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Yunnan Great Rivers, China

© Ron Geatz/The Nature Conservancy
Lashihai (hai meaning lake)

Site
Lashihai-Wenhai Watershed

Partner
Lashihai Watershed Green Tourism Program

Location
Northwest Yunnan Province, China
Near Lijiang, approximately a 1 hour flight from Kunming.

Site Description
Lashihai Watershed is situated along the southeastern slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5500 meters). Established as a nature reserve by the Yunnan provincial government, the forests between Lashihai and Wenhai are home to Asiatic black bear and more than 15 rhododendron species. The Naxi and Yi, two of Northwest Yunnan's 14 ethnic minorities, reside in the watershed.

At an elevation of 2500 meters, Lashihai (Lashi Lake) is the largest highland lake in Lijiang County, and an important habitat for over 57 species of migratory birds. With the highest waterbird species diversity of any lake in Northwest Yunnan, the lake provides a winter home to protected migratory birds species such as the black-necked crane, whooper swan and black stork. The birds feed on Lashihai's abundance of local crops, aquatic plants and 7 different species of fish. The Class III protected water lily is one of the 47 aquatic plant species found in the lake.  Naxi villages surround the lake and provide opportunity to explore their traditional cultural heritage and interaction with nature.

The watershed's highlands reach to over 3800 meters, supporting a wide variation of plant and animal species, including protected raptors, forest wildlife, traditional medicinal plants and treasured fungi. In spring, the mountainsides fill with the color of blooming rhododendrons and azaleas. Wenhai is a Naxi village situated on the shores of a small alpine lake (approximately 3200 meters) and is only accessible by foot. Traditional Yi villages exist in the higher regions and are infrequently visited.

Visitors Per Year
Less than 500

Peak Season
October through May, with rhododendrons blooming in spring. December through March is best season for birdwatching. Rainy season from June through September makes trail accessibility muddy and difficult.

Guide Availability
Local Naxi and Yi guides trained by TNC/Lashihai Watershed Green Tourism Program.  English-speaking guide translators available from Lijiang.

Tour Options

  • Option A - Lashihai Nature and Cultural Tours
  • Option B - Wenhai Ecolodge and Trekking

Tour Option A
Lashihai Nature and Cultural Tours
Community-based green tourism enterprise established through the Lashihai Watershed Green Tourism Program.

Principle Ecotourism Attractions

  • Educational tours of Lashihai Lake and surrounding local communities
  • Excellent bird watching for migratory waterbirds (December to April)
  • Views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Cultural tours of traditional lifestyles of local Naxi and Yi villages

Infrastructure

  • Full and half day guided tours 
  • Road accessible villages and viewpoints surrounding Lashihai Lake
  • Tours by minibus, 4WD, foot or bicycle  
  • Meals through local restaurants or homestays
  • Easy accessibility from tourism center of Lijiang

Tour Option B
Wenhai Ecolodge and Trekking
The Wenhai Ecolodge has been community-operated for over 5 years and is being renovated and updated in Spring 2002.

Principle Ecotourism Attractions

  • 3-4 hour trek to Naxi village through alpine and rhododendron forest 
  • Views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from shores of alpine lake
  • Demonstration of alternative energy and waste management installation (e.g., biogas, greenhouse, solar heating, water purification)
  • Day hikes from lodge ¡V around Wenhai Lake, to Jade Dragon snowline, to surrounding Yi villages, birdwatching (December to April)
  • Traditional Naxi architecture and meals

Infrastructure

  • Horse-supported guided treks from 2-5 days
  • Comfortable, rustic lodging facilities for up to 17 people:
  • 8 double occupancy rooms and 1 single occupancy room, including deluxe rooms with lake or mountain views
  • Shared bathrooms 
  • Retrofitted with alternative energy unit
  • Large courtyard and outside sitting area
  • Large kitchen/dining area 
  • Numerous trailheads and trekking itineraries available with easy accessibility from Lijiang

View our map of ecotourism sites in the Asia-Pacific