Bigu Tianchi Lake
Known as “Chuzhang” in Tibetan, meaning “small lake,” Bigu Tianchi Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake with exceptionally clear water and a very peaceful setting.…
Bigu Tianchi Lake, Shangri-La
Key facts
- Admission
- Free
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 267. Open in Google Maps
About Bigu Tianchi Lake
Known as “Chuzhang” in Tibetan, meaning “small lake,” Bigu Tianchi Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake with exceptionally clear water and a very peaceful setting. Surrounded by primeval forest and green pastures where cattle and sheep graze quietly, it offers a serene, refined landscape that seems to lift all your worries away. The lake was also a filming location for the movie “The Promise.”
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. The road to Bigu Tianchi Lake is very rough and only four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles can make the climb. Self-driving is not recommended. It is best to hire a local driver with experience.
- 2. Please take all of your rubbish with you to avoid polluting the environment.
- 3. On the G214 highway from Lijiang to Bigu Tianchi Lake, you will pass the Xiaozhongdian Flower Sea. In May and June, the rhododendrons are in full bloom and breathtaking. In September and October, the area turns into a sea of Stellera chamaejasme (wolf poison flowers), whose vast, continuous blooms are extremely striking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Bigu Tianchi Lake cost?
Admission to Bigu Tianchi Lake is Free, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How long should I spend at Bigu Tianchi Lake?
Plan on 2–3 hours for Bigu Tianchi Lake.
Where is Bigu Tianchi Lake?
Bigu Tianchi Lake is in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China. Lianhe Village, Xiaozhongdian Township, Shangri-La City
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