Dajimu Grassland in Shangri-La, Diqing
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.
