[2025 Shangri-La Attraction] Travel Guide for Qicai Waterfall (Updated May)

A hiking experience, a journey of greenery. "I will go to Niru for hiking again." This is my most genuine and direct feeling after walking the Colorful Waterfall route. The entire route is about 10 km round trip, and the hiking time is about 3 to 4 hours. From the starting point to the end of the waterfall, the beautiful scenery along the way is dazzling, and the camera can't stop at all. Every time you press the shutter, it's like freezing a painting. And the real scene seen with your own eyes is more beautiful than the photos! If you love green and blue, this is definitely a visual paradise. ⸻ Colorful Waterfall Hiking Route Guide: [I] Starting Point Guide: Navigate to "Colorful Luyou Restaurant", enter through the small iron gate next to the restaurant, and walk along the downhill road. You will soon see the security office at the entrance of the scenic spot. This is the official starting point of the hike. After signing the disclaimer, you can start this journey into the primeval forest. [II] Suggested Departure Time: The entire journey of the Colorful Waterfall is 10km round trip, and there are no lighting facilities along the way. The scenic spot generally no longer receives tourists after 3pm, so it is recommended that you arrive at the starting point before noon as much as possible and control your time. In summer, the sky will gradually darken around 6:30pm, so don't delay your trip because of taking pictures. [III] Hiking Environment Tips: The entire route crosses the primeval forest, with fallen trees and moss everywhere along the way. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes and bring rain gear. We encountered moderate rain on our return trip, and the mountain road was slippery, and people were drenched in the rain. Safety first, equipment preparation must be sufficient! [IV] Plank Road Condition Description: Some sections are equipped with artificial plank roads and guardrails to facilitate passage. However, it should be noted that some guardrails have been damaged, and some plank roads also have gaps. Please be careful under your feet when hiking, and don't accidentally step into the air. [V] Photography and Time Control: This is a very photogenic route, with dense greenery and dreamy waterfalls, and scenery everywhere you go. We also saw many hikers along the way who were addicted to taking pictures, but we remind everyone to plan their time reasonably. Taking pictures is good, but walking in the mountains after dark is really not safe. ⸻ Tips: • Self-driving parking: You can park your car next to the "Colorful Luyou Restaurant", CNY 10/day, which is very cost-effective. • Diet and supplies: There are no small shops or toilets along the way. It is recommended to prepare light food such as dry food and fruits before hiking, and drink water in moderation to reduce the number of toilet trips. • Wearing suggestions: Non-slip hiking shoes, quick-drying clothes, and umbrellas/raincoats are essential. The weather in the mountains changes quickly, so be prepared for rain. ⸻ Final summary: Colorful Waterfall is not just a hiking route, but more like a magical journey into a fairy tale forest. The sun shines through the leaves onto the mossy carpet, and the waterfall splashes like silver threads hanging down, full of surprises everywhere. If you are looking for a secluded and pure place, then you must not miss this secret place in Niru. ——May you also encounter your own "Wizard of Oz" here.

