Niru Tibetan Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Shangri-La City, Diqing

Location

Niru Village (尼汝村) is situated in northeastern Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), bordering:

  • Dongni Township (东尼乡) and Exi Township (俄西乡) of Sichuan Province to the east
  • Yanluo Village (岩洛村) to the south
  • Jiantang Town (建塘镇) to the west
  • Yading Township (亚丁乡) and Geza Township (格咱乡) to the north

Located 75km from downtown Shangri-La at 2,705m elevation, the village enjoys:

  • Mountain-ringed topography
  • Annual average temperature of 20°C

Cultural Heritage

As a preserved Tibetan Bon (苯教) settlement, Niru maintains:

  • Strict ecological conventions
  • Nature worship traditions
  • Harmonious coexistence with environment

Designated as:

  • “World’s First Ecological Village”
  • Yunnan Provincial Cultural Reserve (2009)

Traditional Festivals

Plowing Festival (开犁节): 15th day, 2nd lunar month
Water Deity Worship (祭水神节): 15th day, 4th lunar month
Danba Festival (丹巴节): 15th day, 7th lunar month
Mountain Deity Horse Racing (祭山跑马节): 15th day, 9th lunar month

Best Visiting Seasons

Spring (April-June): Rhododendron blooms
Autumn (September-November): Colorful foliage for hiking/photography

Key Attractions

Rainbow Waterfalls (七彩瀑布): Iconic waterfall complex
Nanbao Pasture (南宝牧场): Alpine meadows for camping/wildlife
Shudu Lake (属都湖): Connects to Potatso National Park (普达措国家公园)
Diji Grassland (迪吉草场): Expansive hiking terrain

Transportation

From Shangri-La (香格里拉):

  • 75km via private vehicle
  • Public bus to Luojie Township (洛吉乡), then transfer

Local Cuisine

Tibetan specialties:

  • Butter tea
  • Barley wine
  • Tsampa
  • Tibetan hotpot

Unique wildlife:

  • Niru Schizothorax (尼汝裂腹鱼) (protected species)

Hiking Routes

Niru-Rainbow Falls roundtrip: 11km (day hike)
Niru-Nanbao Pasture loop: 28km (overnight)
Niru-Shudu Lake traverse: 21km (overnight)

Accommodation

Niru Village: Basic Tibetan guesthouses
Nanbao Pasture: Camping (bring equipment)

Travel Tips

  • Practice Leave No Trace principles
  • Sun protection & hydration at altitude
  • Acclimatize for 2,700m elevation
  • Respect local customs

This hidden Shangri-La gem offers unparalleled Tibetan cultural immersion amidst spectacular landscapes.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11114-1691.html