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The Yilong Lake Scenic Area, located in Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, is a provincial-level scenic area. Comprising three areas: Yilong Lake, the Ancient City, and Baoxiu, it covers approximately 150 square kilometers. Shiping, known as the "Famous State of Literature," was a hub for merchants.
Yilóng Lake is strip-shaped from east to west. The terrain in the lake area is flat and slightly slopes to the southeast. The lake bottom is 1,407.11 meters above sea level. The water catchment area in 1982 was 22.4 square kilometers, with a water volume of 44 million cubic meters. The shallows on the east bank have a fine sand bottom, while the rest are silt bottoms. The silt is about 2 meters thick and gray-black in color. It contains a lot of humus and a large number of snail shells, which are organic sediments of the lake.
There are 20 rivers of various sizes flowing into Yilóng Lake, mainly Chenghe River, Chengnan River and Chengbei River. Except for Chenghe River which has water flowing all year round, the others are seasonal rivers. The outlet is in Xinjie Village between Laohong Mountain and Huilong Mountain in the east, and flows into Nanpan River through Changshan Valley.
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
Yilong Lake and its shores are home to numerous scenic spots, including the Grand Water City Haichao Temple, the Small Water City Houle Pavilion and Laihe Pavilion, the Bailang Shuiyue Temple, the Longgang Guangying Temple, the Luose Temple on Wuzhua Mountain, and Qianyang Mountain on the lake's northern edge. Laihe Pavilion is the most picturesque of all. Visitors flock to the area year-round, often navigating by boat. It's known as the "Second West Lake." A short boat trip to the pavilion offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and mountains, a truly relaxing experience, a gentle breeze caressing the surface of the water.
From afar, green mountains form a screen, smoke curls from cooking fires, and the green waters support the blue sky and white clouds. Endless boats float across the lake, their white sails adding to the sounds of fishermen's songs and a touch of rosy clouds. The tinkling of wind chimes accompanies the singing of orioles and the dancing of swallows. Yi women paddle to gather water chestnuts, startling flocks of gulls and herons. The pavilion boasts numerous couplets, relics of poets from the Ming and Qing dynasties. From the Crane Pavilion, south across the lake, you can reach Wuzhua Mountain. This range of mountains stretches from the south shore into the lake, shaped like five claws, hence the name. Where it meets the mainland, it narrows like a fish's spine. Dense shade blocks the sun from the island, and the village looms, creating a breathtaking view.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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Open all day
Yilong Lake is a freshwater lake in Red River Prefecture, Yunnan, known for its scenic beauty and ecological importance. It supports local fishing communities and serves as a recreational destination for tourists.
The lake is located in Red River Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from nearby towns. Local buses connect major towns to the lake, and walking is ideal for exploring shoreline areas.
Open daily, generally from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from March to October when the weather is pleasant and lake scenery is at its peak.
Some scenic zones around the lake may charge a small entrance fee. Tickets can typically be purchased offline at the entrance. Online booking may be available through local tourism platforms.
Advance booking is recommended during peak holidays and weekends, ideally 1–2 weeks in advance for boat rides or guided tours.
2–4 hours are recommended to enjoy boat tours, lakeside walks, and viewpoints.
Guided tours are mainly available in Chinese; English or other language tours are limited. Hiring a local guide is recommended for a more informative visit.
Start at the main entrance, explore lakeside trails, take a boat tour across the lake, visit ecological and bird-watching zones, and end with a sunset viewpoint.
Night visits and light shows are generally not offered. Special private tours can be arranged upon request.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends or holidays. Early mornings provide a quieter experience.
Basic facilities include public toilets, small food stalls, picnic areas, and parking lots near key viewpoints.
Most main paths and viewpoints are suitable for children and elderly visitors. Some trails may be uneven and less suitable for wheelchair users.
Cash is recommended for small purchases. Mobile payments are widely accepted at larger restaurants or ticket counters.
Small local restaurants and cafes are available around the lake, offering Yunnan cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are usually available; halal options may be limited.
Guesthouses and small hotels are available in nearby towns. Booking in advance is advised during peak seasons.
Souvenir shops offer local handicrafts, Yunnan teas, and small decorative items reflecting the lake and regional culture.
Taxis or private cars are recommended to reach nearby towns or other attractions. Public transport options are limited.
