2025 Napa Sea Scenic Area Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

#discoverchina #kunming #dali #lijiang #shangri-la Day 1: Arrival in Kunming ✈️ at 16:55 📍 南屏步行街 – Experience the bustling commercial district, perfect for local snacks and shopping. 📍 昆明老街 – Wander through historic alleys and soak in the cultural charm of Yunnan. 🛏: Kunming Day 2: Kunming → Dali 🚆 D8730 (10:13 AM - 12:11 PM) 📍 喜洲古镇 – Admire traditional Bai-style architecture and try the famous Xizhou Baba (local pastry). 📍 大理古城 – Stroll along cobbled streets and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this historic town. 🛏: Dali Day 3: Discover Dali 🏞️ 📍 苍山感通索道 – Take a cable car ride up the mountain for a stunning view of Erhai Lake. 📍 崇圣寺三塔 – Visit one of Dali’s most iconic landmarks, rich in Buddhist history. 📍 S湾生态廊道 – Cycle along the beautiful Erhai Lake coastline and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. 🛏: Dali Day 4: Deeper into Dali 🌊🏯 📍 理想邦 – A modern art village blending creativity with Dali’s natural beauty. 📍 双廊古镇 – A charming lakeside town with incredible views of Erhai Lake. 📍 龙龛码头 – A perfect spot to watch the sunset over the lake. 🛏: Dali Day 5: Dali → Lijiang 🚆 C373 (9:21 AM - 11:31 AM) 📍 丽江古城 – A UNESCO World Heritage site with rich Naxi culture and stunning traditional architecture. 📍 白沙古镇 – A quiet, less-touristy town famous for its well-preserved murals. 📍 束河古镇 – A well-preserved historic town known for its traditional Naxi architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere. 🛏: Lijiang Day 6: Explore Lijiang’s Natural Wonders 🌲 📍 甘海子 – The best place to view 日照金山 in the morning 📍 牦牛坪 – A scenic meadow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, surrounded by highland views. 📍 蓝月谷 – A stunning blue lake resembling a dreamlike paradise. 📍 玉龙雪山 – Take a cable car up to enjoy breathtaking glacier and snow-capped peaks. 🛏: Lijiang Day 7: Lijiang → Shangri-La 🚘 Car Rental 📍 虎跳峡 – One of the deepest gorges in the world, a must-visit for nature lovers. 📍 白水台 – A unique, naturally formed limestone terrace known as the “White Jade Fields.” 📍 哈巴雪山观景台 – Get a close-up view of the majestic Haba Snow Mountain. 📍 独克宗古城 – Visit the world’s largest prayer wheel and immerse yourself in Tibetan culture. 🛏: Shangri-La Day 8: Hidden Gems of Shangri-La 🏔️🌿 📍 松赞林寺 – This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is a cultural treasure. 📍 纳帕海 – A highland wetland with stunning landscapes and seasonal black-necked cranes. 🛏: Shangri-La Day 9: Shangri-La → Kunming 🚆 C124 (6:50 PM - 11:48 PM) 📍 普达措国家公园 – China’s first national park, featuring alpine meadows, lakes, and forests. 🛏: Kunming Day 10: Relaxing in Kunming 📍 海埂公园 – Enjoy scenic views of Dianchi Lake and seasonal seagulls in winter. 📍 滇池湿地公园 – A tranquil nature reserve perfect for photography and relaxation. 📍 斗南花市 – The largest flower trading center in Asia, a paradise for floral lovers. 🛏: Kunming Day 11: Departure from Kunming ✈️ at 17:55 📍 翠湖公园 – A peaceful urban oasis great for strolling. 📍 万象城 – A one-stop shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.

