1

I went there last April, looked at it from the outside, and decided not to visit... :(

Here are some photos from someone who visited.
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4710678d01008shv.html

Look for more information by using the Chinese name: 拉什海
For photos: http://www.google.com/search?q=%E6%8B%89%E4%BB%80%E6%B5%B7&hl=de&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=pAOwUOTRGIb24QSu8YGIDA&ved=0CGAQsAQ&biw=1120&bih=675

2

Shangrila is a bit too far for a daytrip from Lijiang, though tour companies offer it and people seem to think it's doable. I'm not sure I'd call it "redundant" with Dali. But I can see where if looking for an ex-Lijiang daytrip, you'd want something more convenient.

If you are going to the wetlands soon, are you sure there will be any birds there to see? I would think birding in this region is more of a springtime (May-June) gig.

Otherwise, I'd suggest Shaxi if you haven't been there, can be done by public transport as a long daytrip, but better to stay overnight in a guesthouse and have the next day for walking around the valley villages or Shibaoshan Park.

3

Really, it would be possible to go both places. It depends on my energy. Shangrila is most simple. A lot of road but one time there you need only your legs and senses. The wetlands is a bit more complicated. In the best of the worlds I find a high level guide who know what are, where, solves the logistic and carry an excellent spotting scope. Lets try