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Visitors to Yuxian Lake can enjoy scenic boat rides on the calm lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and natural landscapes. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Hiking along the lake's perimeter is another popular activity, where you can enjoy the tranquility and fresh air.
Yuxian Lake, located 42 kilometers west of Yanshan County and south of National Highway 323, comprises the main Yuxian Lake scenic area and four subdistricts: Tinghu, Ashe, Ameng, and Longsuo. It covers a total area of 109 square kilometers. Three villages, inhabited by the Yi, Zhuang, and Miao ethnic groups, are located along its shores.
Yuxian Lake boasts crystal-clear waters and an intoxicatingly emerald green. The reflections of the lake and mountains create a breathtaking spectacle. Longshan Mountain, on the south shore of Yuxian Lake, stretches like a long dragon across the lake. Climbing the narrow path up Longshan Mountain offers panoramic views of the entire lake.
There is a "Tongtian Cave" more than 200 meters above Denglong Mountain. 60 meters down from the cave entrance, you can see another huge karst landscape, with stone pillars, stalagmites, stone basins and stone curtains in various shapes, which are dazzling and inspiring.
The subtropical monsoon climate offers mild winters and mild summers, with cool, dry weather and warm, rainy weather coexisting in the same seasons. The annual temperature difference is small, and the oceanic climate is more pronounced, with spring temperatures higher than autumn. It is suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Entering the Yuxian Lake Scenic Area, you'll first arrive at Pearl Island. After circumnavigating the island, the vast expanse of the lake unfolds before you. Next, you can head to Carp Island. If you happen to visit in winter, you might even see flocks of red-billed gulls frolicking in the water, scrambling for food. In other seasons, you can also spot dozens of bird species, including pheasants, thrushes, skylarks, cuckoos, and magpies.
Yuxian Lake is dotted with lush, verdant islands nestled amidst its vast, misty waters. Four islands, Big Pearl, Little Pearl, Whale, and Carp, are nestled within the lake. Two islands, Big Pearl, Little Pearl, and Little Pearl, float in the distant waters, ethereal and mysterious. From a distance, their emerald green, devoid of the silvery hue of pearls, creates a sense of wonder. However, when you moor your boat near Big Pearl Island, you'll see exposed silvery rock, while lush green forests sprout from its crevices, adorning the island like pearls inlaid in an emerald.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
30 yuan/person
08:30-18:00
Yuxian Lake, located in the Red River Valley, is an important natural site known for its unique geological features and biodiversity. The lake is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing a habitat for various species of birds and aquatic life.
Yuxian Lake is located in the Wenshan region of Yunnan, China. To reach the lake, you can take a bus or taxi from the nearby city of Wenshan or the town of Yuxi. Taxis are the most convenient option for direct access, though public transportation is also available from Wenshan city.
The lake is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant. The best time for photography is early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft, and the surroundings are less crowded.
The entrance fee is around 30-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local travel platforms.
Advance booking is not generally required for Yuxian Lake unless visiting during peak tourist seasons (such as national holidays). It’s advisable to book tickets a few days in advance during busy times.
Visitors typically need 2-3 hours to explore the lake and surrounding areas. If you plan to hike or take a boat ride, allocate additional time for a more immersive experience.
The lake itself is the main highlight, with its serene waters and surrounding landscape. Other must-see areas include the nearby hills, which offer scenic viewpoints, and the peaceful trails along the lake's shore, ideal for leisurely walks and photography.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some guides may offer services in English. Audio guides are also available in Chinese, but it is recommended to book a guide for a more personalized experience in English.
The best viewpoints are from the lakeshore and the surrounding hills, where you can capture the lake with the mountains in the background. Sunrise and sunset offer the most striking photography opportunities, with the light casting beautiful reflections on the water.
Start at the lake's entrance, take a boat ride for a panoramic view of the lake, then explore the walking paths along the shore. Afterward, hike up to the nearby hills for stunning views of the area. You can finish the visit by relaxing near the lake's edge or having a picnic by the water.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Yuxian Lake. The attraction is best enjoyed during the daytime for outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, and photography.
Yuxian Lake can get busy during weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit during weekdays or outside of the summer vacation period, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets, food stalls, and rest areas. There are a few small shops selling snacks and local crafts near the entrance, but there are no large restaurants inside the attraction.
The lake area is generally accessible to families with children and elderly visitors, although some parts of the hiking trails might be challenging for those with limited mobility. It’s advisable to consult with local staff if you have any concerns about accessibility.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used and preferred in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted in remote locations, so it’s best to use mobile payment options or have cash on hand.
There are local restaurants and small eateries near the entrance to Yuxian Lake, offering simple Yunnan dishes. For a wider variety, you can head to Wenshan city, where more dining options are available.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants around the lake. Halal food is not widely available, but you can find more diverse options in Wenshan city.
There are a few guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the lake. For more luxurious accommodations, you may need to stay in Wenshan city, where there are better options for tourists.
Nearby attractions include the Wenshan Tea Plantations, where you can explore traditional tea-making methods, and the Red River Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes. Both can be easily combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops near the lake offer local handicrafts such as woven baskets, tea, and small wooden carvings. You can also find local textiles and jewelry made by the ethnic minorities of the region.
After visiting Yuxian Lake, you can continue your trip by taxi or bus to Wenshan city, where you can catch long-distance buses to other destinations in Yunnan, such as Kunming or Gejiu. Private car hire is also available for greater flexibility.