#discoverchina I just spent the day exploring Napa Hai in Shangri-La, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This stunning lake is surrounded by majestic mountains that seem to touch the sky. The water is crystal-clear, and the scenery is straight out of a Tibetan fairy tale. As I wandered along the shore, I discovered vibrant prayer flags, intricate murals, and a sense of tranquility that's hard to find in our busy world. The air was filled with the sweet scent of incense and the soft chanting of monks. If you ever find yourself in Shangri-La, Napa Hai is a must-visit. It's a truly special place that'll leave you feeling peaceful and inspired. Discovering China's hidden gems like this one is a real privilege! #NapaHai #ShangriLa #TibetanCulture #napalake

1. Basic Information Napahai is located in the northwest of Shangri-La County. It is a seasonal lake on the plateau. Its Chinese meaning is "the lake behind the forest". It is surrounded by the three snow-capped mountains of Shika, Yeka and Xinyala, and is connected to the Yila grassland. It is the largest meadow in Shangri-La and a provincial nature reserve. It was listed in the list of internationally important wetland parks in 2004. 2. Best time to travel Napahai is beautiful in all seasons, but May to October is the best time to visit Napahai. In spring, the grassland is full of colorful wild flowers; in summer, the grass is green and the lake is clear; in autumn, the golden meadow and the blue sky complement each other like an oil painting; in winter, the grassland is covered with snow. 3. Transportation 1. Self-driving: The most free and convenient option. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road and stop to take pictures at any time. However, when navigating, do not search directly for "Napahai" but "Ring Road around the Lake" to avoid being directed to the toll-paying Yila Grassland. 2. Charter a car: The cost of chartering a car around the lake is about 150-200 yuan. You need to make an appointment in advance so that you can stop and take photos at any time. 3. Rent an electric car: The rental fee is 80 yuan per day. You can rent one in the ancient city. Please pay attention to the battery level when renting. 4. Take the public bus: Take the No. 12 public bus around the lake, the fare is 2 yuan, and get off at Red Sun Square. The operating hours are 8:30, 9:00, 10:00, 10:30, 14:00, 14:30, 16:00, and 16:15. Public bus No. 12 is a loop line, and the starting and ending stations are both Red Sun Square. There is no fixed stop at Napahai, and you can stop at will. If you see a scenery you like and want to get off, just ask the driver to stop. 4. Must-visit attractions 1. Yila Grassland: The core area of ​​Napahai. On the vast grassland, horses are galloping, cattle and sheep are in herds, and the mountains in the distance are rolling, forming a beautiful picture. 2. Napahai Observation Deck: Standing here, you can have a panoramic view of Napahai. The lake, grassland and village coexist harmoniously, which is intoxicating. 3. Barley racks: The unique barley racks are one of the iconic landscapes of Napahai, full of rich Tibetan style. 4. Shika Snow Mountain (viewable from a distance): You can also take pictures of the beautiful scenery along the way without entering the scenic area. 5. Napa Village + Halfway Cafe: Located at the end of the water highway, there is a white tower and a village, which is a great place to take photos. 6. Sky Gate (navigation: "Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden" or "Sky Gate Coffee Camp"): overlooking the Napa Lake, with a wide view. 5. Activities 1. Horseback riding: Strolling on the grassland and feeling the breeze, you will feel as if you are in the ancient martial arts world. 2. Cycling around the lake: Rent a bicycle or electric bike and ride along the lakeside to exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery up close. 3. Take photos: Wear traditional Tibetan costumes and take beautiful photos with Napa Lake as the background. 6. Food Recommendations 1. Yak meat: The local yak beef is tender and delicious whether grilled or stewed. 2. Butter tea: The rich aroma of milk and tea blend together. After taking a sip, the warmth spreads throughout your body. 3. Barley cake: It has a crispy texture and carries the fragrance of barley, and is a special snack that you cannot miss. 7. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Shangri-La City: There are various hotels and B&Bs to choose from, with convenient transportation and relatively reasonable prices. 2. B&Bs near Napa Lake: You can experience the tranquility and beauty of Napa Lake up close, but the price may be slightly higher. 8. Notes 1. Napahai is at a high altitude, so please be careful to prevent altitude sickness and prepare relevant medicines in advance. 2. Respect local customs and travel in a civilized manner. 3. The weather is changeable, please bring rain gear and warm clothes with you. 4. Do not take close-up photos of the front of the White Pagoda in Napa Village, as Tibetans think it is not good for you. Also, pay attention to your safety and avoid walking on dangerous areas such as ice. 5. Napahai is not an official tourist attraction, and many areas are managed by local residents. Be sure to prepare a guide before traveling to avoid unpleasant experiences during your trip. 6. If you drive on a water highway, it is not recommended for sedans or ordinary SUVs to wade through the water to avoid stalling or having the license plate washed away.

