Napahai Lake (napahai ziran baohqu) is both an ideal grazing field for herdsmen and a paradise for many species of birds. This is, in the true sense, a seasonal lake. When summer comes, snow on the adjacent mountains melts and flows down into about ten rivers forming a vast lake. In the dry season, Napahai becomes a boundless green grassland--the best time for herding sheep or cattle. Every September, the lake again turns into a temporary habitat for migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese, wild ducks and black-necked cranes (one of the 12 rarest bird species in the world). During this period, the lake becomes an ideal place for ornithologists from around the world.

How to get there: The scenic area is located 8km northwest of Zhongdian County Town. It costs RMB15-20 to hire a taxi to get there. Most travelers visit the Yila Grassland and then take a horse ride to Napa lake. From the county town to Yila grassland, buses are available on Changzheng Lu, the trip costs RMB3.

Cost: RMB6 for Napahai, the horse ride from the Yila Grassland to Napahai costs around RMB30, but if you go to Napahai this way, you will only need to pay the admission for the Yila Grassland (RMB10). It costs another RMB30 to hire a horse around Napahai.

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