I. Trip Highlights - Pristine Seclusion: Niru Village, hidden in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, is known as the "World's No. 1 Ecological Village." The colorful waterfalls are hidden in the primeval forest like a midsummer night's dream. - Easy Hike: The entire trail is a gentle boardwalk, 6 km each way, taking 3–4 hours round trip, suitable for families or beginners. - Magical Scenery: The waterfalls cascade down from calcified terraces, with sunlight refracting into colorful halos and rainbows surrounding the area like a wonderland. - Fusion of Humanity and Nature: Experience the original Tibetan customs in ancient Tibetan villages, Bön culture, and alpine lakes. --- II. Transportation Guide (Key Tips to Avoid Pitfalls!) 1. How to Get to Niru Village - From Shangri-La City: - Chartered/Shared Car: We recommend chartering a car (approx. CNY 500/car, 3-hour drive). The mountain roads are narrow and winding, so it is advisable to choose an experienced driver. - Bus + Chartered Car: First, take the Shangri-La → Luoji Township bus (CNY 35), then charter a car to Niru Village (CNY 200). - Self-Driving Notice: The last 30 km of the Niru Highway are treacherous, with many falling rocks. Drive with caution during the rainy season! Navigation may fail, so download an offline map in advance. 2. Entrance to the Colorful Waterfalls - Navigate to "Niru Village Colorful Friends Restaurant." There is a parking lot at the entrance of the village. After registering, enter the hiking route on foot or by horse (at your own expense). --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Value for Money) - Niru Village Guesthouses: - Luosang Songba Guesthouse: Tibetan-style wooden house, clean and warm, priced at approx. CNY 100–180/night (book in advance, often fully booked on weekends). - Colorful Friends Restaurant: Offers simple meals and can be used as a temporary lodging. - Shangri-La City: - Dukezong Old Town Guesthouses: Tibetan style, experience Tibetan culture. We recommend "Zizai Beimenyuan Guesthouse" (approx. CNY 200/night). --- IV. Hiking Route and Check-In Points Route Overview: Niru Village → Colorful Waterfalls (12 km round trip, 300m elevation gain) Best Time: May–October (avoid the rainy season), best light on sunny days at 10am. 1. Starting Point: Colorful Friends Restaurant - After registering, walk down the wooden boardwalk. The stream babbles, and the primeval forest is overgrown, occasionally encountering small squirrels leaping over the boardwalk. 2. Mid-Section: Niru River Canyon - Traverse the canyon along the suspended boardwalk. The river is turbulent, with many hidden reefs. It is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the river! The boardwalk is well maintained, and you can occasionally see Mani piles for Tibetan sacrifices. 3. Core Scenery: Colorful Waterfalls - Calcified Terrace: The waterfall cascades down from a 180m-high platform, and calcium carbonate deposits form golden terraces, shimmering with colorful luster under the sunlight, like a Van Gogh painting. - Rainbow Spectacle: At noon, sunlight penetrates the water mist, and double rainbows often appear in front of the waterfall. It is recommended to use a telephoto lens to capture the moment. - Viewing Platform: The highest point on the left side of the boardwalk offers a panoramic view. Note that drones are restricted in the area. 4. Return Trip Tips: Return along the same route, there are no shortcuts! Those with insufficient physical strength can turn back halfway. It is recommended to bring energy bars and chocolate to replenish your energy. --- V. Food Guide (Tibetan Flavors) - Niru Village: - Colorful Friends Restaurant: Tibetan-style chicken hot pot (CNY 50/pot), yak butter tea (CNY 10/bowl), fresh ingredients but small portions. - Shangri-La City: - Wucai Xueyu Tibetan Restaurant: Yak jerky hot pot, highland barley cakes, yak butter tea, CNY 60 per person. - Gengben National Restaurant: Niru black goat soup pot, zanba, experience authentic Tibetan cuisine. --- VI. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Transportation Tips: - Refuse "unlicensed cars," and confirm that the driver has mountain road experience before chartering a car; be cautious when driving yourself during the rainy season due to the high risk of falling rocks. 2. Accommodation Tips: - The conditions of the guesthouses in the village are limited, with no private bathrooms. It is recommended to bring your own toiletries; book 1 week in advance during peak season. 3. Hiking Tips: - Do not believe in "shortcuts," deviating from the boardwalk can easily lead to getting lost or falling off a cliff; it is forbidden to climb over the fence and go into the river, as there are undercurrents and gravel. 4. Photography Tips: - Rainbows often appear in the morning. If the light is too strong in the afternoon, it will not be easy to take good photos; drones need to be reported in advance, and some areas are no-fly zones. --- VII. Sample Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights) - Day 1: Shangri-La → Niru Village (3h by chartered car), hike to the Colorful Waterfalls in the afternoon (3h), stay in a village guesthouse. - Day 2: Niru Village → Nanbao Pasture/Shudu Lake (easy hike), return to Shangri-La. - Day 3: Pudacuo National Park → Dukezong Old Town, end of the trip. --- VIII. Equipment List - Essential: Windbreaker, hiking shoes, raincoat, sunscreen (SPF50+), trekking poles (optional). - Photography: Tripod (for shooting flowing water), polarizing filter (to enhance rainbow colors), drone (must be reported in advance). - Supplies: 1.5L of drinking water, energy bars, chocolate, prices are high in the village. --- IX. Summary The Colorful Waterfalls are Shangri-La's "hidden gem," suitable for travelers who are looking for niche, easy hikes. Avoid commercialized scenic spots, measure the symphony of primeval forests and waterfalls with your footsteps, and feel the purity and shock of the Tibetan secret realm. If time is sufficient, you can combine it with the Tiger Leaping Gorge high road hike to create a complete classic route in northwestern Yunnan. Best time to travel: May–June (rhododendrons bloom), September–October (autumn colors) Budget reference: CNY 800–1,200 per person (including transportation, accommodation, and meals)

