Napa Lake: The lake behind the forests

Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Napa means 'the lake behind the forests' in the local Tibetan language. Napa Lake was included in the list of wetland of international importance in 2005. It's a migration hub for many rare birds such as black-necked cranes which migrate here to spend the winter every year. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]

A horse enjoys the fresh pasture at Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The land around Napa Lake is luxuriant with grass every May. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]

A village on the banks of Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. For generations, the villagers have striven to protect their precious lake. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]

A traditional Tibetan white tower standing beside Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Many Tibetan People live around the Lake, and such white towers can be found in almost every village. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]

Herds of animals enjoy the pasture land beside Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]

Herds of animals enjoy the pasture land beside Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]

A village beside Napa Lake in Shangri-la, southwest China's Yunnan Province. For generations villagers have been protecting their precious lake. [Photo: China Plus/Shi Jie]