes, the grassland is covered with water due to abundant rainfall, forming the lake. During the dry season, there is less water and more grass, hence the lake recedes, turning into a vast grassland, that is Yila Grassland.

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• Fast Facts of Napa Lake
• Main Attractions at Napahai Natural Reserve
• What to See and Do in Napa Lake
• Best Time to Visit Napa Lake
• Tips for Photography
• Getting to Napa Lake
• Recommended Visiting Route in Napahai Natural Reserve
• Useful Tips to Visit Napahai Lake
• Attractions Nearby Napa Lake
• FAQs about Napahai Lake
• Plan a Shangri-La Tour with China Xian Tour

Fast Facts of Napa Lake

• Location: 8km from Northwestern Shangri-la City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunan province
• Opening time: 08:30-18:00
• Time needed: Half a day
• Best time to visit: Summer and autumn
• Ticket: Free (Extra fares will be charged if you attend activities like horseback riding)
• Suited to: Nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers

Main Attractions at Napahai Natural Reserve

Napahai Lake

Napahai Lake (also called Napa Lake) is the centerpiece of the nature reserve — a seasonal plateau wetland and bird sanctuary. During the rainy season (June–September), the lake reaches its fullest, creating a vast mirror-like body of water reflecting the surrounding mountains. In the dry season (October–April), the lake recedes and turns into wide open grassland, making it perfect for grazing and eco-tours.

Yila Grassland

Yila Grassland is the most iconic grassland area in Shangri-la and is often referred to as the “green carpet of Diqing.” In the summer, it is filled with grazing yaks, sheep, and wildflowers. In winter, it turns into a quiet, frost-covered prairie where migratory birds, like black-necked cranes, will come to rest. Activities such as horseback riding and cultural performances take place here seasonally.

Seasonal Lake & Floating Road

One unique feature of Napahai is its seasonal transformation: during the rainy season, parts of the grassland will flood, and the main road across the reserve also becomes a “floating road” or “water road.” Visitors can see vehicles and animals’ figures be reflected in the clear water, which creates a stunning optical illusion.

Gunyin Temple

Located on a small hill to the north of Napahai Lake, Gunyin Temple is a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist temple with a panoramic view of the lake and grassland. It’s a great place to observe local pilgrims, burn incense, and enjoy a quiet moment while overlooking the tranquil scenery.

What to See and Do in Napa Lake

1. Birdwatching

Napa Lake or Napahai Lake is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during the autumn and winter seasons when flocks of rare birds such as black-necked cranes, grey geese, and bar-headed geese come here to rest. It becomes an important stopover for them during their migration and is also one of China’s important bird habitats. Moreover, it offers an unmissable opportunity for nature observation, and don’t forget to bring binoculars there.

2. Hiking the Nature Reserve

Hiking around the lake and grassland at Napa Lake Nature Reserve offers the chance to enjoy the scenic views and natural landscapes along the way. You will see vast grassland wetlands with abundant aquatic plants, and many cows and sheep grazing leisurely. Just choose relatively flat sections of the trail and avoid more rugged mountain paths, and bring trekking poles or wear waterproof hiking boots for the marshes and wetlands.

3. Horseback Riding on Yila Grassland

Horseback riding on the Yila Grassland of Napa Lake must be a wonderful experience. You can ride a swift steed across the vast grasslands and experience the nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan people. Generally, there are three riding routes ranging from 20 minutes to 1 hour, just choose the one that fits your needs. By the way, the facilities are well-equipped and instructors will accompany you throughout the ride for your safety.

4. Cycling around Napahai Lake

Cycling around Napahai Lake will also be a memorable experience during your Yunnan tours to Shangri-la. You can rent a bike, cycle along the paths, and appreciate the stunning views of the lake and grassland along the way. Besides, there are multiple viewing platforms where you can stop anytime to take beautiful pictures.

5. Visit Tibetan Villages

Near Napa Lake of Shangri-la in China, there are Tibetan villages where you can experience the local customs, such as making butter tea and hand-painting thangkas. Also, you’ll get the chance to enjoy Tibetan songs and dance performances, such as Guozhuang and the knife dance. Don’t hesitate to taste Tibetan specialties like barley wine and tsampa on your Yunnan Shangri-la tours.

Best Time to Visit Napa Lake

Napahai Lake presents different charms in different seasons, and the best time to visit the scenic area is in summer and autumn. With abundant aquatic plants and wildflowers blooming all over the grasslands in summer, it is a great time to see herds of cattle and sheep and experience the beauty of the prairie. Besides, autumn is also a good time for photography and birdwatching.

