Dianchi Lake Scenic Area
Map of Dianchi Lake (Click to enlage it) |
Dianchi Lake
Measuring about 300 square kilometers (74,132 acres), Dianchi Lake or Dian Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and the sixth largest one in China. With picturesque scenery and its location on the Yungui Plateau, the lake has a reputation as 'A Pearl on the Plateau'. Unfortunately, the lake has been badly polluted. Although efforts have been made to save the lake, they have been largely unsuccessful.
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.
Dianchi, the largest lake of Yunnan Pictures |
Grand View Park is vibrant with rock gardens, pavilions, bridges and murmuring water. It is famous for the longest couplets in China on the Grand View Pavilion. The Grand View Pavilion was built in the year 1828. It commands a lovely view. The couplet written in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), contains 180 characters brimming with literary grace. During festival evenings, gatherings take place here.
White Fish Park
White Fish Park is on the west bank of Dianchi Lake. Here a small hill looks like a white fish opening its mouth to the lake. Near the Irregular shore line, beautiful gardens are hidden among green trees. In spring, the cherry trees are in blossom, adding luster to this serene place. Overlooking the lake, you can see white sails of boats on the glistening lake and gulls skimming over the waves.
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Haigeng Bank
Haigeng Bank is about four kilometers (2.5 miles) long while ranging in width from forty meters (131 feet) to three hundred meters (984 feet). The bank, like a floating jade belt, is in fact a watershed of the Dianchi Lake. Slender willow twigs sweep the lake in the gentle breeze. In the south is a wonderful natural swimming pool which is always crammed with people in midsummer.
Kwan-yin Hill
Kwan-yin Hill is bordered by the vast lake and has an altitude of 2,040 meters (6,693 feet). Lofty peaks on this hill seem to thrust themselves straight towards the sky. A Kwan-yin Temple built here in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was once a popular resort of Buddhism. Remaining are a seven-tier brick pagoda, houses, and a gate to the Kwan-yin Temple.
Tip
Haigeng Park | |
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Entrance Fee | Free |
Opening Hours | All Day |
Cable Cars | |
Cable car Haigeng Park - Western Hills | CNY 60 for a single trip CNY 100 for a round trip |
Cable car Western Hills - Longmen | CNY 25 for a single trip |
Operating hours of cable cars | 8:30 - 17:30 |
How to get to Dianchi Lake Scenic Area
Nearby Attractions:
Western Hills
Dragon Gate
Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming
In-depth Guide to Top 10 Yunnan Destinations
Will there be red seagulls this year as I plan to travel in mid January? I need the confirmation if green lake pond have then likely will have come this year?
I plan to visit both for the photo and sight seeing.
graeme chow , Singapore
The best place to see the gulls in Haigeng Park or Haigeng Daba, as crowds of people feed them. The best time is in the morning, when the gulls are hungry.
Thanks for help.
If you take direct bus, take bus No.73 from Haigeng Park Station to Baoshan Street Station, then walk north of 1km to Jiaosanqiao Station, which takes 1.5 hours with CNY2.