Lashi Lake
拉市海
A plateau wetland lake west of Lijiang, a winter habitat for migratory birds. Visitors can ride horses along the Tea Horse Ancient Road or take boat trips to watch birds.
Lashi Lake lies about 10 km west of Lijiang Old Town at about 2,440 m. It was the first nature reserve in Yunnan Province named after a 'wetland'. From November to March each year, tens of thousands of migratory birds winter here, including black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese and ruddy shelducks. Visitors can take a Naxi fisherman's boat for close-up bird watching. Villages around the lake offer horse-riding routes along the 'Tea Horse Ancient Road' (up to Zhiyun Temple or a post station on the old road, then back by boat). It is one of the most common half-day trips in Lijiang. Note that horse riding and boating are mostly run by local villagers, and prices vary widely. Always agree on the price and route in advance at a reputable spot, and beware of 'low-price tours' that push extra purchases.
Opening hours
All day (boat and horse rides approx. 08:30–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Zhiyun Temple
- Puji Temple
- Wenfeng Temple
- Shuhe Ancient Town
- Lijiang Romance Park
- Wangu Pavilion (Lion Hill)
- Lijiang Water Wheels
- Sifang Square
Places to eat nearby
- Fuxian Xiaoguofan Yunnan Folk Flavor Restaurant (Shuhe Ancient Town Store)
- Apoqing Cured Rib Hotpot (Old Town Flagship Store)
- No. 88 Snack Shop
- Junziyou Wild Mushroom Hotpot & Specialty Courtyard Restaurant (Lijiang Old Town Store)
- Erge Rice Noodles (Lijiang Store)
- Xiaoxike Yunnan Specialty Restaurant (Naxi Courtyard Store)