||A must-see in a lifetime. Shangri-La is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, in the mountainous hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. "Shangri-La" means "sun and moon in the heart" in Tibetan. It is not only an important area at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet provinces, but also the location of the World Natural Heritage "Three Rivers" scenic spot. It is located in the hinterland of the "Three Rivers Parallel" scenic area, boasting the most peculiar first bay of the Yangtze River in geological history, and natural wonders such as the Putuo Chicken Stone on the river.                    —— 🗺️ [Play Route] D1: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Pudacuo Park - Dukezong Ancient City D2: Songzanlin Temple - Napahai - Balagzong - Baima Snow Mountain - Meili Snow Mountain                    —— 📷【Popular Attractions】 [One] Napa Sea: pure plateau lake, free! You can drive around the lake can take the 12 bus around the lake ~ [Two] Alpine Botanical Garden: Overlooking the entire Napa Sea, landmark door frame photography is really beautiful! [Three] Bottomless Lake: Shangri-La niche attractions that I recommend/recommend to everyone, my wife's romantic travel location, few people and beautiful scenery. Pristine dense forest tundra + blue pure lake, really beautiful ~ [Four] Songzanlin Temple: Known as the Little Potala Palace, traditional Tibetan architecture and culture flourish here, the concentration of faith is super high! [Five] Xiaozhongdian Reservoir: Navigate the Union Village to see the healing screens of Tibetan villages and lakes, snow-capped mountains and frames. [Six] Shuoda Village: A hidden Tibetan village at the top of the mountains, where you can watch the magnificent reflection of Meili Snow Mountain! [Seven] White Horse Snow Mountain: Southern Little Potatoes are given to me to rush, the white snow, the forest is lush, is what road trip should have! [Eight] Foggy Peak - Feilai Temple: Excellent location for viewing Meili Snow Mountain Rizhao Jinshan, accommodation in both places.                    —— 🥘【Food Recommendation】 Butter tea ➕ barley cake ➕ yak meat ➕ Nisi chicken ➕ Tibetan pastry                    —— 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️ Airplane: During peak season, Shangri-La Airport has flights from Kunming, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing Lhasa, etc. that can fly directly to Shangri-La or first fly to Kunming and then transfer to Shangri-La. 🚄High Speed ​​Rail: ⭕️ Lijiang a Shangri-La, about 1 hour, from 63 yuan, 5 shifts per day ⭕️ Kunming a Shangri-La, about 5 hours, from 230 yuan, 3 shifts per day 🚌Car: 🌷Lijiang a Shangri-La, about 3.5 hours, 80 yuan, 40 minutes / class 🌷Dali Yi Shangri-La, about 8 hours, 114 yuan, 45 minutes/class                    —— 🚗【City Transportation】 🚌Bus: Many bus routes in the county town, cheap fares; 🚖Taxi: Taxi and ride-hailing are available, very convenient; 🚎 Tour Bus: Attractions like Pudacuo, Meili Snow Mountain can be taken by bus in the ancient city of Dukezong;                    —— 🌃【Accommodation Guide】 🛕Shangri-La City: It is recommended to stay in the ancient city of Dukezong, the accommodation options are more diverse, cheap prices, convenient transportation; 🏞Meili Snow Mountain: You can stay near Feilai Temple, which is convenient for getting up in the morning to see the Rizhao Golden Mountain; but there are few hotels and the prices are relatively more expensive. 🌃Yubeng Village: It is recommended to stay in Upper Yubeng Village, located high, overlooking Yubeng and the snow-capped mountains.                    —— 【明星】【Travel Tips】 1️⃣ Shangri-La winter is very cold, pay attention to keep warm 2️⃣ Respect different beliefs, enter the temple do not make loud noises and finger Buddha statues! 3️⃣ High altitude areas rice, noodles are hard, with good digestion 4️⃣ UV rays are strong, do a good sunscreen 5️⃣ Winter opening mountain road is easy to encounter ice, road closures, prepare anti-slip chains and see the road conditions in advance

