Bitahai Nature Reserve (bitahai ziran baohuqu) is an intact natural attraction with various species of flora and fauna and of course picturesque landscapes. In ancient Tibetan language, Bita means the area heavily covered with trees.

In the Bitahai Nature 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--ideal habitat for rare animals including red-footed pheasant, silver pheasant, wild bull, leopard and lynx.

How to get to Bitahai Nature Reserve :The nature reserve is located 35km east of Zhongdian county town. Many travel agencies offer one day tour which includes Bitahai, Songzanling Monastery, and Napahai. The whole trip costs RMB130 including all the admission fees and a lunch.

It is also possible to hire a taxi for a round trip to the nature reserve, this costs around RMB150.

Cost: Admission is RMB30. The horse transfer is RMB23 oneway and RMB46 for a round trip.