Dianchi Lake is located in the southwestern suburbs of Kunming City, Yunnan Province. As the sixth largest freshwater lake in China and the largest in Yunnan, it is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau." It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a highland limestone fault depression lake formed by the tectonic movements of the Himalayas in the Tertiary period. Belonging to the Jinsha River system of the Yangtze River basin, it consists of two parts: Caohai (Grass Sea) and Waihai (Outer Sea), distributed in a north-south direction with a bow-shaped lake body. At an altitude of 1,886 meters, it stretches 36.5 km from north to south, 12.8 km from east to west, with a shoreline of 199.5 km, an average depth of 5 meters, a maximum depth of 8 meters, a water storage capacity of about 1.3 billion cubic meters, a total area of 309.5 square kilometers, and a drainage basin area of 2,920 square kilometers. One of China's three key protected lakes, its basin features diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, representing the basic characteristics of biodiversity in the central Yunnan Plateau.
History and Culture
Dianchi Lake was historically known as Dianchi Ze, Diannan Ze, and also as Kunming Lake, Kunming Chi, and Dianhai. Regarding its name origin, one theory suggests it comes from the reverse flow of the Panlong River—wide and deep upstream, narrow and shallow at the exit of the Tanglang River—symbolizing "inversion." Another theory states that "Dian" is a variation of the Yi language "die (dian)," meaning "large flatland," as the lake's shoreline lies in one of Yunnan's largest flatlands.
The Dianchi region has a long history. During the Neolithic Age, residents lived around the lake, relying on fishing and leaving behind "shell mound sites" with rich research content. Over 2,000 years ago, a splendid bronze culture thrived around Dianchi, historically referred to as the "Dian Culture" (Warring States to Eastern Han Dynasty). Dianchi also has a long shipping history; Yuan Dynasty poet Wang Sheng's Ode to Dianchi described the bustling Yunjin Wharf southeast of Kunming City.
Main Attractions
Haigeng Dam
Stretching 3.5 km from the Panlong River's inlet in the east to the Western Hills in the west, the dam spans Dianchi Lake. Now a renowned scenic spot, it attracts large numbers of seagulls migrating from Siberia each winter, drawing visitors from afar.
Daguan Pavilion
Built in 1690 (29th year of the Kangxi reign) by Yunnan Governor Wang Jiwen, the pavilion faces Dianchi Lake and overlooks the green Taihua Mountains across the water, hence the alias "Jinhua Pu" (Near Hua Plain). Named "Daguan" ("Grand View") for its broad vistas, it is a famous tourist site with an 180-character couplet praised as the "No. 1 Long Couplet" at home and abroad.
Yunnan Nationalities Village
Located by Dianchi Lake, it showcases the architectural styles, folk customs, and traditional cultures of Yunnan's ethnic groups, serving as an important window to understand minority cultures in Yunnan.
Western Hills Forest Park
Resembling a "Sleeping Beauty" lying by Dianchi Lake, the park features attractions like Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, Longmen Grottoes, and Qiongzhu Temple. Visitors can enjoy both natural landscapes and cultural relics while overlooking the entire lake from the mountains.
Food
Stir-fried Dianchi Shrimp
A traditional Kunming dish made with Dianchi's green shrimp, known for its pinkish-white color, crispy exterior, tender interior, and fresh aroma. Dianchi green shrimp grow rapidly, with large, meaty bodies and high protein content, making them a premium shrimp variety.
Dianchi Fish
Dianchi yields various freshwater fish, including silver whitefish and Dianchi golden-line barbel. The fish have tender meat, suitable for steaming, braising, or stewing, offering delicious flavors.
Yunnan Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles
Though not unique to Dianchi, this dish is widely available around the lake. Famous for its flavorful soup and rich ingredients, it consists of soup, sliced meats, rice noodles, and condiments, delivering a rich and satisfying taste.
Admission
Dianchi Lake itself is an open scenic area with no entrance fee. Charges apply for in-scenic activities.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours year-round.
Tour Routes
Start at Haigeng Dam to watch seagulls (winter) or enjoy lake views, then take a cruise to admire the "Sleeping Beauty" Western Hills from afar. Next, visit Daguan Pavilion to appreciate the long couplet and ancient architecture, followed by Yunnan Nationalities Village for ethnic cultural experiences. Finally, optionally hike in Western Hills Forest Park depending on time and energy.
Transportation
- Bus: Take bus routes 44, 73, 94, etc., to attractions around Dianchi Lake.
- Metro: Take Metro Line 5 to Baofeng Station, then walk or transfer to a bus to reach parts of Dianchi.
- Taxi: Convenient and direct, suitable for group travel to share costs.
Must-See Attractions
- Haigeng Dam: A prime spot for seagull watching, with massive flocks in winter. The 3.5-km dam offers strolls with lake and mountain views.
- Daguan Pavilion: Rich in history and culture, featuring the famous 180-character couplet and elegant ancient architecture amidst beautiful scenery.
- Western Hills Forest Park: Stunning natural landscapes with a "Sleeping Beauty" mountain shape and numerous cultural sites, ideal for hiking and panoramic lake views.
Tour Tips
- Bring bread to feed seagulls in winter, but keep a safe distance.
- Wear comfortable sneakers for hiking in Western Hills Forest Park.
- Secure personal items while on cruises to prevent loss overboard.
- Apply sunscreen and use insect repellent during summer visits.
Notes
- Keep the scenic area clean—no littering.
- Swimming in Dianchi Lake is strictly prohibited due to safety hazards.
- Use fresh food only when feeding seagulls to avoid harming them.
- Respect scenic regulations and do not damage public facilities or cultural relics.