Unlike Erhai Lake Here, there are vast grasslands and cattle and sheep everywhere It's like traveling in a painting, such beautiful scenery and it's free In this land where humans and gods coexist in Shangri-La Driving around the lake, you will encounter grasslands, wetlands, lakes, barley fields, seas of Gesang flowers, Tibetan villages And yaks running freely Seeing herds of cattle and horses on the grasslands On the grasslands, find a homestay Sit and enjoy the breeze, holding a cup of coffee ☕️ At this moment, the entire grassland in front of you belongs to you Watching the clouds roll in the distance, at this moment, you and I are free

Actually, I was a bit resistant to going to Napa Sea before, because my impression of it from my first visit to Shangri-La 15 years ago was quite average. As a seasonal lake, Napa Sea, also known as Yila Grassland, had little water. Other than cattle, sheep, and highland barley racks, it was just the most common highland scenery. This time, I might have just hit the right season, and Napa Sea had regained its lake-like appearance. Although its water color couldn't match that of Lugu Lake, it was still quite stunning against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. Plus, the road around the lake has been repaired, which really improved the experience. However, it's important to note that to take the road around the lake, you can't just navigate to 'Napa Sea,' or you'll end up at the lakeside where they charge for horseback riding. For self-driving, it's recommended to navigate to 'Halfway Boil·White Pagoda·Coffee,' which is roughly the midpoint of the lake road, and from there you definitely won't go wrong. It's suggested to drive around the lake clockwise, so you're traveling along the lake rather than across the road. Along the entire lake road, the southern part of Napa Sea is more like the grass sea of Lugu Lake, a typical wetland landscape, while the northern part is closer to the bright sea section of Lugu Lake, with lake and mountain views, and rippling blue waves. If you're driving clockwise around the lake, the following points are worth stopping at for a visit: ✅ Navigation point 'Shika Snow Mountain': There's no need to actually go to the scenic area, which isn't open anyway. The point is to take the straight road leading to the scenic area, flanked by grasslands and highland barley racks, with a solitary white pagoda, and the snow mountain in the background makes for a great photo. ✅ Navigation point 'Jiaorong Horse Riding Field': You can park in the free parking lot next to the highway. This place is basically at the junction of the grass sea and the bright sea, and the path extending into the lake allows for photos of different scenery on each side. You can also hold a lamb for photos here, which should be quite appealing to children. ✅ Navigation point 'Halfway Boil·White Pagoda·Coffee': You can park in the free parking lot next to the white pagoda. Here you can walk along the stone dam all the way to Napa Sea, and from certain angles, you can take photos that give the impression of walking on water. The coffee shop itself also has an internet-famous quality, with the white building providing a great backdrop for photos taken from inside out or on the terrace overlooking Napa Sea. ✅ Navigation point 'Alpine Botanical Garden': You don't necessarily have to go up to the Alpine Botanical Garden. We took photos on the mountain opposite the Gongbi Horse Field, which was also very beautiful, allowing you to capture Napa Sea and the surrounding road in the lens. ✅ Navigation point 'Napa Sea Viewing Platform': It's not on the lake road, but on the way to Deqin. If you have enough time or are heading to Meili Snow Mountain, you can stop here for photos. It's the best place to capture a panoramic view of Napa Sea.