China's become known recently for big buildings, big cities, big events, big economic growth.... and the big environmental problems that come with them. But how many people know about China's big initiative to develop a system of world-class national parks?
Welcome to another China, one embodied in Yunnan's vast Pudacuo National Park, established in June, 2007 as the first in a planned series of parks designed to meet the meet the exacting standards set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Sprawling across 1,295 km2 of flora and fauna, Pudacuo is home to over 100 endangered species living in a landscape of mountains, forests and lakes reclaimed from private developers and turned into a model of environmental stewardship with the help of the Nature Conservancy.
Visits to Pudacuo generally involve hopping on bus that makes stops at park highlights including the visitor center, Shudu Lake, Bita Hai Lake and Xiagei Village, but you can opt to hike a circuit that takes approximately four hours to complete. There are also boats that traverse Bita Hai for an additional RMB 30.
Hiking and horseback riding are also available. The most popular hike runs between the park's south and west entrances, taking between 4-6 hours to complete, including the Bita Hai boat ride.
There is no admission to Xiagei Village, where casual visitors can shop for souvenirs.