Kunming is famous for its multitudinous scenic spots and places of interests from ancient times, and the Dianchi Lake are the outstanding places among them. It is located in the southwest of Kunming in Yunnan Province, about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away from Kunming, standing at the foot of the Western Hills.
The Dianchi Lake, also called 'Kunming Lake', 'Kunming Pond', and 'Southern Lake of Yunnan' during ancient times, is a plateau lake with beautiful scenery; it is about 1,886 meters (6,187.7 feet) above sea level. The lake water and the sky seem joining mutually, dense mist is on the surface of the lake, and sails are strolling above the water. It claims to be 'a pearl on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau' for a long time.
As the largest lake of Kunming and the sixth largest fresh water lake of China , Dianchi Lake covers an area of 300 square kilometers (116 square miles). The west side of the Lake is the mountain forest, while on the east side is a piece of land dotted with the fisheries and agribusinesses. Traditional fishing boats still sail on the lake, hooking and netting. Just take a boat to voyage between the blue sky and the green water, breathe the fresh air and view the birds flying from your side. What an enjoyable, light-hearted and free moment it is!
When the weather is fine, you can see the white flocculent or massive clouds floating in the cerulean sky, the cyan water waves under the golden sunshine and the surrounding mountains reflect their silhouettes on the water. If you take a walk on the bank of the lake you will feel intoxicated by the charming landscape.
The most beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake appears at dawn and sunset, when the refraction of the rays glitters on the water surface just like thousands of silverfishes swimming and playing. At night when the breeze is fleeting over the water and the world is brimming over with hazy moonlight, the Dianchi Lake lies in silence and breathes in peace like a sleeping beauty.
The Dianchi Lake is the best tourist resort for those who wish to get away from the bustling city and be close to the nature. Facing such a beautiful and capacious place, one may forget everything even himself, with the amazing scenery the only thing left in your mind.
Standing on the Western Hills, you can overlook the crossed green fields and the vast green Dianchi Lake, the high and low peaks ranged at random at distance and emerald forests. The Longmen is the most beautiful scenic spot on the Western Hills. Climbing the Longmen and overlooking the endless Dianchi Lake, you will see the green wave ripples and the pretty scenes of the lake. When enjoying the Dianchi Lake on the close Grand View Pavilion, you will see that the waving water is running to your eyes and the sails are strolling in the light mist on the lake.
Entrance Fee: Free (CNY 8 for Haigeng Park)
What to See: clear water of Dianchi Lake, beautiful scenery around the lake & Haigeng Park
Transportation:
A. Take Bus No. 24, 44 to Haigeng Park:
B. Take Tourism Special Bus at the city center to Dianchi Lake:
C. Take the cable car from Longmen of Western Hills Forest Park (CNY 30 for a single trip; CNY 50 for a round-trip)
More Tourist Attractions in Kunming: Stone Forest Western Hills Black Dragon Pool
