Dianchi Lake Travel Guide

Dianchi Lake, which formed based upon a fault crossing the central Yunnan Plateau, is located at the foot of the Western Hills, southwest of Kunming.
Occupying an area of 300 square km, the lake, 150km in circumference and 40km from north to south, is the sixth largest fresh water lake in China. Being a highland lake with an elevation of 1885 meters, the lake is also reputed as a "Pearl of the Plateau." Four surrounding hills contribute to the picturesque landscape, making visitors intoxicated and linger around.

The lake is crescent-shaped, about 39 kilometers (24 miles) in length and 13 kilometers (8 miles) in width at its widest. Its natural banks are formed by mountains on all four sides. More than twenty rivers nurture the lake which has a shoreline of 163.2 kilometers (101 miles). Four surrounding hills contribute to the picturesque landscape, making visitors intoxicated and linger around.

You may appreciate the beauty of the lake and hills from a boat, and explore this cradle of Yunnan culture.