Napahai Lake Seasonal Comparison

Tips for Photography

• Best time of day:06:30 – 08:00 at dusk is the best time to catch the most beautiful scenery of the lake. The morning mist covers the lake and the light is gentle and slightly golden. Meanwhile, the snow mountain is reflected on the lake surface. During this time, the water birds are also the most active, you can capture their elegant gestures. From 09:00 – 15:00, it is more suitable to take photos of people and life scenes due to the strong light. And at dawn, it is the golden hours to take photos of sunset and smoke from the Tibetan houses on grassland.
• Specific viewpoints: The viewing platform in the botanical garden offers a panoramic view of the grassland. The lakeside road itself is a road for photography. Around Hamugu Village and Yila Village is the ideal place to take photos of local life scenes. To capture birds, head to the Crane Viewing Pavilion.
• Seasonal Shot List: Spring: scenes full of vitality, such as fresh green grassland and blooming flowers; summer: the lake is like a mirror of sky, sea of wildflowers and luxuriant grassland, grazing yak; autumn: golden grassland, strong folk customs atmosphere; winter: various migratory birds and ice and snow landscapes.

Getting to Napa Lake

As Napa Lake is located in Shangri-la City, you can travel to Shangri-la in Yunnan by flight. Then, take a taxi to the scenic site.

If you are already in Songzanlin Monastery or Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-la City, just make your way to Hongtaiyang Square and take Bus No. 12 to Napapai Lake, and the ticket price is CNY 2 per person.

What’s more, you can rent a car and drive there, which will be more convenient. Drive along the road to Napa Lake of Shangri-la, and you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery all the way. Just navigate to Huanhu Road rather than Yila Grassland or Napahai Lake, as it will be the right entrance to the scenic area.

Recommended Visiting Route in Napahai Natural Reserve

Napahai Natural Reserve is a convenient half-day destination from Shangri-La City, which is also close to landmarks like Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient Town. Visitors can either drive or cycle to explore the scenic lake and Yila Grassland.

Cycling is a popular way to enjoy the area. The loop around Napahai Lake is about 40 kilometers and it usually takes 3–4 hours to finish a loop. Riding clockwise is recommended, as the western side is mostly downhill and easier to navigate. The return will be stretched along National Highway 214, this route includes some uphill sections, so a multi-speed mountain bike is helpful.

For a more relaxed visit, travelers can rent a car or hire a driver. This allows for flexible stops at lakeside viewpoints, grasslands, and local Tibetan villages along the way.

Useful Tips to Visit Napahai Lake

• Best time to visit: July to October is the best time to visit the lake (with lush grass, migratory birds, mild weather). Remember to avoid March–April when the lake dries up.
• Altitude caution: The lake is atan altitude of 3,200m. So remember to bring altitude sickness medicine if needed.
• Sun protection: Also because of the high altitude, the UV here is strong. So, always wear long sleeves, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Dress: Temperature would vary dramatically within a day. Mornings and evenings are cold even in summer — bring layers.
• Cycling tip: When cycling around the lake, you can ride clockwise to avoid steep climbs; a mountain bike is best.
• Supplies: Don’t forget to bring water and snacks; shops are limited around the site and they are always
• Respect locals: Don’t enter grasslands without permission, as grassland is the collective property of Tibetan people who’s living here.
• Birdwatching: Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for seeing cranes and other birds.
• Navigation: Search for “Huanhu Road (环湖路)” on maps to find the right entrance.

Attractions Nearby Napa Lake

• Dukezong Ancient Town: As one of the best-preserved and largest Tibetan old towns in China, this old town greets visitors with beautiful Tibetan architecture.
• Pudacuo National Park: Located near Napa Lake, this is China’s first National Park as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with continuous snow mountains, grasslands, and pastures extending beyond the horizon.
• Meili Snow Mountain: Being one of China’s ten most beautiful mountains and among the eight sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, this snow mountain range is famous for its stunning sunrise, Mingyong Glacier, and challenging hiking routes.

Related reading: Top attractions in Shangri-La

FAQs about Napahai Lake

How high is Napahai Lake above sea level?

It is 3,266 meters above sea level.

What makes Napahai Lake special or famous?

Napahai Lake is famous as a seasonal lake, an important international wetland and a winter habitat for rare birds.

Is Napahai Lake a natural or man-made lake?

It is a naturally formed seasonal plateau lake.

What kinds of birds can be seen at Napahai Lake?

The quantity of black-necked cranes is the largest. Other rare birds are grey geese, bar-headed geese, black stork, white-tailed sea eagle, etc.

What should I wear when visiting Napahai Lake?

A fleece and a windproof jacket are needed to deal with the large temperature difference and the three-piece sun protection set including sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat is very useful in this high altitude area. Besides, wear a pair of comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes.

Plan a Shangri-La Tour with China Xian Tour

Besides Napa Lake, Shangri-La is also famous for Dukezong Ancient City, Songzanlin Monastery and Podacuo National Park. It is a city full of Tibetan customs. If you are interested in it, China Xian Tour can customize a trip for you to cover the main scenic spots and include the delicious Tibetan cuisine. We can also combine it with other tourist cities in Yunnan, such as Lijiang and Dali. So do not hesitate to contact us.