Bitahai Lake Nature Reserve, located at an altitude of 3539 metres, can be found in the east of Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is 35 kilometres away from the county town of Shangri-La.

Bitahai Lake is a highlight of Potatso National Park, with an altitude of over 3500 metres above sea level. Covering an area of about 159 hectares (around 393 acres) with an average depth of 20 metres (about 22 yards), it is famous for its limpid water and its beautiful scenery, all set against the mountains and forests surrounding it.

Bitahai Lake is regarded as a ‘pearl’ of the Plateau, the most charming view is the tower-like hill and the clear, peaceful water. It is the most attractive lake in Shangri-La.

The Bitahai Lake Nature Reserve occupies a total area of 840 kilometres, with the lake at the centre of this scenic spot. Being in the subtropical zone, Bitahai is a fault lake, three kilometres in length and one kilometre in width. It is a rich environment for wild animals and plants.

The vegetation is characterized by abies -fabri and spruce. Among the rare animals and birds are black-necked cranes, which are Class-A species under state protection. Bitahai Lake has abundant fish resources. The precious "Bita Double-Lip Fish" is an ancient species left from the Fourth Glacial Age.

Bitahai Lake is fringed with rhododendrons of various varieties, which add to its beauty. Every year around June and July, petals fall onto the water surface with the wind. When passing fish eat these rhododendron petals (which are slightly poisonous) they can be seen on their backs with their white bellies exposed as they float upside-down amongst the petals. It is said that, in the past, bears in the nearby mountains often came out in the moonlight to catch these intoxicated fish.

Bitahai Lake means tranquil sea in Tibetan. Watching the lake in spring on a sunny day is very special. Around the lakeside, pines and ancient oaks cover the sky and the sun, and Bitahai Lake is surrounded by dark mountains.

The lake water is clear and bright, sparkling under the golden rays of the sun, which is beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

The rhododendrons around the lake are gorgeous, the birds sing, the flowers are fragrant, and the fish swim. Looking out from the sea of rhododendrons, on the vast meadow, flocks of cattle and sheep wander leisurely along the land dotted with flowers, and the lake and the grassland form an interesting contrast.

Bitahai Lake is embraced by mountains and is teeming with fish. The lake area is a good place to enjoy the natural wonders, through ecotourism. To better protect the environment, Bitahai lake has been closed for several years and has now reopened.

There are two choices to explore Bitahai Lake. The first is hiking, which takes around 2-3 hours to cover 4.2 km. The other choice is by boat, which takes only 15 minutes from one side of the lake to the other. The extra ticket fee for the boat is 50 Yuan. No matter which means you choose, you will be captivated by the beauty, tranquility and elegance of this natural wonder.