Bitahai Nature Reserve, located 35 kilometers east of the county seat of Zhongdian, it is an intact natural attraction with outstanding flora and fauna and picturesque landscapes.

In the reserve itself, century-old pines and cypresses grow around Bitahai Lake, in which the water is crystal clear. In the lake there is an islet covered by cedars and azaleas. In spring, when the withered azalea flowers fall to the lake and are eaten by fish, the fish seem to be unconscious and almost drunk. They float on the surface with their abdomen facing the sky. Around the lake are virgin forests-the ideal habitat for rare animals including red-footed pheasant, silver pheasant, wild bull, leopard and lynx.

Bitahai Nature Reserve covers an area of 840 square kilometers. It is centered on the alpine lake Bitahai, which is 3,000 meters from east to west, 700-1,500 meters from north to south, and at an altitude of 3,539 meters above sea level. The average depth of the lake is 20 meters. In the nature reserve the plants flourish and the lake water is clear.

There are dense forests of pines and oaks roamed by more than 20 species of rare animals. In May every year an azalea forest on the lakeshore is in full blossom, stretching several kilometers. The scenery is fascinating.

How to get there: The nature reserve is located 35 km east of Zhongdian county town. Many travel agencies offer one day tours which include Bitahai, Songzanling Monastery, and Napahai.

China tours inclusive of visiting Bitahai Lake, Zhongdian