👉Today, I will take you to a little-known but breathtaking place—Niru! 🌈Before I set foot on this land, the magnificence and purity of Namjagbarwa had always been the pinnacle of beauty in my heart. But when I actually stepped into Niru, all my perceptions were redefined. 🌈Niru is a Tibetan name. "Ni" means sun, and "ru" means shine, so Niru means "a place where the sun shines". Niru is a Tibetan village surrounded by primitive forests in the secret land of Shangri-La, known as the "secret land within the secret land". There is no hustle and bustle of the city, no commercial disturbance, only the purest natural scenery and simple folk customs. Surrounded by primitive forests, clear streams flow through the mountains, and every place is a landscape that makes people feel relaxed and happy. For me, a hiking enthusiast, Niru is undoubtedly a paradise. 🏠Niru Village is relatively primitive, and there are two routes to the Colorful Waterfall and Nanbao Pasture, which are in two different directions, and you need to return to Niru Village for the night in between🌃 🟢Nanbao Pasture Route: It is tiring to hike back and forth in one day, so you can ride a horse up and down the mountain, or you can choose to camp in the pasture. 🌈Colorful Waterfall Route: The road is good, and half a day is enough to return. 🦹‍♀️Culture and customs: 🏯Ancient Tibetan villages maintain a traditional semi-farming and semi-pastoral lifestyle. 🚶The daily life of Tibetans, working at sunrise and resting at sunset, shows the simple farming culture. 🏠Unique Tibetan architecture and religious beliefs, such as temples and prayer flags. 🚌Transportation and 🏠Accommodation 🚖It takes about 6 hours to drive from Lijiang to Niru Village, and about 3 hours from Shangri-La. 👉Due to the remote location and inconvenient transportation, it is recommended to find a guide or charter a car. 🛏Accommodation is limited, mostly Tibetan homestays or simple inns, more inclined to experiential tourism rather than luxury vacations. 👉Reference itinerary: 👉Day 1️⃣➡️Lijiang➡️Shangri-La➡️Luoji Township➡️Niru Village 👉Day 2️⃣➡️Niru Village➡️Xirenlong Pasture➡️Selie Lake➡️Nanbao Pasture (15 km hike) 👉Day 3️⃣➡️Nanbao Pasture➡️Shuo'e Pasture➡️Dinglang Lake➡️Niru Village (14 km) 👉Day 4️⃣➡️Niru Village➡️Colorful Waterfall➡️Dijitang Pasture (15 km). 👉Day 5️⃣➡️Dijitang Pasture➡️Conggu Pasture➡️Potatso National Park➡️Shudu Lake➡️Lijiang (8 km). End of a wonderful journey

How can you say you have been to Shangri-La if you have not been there? The eternal and peaceful pure land described in James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon" is the only virgin land in Shangri-La. Niru has beautiful and primitive landscapes, including Nanbao Ranch, Diji Ranch, Xiadiaoge Ranch, colorful waterfalls, Dingru Lake, Selie Lake, glacier snow peaks, cave rivers, geological diversity, etc. A place that many people have not heard of. The Tibetans who have lived in Niru for a long time live a leisurely life of working from sunrise to sunset and half farming and half herding. Niru is known as the secret place within the secret place of Shangri-La, which is recognized by the world. It is a place where "people would like to get drunk to death there". It is a holy place for young people to travel, explore and hike. Niru 5-day 4-night itinerary (group of 4 people) : Shangri-La (3,300 meters) - Pudacuo National Park - Shudu Lake (3,580 meters) - Conggu Ranch (3,580 meters) - Dijitang Ranch (3,800 meters) Food: Breakfast, camp dinner, bring your own meal Accommodation: Camp tent (2 people per tent) Itinerary: Driving about 50 kilometers, about 2 hours; hiking about 8 kilometers, about 3-5 hours

Niru waterfall or Qicaipubu 七彩瀑布 Hidden in Niru village, Shangri-La, it is very difficult to find information here. We rented a car with my friend because we did not see any public transportation. We took a car from Shangri-La for more than 3 hours, the road was winding along the mountain, some parts of the road were scary, but the view was very beautiful. We had to walk for another 2 hours to reach the waterfall when we reached the village. The path is good, along the stream, not steep, and you can experience the beauty and freshness along the way. The waterfall is very beautiful, the water drips down the soil layer covered with lush moss, it is very pleasing to the eyes. There are restaurants and accommodations in the village, but we went back to sleep in Shangri-La, coming in the morning and returning in the evening is not too tiring. Thank you to our guide who took good care of us along the way. It was a wonderful and memorable day. ♥️♥️♥️ #shangri-la #Niru waterfall #Qicaipubu #七彩瀑布 #100 ways to travel

This primeval forest river valley originates from the Shangri-La Potatso National Park area The continuous flow of water forms a unique landscape, the Colorful Waterfall Two hours' walk along the valley from the entrance of Luoji Village will get you there There are also two other paths that lead to the high mountain pastures nearby The rainy season in July and August is not suitable for visiting The best time for trekking is in May, June, and the autumn and winter seasons No difficulty, just set off lightly equipped

This is my second visit to the Rainbow Waterfall. There is no admission fee, but the mountain road to get there is a bit far, and there may be falling rocks. It is five kilometers from Niru Village to the waterfall, and ten kilometers round trip. The road is flat, half of it is a plank road and half is a gravel road. Some of the plank roads are already in disrepair, there are many bad places that you must be careful of. The scenery is very beautiful.