Fuxian Lake is located between Chengjiang City, Jiangchuan District and Huaning County in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, China.
It sits five kilometres south of Chengjiang County and more than 70 kilometres away from Kunming.
Fuxian is a famous freshwater lake in China with excellent water quality. The waters here are crystal clear, referred to by ancient people as "a glassy expanse of water." The lake covers an area of 212 square kilometres, second only to Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake, and is the third largest lake in Yunnan Province.
Fuxian has the largest water storage capacity, is the largest deep-water lake on the plateau and the second deepest freshwater lake in China. It belongs to the Nanpan River system and the lake's surface is shaped like a gourd from north to south.
The basin drainage area is 1,053 square kilometres and the average water depth reaches 87 metres. The lake surface is very vast, about 32 kilometres long from north to south and 12 kilometers wide from east to west, with a coastline of 93 kilometres.
The surrounding scenic spots are surrounded by the lake, and the main tourist attractions in the Fuxian Lake scenic area include Luchong Village, Jieyushi, Mingxing Scenic Area, and Gushan Island.
There is a wooden boardwalk on the fine white sandy beach leading to the water's edge. Sunshades and coconut trees, exuding exotic charm, stand in neat rows along Fuxian Lake, making visitors feel like they have arrived at a seaside resort. Tourists can camp by the lake, boat and swim.
In the middle of Fuxian Lake, there is a small island called Gushan. It was established during the Song Dynasty and flourished in the Ming Dynasty. It once had eight palaces, five pavilions, three halls, one shrine, one pagoda, and was the most famous scenic spot in central Yunnan.
If you have enough time to visit Fuxian Lake, staying at a hotel by the lake and cycling is the best way to enjoy the peaceful afternoon here. Forget about all the complicated things and immerse yourself under a pure sky, smell the fresh aroma of the lake water, feel every detail with your heart and take in the lake and mountain scenery in the gentle breeze.
Recommended cycling route:
Start from Chengjiang County and go around the lake clockwise, with spectacular views and less uphill roads.
Chengjiang County is eight kilometers from Haikou, 21 kilometers from Haijing, and 44 kilometers from Haimen. You can choose the endpoint according to your physical strength and return to the hotel.
The palm canyon of Taiyang Mountain is very majestic and beautiful, giving you a feeling of Cannes or a California beach. The scenery is beautiful for several kilometres from Taiyang Mountain. You can stop anywhere and enjoy the view.
The road condition from Chengjiang County to Haikou Town is very good, basically flat. If you have enough energy, you can continue to challenge yourself to Haijing Town. The signs for cycling around Fuxian Lake are very obvious along the way.
At Yidu, you need to climb a small hill. The first big hill is after Haiguan Village. If you're tired, you can take a break and enjoy the sailboat base and the scenery of Fuxian Lake.
At the lower part of Fuxian Lake, you can play in the water, while the higher parts are more convenient for enjoying the lake scenery under the blue sky and white clouds with cool and fresh air, making it hard to leave.
Haijing is an ancient village with a history that includes the "Haijing Academy" and an ancient opera stage. Continuing forward, you can reach Haimen, which means you will begin cycling along the western bank of Fuxian Lake.
Tips:
- Swimming, washing cars, camping, and using fire are not allowed in most of the waters of Fuxian Lake. Please protect this clear lake.
- UV radiation is strong around Fuxian Lake, so it's recommended to take precautions against sunburn.
- Cycling is recommended along the lakeside route, but it's also possible to drive around the lake. Choose according to your own physical ability.
- The road from Kunming to Chengjiang is all expressway, and it takes about an hour to reach. Fuxian Lake is not far from Chengjiang County, only about a 10-minute drive, making transportation convenient.
