Nanbao Pasture in Niru Village, Shangrila

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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.