The Bitahai Nature Reserve

The Bitahai Nature Reserve, located 25 kilometers east of the county seat of Zhongdian, 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.